I wanted to share a positive experience following my colonoscopy today,

firstly a bit about how I ended up there! I had bleeding from my bottom and my inflammation markers on my bloods were high. The QFit came back at over 200. I had periodic fevers and was losing weight, I am 46F.

I went onto the 2WW and within a couple of days had a CT with contrast and three days later was booked in for a colonoscopy, I can’t complain about how swift the NHS were.

obviously the biggest fear is cancer. It doesn’t run in my family but I was concerned all the same.

Then came the fear of the colonoscopy. I had a full hysterectomy 2 years ago. Numerous abdominal surgeries before this and appendix removal. I read all the horror stories of sedation not working and how painful it was, especially for females and after hysterectomy.

im not usually anxious but I was climbing the walls with worry.

The bowel prep…well it’s awful! The taste is like flavoured sea water.  I mixed it and chilled in hours before and drunk through a straw. For me lemonade in-between sips really helped. Be prepared to be on the loo for a long time. Moist toilet wipes will be your best friend! 

Today I went for my colonoscopy, when I arrived I was taken through to go through the normal paperwork and I immediately relayed my fears. I told them about my previous surgeries and that I am aware this WILL be painful. I requested a stronger dose of sedation as I was told they start you off on a low dose to see how you go and probably to get you out quicker. They were running late and this worried me as didn’t want it to be rushed. The nurse was brilliant. She told me the likelihood of pain was high due to my previous surgeries. She said she would speak to the doctor, I then got changed into a gown with a lovely pair of paper modesty shorts, had the cannula fitted and waited for the dr. He came in and I again relayed my fears. He told me the nurse had requested he use a narrower tube (didn’t know this was an option) and that they would start me on a higher dose of sedation,

once in the room I layed on a bed, had various meds put through the cannula and it started. It was uncomfortable when the air went in and I went on the gas and air, got through that ok, and the rest was a breeze! A few periods of discomfort but mostly I was laughing at the screen in my drowsy state! It was over before I knew it. Everyone was so kind and reassuring, talking me through every step. I had 8 biopsies taken and only felt two of them, like a little pinch.

The great news is no obvious cancer!! Had a few small internal haemorrhoids and diverticulosis.

I don’t know why I was so worried. Know your body and push from the very start about what YOU want.

i hope this post just reaches one person and eases their anxiety over a colonoscopy.