Hi Izzy

I feel your pain! I had a colonoscopy 10 years ago and it was horrific. I was told I may have some discomfort for the prep, but only for a few hours, but I was still running to the loo every 15 minutes right up until the appointment...which made me even more anxious!

I was also told I'd not feel anything during the procedure, and afterwards I probably wouldn't even remember it. I can say I remember every second of it as it was so dreadful. I was in so much pain that they had to stop, and they weren't even halfway round. I was also gripping the edge of the table and actually begged them to stop a few times before they actually did, as they kept saying that I'd be fine and would soon 'relax'. They took no biopsies because of the pain, and were unable to make a definite diagnosis. The consultant offered me an endoscopy afterwards, lol, as if I'd enjoyed the colonoscopy so much I'd want some more! Funnily enough I turned down that kind offer!

I know about 20 people who have all had a painless colonoscopy, with very little discomfort with the prep too. So at least it seems to be a small minority of us that have any issues.  My main problem was the gas they pumped in, it felt as if I was a balloon about to burst, but I know most people feel very little.

My consultant also said I have inflammation which causes the pain and bleeding, and I've noticed no worsening of my symptoms over the past 10 years. I also felt like a drama queen afterwards as everyone else seemed fine, but it really was awful, so I don't regret asking (begging) them to stop as I felt like I might vomit or pass out.

I think some of us clearly just have super sensitive colons :) I hope all your results come back ok.

Good luck

Cherry x

I forgot to say it was also quite painful to be told to change into a gown and put my clothes into a basket...and then be sent to sit in the main waiting room, lol. I was sat with people waiting for blood tests and other clinics, and there I was feeling really exposed and looking like a total weirdo. A hospital gown with fluffy socks and walking boots is not a good look on anyone :) I still have no idea how many innocent people saw my bum as I walked through that crowded waiting room whilst trying to maintain a teeny bit of dignity! Lol :)

Cherry x

I've heard both sides some say really painful some say never felt a thing ,I had one a few months ago and it was completely painfree I wouldn't have known I'd had it if  someone hadn't been talking to me ,it makes you wonder why but you'll be glad its over either way .

I had one 6 weeks ago. I take Zapain Co Codomol tablets 8 a day for pain. Was told to stop 3 days before procedure. Went into severe withdrawal, no sleep for 72 hours. Given Fenanal and Buscopan. Worst experience of my life, never felt pain like it. They said I should have got different pain killers from GP but I did not know I had stage 4 colon cancer. 20 years ago they found one polyp in upper rectum, non cancerous. GP says might be adhesions and to live with severe pain. I feel let down. Good luck.

I had one about a year ago.  It was horrific.  The pain was excruciating and the doctor was very aggressive.  Begged for pain relief but didn't get any.  Kept asking how long it would take and he kept saying "nearly finished"  He was saying nearly finished for over half an hour!  I didn't tell him to stop firstly because I didn't know it was an option and secondly because I thought we were almost at the end.  From my yelling and crying, everyone knew I was in agony but they weren't bothered.  One of the nurses kept saying, from the other side of the room, you're doing very well.  She actually said that while I was crying.  The doctor was so awful that at one stage the scope was in my vagina.  I asked him what the hell he was doing and he just didn't answer.  There was no aftercare either even though I was clearly traumatised.  It was so bad I made a formal complaint about it.  The person dealing with the complaint, when taking my statement, kept telling me I was wrong and arguing with me, even though she wasn't there, so I didn't hold out much hope.  The result of their enquiry, which took far longer than their complaints procedure said it should, said I had hallucinated everything due to the sedation.  I should have been so lucky, the sedation didn't touch me.  I believe I had PTSD afterwards.  Couldn't eat, nightmares, lost 4 stones, constant crying.

I had to have a follow up 6 months later and insisted on a different doctor in a different hospital.  She gave me less sedation, more pain killer and wasn't brutal. It was nothing like the first time - virtually pain free and no after effects.

From my limited experience, you either get lucky or unlucky with the doctor you get.   My advice is tell them to stop if it hurts too much...there must be another way.  I also think the literature should tell you that some people experience extreme pain and what to do if it happens to you.  

Good luck to you.  I don't want to frighten anyone but knowledge is power.