Colonoscopy without sedation

I just wanted to put this on here as i looked on here before my colonoscopy that i have just had: I found other peoples posts about it very reassuring and i wanted to reassure others too.

Ive had odd bleeding since last March (2020), 2 FIT test that were negative. However, i asked to be screened as i had blood in my stool for the third time and i could not stop worrying about it.

I  had a colonoscopy without sedation 2 days ago and was absolutely fine. I did get cramping pains at certain points so had gas & air but this was definitely the right decision for me because i did not want the drugs.

Also, although ive had  blood in my stools my bowels were fine, so again be reassured that not all bleeding is cancer, but it is vital you get it checked out. I know its hard not to worry about that as i was really anxious about it and the procedure, but if i had to have it again i honestly would not be as anxious as i was before,. The consultant and nurse were brilliant and they kept it very dignified for me, which is something else i was so worried about!

The worse thing for me was the Moviprep, it was so sweet it made me gag! :)

I hope this post helps others in this situation and i would encourage anyone if they have symptoms to go and get this done, and thanks agin for the post others have posted on here, it really does help hearing real life experiences!

 

  • Thank you so much for sharing your experience Mollysretreat! It will be very useful to others who are currently awaiting to have a colonoscopy and who are feeling really worried about it. I am glad everything went so smoothly for you and that you didn't even need any sedation and that you were well looked after by the consultant and the nurse. It's nice to hear such positive experiences. 

    It's brilliant too that everything is fine - what a relief it must be for you! 

    Keep well! 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thanks for sharing.

    I have just returned from a colonoscopy. I also opted to have it without sedation because I have two small children and wanted to get back to them plus I'm breastfeeding.

    Overall the procedure was fine. The first half where they advance the probe is the worst as when they are removing the probe you can't really feel anything. Mostly you can't feel anything really but there is some instances where you feel heavy cramping. For the females it feels like a really bad period cramp or contraction. It only lasts a few seconds and if you try and expel gas it eases off. I wasn't offered any gas and air so had the whole thing without anything and I managed fine. 
     

    I honestly think the prep is the worst part of the whole thing. I'm glad I didn't have sedation as I'm now happily playing with my babies and looking forward to a beer later. However I took every single drug offered to me in childbirth so if people want sedation then I think definitely get it as it really will help those uncomfortable cramps.