Colonoscopy - advice

[willsclarets]

Sorry for posting this around dinner time!

For those that have had one, is it painless or close enough without needing the sedation? I know they offer it, but that means I can't drive and will have to ask the good lady to escort me home. Bum deal for her.

I don't want to be a hero either, and read a bit of conflicting informative about the level of discomfort. If anyone wouldn't mind sharing the pain involved in having a camera crew venture round your bowels that'd be much appreciated!

[ngsobob]

Painless.

[ollieclarets8]

As someone who has had this plus a camera down my urethra I'd say it's a mild discomfort. The urethra on the other hand stung like Mary, Jesus, and that all is holy.

[Weymouth Claret]

I have them every 5 years due to family history of colon cancer. Truthfully, depends on your “make up” and whether you have narrow colon. I have and always take sedation, wouldn’t hesitate if you’re unsure.

BEST of luck to you.

[ecc]

Had it done in France. I had a general anaesthetic.

[aclaretinstevenage]

I had it without sedation, and like said above, it could be described as mildly uncomfortable. Grit your teeth and get it done.

[TheFamilyCat]

I had one with gas and air so I could drive home after. Was a bit like being stoned. The only time in my life when I've been actively encouraged to fart.

[TheFamilyCat]

Just to add, the "bowel prep" was much more unpleasant than the procedure.

[ClaretTony]

Had a colonoscopy in 2012 and went with gas and air. From my experience I made the right decision.

I had a bigger problem with the stuff they sent me to take the day before to be honest.

[gawthorpe_view]

Just to add, the "bowel prep" was much more unpleasant than the procedure.

So very true.

[Claret Till I Die]

Imagine unblocking a downspout that is full of leaves etc and you'll understand what the bowel prep is like. The actual procedure isn't too bad, had 3 done over the years whilst wide awake and I'll never forget driving home like a hovercraft on my seat.

[willsclarets]

Thanks all, much appreciated insight!

Funny enough a pal of mine on the phone just said "getting the prep drinks down the night before is way worse". Seems to be a trend on that.

On balance I'll probably go for the gas and air, means I don't drag the missus out of work but have something to take any edge off. Thanks again all.

[ollieclarets8]

Thanks all, much appreciated insight!

Funny enough a pal of mine on the phone just said "getting the prep drinks down the night before is way worse". Seems to be a trend on that.

On balance I'll probably go for the gas and air, means I don't drag the missus out of work but have something to take any edge off. Thanks again all.

Hope it all goes well.

[Dogmorton]

Had one a couple of years ago at Blackpool, Victoria hospital the worst thing was to drink the “milkshake “ to clear you out . Honestly nothing to worry about

[StuWestMidsClaret]

Like most people have said its the clearing out that's the worst part. I dont remember much of the actual colonoscopy. You'll be fine A sigmoidoscopy is worse. Good luck.

[Dogmorton]

Must stress , do NOT leave the house whilst taking the the “milkshake “ you will be sorry if you do , also it dose not matter which flavour they offer you they are both awful

[RHansburyEsq]

I have one every year for various reasons. First time I had it I had the sedation. Glad that I did because it meant I wasn’t anxious. Once I knew what was involved I’ve been happy to do without for the ones since. The important thing is to do whatever you’re comfortable with.

[Burnleyareback2]

Been told I need to go for one in August - found this thread really helpful.

I’ve been pretty worried about it but this has cheered me up.

[jjclaret]

As someone who has had this plus a camera down my urethra I'd say it's a mild discomfort. The urethra on the other hand stung like Mary, Jesus, and that all is holy.

Have to agree with all your saying!
Worst thing for me, re the camera down the old "Japs eye", was the Clunk Clunk, sound and feeling, as the "driver" attempted to turn up into my bladder.

[jjclaret]

I go for one every 18 months, number seven next. never had sedation, luckily the only problem so far was not quite making it to the toilet after resting and dressing on one occasion!

[ollieclarets8]

Have to agree with all your saying!
Worst thing for me, re the camera down the old "Japs eye", was the Clunk Clunk, sound and feeling, as the "driver" attempted to turn up into my bladder.

The lady who prodded me didn't give much of a notice. All she said was "Keep breathing" and "Stop swearing".

[Taffys milkman]

I have had 2 colonoscopies recently first one I opted for sedation after having one many years ago and was very painful, midway through the procedure they tried to go around the bend in the colon and couldn't get it round the nurse was told to turn me on my side then press hard on my belly to enable the camera to go around they had to give me more sedation at this point was in agony!! 2 plots removed and log of biopsies taken another appointment booked for another colonoscopy 12 weeks later but was just in the sigmoid colon to check polyp sites however was full of inflammation and more biopsies taken this again was so painful but I had has and air which did help slightly don't wish to frighten you just giving you my experience I have since been diagnosed with microscopic colitis which that diagnosis and subsequent treatment has helped me enormously hope this helps and good luck regards Paul

[ollieclarets8]

I have had 2 colonoscopies recently first one I opted for sedation after having one many years ago and was very painful, midway through the procedure they tried to go around the bend in the colon and couldn't get it round the nurse

Jesus, how big is your colon?

[Taffys milkman]

have never measured it but 18 inch maybe anyone know the average length of a colon

[Billyblah]

Had one some years back and as suggested above, the 'bowel prep' was more tricky than the procedure itself!

[ollieclarets8]

have never measured it but 18 inch maybe anyone know the average length of a colon

I tried asking once. Got thrown out of speed dating.

[Stockbrokerbelt]

You get them free regular in prison.

[Taffys milkman]

I tried asking once. Got thrown out of speed dating.

[DXS]

As said several times above the day before is the worst bit, had one a few months ago and had sedation and found watching the procedure on the screen quite interesting, the hours recovery on the ward after was quite an experience boy there was a lot of wind around. Wish you all the very best

[!aiboforceN]

I've had one most years for the last 35 years or so. I usually opt for sedation these days, not because I need it, but because it works very well and means I remember almost nothing of the procedure. I'm lucky in that my wife is usually available to bring me home.

The times I've gone without sedation have also been completely fine - only mild discomfort with a few sharp - but very short - pains when they've needed to take biopsies. Without the sedation, my blood pressure returns to normal much quicker, so they haven't needed to monitor me afterwards for very long before allowing me to leave.

The prep - as others have said - is pretty foul stuff... and it has also never worked very well for me, so they send me an extra sachet or two each time (lucky me!) - and I start taking it half a day before the scheduled time to give it more chance to work. That does mean I go without food for longer too - so I tend to sneak in a bar of Dairy Milk to enjoy as soon as the procedure has finished.

Good luck with yours!

[dougcollins]

Just to add, the "bowel prep" was much more unpleasant than the procedure.

Second that.

[Taffy on the wing]

Every 3 yrs for me.......get the sedation, you won't even know they've been up there!

[Bullabill]

have never measured it but 18 inch maybe anyone know the average length of a colon

: That one's pretty short.

[Taffys milkman]

According to Mr Google the average length of a human colon is 5 feet long approx 1.5 mts wow that's huge and I've had 3 colonoscopies now didn't realise was so long

[expoultryboy]

Had one last year without sedation or gas/air so I could drive afterwards . Midly uncomfortable but no real problem apart from worrying about farting in the presence of the nurses !! Fascinating and strange watching the tube move around inside you . Endoscopy was worse , as you feel like your gagging all the time .

[ArmchairDetective]

Had one last year with a biopsy.

A slight pinch when they took the biopsy but it's generally more of a discomfort more than a pain. The whole procedure and afterwards was like having an ungodly amount of trapped wind, hence the discomfort. Maybe there was a bit of pain but nothing too much to handle.

Watching the screen as the camera went up was interesting. Can vouch for not leaving the house once you're taking the milkshakes.

All the best.

[ollieclarets8]

Watching the screen as the camera went up was interesting. Can vouch for not leaving the house once you're taking the milkshakes.

Was surprised when Coronation Street came on half-way through.

[GordonvaleClaret]

By the time you reach the hospital/clinic the worst is over.
No sedation gives you the opportunity to take a good look deep inside yourself.
I've had 4 of them, the first 2 with no sedation and no problem. The last 2 they give me sedation without giving me the choice. Number 3 caused a little discomfort for some reason unknown to me.
Regarding driving afterwards, you need to check your car insurance small print for restrictions after medical procedures.

[Bullabill]

Endoscopy was worse , as you feel like your gagging all the time .

Colonoscopy is endoscopy, you're probably referring to gastroscopy.
I'm just about to leave home for a colonoscopy, it's a one hour drive to get there so I'm hoping I've been completely evacuated.

[Clive 1960]

The procedure is painless but if they have to take biopsies it can be a bit sore..

[willsclarets]

Colonoscopy is endoscopy, you're probably referring to gastroscopy.
I'm just about to leave home for a colonoscopy, it's a one hour drive to get there so I'm hoping I've been completely evacuated.

Best of luck with yours!

[xxmunkyennuixx]

I had sedation but asked for different options because I had a bad reaction to anaesthetic following an operation. The afternoon was the most blissful ever. Got driven home and played Dragon Age in a really chilled out frame of mind. Movipram is the worst.

[willsclarets]

I have had 2 colonoscopies recently first one I opted for sedation after having one many years ago and was very painful, midway through the procedure they tried to go around the bend in the colon and couldn't get it round the nurse was told to turn me on my side then press hard on my belly to enable the camera to go around they had to give me more sedation at this point was in agony!! 2 plots removed and log of biopsies taken another appointment booked for another colonoscopy 12 weeks later but was just in the sigmoid colon to check polyp sites however was full of inflammation and more biopsies taken this again was so painful but I had has and air which did help slightly don't wish to frighten you just giving you my experience I have since been diagnosed with microscopic colitis which that diagnosis and subsequent treatment has helped me enormously hope this helps and good luck regards Paul

Crikey mate that sounds rough. Glad at least it led to a diagnosis and effective treatment. Hopefully my bowel isn't too inflamed!

[Culmclaret]

Agree that the prep is the worst bit. Procedure is fine. Don’t go for sedation unless you feel you really need to.

[Tim Burr]

Because of my age and family history, I've had 6 of these and never have had the anesthetic. I've had these at three different locations, and it's been much the same each time. I like it that you can view the monitor, and even though you see them snip off a polyup on the monitor, you don't really feel it. If there is any slight discomfort, it is at the end when they turn the camera around inside you to look at the bowel. It does mean you can leave straight away, and I've always selected a 7.30 am slot so I can go to work straight after. I recommend you don't have any sedation.

[Clive 1960]

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis and it's a pain to manage them .

[ClaretOfMancunia]

I've had a few. I had sedation each time, which I quite enjoyed (the sedation part...).

[rayzer]

Take a sandwich with you. You will have to wait in a ward after the procedure which could take some time. It's then that you realise you haven't eaten anything for over a day.

[ArmchairDetective]

Was surprised when Coronation Street came on half-way through.

Surprised you noticed the difference between one load of sh!te and the other