Colonoscopy Without Sedation

Thank you jeanlyon. The same here. I had mine done yesterday. I am 62, and i opted for no sedation, but gas and air if i decided during the proceedure. I was in extreme pain from the first few minutes, and had to have the gas and air. My pain threshold is quite high, as i have had 4 children, and also had my leg crushed in a car crash 2 years ago, so i think i know something about pain. 

Everything i had read, and been told, only ever mentioned " discomfort" and so i wasn't prepared for severe pain. Even with the gas and air, i was holding tightly to the nurse's hand for the first 10/15 minutes.

I was told afterwards that everyone reacts differently, but i heard the comments of 2 different patients leaving after the proceedure, saying how painful it was, and they had been given the sedation/pain relief. 

So ,... please be prepared !! I was not.

I had a colonoscopy 3 weeks ago. I was totally relaxed reading the leaflet which said mild discomfort only. I had excruciating pain as the scope went round the sigmoid bend worse than my labour which was a really difficult one, and had to ask them to stop. I was given no pain relief . Was offered entonox,but in a rather half hearted manner as if I shouldnt need anything. I nearly passed out in the room where I was getting dressed after the procedure and no-one explained why the pain had been so severe. I am seeing a gastro doctor in 2 weeks time and will ask them as really the investigation hasnt been completed. Good Luck everyone who has this done and I hope an answer can be found for those of us who have severe pain

Hi Helen:

I'm sorry you experienced so much pain. A lot of times it has to do with the experience level of the individual operating the scope and whether they used the adult scope or the children's scope.

A good operator should be able to traverse the three turns in the colon without letting the cable coil. It's that coiling that causes the patient pain.

The other way to lessen the chance of that happening is by asking for someone with experience with the children's scope. The scope is smaller and easier on the adult colon.

Regards,

Raffie

What horrible advice!  Ok its your opinion but don't tell someone its not necessary.  Its a disgusting barbaric procedure to begin with unless you're into that type of thing.  I've never had one and never will, but for those that do, use the sedationand have no memory of being voluntarily molested

Wow... I have that exact same fear... I know exactly how your feeling and your saying this out of anger, trust me I know. I have a colonoscopy appointment tomorrow and I'm already p****d at the thought of forfeiting all my rights and control of my body, and that the medical team is free to do what ever they please to my body whether it being raped, purposely or carelessly damaging my stomach or even sabatoging it, leaving instruments inside, or to taking pleasure in having full control of my body. I know feel so angry right now. And I don't trust people in general especially those who are put in such a position of power over the patient. Because as humans, we are more likely to abuse that kind of power. And I hate the thought of someone taking advantage of their patients when their "versed"

As long as it is YOUR colon being barbarically violated, I won't have any pain either.  But I will NEVER submit to such PAIN again.

You're entitled to your opinion (although limited since you haven't undergone this procedure,) but to disrespect another person for expressing their opinion (based upon first-hand experience) is rude, immature, disrespectful, and closed-minded. I have never met someone who, out of the blue, decided it would be a great idea to undergo a colonoscopy procedure. Usually, a medical professional has determined that it is medically necessary. Beginning at age 50, a colonoscopy is recommeded and is accomplished periodically thereafter. I suppose you could choose not to have a colonoscopy, but I believe you would potentially put yourself at greater risk of developing a serious condition. My dad and stepmom each had colon cancer, discovered by a colonoscopy. Blood work and routine exams did not indicate that either had cancer. Both had their cancer surgically removed, followed up with chemotherapy and radiation. Both, were eventually cancer free, so I would venture to say a colonoscopy saved their lives. That said, this discussion is about people sharing their experiences with or without sedation during a colonoscopy. Many have indicated that each person's experience is different. Since I do not choose to be sedated, I will undergo a colonoscopy without it next week. I appreciate the stories, insights, and experiences shared by those in this forum and I evaluated their input carefully before making my own decision. That's the advice I would give to you. Don't be hasty to judge others before you have the experience and facts to back it up.

You're welcome!

Thank you. I wanted to be awake and alert. I have one scheduled in 2 weeks. Being sedated terrifies me. I was going to cancel the procedure until another doctor stepped up to do it.