Frightened to death of having a colonoscopy

Are you frightened of the colonoscopy or what it might reveal?
Everyone here has said that. the procedure itself really isn't too bad and there is no real need to be frightened of it.
Obviously, if you have an obstruction, that is serious, even if it isn't cancerous.

It's not as bad as you think. If you opt for sedation you will be kept in hospital for hours afterwards. Gas and air will be available if you need it and even if you do need it you can still go home after 20 minutes of observation during which time they give you a cup of tea and a biscuit. Good luck'

Forgot to say you will get the result at the time of the procedure. Always be careful if coedine, it can cause terrible constipation. I am sure you will be ok.

As others have said the prep is definitely the worst bit. I had one a few years ago so things may have changed a bit. I was given disgusting laxative powders to take the day before, and talk about the world falling out of my bottom. The advice I was given was to be very close to a toilet otherwise the mess would be considerable. The procedure itself was a breeze, I was given a sedative and I slept through the whole thing. This was on the NHS. As I said things may have changed a bit since I had one. My friend has a private doctor, she had a colonoscopy, the doctor gave her tablets to take rather than powders. He also advised her to be sitting on the toilet when she did. For her the procedure the following day was no problem.

I had my first colonoscopy in 2009 and have had quite a few since. The first one was done without sedation and was not too bad. To be honest I find the awful stuff they give you to drink to clear you out is worse than the actual colonoscopy when you are sedated.

I too am on codeine medicine for a different issue and have all sorts of medication for the side effects of that too. I feel for you.

Good Luck

I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy in the same session (one after the other, not at the same time!). The sedation is very effective and the nursing staff were lovely and caring. I was given the preliminary all clear before I even left the ward. Please try not to worry and good luck.

The prep is much worse than the procedure. It was really interesting watching it on the screen. The bit I found hilarious was the dignity pants they give you to wear. They only come in one size. You could get 5 of me in one pair and they are a lovely sludge colour. Amazing! I thought they were so funny I forgot to be nervous.

I've had a colonoscopy and it was OK. I had the smallest dose of pain relief and sedation so was awake. Was very nervous so the nurse held my hand all through it. Didn't feel any pain or anything really. They put a numbing cream on me before starting the procedure. Staff were very nice and reassuring. I couldn't have gas and air because I have COPD. I'd have it again if needed as its completely painless. Luckily nothing abnormal was found so I just have IBS. But glad I found out it wasn't cancer and I'm OK.

I had my 1st last year and it was fine, I didn't have to drink anything beforehand and I chose not to have sedation. I was taken into a room with a bed & loo in it, the nurse put liquid in my bum & told me to wait 10 mins. At 1st it was ok, but after 7 mins I dashed to the loo!
I found it not too bad, the biggest thing I felt was my rectum was stretched, as it is briefly for a big poo, I had to remind myself not to push it out.
I could see on the tv that my large intestine was ok, the screen was right near me. The staff were great, chatty & nice and it was ok. I would do the same again if I needed to, and probably I will cos I seem to be getting all sorts of weird conditions. Good luck, I'm sure you'll find it not as bad as you imagine

Dollymixtures I've had several and the anticipation was worse than the actual event. I do remember being able to watch the screen and for some reason being fascinated to see that it was all in colour! I can only imagine the slight sedative had dulled my brain! Of course my insides would be in full technicolour . Good luck!

I had one a year ago and was so scared about it but it was absolutely fine. I had a sedation and would have it again. The low residue diet was fine but the prep was yuk that was the worst bit. I mixed it with elderflower cordial. I’d have another in a heartbeat. Try not to worry too much about the procedure. I hope your results are normal. I had to ask for the sedation. I’d rather have a colonoscopy than an endoscopy. Good luck.

It wasn't my most enjoyable afternoon but it wasn't horrific and the ham sandwich and cup of coffee they gave me at the end was one of the most fabulous meals of my life. I think I was hungry!

silverlining48

Forgot to say you will get the result at the time of the procedure. Always be careful if coedine, it can cause terrible constipation. I am sure you will be ok.

I didn't.

PamelaJ1

I presume that most of us would be anxious about this procedure.
I was persuaded not to have sedation and it was fine, just a couple of uncomfortable moments (wind). The worst bit was waiting to go in, the staff put in a cannula and then ignored me to chat about their social life. It would have relaxed me a bit to be included in some conversation.
During the procedure I had someone talking to me and that helped although every time I tried to look at the screen she pushed my head down again.(In a nice way) it must have put me in the wrong position I presume but I would have liked to watch.
* I was wrong about the worst bit…. Have just remembered the preparation! Stay close to the toilet!

The nurse and I went in laughing. Did you get those disposable pants with the split up the back? She'd just given some to a man who'd put them on backwards, must have looked like Y fronts to him. We both thought it was funny as not sure why they'd need access from the front for a colonoscopy.

I hope he didn't hear us.

The colonoscopy service is excellent and works to very high standards set by the Royal College of Physicians. Look for their certificate on the wall, probably near the reception desk. The units have to work very hard to achieve this, so they are usually proud to have done so. The standards include everything patient oriented from going in to getting the results, and how satisfied the patient is afterwards. Then there is the back room aspects you don't see, the cleaning and sterilising of the equipment, the administration, provision for disabled patients, all that.

If you want an all-female team (or all-male) you can ask for it. Members of some religions do ask for this. The only thing I would request is for a female Chaperone present at all times.

Good luck, I'm sure you will be fine.

I have had about a dozen of these over the years and agree that the prep is the worst bit - just that it tastes 'orrible. You have been offered a sedative as I understand it and as you are nervous I would definitely take it. I zonk out at the lightest sedative and remember nothing at all of the actual procedure.
Also agree that most people are clear but remember that Colonoscopies are the Gold Standard Diagnostic Tool for colon problems . If you have a problem this test will pick it up and it may save your life.
Back in 2012 it saved mine.
Best of luck

Please don’t worry - the drink on the day before to clear you out is not nice but the actual procedure is fine. I’ve had bowel cancer so plenty of colonoscopies- I had an endoscopy first - didn’t like that so asked for plenty of fentanyl to make me forget about it all. Actually, I really did forget!!! The colonoscopy is quite interesting if you watch it on the screen - and doesn’t hurt at all. You’ll be fine and it will be good to see what the problem is, if there is one. Good luck and don’t worry. 🤗

I've done the prep but had a colonography so can only comment on the prep which really isn't that bad.
DH has had quite a few colonoscopies and would definitely recommend sedation so you know nothing about it!
I hope your results are good news and really feel for you anticipating them as I have been in the same situation.

Dollymixtures

Katyj did they tie off your haemorrhoids at the same time?

They won't treat anything at the time ....its a screening process ...the results will be provided on the day to you...and sent to your referrer..... who will decide on next plan ( if one is needed)
I had one in September....it was fine .. they take good care of you

I can't advise about the colonoscopy, but I did have a wisdom tooth extraction last year and it was very quick and painless (apart from the cost!) Rinsing your mouth with salt water will really help with healing.

Had 3 now due to inflamation near anus end of colon, think it's called proctitus.
Have sedation if offered. When in recovery room I did feel a bit sick which they said was due to sedation not agreeing with me.
I now use lactose free milk most of the time but not in tea, and touch wood, have not had a flare up for years. Not sure if this is just co-incidence.

I've had Crohn's Disease for nearly 40 years and bowel cancer 4 years ago, so in total I've had about 12 colonoscopies. You'll be fine, the prep is the worst and the actual procedure happens 'back there' so enjoy the sedation, try to disassociate from what's going on and you'll be out in no time. Good luck. X

I've had three, with sedation. Honestly you know nothing about it. It's fine. You wake up and they bring you tea and toast. Please don't worry.

I have been lucky enough never to have needed one, but I have a friend who lives 400 miles away who has to have them fairly regularly.
She isn't a fan either so what we talked about it and figured one way to deal with it and the preparations leading up to it was to communicate on our mobile phones. Sometimes speaking, sometimes texting. I stay with her all day on the prep day ie I don't arrange anything else for that day. Just an idea.

Ask for sedation