Prep is the worst part of the whole thing and, for me at least, drinking the prep is the worst part of the worst bit! After previous experiences, for my most recent colonoscopy, I requested Picolax - taste still dreadful but volume of liquid required is less! 

Colonoscopy carried out on Wednesday and procedure itself bearable albeit uncomfortable at times. I had sedation as I don't have the skill to do gas and air. Verbal results and written report provides there and then - as was case when cancer diagnosed 4 years ago.

I wish you well. It's not a fun procedure but it is a necessary one.

Helen

I had a colonoscopy 3 years ago for rectal bleeding with some weight loss and slight bowel changes. Result was hemorrhoids, probably combined with effects of my thyroid medication and possibly the stress of the whole thing. I felt the same as you. I REALLY wasn't mentally prepared and even though I knew the odds of cancer were very low (I was 40 at the time), it's still hard not to think "but somebody IS that 1% or 5% or whatever and they also know the odds are very much in their favour."

The colonoscopy itself was fine and I actually walked home (about 30 minutes walk) after it. The stress and the prep were the worst parts.

My advice would be to try and have whoever comes with you there when they give you the information because it's weird how the sedation can wipe random things from your memory. I literally remembered they telling me of some side effects but not others. My mother was with me and she told me afterwards, "but they told you to expect X. At the same time they told you to expect Y." And I was like "well, I remember them saying Y but not X."

My mum had a colonoscopy recently and remembers nothing at all. Just being told to turn over in the procedure, then seeing us there to collect her and then being at home, about to make herself some toast.

Thank you for sharing your experience I really appreciate it.  I understand what to expect but I have to admit the wait and thought of possibly some of my colleagues performing the colonoscopy has me a little stressed.

Thanks for sharing your experience.  I am dreading the prep I feel nauseous at the thought. Laxatives don't suit me I know I will be on the loo all day ♀️

Thank you for sharing.  

I understand ,its not great ,could you not have gone to another Hospital ?

I started mine at 5pm and by 11pm it was all fine ..

I have considered requesting a different hospital but in all fairness our hospital is the best in the region and if I endure the embarrassment atleast I know I am in good hands etc

Sympathising. I had a colonoscopy and it wasn't the best experience in the world but neither was it the worst. Make sure you have someone to take you home. The laxatives are really unpleasant. I was surprised that I was allowed to drink instant coffee before it but I'm guessing they meant properly freeze dried coffee and not the stuff with coffee grounds in it as I wasn't completely empty even though I thought I'd followed the preparation instructions to the letter. Only thing I can imagine caused it was the posh instant or I just have a sluggish digestive system. Got everything crossed that it's not anything particularly sinister and what it is is discovered and easily treated x