Colonoscopy

I dud not like the thought of sedation and side effects Opted for gas and air twice. Unpleasant but bearable and felt fine after.

Squiffy

Another one here who has had sedation. I knew my gag reflex would make it impossible for the camera to go down my throat. Sedation wasn’t needed for the camera going in the ‘other end’!

your are talking about the different end !!

I had sedation and still needed gas and air when I had a colonoscopy recently. I read that it can be more painful if you’ve previously had a hysterectomy, which I had, which is why I chose sedation.
I didn’t choose to look at the screen because if cancer had been discovered I would have the picture forever lodged in my mind, but thankfully I didn’t have cancer.

SillyNanny321

Had sedation each time & didnt really feel any different until told that it was all done. Just made me very relaxed. Everyone is different though so hopefully you make the right decision for you. Good luck!

I didn’t feel sleepy at all but as you say relaxed. And I do recall the procedure. But my DD informed me that I said some rather I strange things rather loudly afterwards, so perhaps too relaxed 🤣

Here in France they do the operation with general anesthetic. That’s what I would push for.

I've had a couple and had sedation. However, even though it reduced any discomfort I was still fully conscious to chat to the medical and nursing staff in the room for the procedure and able to watch it all on the screen.

Sedation it is then. I start with the clearout medication tomorrow evening, then more on Thursday morning, my colonoscopy is Thursday afternoon. Thanks for the tip about ice cubes.

I have had+many colonoscopies and would agree that sedation is best option. You are still awake can talk and hear everything that’s going on. I watch the tv screen as it’s interesting, but if you dint want to you don’t need to.
Dont worry, it doesn’t hurt.

I decided not to have any sedation and was only sightly uncomfortable when the tube was first inserted. Otherwise, I was trying to see the TV and what was going on.

I had a cup of coffee afterwards and was fine.

Definitely have sedation! I have a Colonoscopy every 4/5 years. I’ve had Crohn’s for over 40 years.

Top tip
For bowel prep add ice cubes drink through a straw and enjoy the good clear out. I’ve had a few under sedation never felt a thing.

Hi Minimoon. I’ve had lots of colonoscopies; most recently two weeks ago. I always have sedation: each one via a cannula in my arm. There’s usually 3 components to the sedation. The procedure is painless.
I used to have to drink Moviprep (yuck) but the last two I’ve drunk Picolax.
Hope this helps

The last time i had what the doctor laghingly reffered to as their buy one, get one free deal.
One down and one up, in the same appointment.

I had an endoscopy without sedation and would never do that again! Thought I would try to be brave but that was a daft idea! Gag reflex was horrible!

I'm surprised at people saying they woke up...
I never felt the slightest bit sedated or sleepy.

I’ve had three colonoscopies and had sedation each time. It worked beautifully. I found the preparation a nightmare though. The last time I had it done it was a new mixture which made me sick and faint. Apparently others had been sick but I was the first patient who fainted. I came round on the hall floor to find the two cats staring uncertainly at me.

I opted for gas and air the first time but the second time wasn't offered sedation. I think it depends on why you are having the procedure. My first one was to confirm that I had bowel cancer and my advice if this is the case for you is either to have sedation or not to look at the screen because it was traumatic for me to actually see the tumour. Sorry - TMI!

My first one, I had nothing and although not pleasant it was bearable, the second one I had sedation and still had to have gas and air as my problems had got much worse. I have found the worst thing about the whole procedure is the medicine they give you to clear you out. I lost so much weight, I fainted numerous times and my intestines felt absolutely raw after the last time.

Had sedation each time & didnt really feel any different until told that it was all done. Just made me very relaxed. Everyone is different though so hopefully you make the right decision for you. Good luck!

I had this procedure done 7 days ago, and opted for the sedation rather than gas and air and found it an excellent choice, I was conscious and aware as to what was going on but felt no pain whatsoever
The worst part was the purging on the day before, whilst not horrendous the taste was not pleasant and it goes without saying that you need easy access to a toilet that day
I’ve been very lucky and was able to be told on the same day that they found nothing untoward to worry about
Good luck on the day and hoping that you get the same outcome

Momac55

I have this every 3 years due to family history of colon cancer. I always have sedation , never had gas and air.
In my opinion the bowel prep stuff you have to drink the day before is worse than the procedure. The procedure itself is nothing to worry about . Good luck.x

This exactly describes DH’s experience.

If you struggle with the bowel prep, or it doesn’t clear you out properly they can offer an ultrasound instead.

As others have remarked, the "preparation" is not easy or pleasant! The procedure itself, I found okay with gas and air and was awake enough to see all on the screen. I live alone so I didn't want sedation and could get myself home okay. But honestly, it's not that big a thing. Have sedation if you prefer to be more woozy and out of it.

I had one many years ago.
Some form of sedation was inserted into my hand and I felt it didn’t do anything. I felt just as normal.

Unfortunately, the procedure was fairly painful and I was yelping.

I vowed never again.

I had sedation, woke up felt fine.