I have had one before, 4 years ago but I think I’ve pushed it to the very back of my mind, like we do with all unpleasant experiences.
I am a really anxious person and am literally stressing about everything to do with this procedure - the prep (oh I remember that from last time 😩 evil stuff), how the prep will make me feel, I worry I’ll still need the loo on the way to the hospital and am so worried about the actual colonoscopy (risks and the outcome etc) and whether I should take the sedation this time. Last time I had no sedation but am not feeling so brave this time round but also hate feeling out of it so worried about how I will feel if I do go for the sedation lol
So fair to say………I’m worried 😆
Written by
rustydog
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Well, you've had one before, so at least there's that.
Why are you having one this time? Is it just time?
Is there anything you can take for your anxiety? I've got a prescription for something just for times like this.
I don't know if it helps any, but I've had a half a dozen of these. They seem to get easier each time, possibly because I know just what to expect.
It's not the easiest procedure in the world, but it is pretty darn effective in keeping ahead of things like diverticulitis, cancer, colitis, Crohn's, etc. I really like the peace of mind a scope gives me, and I know that it's nothing compared to those things I just mentioned.
Thank you so much, that’s eased my mind a little. I am having another as my IBS has become worse this year but I am also under a lot of stress? I really should get something for times like this.
Hi,
I have just had my second colonoscopy without sedation and like you I worry about the possibilities. I think most of us do. I always try to focusing on the need for this procedure to alleviate the stress and worry of what if's. Maybe you should look at having sedation this time, if possible. It really is the easy option of less stress or discomfort and would likely make any further colonoscope less fearful.
Start the prep slightly early and drink more water than it ressomends. What prep are you using? I found with the prep I got this time the non amazing experience was not as bad as the previous one and as my Dr reccomended.. Keep everything cold, drink with a straw, chase each slug of it with ginger ale. Helps kill the funky taste. I tend to feel better with an empty gut. And it's my chance to start my gut over from that clean out. That said it's just an anxious experience. If you made it through it once you will make it through it again hopefully with some answers for what is going on. At least they knock you out for it and you get 20 to 40 min of good rear is how I look at it.
Thank you. I’m having the Picolax this time, one sachet today and another in the morning tomorrow. I will definitely take it earlier than they suggest. They say to take the second one just 4 hours before the appointment, I’m not risking it that close, will get up at 6am to take it. Last time it was Kleanprep and litres of the stuff which I really struggled with. This time the Picolax is taken in a 250ml glass of water. I had just one sachet last year for a pill camera endoscopy, it’s quite potent stuff but I suppose they all are lol!
I believe in my most recent I took Plenvu. That said it was not awful sadly there is a new prep coming out soon I believe that is supposed to taste like a sport drink so maybe the technology is getting better. We are all anxious for these appointments but I will admit doing the prep right is way better than having to do it all again. And the way I look at these types of things is I go into it just trying to do my best and with as positive an attitude as possible I am also fully transparent to the staff doing the procedures so they are aware of my condition and my concerns. A good staff will help to reassure you.
I’m definitely going to let them know how anxious I am. I try to hide it sometimes and look like I’m coping but I’m learning to be more open knowing they can help me more if I let them know exactly how I’m feeling.
I learned long ago to just be open to those that need to hear about my issues. This is key to not getting caught in the snowball that is anxiety. I also know and tell myself what is the worst that can happen? I mean really, Dr's have seen it all, and while some things can technically be embarrassing, the only true jackasses in the world are the ones that judge people with zero details, and I do not personally care about those people any longer. so it no longer defines how I handle myself.
I have had numerous - every 3-5 years. Even had benign polyps removed. The worst thing is the prep as I have to take extra because i have an elongated bowel.
I would go ahead and have the sedation as you'll feel much better for it and will help you relax. I also pray and I know someone is with me.
I've had 2 colonoscopies, each with just a relaxant sedative. I have a tortuous colon which makes it difficult to get round. For reassurance I wear a pad and sit on a towel during the journey to the hospital.
The worst part is the worry beforehand. If you can try ( I know that's not easy) not to worry about it you will feel much better. Take plenty of fluids before and during the prep and give plenty of time after last drink before you leave.
Sedation is really mild although I actually fell asleep but was not groggy afterwards others say to me it has little effect so I would take it and see.
I hated the prep. It's the worst bit. I found the procedure very painful first time so now have the sedation. I don't mind the sleepy coming around bit. There is no rush think of it as a nice lay in. Get up in your own time. I have the same fear as you about an accident on the way there. I think we all do. I was so weak after the prep we borrowed my Mums wheel chair to get there, sorry that's no help is it.
It'll be ok, the actual procedure isn't that bad, mums just had one and she was fine. As for the results that's what most Fret about and the mind works overtime. Try to remember that worrying doesn't change the outcome. I'm sure it'll all go well. Stay in touch on here and I'm sure people will walk you through xx
I have had lots of colonoscopies. Yes, the drink you take and the constant running to the bathroom are unpleasant. But everything else is easy. You will be empty when you go to the hospital if you follow the directions for when you take the drink. It should not be any problem I would take the drug they give you. You don't feel anything, and you don't remember anything. It is given to you via an IV so that is easy. Then you wake up and wait awhile and go home. The only unpleasant thing you will experience is the stuff you have to drink to start your bowels emptying. You can stop worrying. Just get a good book or a tablet or something and when you start to go, move to a place closer to the bathroom. Oh, and you probably might be tired out in the morning because you will continue to go for quite a long time after you have finished the drink. But just relax. I am also a very anxious person and they are no problem for me. Good luck.
Hello, please ask for sedation - they will try to persuade you not to have it but say - no, you want the sedation. Last time, I woke up to a nice cup of tea and biscuits after having had the sedation and no pain. Good luck
Ah, thank you 😊 It went well. I did opt for the no sedation so I could leave the hospital quicker but if I had to do it again (which I am hoping won’t be the case!) I will DEFINITELY go for the sedation, I don’t remember it being that painful before. But I’m got through it ok and all looked good. They’ve taken biopsies for microscopic colitis but they are sure that will come back negative.
So glad to hear! All over for you now. 😊💗 I received a positive stool occult blood test result last week, so I’m having my colonoscopy done in a few weeks. Terrified! Never had one before. Hoping I’m as brave as you. 😊🤞🏼
Honestly, if I can do it, anyone can. I am such a very anxious person but I just thought that I am here now, it’s got to be done. And all the staff are so kind and gentle. My gastroenterologist told me that the majority of positive stool tests result in normal colonoscopies. I totally understand how anxious you will be. Good luck with it and let me know how you get on.
And if you need to ask me any questions about the colonoscopy or prep, I’m more than happy to answer 😊 x
Thank you so much…I’m making myself sick over it, with my anxiety in full force. And I have a bit of a wait! 😐 But your comments have helped me a lot. 💗
I totally understand the anguish of waiting, that’s often the worst part as we fill in the gaps with all kind of negative stuff but it is usually worse in your head than reality. I hope it goes well for you 😊
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Colonoscopy 1 week today and I'm scared!! What can I do to make the whole thing a bit more bareable?! 
Colonoscopy while on period?
The word I dreaded hearing....Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy and endoscopy
