Hi, new to hear so don’t know if my last post worked. I received a letter yesterday springing a colonoscopy on me for Monday. Started the diet straight away but scared about the picolax and the procedure itself. What are your experiences and has anyone had it without sedation?
Thanks
Dont worry about the picolax. I was worried too but with no need. It took about 2 hours to work and then I needed to be very close to a toilet for a couple of hours but it wasnt like having a stomach bug. I didnt feel pain just an urge to go. I was fine then till taking the next dose. I cant tell you about the colonoscopy as I had the colon scan. Different procedure but the same preparation. Good luck. X
I had it without sedation. It is painless if the doctor is very very good. Otherwise consider light sedation. This can be started even during the procedure if you become uncomfortable. the worst part is actually the preparations and the waiting.
Thank you. Did you have the full bowel looked at? Would you have no sedation if you had it again?
Yes, it was the full bowel. I would not have sedation because my gastro is extremely good at the procedure. I am actually more scared of sedation than I am of the procedure. Best is to have it available and ask for it if you need it. They insert an iv at the start of the procedure so it can easily be administered at any time.
I had the colonoscopy and stomach scan both, Neither procedure was a problem they actually were a snap. I was put under for them., The hard part was the stuff you have to take to make you go that was hard to endure.
I understand your apprehension as I felt the same exact way leading up to my colonoscopy last month! I was afraid of sedation, as I had never been put to sleep or even lightly sedated before. But the procedure was a breeze! I even ended up enjoying the sedation and felt so relaxed, haha. The prep wasn’t too bad, just time-consuming; no pain at all. The worst part for me was actually the liquid diet- I found it hard to stay energized on broth and jello. But don’t worry- I trust you will be fine!
Hi Winnie78, the sedation you get is not much. I took the sedation but felt as if I got the procedure done without the sedation. The procedure is ok if your bowel is really empty. Hope you get on ok.
Hi Winnie78, I have had quite a few colonoscopies. The first one I had was quite painful. I didn't have sedation. My consultant then said that because I had had a hysterectomy it makes the bowel more twisty. All of my other procedures were done with sedation and were absolutely fine.
Hope this helps and good luck on the day.
Hi,I've had both the ct and normal colonoscopy for which I took the sedation option.By far the worst part is the preparation ,I would go for the sedation if I were you then it's a breeze. Good luck you'll wonder what you were worrying about when it's all over.
Hi, I had colonoscopy without sedation which I found fine at start but felt my stomach getting tighter and tighter further procedure went on which I was told was because of trapped wind. Last few minutes were very uncomfortable and I had to breath as if in labour but it was bearable and only lasted a couple of minutes, I was more scared because I wasn't expecting it. I didn't have iv in so only option was to stop but nurse with me was great and kept me going. After it was finished I was so glad I could just get ready have a cup of tea and go home without waiting for sedative wearing of and feeling groggy etc. I went in my self and drove home. Think I was just unlucky but it's nothing to worry about it didn't help that I was so nervous prior to going. Hope all goes well for you.
Thank you. I’m really nervous too. Fear of the unknown and obviously it’s not something anyone looks forward to. Getting myself so worked up about it think I’ll just be relieved when I’m there and the waiting is over.
I've had the colonoscopy without the sedation with no pain. The worst part was taking the picolax which was still working through me the next day. I've also had one with sedation because I was having an endoscopy (stomach) at the same time and wasn't even aware it was being done. Felt very relaxed and afterwards better than I did before the procedure. This time I had a bowel prep called klean bowel which was more gentle but had to take 4 litres of it and could only manage 2 but 2 was enough to empty my bowel so okay. I wouldn't worry about it but if you have to have an endoscopy I would definitely have the sedation.
HI. If you have IBS i would stronly advise you to insist on enhanced sedation. I have made a survey of this site and 80% of IBS sufferers experience pain. It is not as one nurse said to me " you've a low threshold of pain". Let us know how you got on. All good wishes.
I had a colonoscopy done yesterday. I found the prep not that nice. I also had sedation it was very light but think it helped me to relax. I had the procedure at 9 and was home just after 11 so for me just to be a bit more comfortable it was worth having the sedation and at no time felt not in control. The procedure was nowhere near as bad as i thought it would be. Good luck for moday.
Have sedation. It makes it all easier. You won't lose control either. Why put yourself through possible pain if you don't have to.
I've had two. And 3 gastroscopies. Oh and two wisdom teeth removed with sedation. Wouldn't have it any other way
Without doubt the worst part for me was the Picolax. That actually made me feel totally out of control! Two hours or so after my last bm I was sitting on the sofa with my laptop and thought I had a bit of wind. Mistake...I pooped my pants, well you couldn't really call it poo. Luckily my partner had already gone to bed so I just embarrassed myself. Had to take a second dose the next day before my afternoon appointment but wondered if I was ever going to get off the loo in time for the hospital trip. My partner took me but I had to sit on towels just in case. The colonoscopy was a doddle by comparison but I asked for heavy sedation as I had been advised by friends who had had it done. It was ok, I was totally relaxed but very aware but at one stage found it painful near the end. I would no way have it done without sedation. Had a nice snooze afterwards but still have nightmares about the evil Picolax!
Hi! Best of luck with your colonoscopy tomorrow. You're probably on the toilet right now! Would definitely recommend having it with sedation. When I lay on the table before they put the sedation in my IV I felt so nervous but the sedation takes any fears or even full awareness of what's happening away and it wares off with like 40 minutes after you finish. It wasn't painful at all, only a little uncomfortable (and I mean a little) when the camera was being turned around the corners of my bowel. I always said if I had to get it done again I would, it was fine! You might poop a little blood the next day because of the biopsies but it's not sore at all. The sedation has you in a state where you're aware of what's going on but you forget almost straight away and you're completely relaxed. If you feel you need more they will give you more. Best of luck, don't worry, honestly the prep is the worst part.
Colonoscopy changed my life for the worse. Immediately afterwards constipation and that was 3.5 years ago. Lots of chatter on the internet about how colonoscopy messes people up. I will never have another one. I think there are none evasive methods now.
I was really scared! I already was having IB problems, and thought this was the worst. Actually, I found the prep tedious but not that bad, since I had been having loose diarrhea for months prior to the procedure. It was familiar.
Because I was scared and am small, 'No Sedation' wasn't on my radar. I wanted anything that would help. It turned out that I went to sleep and don't remember anything about it (or it may have been the thing that makes you forget pain). Whatever it was, One minute I was being rolled in to Operating, and then rolled out. It turns out I have a narrow twisty colon so made the right choice for me.
You probably havnt got any but I bought some tenna pants to make me feel more safe and confident as was convinced I would embarrass myself !
I had one about 4 years ago and from what I remember the worst part of the whole thing was drinking the solution the night before! I had a local anesthetic for the procedure and was all set to watch on the screen when I passed out, woke up after the event & don't remember a thing! All very straight forward if you don't include the very long wait on the day due to an emergency 
honestly do not worry about it & good luck. Xx
Yes ive had that twice, picolax is ok, it just clears you're bowels so nothing left inside them..Colonoscopy, nothing to worry about I had it with sedation then once without, both were fine.. if your nervous perhaps you'd be happier having sedation, but don't worry..
I had both a colonoscopy & gastroscopy in November. Like you I was terrified but the worst part was the prep. I’m glad I took sedation as the doctor had some difficulty manoeuvring round my bowel at the end & it was a bit painful. If your bowel is a bit twisty it could be uncomfortable without sedation & they’d have to stop. For the most part I think I slept through it! Good luck I’m sure you’ll be fine.
Thanks for all the advice! I’m done 🙌. Felt hideous this morning and threw up some of the picolax. So worn out and worried. All went well though and I did manage without sedation or gas and air which the doctor and nurse were surprised at. They said not to advise people not to have it as everyone’s bowel is different. She was really good tho and just as it got too uncomfortable she announced she was at the end! So relieved I could of kissed them.
Take the sedation.
I had picolax one dose at 12.00 and one at 4pm day before procedure.
I had pethidine as sedation. made me very sick afterwards though.
Best to just get it over with and see what results come up with.
Goid luck
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