I had my colonoscopy today so I thought I would share my story to reassure anyone else who has this looming.

I had heavy rectal bleeding 4 times in two months, no pain. I also had a change in bowel habits and abdominal right side pain. My GP had me do a FIT test which came back positive with a score of 42.

I went into a terrible state of panic and that created many more symptoms, heart palpations, loss of appetite, dry mouth and thirst. I lost almost a stone in weight in one week!

I went to the hospital expecting a death sentence, however, no cancer was found, just a few polyps which were removed and will be tested and also some diverticulitis but low grade.

The procedure was pretty much painless, you do feel the tube pushing around and also the water but it's not painful. I just had the standard sedation. The nurses and surgeon are total professionals and make you feel very at ease. There really is nothing to be worried about on regards to the actual procedure.

The moviprep was not that bad, it's a bit thick and the taste isn't great but you remain in control of your bowel movements, I even went to bed and was able to wake up and go.

I went through extreme anxiety and panic on the run up to my colonoscopy and I found this forum very reassuring, so I hope someone will benefit from hearing my story.

Good luck and I hope you have a good outcome.

Thank you for sharing your story.

Were you sedated during the procedure?

Thank you for sharing your story.

Were you sedated during the procedure?

Yes but it's very mild because you have to be moved half way through. You get to see it on the screen it's actually pretty fasinating, honestly the whole thing was a breeze, you'll be absolutely fine :)

Thank you for your reply.

As I have a heart condition, I'm worried about the effect on my heart rate from the sedative; also the fact that you're supposed to have someone with you overnight after the procedure, which I don't have as I live alone and there's no one that I can stay with.

I'm airing on the side of no sedative, but not sure if it will be too painful.

Ah I see, you could opt for gas and air instead which wears off really quickly so you can go home alone. To be honest the sedatives/has and air are more for nervous patients like me! The camera is very thin and there isnt much in the way of nerve endings in the bowel. I had numerous polyps removed, one with a hot wire and didn't feel a thing. The people doing the procedure are colorectal surgeons so they know what they are doing. 

Thank you for your reply, which has eased my mind a bit.

It's still a couple of weeks away yet, so I will just have to wait and see what they say when I get there.