Had my first ever colonoscopy today and just wanted to share my experience. Prior to having it, I'd read a lot of stories some good, some bad which made me face it with an open mind. I'm a slim female, 46 years of age whose only symptom was anaemia. I had a morning appointment and took moviprep the evening before and stuck to a very bland diet for two days beforethat. It seems that preparation is key to having a good experience and my bowel prep was described as excellent as I had a super clean bowel. I had sedation which worked a treat as I was nervous and would definitely recommend it. I didn't feel woozy or knocked out just really relaxed in a pleasant way. The insertion of the scope was totally pain free and not uncomfortable in the slightest. As I'm very slim, as mentioned before,the procedure was painful in parts, mainly because of the fact I have a loopy bowel and not much flesh on me according to the nurse!! In the painful parts, which was only twice, the endoscopist stopped, let me have a puff on the gas and air and then continued slowly. She reached the end of my bowel, had a peek inside the entrance of my small bowel and at the appendix then came back down which was totally pain free. The nurses told me that many people cancel because they are afraid of the procedure. Believe me, if I can do it, anyone can! I have a very low pain threshold. And ultimately, it could save your life. Hope this helps anyone who has an appointment coming up and I wish you all the best xx