Thanks all I am definitely going to ask for sedation. One thing that is worrying me is that I have read Colonoscopys are dangerous. This is really concerning me and is making me worried about having it. Am I allowed to be put completely asleep for it?
I have had several and found them more uncomfortable than painful...the guys assertions that the risk of not having it far outweigh the risks for having it are definately correct. It is very very unfortunate that they have to inform you of the risks, frankly they do so as a precaution to cover themselves. The risks are no more dangerous than taken a tablet....If you look at some of the pain relief medications and read through the sheet of paper that comes neatly folded in the packet you would never take another pill.
As for complete sedation, it is not advisable as they need to get you to move about and the sedation they give you enables you to be up and about in 10-20 mins. You can have the sedation or take gas and air....I have tried both and are equally effective.
Please do not worry if you can, this is a scary time and we all understand what you are going through...however for some reason the cup of tea and the biscuits afterwards are the best ever, maybe something to do with not eating for a while.
All the very best, keep coming on here to let us know how you get on.
Not sure what terms they use in the UK - when I had a colonoscopy I was offered 'twilight' anaesthetic where apparently you can respond to instructions to move etc. but you won't remember any of it. Suited me fine. I have a friend who insisted I had lost a wonderful opportunity to see what my colon looked like on the inside by choosing to be anaesthetised - frankly I leave all that to the experts! But if you prefer not to have anaesthetic it's your choice. Good luck!
I remember when I had mine (or not) that I said after it had finished that I didn't think the sedation had worked...the nurse replied that I should have been where she was (up by my head) as apparently my eyes were rolling about as I was out of it. I also thought it was over in about 2 mins when it had been about 10. Good stuff!
The other thing to think about when opting for sedation or not is how to get home... I was told that I could not drive until the following day if I had the twilight sedation; however good I felt my insurance would be void if I had an accident. Took public transport to the hospital and my husband was able to pick me up afterwards. Another thing to consider.
I had a colonoscopy yesterday at Plymouth and even with sedation, it was the most painful thing I have ever experienced. Was so relieved when it was over. My husband had one 3 weeks ago and only had mild discomfort.
I just received an appointment for a colonoscopy, but- perhaps foolishly- cancelled it. I'm not worried about the preparation, because I suffer from severe from diarrhoea on a regular basis anyway. However I am nervous about the procedure. I'm well aware of the importance of having the investigation, but I would much prefer to have a general anaesthetic.
I have had 2 colonoscopies and 2 hysteroscopies, all done under general anaesthetic. I am an absolute coward and would not have had any procedure like that unless I was completely out of it. Each time I have had no after effects, pain, etc. The doctors have always said it was my absolute right to have a general anaesthetic if that was what I wanted.
I have had 2 colonoscopies and 2 hysteroscopies, all done under general anaesthetic. I am an absolute coward and would not have had any procedure like that unless I was completely out of it. Each time I have had no after effects, pain, etc. The doctors have always said it was my absolute right to have a general anaesthetic if that was what I wanted.
