Colonoscopy - Any experience?

Don't worry about the procedure; you will not know much about it if sedated,
The worst, for me, was the bowel-cleaning requirement before hand. They get you to drink loads of liquid that will constantly go through you. Not nice but Good Luck.

My DH had one last year (and a gastroscopy at the same time).
It was very quick. We had to be at the hospital at 9 and we were home about 12.30.
Results straight away. There was very little the matter with him (so much so that I can't remember).
The day before you have to drink litres of stuff to clear you out.
Everyone says that this is the worst part. Good luck and try not to worry (stupid comment, I know).

If it is a polyp they will remove it there and then, you will not feel a thing.

Don’t worry too much, the worst as Boz says, is the night before? but the actual procedure with sedation is fine.
You don’t have to wait there long for the results, and yes, it’s usually polyps if anything, which they remove during the procedure.Good luck.

I know that the worst part is the preparation - people have been very keen to tell me about that!!! Perhaps having to have the Covid test is a bonus as I'm not allowed to leave the house anyway. I think I shall just take the Sunday papers into the loo. It is only the result that I am worrying about - Polyp is the only word I want to hear!

I have during the last 10 years had two, both times I had sedation and I was very relaxed about the whole procedure but the preparation before hand was not so good. Anyway good luck.

I agree with everything said before, but what made me laugh was afterwards, when there were a few of us in the room on trolleys waiting for the air they had put in beforehand to be expelled. It was like the film scene where the cowboys round the campfire had been dining on beans!

Thanks Daddima - can't wait for that! Anything for a laugh though!

Don't worry. I watch the TV screen and saw inside my body which sounds weird but was fascinating.

I didn't know you could do that - that does sound interesting!

I did not want sedation and all I felt was the tube going in my rear end for one split second. I also had polyps, all 2 of them and they were removed painlessly. My rear end was sore and very red for a couple of days afterwards but that was the preparation.

Have you got somebody to take you there and pick you up? If you have sedation you will not be allowed to stay on your own for 24 hours afterwards.

A few feel some pain, I felt zilch.

Daisy,please try not to overthink this.Ive had 3 done and Polyps removed.I would suggest eating lightly for the few days before hand,it will make the "emptying" less horrible.The drink isnt nice but does the job.Ive always opted for sedation and never had a problem with it.Ive found all the nurses,doctors and consultants have always treated me so well and are so reassuring.I had little to no pain afterwards.I believe I had 4 Polyps removed...Daddima,Blazing saddles! So funny.I oddly didnt experience that,well I might have done while I was asleep! Never be too far from the bathroom and also have sensitive baby wipes handy..I took them to hospital with me..I am forever grateful that I did as I was still rushing to the bathroom there,and wanted everything ship shape for the procedure.Wishing you all the best.

Such a good tip about the baby wipes, and not eating too much beforehand- thank you so much. I'm having sedation and my DIL is taking me and collecting me and my son will be staying the night. Thank you everyone for the informative and reassuring posts.

Please try to stay within 3 feet of the loo, otherwise, believe me, you won’t make it in time. After that it’s a doddle.

I have had about 6 of these procedures over the last few years. I always enjoy watching the progress of the little wire/camera as it travels around.
You should not feel anything,even when they remove polyps and they will give result straight away. I have never had a group such as daddima describes, so cant comment but the preparation is an experience. Good luck.

just a reminder to everyone, never put baby wipes down the toilet. one of the biggest causes of blockages.
get some little disposal/nappy bags, ti up tight and dispose with general refuse.
OP, i see most peeps are advising you on the procedure, but that is not your concern, rather the result. it can be a worry. but information is power. and a you know things can often be nipped in the bud, or clear planning made for , if, further action.
all the best. we are thinking of you. let us know.

Daddima Blazing Saddles..great film!

It is hard not to worry daisyL ..find a great box set to watch or a favourite book/ author / music. Treat yourself to a delicious treat the day before before you have to take the purgative..
Snuggle cosily, in easy reach of your lavatory, once the potion has been drunk. I find listening to TV/ music / audio books on headphones helps me to get absorbed and my mind wonders less towards unsettling thoughts.
The procedure is not as awful as the anticipation!

Wanders less...

The worst part of my colonoscopy was the doctor saying that he was going to send air into me and if it was to much to send it back out to him . I wasn't sedated and watched everything on the screen and had a nurse holding my hand. It was never painful, just a bit uncomfortable when he got to the 'corners'.

Daisy, I too had a dodgy poo test.
I had no problems and have not had any problems before or since.
I had no sedation and apart from feeling a little windy a couple of times the whole thing was fairly uneventful if not a bundle of fun.
Good luck.

Sorry I didnt want to insult anyone by reminding you not to flush the baby wipes! But someone felt the need too! Anyone over 50,intelligent enough to post here does not need reminding of that.Very patronizing indeed.Maybe I should've added "please wash your hands after wiping with said unflushable wipes" Hmmmmm

If you think you won't be able to get to the loo in time, wear a a washable cotton cloth inside your knickers .

For the colonoscopy itself I prefer to get into the frame of mind that these people have done this this procedure so many times that everything will go smoothly and comfortably.

Agree with all the other posters, the preparation is worse than the procedure. Just remember to eat a very light diet for at least three days beforehand , the less in the less comes out !!

Also after each bowel movement , and there will be many, gently wipe your bottom with water wipes, they are very gentle , then apply vaseline each time, this will help prevent soreness.

Good luck, the staff are lovely, and you will be finished before you know it.

TBH I found it was less of a ‘movement’ more like a tap suddenly being turn on, full blast, totally unexpectedly.
But maybe that was just me........