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Really painful colonoscopy

Lilyandharvey
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I had a partial colonoscopy today. They had to stop because it was so painful! I stupidly had a cup of tea with milk one hour beforehand, and they refused to give me sedation so I opted to have it without.

What I'd like to know is why was it so excruciating going round the colon bends? The nurse was a heavy handed type, so could it have been her method? 

I now have to go through it all over again, but I'm terrified of this pain, even if I have sedation, would I feel the same and is there any other scan I can have to replace this, or any other way?

  • Hello Lilyandharvey

    I'm sorry to hear that you've had such an unpleasant experience with your colonoscopy earlier this week. We know from the many posts that we see here in the Cancer Chat community that lots of people find this procedure uncomfortable, particularly if there are lots of bends in the colon to be navigated. 

    I wonder if you might find it helpful to chat things through with one of our nurses before your next appointment. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Thanks for the heads up in this. I think I will. Very helpful! 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    'Uncomfortable' is one of those 'medical euphemisms' for very painful.  Brutal doesn't begin to describe today's experience.  Forget 'advice' - just tell it as it is!

  • Offline in reply to Brutal-Bromley

    I sure agree with you there Brutal, I also had one today that was as you described, I had sedation and gas&air to no avail. So pleased I don’t have to go through that again. On the other hand I was worrying about the bowel prep, that was a piece of cake. 
    Hope next time Lily it’s not so bad, if you tell them about your last one they would hopefully give you a lot of sedation. Good luck xx

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