I had colonoscopy last week. I opted for sedation but might as well not have bothered. Did nothing for me.  I was in agony. Was squeezing nurses hand so tight she must have been bruised.  Doc was so nice and said I was doing well but honestly it was worse than childbirth. I want knocked out next time.

Strange how it varies so much between individuals. I've had 2, both without sedation, with only some minor discomfort. The most recent was significantly prolonged while the surgeon straightened out an extreme kink in the colon!

Unfortunately one can't know how easy/painful it will prove in advance.

Maybe some medics better at it than others?

Dave.

Thank you. Yes I am only 5ft 2. He said it's was something to do with the fact I had had a hysterectomy.  Wasn't really listening was too painful. Bit he did find a 22mm sessile polyp in my rectum. So took biopsies and now it's a waiting game. My ct scan and endoscopy were both normal but I'm terrified of what the biopsy will show

Hi Joanna

I had my colonoscopy yesterday.  I opted for sedation as I was told by my niece, who's had 3, I would feel no pain or remember anything with sedation. I have had 3 children but this was off the scale! I wasn't nervous just a little apprehensive had read all about it. The staff were really nice they didn't mention pain at all. Started off fine but after 10 mins,when they got to the turn it was excruciating I was given gas and air but by this time was, hyperventilating. Tried to calm me I asked if this was right surely it shouldn't be this bad. The sedation wasn't working at all they got me to move on my back then my right side all the time I was trying to use the gas and air with help of nurse. Then they started to manipulate my stomach as they had to get through some twists. I had both the nurse and doctor pressing down on me. They then had to get me to move back to my left side and it started all again them pressing on my abdomen.They said it was in my interest as they had already found a 35mm polyp and if they couldn't complete it today I'd have to come back another day so I carried on in excruciating pain. I think the sedative made me compliant. Now I can't believe I agreed to it. They kept telling me how well I was doing now I just feel a mess. It was meant to be 30mins ended up in tears and extreme pain for nearly an hour. Was told when they finished I'd have to go back for ERM to remove the polyp which they believe is non cancerous. So have to go through It all again not sure how I can do it again.

Unfortunately it hasn't ended. Last night was in pain feels like I've been punched numerous times in abdomen really badly with bloating, cramps and bruising. Taking pain killers now but at one point thought I should go to A&E but my husband said I should try alternating my pain killers every 2 hours which seems to be working.I

My niece is really lucky she doesn't remember any of her procedures or the pain, I really think they should prepare you more I had no idea it would be like this.                                              Today I feel like I'm suffering from ptsd really tearful and upset.