Sigmoidoscopy

[Earthflower]

Anyone had a sigmoidoscopy? I believe it's not as bad as a colonoscopy. I'm having it this Saturday but am so scared. I've requested to be sedated but reading people's views on sedation for colonoscopy procedure it seems it's such a light sedation that it does nothing. I want to cancel but I've been bleeding for about 6 weeks with bits of fleshy stuff coming out. I've had chronic constipation for years and for the last year I've paid privately for a colonic irrigation once a month. Please can anyone give me advice or just what to expect.

[Wind1234]

Hello i had a colonoscopy last week and had sedation. A sigmoid isnt as bad so you will be ok. Pls dont cancel and get your symptoms checked. I was dreading mine but it was over so quickly. Im glad i went now as i was so worried it was something serious but turns out its ibs so im having to learn how to deal with it

[Shaddix29]

I've had a sigmoidoscopy and the worst part of all of it was the prep drink I had to have the night before and its effects, not the actual procedure. I didn't have any sort of sedation or even gas/air. It wasn't pleasant obviously, but it was nowhere near as bad as I was expecting, just uncomfortable. Please don't cancel, if you have been referred for one they obviously think its something that needs checking. You can always ask them to stop at any time. Good luck!

[Miff1973]

Theirs nothing to worry about it’s not as bad as a colonoscopy. Worst bit for me was the prep before hand. I didn’t have the sedation as they only go up the first part of the bowel. Their was no pain and I was just very windy afterwards but please go and get checked.

[LEENOL48]

Hi there I had a sigmoidoscopy years ago it was no trouble at all I don't ever remember taking a prep for it either, it didn't hurt and I am one of the worst patients in the world I have had three failed endoscopies so haven't even considered a colonoscopy but you'll be fine with this I just felt a bit moist down there which is completely normal, let me know how it goes

[Lfc4ever]

Dont worry I had one last year just had to give myself an enema before. I am a very nervous anxious person so I know how you feel. Towards the end I just had a bit of gas and air in fact they kept me talking all the way through it. Please try and relax you will be fine. X👍

[Raven39]

I have had many sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopies. The sedation doesn’t really do much so I would advise trying without as it makes the whole thing much quicker. My latest sigmoidoscopy was 3 weeks ago, I had to use an enema on the morning of the procedure and during the procedure I had gas and air for pain relief. It is over very quickly and a Nurse is right by your head for reassurance.

[Rossi1790]

Don’t cancel it will be over before you know it , if you cancelled you will regret it and just prolonging the issue .

[Earthflower in reply to Rossi1790]

I won't cancel, don't worry.

[Trec]

I’ve had two and they were fine and certainly nowhere near as bad as the colonoscopy I had earlier. It’s only the left side so no corners to turn which is where my problems with the colonoscopy were. The air being pumped in makes you feel a bit windy of course but it doesn’t last long and it’s over very quickly compared with the colonoscopy which I hated. Please don’t cancel, you’ll be fine.

[Harrisonford]

I've had one and took sedation. Didn't feel a thing.

[unicorn203]

no!!! don’t cancel it. it’s not as bad as it sounds honestly and you may feel as though the sedation is light but you probably won’t remember much at all and it is nowhere near as bad as you’ll be imganing it to be! good luck and i hope it all goes well for you😀

[kazmar]

I’ve had both & the sigmoidoscopy was nowhere near as bad as the colonoscopy. I had both without any sedation

[Earthflower]

Thanks for the reassurance. I won't cancel. Today I had my covid test and picked up my prep to take the day before. So Saturday is my procedure. I'll come back and let you all know how it went.

[BabblingBrooks]

The worst part for me was the painful wind I got afterwards and the bowel prep. The actual procedure was fine and I refused sedation. I’d rather be completely alert and I’m glad I chose that option. I think most in the waiting room had chosen the opposite.

[angelwings52]

Hi, I had a sigmoidoscopy some years ago. I didn't have any sedation and there was no pain throughout the procedure, having the air pumped in feels a bit odd and uncomfortable (bloated). The enema before was worse. If you feel nervous, ask for sedation, and please don't worry, it doesn't take long and you'll be fine, good luck 👍

[Earthflower in reply to angelwings52]

I am having sedation. Thanks for reassuring me.

[drax83]

I had a full colonoscopy back in 2016. Just recently had a Dvertic related problem. Im just awaiting to do a stool test . But consultant told me if too high abnormal result I will have to have the sigmoid colonoscopy. Actually thats no where invasive than a full camera job, as it only looks at the sigmoid area where in fact many divertic' seem to be present, which is only around the first bend after your anus area so it should be much shorter exam, than a normal full colonosly, but still have to take prep again, And I absolutely loathe prep ever since 2016 lol............................But I had one episode of stool with some blood in it. not had it again. But of course if you had this some time needs sorting and your blood count looked at. I had to have iron infusion back a few years ago, as count was little low. Constipation is rife in the uk due to poor diets.......it stresses older people tummy's causing Diverticula's best of luck to you👍