I am recovering from a colonoscopy without sedation as the doctor said recovery time and discharge would be quicker.

I wish I had had sedation as I found the procedure very painfull and I was sucking on the entonox gas like there was no tomorrow and I dont think it did anything for me. 

Its over 12 hours since the procedure and the cramps and bloating have been bad coming and going and it is now the early hours and as I cant sleep I am typing this and getting some comfort from other peoples experiences on the forum.

Male aged 59 years.

I've recently had a colonoscopy and I decided not to be sedated.

I did have some stomach cramps during the procedure but these soon passed. Only once did I have any real pain and that was only for a second or two when the scope went round a corner. I was offered gas and air at that point but it seemed a bit after the horse had bolted! 

I was actually pleased that I decided not to be sedated as it allowed me to be aware of what was happening during the procedure. There was a lot to take in information wise, both before, during and after the procedure. At the same time I was able to leave the hospital fairly quickly after the procedure. It was nice to get home.

I did have some biopsys taken and having to wait to hear the outcome has been the most stressful aspect of the whole process.

I've recently had a colonoscopy and I decided not to be sedated.

I did have some stomach cramps during the procedure but these soon passed. Only once did I have any real pain and that was only for a second or two when the scope went round a corner. I was offered gas and air at that point but it seemed a bit after the horse had bolted! 

I was actually pleased that I decided not to be sedated as it allowed me to be aware of what was happening during the procedure. There was a lot to take in information wise, both before, during and after the procedure. At the same time I was able to leave the hospital fairly quickly after the procedure. It was nice to get home.

I did have some biopsys taken and having to wait to hear the outcome has been the most stressful aspect of the whole process.

I had the colonoscopy without sedation and for someone with the lowest pain threshold there is it was fine, uncomfortable but not painful, the gas and air worked for me. Bear in mind they insert air into your colon during the procedure, that could be the reason for the ongoing wind and bloating. 

The downside was, before they had said sedation meant you wouldn't remember anything of it, without it you are aware of the conversation regarding what they find and booking CT and MRI scans!

So, pros and cons but at least without sedation you can drive and don't have to have someone with you the next 24 hours! 

I recenty had a colonoscopy and after much consideration decided to have the sedation.  For me it was the right choice.  There were only two very brief moments when it hurt, perhaps at the corners, I can remember parts of it and could hear parts of it, didnt feel sick or dizzy afterwards which I'd been a bit concerned about.

I think i felt more capable than I actually was and this extended to the next day so it was around 24 hrs before the effects wore off.  I did need someone to collect me as wouldnt have been fit to drive or travel alone.. 

I also had a recent colonoscopy and decided not to have sedation as I wanted to drive myself there and back. I had some small discomfort, like mild indigestion, but nothing much, I didn't ask for the gas at all and just chatted to the doctor and two nurses. They found nothing and told me at the time, except for a couple of small patches of diverticular disease which they said was just my age and wear and tear. They took some biopsies but just at random and reassured me that there was absolutely no sign of cancer, but the week wait for the procedure was stressful to say the least. I was glad I opted for no sedation as it meant I was fully aware and could ask questions all through, even look at the monitor. I'm a 70 year old male by the way.