Colonoscopy

[Emsky]

Hey, just wondering if you can be put under general anaesthetic for the colonoscopy? Just I would prefer this as terrified of needles and cannula and if it's intravenous I would rather I would just asleep, also keep being told its only uncomfortable but every time I'm told something is uncomfortable it's extremely painful for me

[FRreedman]

Why don't you ask your GI team? They would know if they do it or if there is a reason why they need you to be conscious.

[Emsky in reply to FRreedman]

I'll phone tmrw and hopefully get an answer

[chubbylover78]

You can have sedation but a general anesthetic is usually a no no as its expensive, you need more team members and you need to be conscious as your consultant may need to communicate with you. It's all over in about 20 minutes anyway and it is uncomfortable and can be painful at times but you can ask them to use a smaller scope if needs be.

[Sheeniejay]

I was completely knocked out by the sedation! I was nervous about the canula but it was fine - I just didn't look at it. I had wanted to watch the colonoscopy on the screen or, at least, be conscious to get some initial feedback from the specialist, rather than have to wait. But I simply passed out from the heavy sedation - woke up an hour later in the recovery ward! Good luck.

[Woodlong]

Yes you can I have had two both times were put under

[siouxbee19]

I've had around 10 colonoscopies and EGD's by now because of GI problems, and every time I have been sedated with meds that make me able to respond (like nodding or moving a foot or toe), but no memory recall after.

The only scope with no meds whatsoever was a sigmoidoscopy ( just scoping the descending, or first part of colon from rectum up), and I will never have one again! It was so uncomfortable, I broke out in a massive sweat, heart started racing, doctor got concerned. I think he literally pinched a nerve or something, because it was a difficult and highly irritating procedure, and I've been through countless ones for different body parts, so I know what I speak of, although everyone is different, maybe it wouldn't bother someone else.

Hope you get sedation and all goes well!

[MacColl]

I wouldn't have another sigmoidoscopy without some decent sedation ....something similar to what I was given for an EBUS recently. Think it was midazolam with a painkiller of some sort, and worked extremely well.

Seems some people have little trouble, just the obvious discomfort, but others do find it painful.

Probably depends on the degree of any inflammation present too.

[Edith9812]

I was completely put out, Had one before and got no pain relief was horrendous I passed out

The second time I made sure I was completely out

I hate needles and cannula , I asked for the spray that freezes your hand and never felt a thing

Hope this helps

Good luck x.

[Emsky in reply to Edith9812]

That stuff that supposedly freezes or makes you numb doesn't work for me I still felt every bit

[Munchkinfeet]

My sedation was strong, I have only a little memory of it. Yes it was uncomfortable but I was not aware at the time. Trust the sedation. Ask for as much as they can give. A general carries too much risk

[Gameofthrones]

Dont worry. Its not that bad, i had one in 2016 which showed a diverticular. Atcually the prep to clean your tummy out before hand means loo time for while. They do normally put canula in which i had many and is usually done in 30 seconds. Thats for a small amount of sedative only. You lay on your side. Doctor inserts very small camera up with lube thats not painful. You can watch the camera and foud it fascinating how the inside of the colon is so symmetrical. Its a little uncomfortable as it bends round. Captures are taken of anything of note and its all over in minutes. You get wheeled into recovery area for an hour on a little oxygen through loose fitting nose tubes. Then if you good, you can go home and have a drink and start esting again after fasting before hand. Im the worlds worst patient. But im good and here to tell the tale. Its a very good way apart from ct scans or mri to have conclusive evidence of any abnormality. In any way. I doubt they would go to a general. Thats beyond the type of investigation that requires a pre op or an anethatist consulation. Which is why they put a little sedative in you to make you a little calmer. Honestly the prep before hand is much worse. Than this procedure. Staff are usually exellent... 20 minutes and its done and dustedLoL...... Good luck 😁🤞

[Emsky in reply to Gameofthrones]

I know it's gonna be really painful for me as mentioned when I get told something is uncomfortable it's painful for me

[FicusElastica]

I have had two or three over the years. I found them very uncomfortable at times but not agonising. Last time they gave me gas-and-air, or something of that kind, on the go, which helped just enough. I think I had actual control over it. I have never had intravenous for this type of procedure, and never been offered a general, though I avoid GA if I can.

[Emsky in reply to FicusElastica]

They said it would be intravenous and I'd rather just be put under if they're doing that

[Spencermm]

Partial sedation, via gas, is the norm here in The Colonies, but I understand it is not in Europe and some other countries. But I've heard of a few people in England getting it after request.

[Emsky in reply to Spencermm]

I asked the specialist and he said it was intravenous

[Spencermm in reply to Emsky]

I'm sorry Emsky.

If you're into this sort of thing I'd be happy to say a prayer for you and try to think some positive thoughts for you on the day of. Just say the word and day of.

[Emsky in reply to Spencermm]

Thanks, Ive not got my date yet, but I'm going to ask if I can just get put completely under

[Hidden]

Hi Emsky. I really feel your worries as I have a terrible needle phobia. When I had the canula put into my hand it hurt. They did that before I went into the main room. I did not feel anything when I had the colonoscopy and was quite surprised as I am very sensitive. I am so sorry you are worried. I am sure they will take your phobia into consideration and give you a full anaesthetic.

[Emsky in reply to Hidden]

When I had my operation last year they weren't very compassionate about my fear they just said if I don't do it now they'll not do the surgery

[Hidden in reply to Emsky]

Im sorry to hear that. Thats really bad of them.

[Emsky in reply to Hidden]

Yeah my boyfriend said I should have put a complaint in, the nurse was really horrible as well

[Hidden in reply to Emsky]

How awful. I can see why you are concerned about having the next one. Hopefully this time the people will be nicer.

[Emsky in reply to Hidden]

I really hope so as it does make a difference

[Micheledrinkwater19]

They did not do that when I had mine I wish they had I wish you luck let me

Know how you get on

Michele xx

[Emsky in reply to Micheledrinkwater19]

Yeah I will do

[Jaycey62]

Hi Emsky. ..I was terrified about having my Colonoscopy, but the staff are so lovely and appreciate how nervous you are ...I didn't look when they put the cannula in, as a Nurse was talking to me keeping my mind off it ..The sedation just relaxed me ..I watched the procedure on the screen and was fascinated ...I can honestly say any discomfort, as the scope goes through a bend lasted 10 seconds ..I was shocked how fast the procedure was and the staff were lovely the entire time ....Don't get worrying about it and look forward to the cup of tea and Sandwich afterwards x

[Emsky in reply to Jaycey62]

I am very worried though I hate how painful a cannula is for me, and I just know the scope itself will hurt me

[Jaycey62]

Emsky - You're filling your head with negative thoughts, as I was - before you've even go for the procedure..That will make you nervous to start with ...Try and be optimistic and think to yourself - This is going to be fine - it's 20 minutes out of my whole life and I'll be on my way home before I know it ...You'll be fine if you stay positive as will relax and tell the staff how you feel when you arrive and they will also keep you calm and relaxed ...Let us know how it goes x

[Emsky in reply to Jaycey62]

I hope they do as my last operation they weren't very compassionate at all, I'm just being real not negative that's how I see it

[Hidden]

It's not that bad, it can be a little bit uncomfortable, however it's like experiencing bad flatulence. Just stay relaxed and forget about it. It's all over before you know it! I had both the gastroscopy and colonoscopy the same time and both took around 30 mins.

[Emsky in reply to Hidden]

This is the thing whenever I'm told something is uncomfortable it's really painful for me, I just hope they'll put me under

[Hidden in reply to Emsky]

If you feel like that I'm sure they will.

[Emsky in reply to Hidden]

I hope so

[Susiiscute]

I know this thread is two years old, but just wanted to say, I had the cannula put in my arm, in the bend of my elbow. It’s a slightly awkward place, but doesn’t cause pain or squeamishness. My hands don’t have any fat, so it would’ve caused a terrible bruise.

[Cuddlesy]

No canula had it done twice you can have gass air like pegnant lady

[Cuddlesy]

Had camra up bum wasnt very nice dont put u out sorry u may be have gass air like pregnant person dose