Hi All and to whomever needs this.
Was pretty terrified of my first colonoscopy until I came across this site and saw Annie's post and then was slightly less terrified because I have the horrible habit of referring to 'Dr. Google'. (But thank you Annie!). My symptoms; bleeding, mucus (sorry), cramps, diarrhea, distended stomach, etc., were getting worse, though both my GP and myself thought it was IBS.But I knew I had to eventually do it because it was looking like my FODMAP diet didn't have a huge effect, so I booked my surgery fast-tracked me because it was getting so I didn't know what I could eat anymore, and the explosive diarrhea was embarrassing.
Very similar to Annie's positive experience.
I had read up on the sedation and heard that it could be, for some, more challenging to recover from than the colonoscopy. So I decided to opt out. The NHS sent Moviprep, and I read up on it like a maniac. Though there were similar experiences regarding taste and results reported, there was a such a variety of responses, it really seemed down to how one approached it. I couldn't understand how something could be very sweet and very salty at the same time, nor how it could taste worse as you went along, but this is definitely true. It's not quite as 'vile' as I'd thought, it does taste like someone dumped a pillar of salt into gatorade, then added a cup of aspartame (which it does contain, btw), and it is a challenge to drink that last litre (out of 2). I think the body just averses to it in general. But it works and I took no chances because there was no way I wanted to get there and be told I had to do this process again. It definitely cleans you out, like an intestinal wash. I wish I'd read earlier things like having jello (no reds or purples) and non-coloured popsicles around because I was so hungry by the Moviprep evening. It also cramped me up quite a bit, but many women might consider them akin to moderate menstral cramps. I wanted to take ibuprofen, but later read this was a no-no (no NSAIDS as they can cause irritation and bleeding), but paracetemol is okay.
I felt bloated mostly all night, so didn't sleep that well. Arrived at clinic and they were ready for me. A nurse came in to take my vitals and register me in and answer any questions. I had already told her I did not want to be sedated, but told her my cramping was quite painful. She offered a painkiller and said I could have a gas mask. She had brought in a little basket that had crepe-y shorts that opened in the back, a dressing gown and pair of socks, and said to change and the doctor would be in to collect me. This took a little longer, and my cramping felt a bit worse, but walking around helped a little. Went into the side room and changed, and waited for the doctor.
Dr. W came in and sat down with me and explained the basics of the procedure. I had been wondering whether or not to take the pain killer, but he encouraged this, particularly as my cramps were bad, and I wasn't getting sedated, but said he could start a lower dose, and that he'd have to check about the gas as I have asthma and he didn't think I'd be able to use it. When I entered the procedure room, it was very modern and large, and there were about 4 attendants there. They told me they could not give the gas, but all I had to do was let Dr. W know if I felt any strong discomfort and he would stop.
Right away, they put the canula in my vien and then the med, I immediately felt a bit woozy, and asked if this was normal, and they said it was. Next came the endoscope. I could definitely feel it, though it wasn't painful at all. Just, you noticed it, which makes sense. The cramping continued along the same lines, but never was it unmanageable. In fact, I'd read that people felt the most pain or discomfort when turning corners of the colon, but he was over half through the whole process, and I hadn't even known. I kept asking them questions to keep my mind off of things, and they picked up on this, and did the same, which was a great distraction (and quite nice, too) and as Dr. W wasn't making any gasping noises, I ventured a look at the screen. That movie prep definitely worked, and it struck me, it's quite a privlege to be able to see into one's own body like this.
Dr. W kept me apprised about where he was in the procedure saying "we're about three quarters through" then "starting to withdraw the scope" to finally, "biopsy here, then three more minutes and we're done". I didn't feel any injected air or gas, but I think there may have been a 'wash', as I did hear that word. I hadn't eaten in two days and hadn't slept well, so it was difficult to focus. He found inflammation that had been causing all of the symptoms, and I was given medication to settle things down. Will be following up at the clinic in two weeks. But I really wanted to write right away while things were still fresh because I was so grateful for Annie's post and had to second it. I know everyone's experience will be different, but I think so much of my worry was fear of the unknown, and of course this makes sense. If I needed to go back again, I would have no probems at all, particularly with the same Dr and team, because they were all wonderful, and very efficient. People have said that the prep was the worst part, and I would probably agree, although it makes it sound like the prep is horrendous, and it's not that bad. Would recommend to just have liquids (and non coloured jello and consomme) and a good movie or something distracting and it can go as smoothly as you want it to.
*Plus they give you tea and biscuits afterwards and it really is the most delicious tea ever.
Good luck to all, and hope this helped somewhat to pay it forward. Ella x
