Hi Everyone,
I had my colonoscopy today and I just wanted to reassure anyone waiting for theirs that it's going to be absolutely fine. I definitely encourage you to have one when recommended by your doctor.
I am an extremely nervous person and most things make me anxious so you can imagine what the lead up to the procedure was like for me. I was absolutely terrified. I had to wait a week and a half and it was the longest week of my life.
I wish I didn't spend so much time worrying because every step was pain free and completely manageable minus the hunger of course. Kept dreaming about food.
I started my low residue diet on Sunday then the day before the colonoscopy, I had breakfast at 7am then started my prep at 8am. My appointment was scheduled for 1pm.
I asked for Picolax for my prep because I struggle to drink lots of fluids at the best of times. I dissolved one sachet in 150ml of water and sipped it till it was done. Not too bad. Very lemony and sweet. I washed that down with a glass of water every hour or so. I had a movement after 1 hour then nothing for a good 4 hours. When I had the 2nd sachet, that's when the action properly started and even then it wasn't horrendous. Sudocrem and wet toilet wipes are your best friends. The prep part was what I was afraid of the most. No cramps and no bloating which was great.
I had movements on and off for the rest of the day. I had a good nights sleep then continued in the morning. It all stopped before I went for my appointment.
Got there, answered a few medical questions, got in my gown then started to panic. I'd never been sedated before so I was totally terrified. The anaesthetist came in and put a cannula in and explained I was having propofol. A few minutes later I was taken to the endoscopy room, lay on my left side, oxygen on and all I remember saying was "I'm going to close my eyes" and that was it. Next thing I know, I'm in recovery asking the nurse how long it took to which she replied 25 minutes. I didn't feel a single thing. Bonus, no pain or cramps after the procedure. I had a glass of water and some juice then the results were explained to me. Fresh as a daisy, I'm now home and feeling great.
If you need to have a colonoscopy, please please get one. You'll be absolutely fine. If I needed to have another, I wouldn't be afraid to have one. You're going to be fine and the staff will look after you. ️