Colonoscopy Pain

I'm so glad I found your post. I had a colonoscopy with sedation this morning and it was excruitiatingly painful. I was wide awake throughout and in so much pain that I had to be given two doses of Pethadine, not that it made much difference. When it was over at last, I felt shocked and traumatised by the ordeal. The consultant seemed to think I'd made a fuss about nothing, though the nurses who looked after me were much more sympathetic and understanding. Ironically, ten minutes after the colonoscopy finished, the sedation seemed to kick in and I fell into a dazed stupor for the best part of an hour. Never again! If I ever have to have one of these barbaric procedures again I will insist on a general anaesthetic and pay for it if I have to. As far as I'm concerned, all the websites I read which said that colonoscopies are not painful are simply telling lies. Be warned anyone else facing one!

I had a colonoscopy last weekend...went privately at the cost of £1800 because was told the sedation on NHS is not significant enough to stop any discomfort. So I was lulled into a rather smug state of mind thinking I was going to sail through the procedure. Oh no! Completely traumatised, the sedation didnot work and the pain was excruciating. I was in tears and was made to feel like I was over reacting. God forbid if I have to have another one. 

Please check beforehand what pain relief you are given and how much because it can prevent a lot of heart ache.

I had my first colonoscopy on Friday 30th October, I went private after being referred as urgent but it was still a long wait. I had read everywhere the prep ( moviprep I had ) was the worst part.I started drinking it and it was ok, it produced the desired effect. The actual procedure well... it was horrific  - I decided to go sedation and pain relief. I had midazolam and fentanyl, I've put up with persistent pain now for months but this was something else. I went onto gas and air also half way through. I had to reposition a lot... on my front, back, left, right. Consultant was brilliant and the nursing staff, they took there time and we got to the start of small intestine eventually. One polyp removed and four biopsies. I'm still in some abdominal discomfort and a little swollen now. Is this normal?

Hi all! 
same boat here, had endoscopy this morning, was unpleasant but alright, the colonoscopy was horrific! Only managed the first third with Fentanyl, Midazolam, and paracetamol iv. I asked for entanox but they stopped instead.. Doc said my colon was narrow and twisted but only put that I couldn't tolerate it in my notes :cry: 

I will now need the CT - what does this involve? They said there will be some prep again :neutral:

anyone had one who can share what to expect? 

I have had both private treatment and NHS and both were equally as painful. 

Hi I am sorry about your bad experience . When I tell people about the terrible trauma and excruciating pain I suffered I don't think anyone of them can imagine the pain I suffered. I told the doctor it was inhuman and barbaric to put a human being through what I endured he just looked at me then walked out. Why do doctors think it us ok to have women screaming in agony and crying ? It is wrong so terribly wrong x

Hi there, even though it is now over 18 months since my colonoscopy, I still can remember the awful pain. I did complain but got nowhere and even spoke to doctor who did the procedure. At the time they said I had to come back in a year and have another one, but then COVID hit and they changed it to three years! They have said they will take every precaution next time to ensure I don't have the same agonising time. I am not convinced....

I've had a ct colonoscopy and apart from the preparations it was ok just a needle in your hand and a feeling of peeing yourself half way through fortunately you don't. The rest is just a scan if l needed another l would be quiet happy. I hope you have this next time 

susie

I had a second colonoscopy yesterday after a 3 year break. The first procedure was extremely painful so this time I asked them if they would strengthen the pain relief. This second procedure was equally, if not more painful than the first. It was near to the point that I was going to ask them to stop entirely. I really don't know how I got through it. Someone else on this chat likened it to torture. I couldn't agree more!

When I was in recovery, I asked the staff if I had to have another colonoscopy could I have it under general anaesthetic. They told me no, as the risks outweighed the benefits. They also told me that the strength of the sedative dose they administered was 'average'.

I may be an exception as the surgeon noticed that I had an hiatus hernia and he said that would make the procedure more difficult (read painful).

My dilemma is to say no more colonoscopies but on both occasions they have removed several polyps.

What to do?

Public Health England guidelines on colonoscopy are clear on this:

"A small minority of patients may require intravenous propofol as deep sedation for colonoscopy and all centres should make a reasonable effort to provide this for appropriate patients. In cases where this is not possible then these colonoscopies can be performed by a BCSP accredited colonoscopist on a symptomatic or theatre list. Alternatively, the patient may be transferred to another screening centre offering this service."

Propofol is safe and is sedation of choice in many countries.

My colonoscopy was done at a hospital in Scotland last week.  I was given fentanyl that much I can remember.  I was also administered buscopan to help relax the colon I think.  I wont say it was without discomfort but for me it was all bearable.  I had to change position throughout the procedure and at one point the nurse had to press down on my lower abdomen to assist the Consultant.  That was the worst bit but as I say, more painkiller etc was given

My colonoscopy was done at a hospital in Scotland last week.  I was given fentanyl that much I can remember.  I was also administered buscopan to help relax the colon I think.  I wont say it was without discomfort but for me it was all bearable.  I had to change position throughout the procedure and at one point the nurse had to press down on my lower abdomen to assist the Consultant.  That was the worst bit but as I say, more painkiller etc was given

I'm so glad I read these comments. Had colonoscopy today with no sedation and it was so painful and traumatic. Had 2 previously with no sedation and they were uncomfortable but bearable. The person doing the procedure kept saying oh this scope is not right and after was telling the nurse when I press up it's going down and vice versa. Was this a contributing factor to the pain level? He was saying relax don't put your hand on your stomach it makes it worse! Discovered 6 polyps and now have to go back for an hour long removal procedure, which obviously I will now take the sedation. But reading these comments will the sedation be adequate? To top it all on the report given to me after it stated comfort score: mild! Really it was excruciating and I have a high pain tolerance, had 2 babies with no pain relief! Is it down to the person performing the procedure as I said 2 colonoscopy before and no pain like today. I'm now very worried for the polyp removal but what choice do we have? I've already been through breast cancer surgery and that was a breeze in comparison 

WOW - all I can say, is that you are well stronger than me x