Colonoscopy next week

So I first posted on here a few weeks back when I had an incidental finding of an pelvic cyst on an MRI. 
I was initially referred under the 2 ww to gynocology. I had an ultrasound within a week and was told I had a 10cm pelvic cyst and to chase for results in two days after if I had not heard anything. I left it a few days and rang to follow up but was told I had been discharged but to speak with my gp. I phoned the gp regarding ongoing tummy troubles and rectal bleeding that had been ongoing for 7 weeks (I had seen the gp when it first started and all tests came back okay) anyway the gp didn't know anything about me being discharged but agreed to refer me urgently to the colorectal dept. After much chasing I finally spoke with the triage nurse last Friday who referred me for a ct and colonoscopy. The ct scan was done yesterday and I have just had a phone call for the colonoscopy. The nurse sounded lovely and discussed sedation or gas and air as options so now I'm stressing about which to choose!! I know this next week I'm going to be a stressy mess in the run up to the appointment! I'm not sure what I want from writing all this maybe just some reassurance it isn't as bad as I have made it all in my head! 

  • Hi

    Sounds like youve been through a lot lately.

    I have colonoscopies every 2 years due to family history so I've had quite a few of them. They're not the most pleasant thing in the world but in my experience the staff are really lovely and it's not too bad really.

    The prep stage isn't great, I have to be honest. They should send you the prep and instructions. You'll want to be close to a toilet and I recommend getting some luxury toilet paper or moist toilet paper.

     

    For the colonoscopy itself I personally always opt for sedation. I know someone posted on here recently very pleased with their experience without sedation. I apparently have quite a loopy bowel (lucky me) and sometimes it's not that easy so I prefer sedation. It's not that strong though and I'm normally awake and quite with it. 

    Whichever you choose you will be well looked after. They seem to attract some really lovely staff in Endoscopy.

    Good luck 

     

    Just to add - if you have sedation you'll need to be collected by someone and won't be able to drive etc for 24 hours. I mostly just want to rest/sleep after 

  • Thank you for your reply. 

    I have been warned about the prep stage and all info should be coming in the post. 

    I think sedation is what I'd rather and hubby is on standby to pick me up and stay with me. How long after the procedure are you normally allowed to go home?