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Colonoscopy Without Having Sedation

hjl12345
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Hello,

I am going to have a colonoscopy soon.  I just wondered if you were able to have it without sedation if you have no choice but to go alone.  I live in Manchester.  I am reading things on line which say if you don't have someone to take you home they won't do it.  I am so anxious as I couldn't bare having to go through all this waiting to be told no.

 

Thank You for any replys

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    Hi my last colonoscopy was without sedation just a I V in my arm that made me feel as if l had peed. It was a CT scan. I had the bowel prep as usual  my doctor said they are doing the colonoscopies by scanning in our area.  They may n the same at your hospital you could ring to see before you go 

    take care l hope it all goes well 

    susie

  • Hello Hjl12345 and thanks for posting, 

    As far as I know it is possible to have a colonoscopy without sedation, but having said that most of the time sedation is used. So I am not sure what your local endoscopy department will say and I think the best thing to do is to give them a call and explain things.  I don't know if they will have some sort of workaround for people who have no one that can come and collect them after the procedure, but there is no harm in asking and it may help to talk to a nurse in the unit to explain your situation. .

    With a colonoscopy, they usually want to be able to see the whole length of the large bowel and it might be that this is easier to do with sedation. Some people find colonoscopies more uncomfortable than others and if it is uncomfortable, sedation, because it is relaxing, might help. 

    Do try and talk to the endoscopy unit when you have the chance. 

    If you want to give us a call please do. Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here from 9-5, weekdays.

    Best wishes,

    Julia

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