Colonoscopy

So ...... I had the colonoscopy but it was soooo painful as he couldn't get round some bends and in the end had to stop. I have never had anything so bad in my life. I was then booked in for a CT 'virtual colonoscopy' scan 2 weeks later. Oh I was in such a state. The 2 days "prep" was pretty miserable (different evil stuff this time - gastrofin) and I didn't think I was ever going to stop running to the toilet. The actual procedure wasn't too bad but now I'm in a state waiting for the results. I can't sleep, I feel so alone, and all this coupled with the fact that I've got cloudy urine. Having had bladder cancer, I'm soooo worried.

Nansypansy You will be fine. You will get to the toilet when you need to. You could ask for a commode, if you prefer. The procedure doesn't take vey long. If you have a mild sedative, you will not realise that you've had anything done. You will wake up (drowsily) in the recovery room. You will be taken back to the day ward and be offered nourishment. The tea and sandwich will be most welcome. You will rest a while...and be on your way home when fully recovered.

Picalax is a mild form of purgatory prior to the procedure. "Gas" is a tad bothersome after the procedure. Otherwise, it really isn't anything to fear.

rubysong's comment makes perfect sense. I've had several 'oscopies with and without a sedative. I preferred the former. Went home feeling fine. No nasty after effects.

Loopy loo I m glad I m not the only wimp first endoscopy I nearly hit the roof and after two tries I insisted on some spray Second one I asked for sedation and that was wonderful I didn't know a thing although they said I was aware and answering them but absolutely no memory of anything so that for me is my preferred method

Treat your rear end with baby cream, cannot remember the name of it, as you will be red raw afterwards.

I did not need or want anything and was happy to watch what was happening on the TV screen. I would have been given something stat if it had been required. I did not have any bloating afterwards, I was more bothered with my hot bot!

I'm having a colonoscopy next Wednesday morning. This is a check up as I have Lynch Syndrome (anyone else got that?) ......... but I'm sooooo scared!! I had the pre - assessment over the phone and she recommended me to ask for anything they can throw at me in the form of sedation! I'm not looking forward to taking the moviprep the morning of the day before so any advice on that score would be welcome - like how long does it take to work; will I make the toilet........ It's all so horrible!!

I've had 3 gastroscopies and 7 colonoscopies, the first of each without sedation.
Unlike others on here I found the latter very uncomfortable and I actually passed out afterwards so no, I wouldn't recommend them without sedation. DH is having these procedures on Friday and not having them under sedation is no longer an option at our local DGH.

I had my colonoscopy, last week, under mild sedation with a painkiller. I was awake and watched the procedure but was spared the discomfort. I was given Buscopan at the end to help relieve the discomfort of the gas, I have a stoma so it is not as easy to shift it

Until reading this post I didn't realise that these exploratory things were so common. Now I am terrified :-(.

I wasn't offered any sedation for a colonoscopy though I know that a neighbouring hospital does offer it. I was expected to self-administer an enema which I could not do and had to rebook with a nurse giving the enema at the hospital.

Ten years ago I had bladder cancer and underwent an operation for it's removal and reconstructive surgery in the form of an ileal conduit with a urinary stoma. Others who are in my position will understand that your stoma is made from part of the bowel ( how brilliant these surgeons are!) but that means trauma to the bowel obviously.
When I came to have investigations to my colon a couple of years back, I found it excruciatingly painful despite having had a sedative. I was never offered general anaesthetic even on the second occasion to check all was well after non malignant polyps had been found.
Tha pain occurred whilst they were ' going round a few bends.' Could I have insisted on a general anaesthetic for the follow up investigation and should I also insist on it if I have to have this procedure in the future?

Mine went fine last Thursday. I had a similar timetable to your DH, Daphne, and although I was worried about final trickles after 10 am, they stopped just on time. The Moviprep was disgusting - tasted OK at first, but I had to leave the last two gulps of both doses, or I'm sure I'd have been sick.

I was lucky that I only had a 10-minute drive to the hospital and my appointment was at 11 am (DH took me in and fetched me). I had a general anaesthetic (The drug used was called Propofol - this may be a German brand name) and went under at 11:12, came out at 11:44, feeling quite rested. Absolutely no after effects - except I was hungry, of course, and cooked us bangers and mash as soon as I got home and even went out for a meal that same night.

Results quite the picture book (yes, I was provided with photos as well!), and as a formality some samples were sent in for testing but I don't expect any worrying results from that.

Oh - and I had warned him that there might be some unexpected bends, as I had had three children and things had been re-arranged quite a bit, as other doctors have already told me. He said it was a bit more windey than usual.

Oh Charleygirl re your comment about the journey to the hospital. DH has to get from here to London! He always goes for an afternoon appointment so his Moviprep starts the night before and fasting has started at lunchtime that day too. So most of the worst is out of the way, so to speak by bedtime .Clear fluids only of course. The morning dose (6am I think?) just "finishes off the prep and he is generally good to travel by 10.30 or 11. 1 1/2 hours down the motorway and straight into Endoscopy. It was less comfortable when he used to take the train, but of course there was the option of a loo, but it was also a longer journey. I am full of admiration for you brave people by the way, I was once only threatened with an endoscopy and I decided I was better PDQ.

Yes, ann, SH. Had the choice of Macc, but I've been put right off them! The 'shorts' were sort of dark blue, flimsy paper-like fabric. The staff nurse told me that some men put them on with the hole at the front.

Did you have your procedures at S H anno?
My friend had both done there about a month ago and she told us about what she described as shorts made out of blackout material with the hole in the back.
Her anaemia proved to be bleeding from an ulcer and she is on 60mgsof Lanzoprazole for 6 weeks and then a repeat gastroscopy. Pleased your results were fine.

The part of the colonoscopy where it went 'round the bend' was the only uncomfortable part and I was told to take deep breaths. If I had another one I wouldn't take deep breaths but would do the more shallow 'chest' breathing, as I learned before giving birth. I think that would be more helpful than deep breaths.

Good to know, anno!

All went very well yesterday. I decided on the sedative, given that I was having a gastroscopy as well. I hardly remember anything about it, though I was under the impression that they gave me entonox at one point. I got a printed report before I left. The colon is in great health - I already knew about the diverticulosis as I've been living with it with few symptoms for years. The gastroscopy more or less confirmed what the last one showed six years ago and I don't think there's much to worry about there. I had such a good night's sleep last night after all the palaver of the prep and spending so much time in the toilet. It was good to get a decent meal! Thanks for all the advice everyone. We share quite a few experiences! The biggest laugh was the baggy disposable shorts with a hole over the backside that I had to wear! So stylish!
Still don't know why I have iron deficiency but at least I know it's not from internal bleeding.

You should receive list of foods to eat it's basically a very bland diet nothing with seeds nothing red no fruit or veg very boring but it's only for 2days I had white bread mash and grilled fish or chicken for main meal couple of rich tea biscuits for a treat !!!

Boiled fish or grilled chicken with white rice two days before the procedure. Day before, clear fluids only and nothing carbonated.

Don't know which kind of sedative they used during my colonoscopy but i wish it was on sale it made me feel that relaxed and good!

The literature indicated it had to be nothing with any fibre in it, so white bread, plain pasta, fish, meat, plain boiled potatoes without skins, clear soups or boillion; no fruit, nuts, vegetables or fruit juices; tea and coffee but no milk or anything containing milk. Can't remember what it said about eggs. It was an absolute gastronomic joy ! If I can find the literature (though I'm sure you may have it) I'll copy the list.

I have finally made an appointment for a colonoscopy. What sort of food should I be eating/not eating for the last couple of days beforehand? She said no muesli, nothing with a skin (grapes, tomatoes..) What have you ladies chosen for those last menus?

I agree, the prep was worse than the procedure. My mind was working overtime on the short trip to the hospital, thinking please can we get there asap as I needed the loo pronto! Luckily I was not driving.