I know the first two replies are reassuring and I don't wish to spoil that and I know that everyone's experiences are different, pain levels etc, but I would have liked to have known some honest truths about it before I had mine done. I have had two - the second one was great - they gave me the maximum sedation and I didn't feel anything. The first one however, was awful for me and that was also with sedation. The reason probably was that I was really anxious, also I had a tumour so it was painful going past that and round the corners and it seemed to last a long time. Now I know that may not be helpful to you, but my advice to anyone who has asked me is if you're anxious, ask for effective levels of sedation. You can also tell them during it if it is painful or too much for you and they can top you up with sedation. Maybe if I give you my unpleasant story, you will feel relieved that yours wasn't bad at all!! At the end of the day, what's most important is that you get the reassurance and results you are hoping for. All the best. Julie xx
Hi I had a colonoscopy . And asked to be sedated. They gave me 2 mg midazolam and 50mcg fentanyl. Didn't feel any different . Nurse said its like a couple of glasses of wine , I laughed and said couldn't you give me the equivalent of a cpl of bottles. Anyways I had it done and I have a high pain threshold . But it was very painful. They said it was twisted and I had a long colon with a long floppy sigmoid . They were very nice and the nurse was reassuring me and holding my hand. But I cried nurse asked me if I was ok and I said no. Maybe was more painful because of what they had said. But I wasn't offed anymore sedation and to be honest I don't think it would of helped. They had me on my side then back then side then back then back on my side..They removed a Polyp, had results back. All ok. On the letter it says routine check up every 5 years.well I won't be having another unless I can be put to sleep. Was more than just uncomfortable for me..
I'm glad the end result was OK and sorry the procedure was so painful. I found drinking the 2 litres of Moviprep the absolutaly most awful part of the whole process. What did you have to drink and was it OK.
I know this is in reply to Elaine's post which is 4 years old but I have just had the same sedation levels of the same drugs in 2020. Like Elaine I have a high pain threshhold and these drugs had minimal effect on me. I could feel each stage of the procedure and it was painful. Towards the end when I was clinging onto the nurses hand she gave me Entonox to breath in but it wasn't helpful. I was fully aware of everything that was happening and was able to ask the consultant questions immediately afterwards. I was not the least bit drowsy and was up and dressed within 20 minutes of being back in the recovery room. Although I had been told I wouldn't remember any of the verbal feedback I was given, I not only remember it all but was able to ask sensible and pertinent questions. If I have to have this again, I will insist on higher levels of sedation.
After reading alll the comments about having a colonoscopy it's seems that people have such different experiences I had one today 17/12/2020 I was very apprehensive on arriving but everyone was lovely and reassuring explaining everything from start to finish I had sedation and gas and air and pethidine but honestly after being in the treatment room and the having the sedation I can't remember anything until I was in the recovery room when I was woken up I strongly advise having the sedation if you have someone who can escort you home after the procedure you will be a little tired later but you can sleep it off all in all I can't fault the hospital I attended and the staff were amazing - you made a very nervous patient into a relaxed one and the procedure was a breeze please don't worry if your going to have a colonoscopy every one and every experience is different ..........
So glad to hear it went well for you; everyone does have a different experience - some better than others. I hope all turns out well for you. I was given the all clear on gastroentestinal cancer a week after my colonoscopy and just felt huge relief. I'm not out of the woods yet but can deal with whatever comes. As there is a history of bowel cancer in my family, it was uppermost in my mind. I'd have another colonoscopy if needed but I would ask for increased sedation and it is now also recorded in my hopsital notes.
I hope when you get the results of yours all will be well.
As Scotsgirl said everyone's experience of this seems to be different. For myself the sedation was fine and although I was offered gas and air if necessary I didn't feel the need for it at all.
To be honest I think I was a bit more "out of it" than I thought I was. I would have said I remembered it all but, looking back, I was told it took about half an hour and I would have said nearer ten minutes!
Anyway the really important thing is the outcome and I truly hope your's is nothing to worry about.
As Scotsgirl said everyone's experience of this seems to be different. For myself the sedation was fine and although I was offered gas and air if necessary I didn't feel the need for it at all.
To be honest I think I was a bit more "out of it" than I thought I was. I would have said I remembered it all but, looking back, I was told it took about half an hour and I would have said nearer ten minutes!
Anyway the really important thing is the outcome and I truly hope your's is nothing to worry about.
