I am in my early 70's and in spite of arthritis, I manage to walk at least 2 miles a day and I eat healthily to keep as fit as I can for my age. I had a colonoscopy on Friday but also had one previously when I was in my mid 60's, however the 2 experiences are at opposite ends of the scale. During my first colonoscopy I experienced no more than mild pain and although I found the preparation disgusting, I was able to take it without incident. Last Thursday evening, I found the effect of the preparation just too severe and on a number of occasions I couldn't get to the toilet in time even though it's only a few feet from my bed. I found the toilet process and ongoing cleaning up of myself and the toilet for over 4 hours shattering and at 11pm I collapsed on my bed and fell asleep in my clothes. The next day in the theatre the doctor struggled for some time to find a suitable vein to insert the sedation cannula and the back of one hand is now one huge bruise and there are at least 6 puncture marks and bruises on the inside of my elbows. I don't think the sedation worked as I was fully aware of everything (whereas the last time I felt like I was floating). I felt pain from the start but gritted my teeth as I didn't want to make a fuss but the pain got worse until it was excruciating and I couldn't stop myself crying out. The doctor tried to carry on briefly but then said he was going to stop as he was hurting me too much. I'm now waiting for a CT colonography. At the time I was very upset and felt I'd let myself and the medical team down but thinking about it now I realise the pain I was feeling was intolerable. I would like to ask if this treatment is really suitable for people like me whose bodies are more frail through age and if we should be offered a CT scan instead of an invasive colonoscopy?