Prior to my Colonoscopy I read every forum on the internet both from people having good experiences and others that hadn't.  I didn't want to read the negative experiences as this was just making me more anxious about the whole thing,  After having my procedure carried out on Friday morning I can actually say, the procedure was not in any way painful at all, for me anyway, just slight discomfort from all the air they pump into your bowel, the worst part is having the prep the day before.  To anyone who has been referred by your GP, make up the prep and add cordial to mask the taste of the prep and place in the fridge 3 hrs before taking, it goes down a lot easier when chilled and use a straw.  The first litre goes down quite easily but second one not so much as your stomach is empty and you can feel nauseous so will take two hours to drink.  Oh, and if you have a morning appointment, your letter will advise to start prep at 5pm, its best as I did to start it at 2pm, you don't want to be on loo all night.  Follow my guidelines and you will be fine.

I am thankful that my results were normal, I just have a GP that wanted to confirm that my symptoms weren't anything more serious.

Oh, and I went for the sedation, doesn't put you to sleep but makes you feel more relaxed.