Colonoscopy advice

DH has a condition which increases his chance of developing cancer, he has a colonoscopy every other year. And always has a sedative as they usually take biopsies.

As others have said follow the prep instructions and you should be OK. I had a mild sedative and was able to watch it on the screen - VERY interesting having a look at one's insides! Not pleasant but the fear was worse than the actual procedure. Everyone was very caring. Good luck

cornergran - I had the same experience. Watched it on the screen like you.
It was part of a mass screening for anyone over 60 who wanted to take part. Back in the 90's.

I had this done about ten years ago. The worst part was drinking all of the vanilla flavour prep drink. My bowels were well emptied before I left home. The colonoscopy itself was fine. I watched it on screen, no sedation.

My 16 yr old son has had crohns disease for the past 8 years so we are old hats at colonoscopies.
From my understanding [ from son ] the bowel prep is pretty vile, but has to be got through. He is also given senna cot to use as well. It varies with him how long it takes to clear him out
But you will need to make sure you are clear otherwise they can't do the test.

As he is a child my son gets a general anesthetic, but you will have sedation. I would ask for the strongest possible sedation. My sister had bowel cancer last year and her scopes were quite painful without sedation.
You will also not be able to drive home, so need to make sure you have someone with you who can drive.

Good luck

I had my first colonoscopy during my first pregnancy 44yrs ago and diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis so have had many in the intervening years. The procedure has changed over the years and although not very pleasant it is soon over and hospital staff are very reassuring. If you follow the advice given above you will be fine on the day for travelling but I would recommend you take the sedative as you will be tensed up. I watch my bowel habits like a hawk and this year had to have a polyp removed which was harmless and again was so grateful for the attention I received.

I think it depends on what is wrong with u as to how painful the procedure is. Son had problems with it and in fact they had to stop.

I have seen the surgeon now, and they are giving me the colonoscopy next week.
Sod's law, the hospital phoned to offer me a near date for my hip replacement, but the stomach problems are more important, so my hip op is now scheduled for the end of August.

Hope the surgeon was able to put your mind at rest about the procedure and preparation, wb. Soon be done. The end of August for your hip will come soon enough. Wishing you well.

Procedure was a non event. no pain, discomfort, embarrassment etc. I cannot praise the Colchester Elmstead Day Unit enough.

Everything was normal, so waiting to see what torture they have planned for me next to locate the cause of my pains.

Glad it went well, wobs.

That's excellent news, wobbly.

Wobbly. Glad it wasn't as bad as you feared.

Due to have a colonoscopy in a few days time. Quite frankly I’m terrified. I am a worrier and it’s been difficult over Christmas trying to hide it and be “normal”. Any advice?

The Moviprep tastes awful, drink it through a straw and you will miss most of your tastebuds. Goodluck

You can mix the Moviprep with cordial(but not blackcurrant or any dark cordial) I put Robinsons lemon barley in mine and yes drink what you can through straw.

I did the prep the night before, start early so you can get to sleep. Once it starts it really empties you totally so there is no chance of an accident. I would say start at 5pm the day before.