endoscopy/colonoscopy sedation or not

I had an endoscopy and colonoscopy last week.  I went through exactly  the same procedures as described in Crybaby's post and beforehand was worried, scared and didn't know what to do regarding sedation.

After having read numerous posts on this site, horror stories about sedation and not having sedation I decided the night before to have it and reasoned it wouldn't be offered without good reason. The Dr who was doing the procedure also said I should have it, (by the time I got into the room I was reasonably calm and just wanted to get the whole thing over and done with, so I don't think his recommendation had anything to do with me being particularly anxious) The mouth spray took a couple of minutes to kick in, whereas the sedation was almost immediate and it knocked me out, (although I had been told it wouldn't and I would remain conscious).  I remember nothing of the endoscopy, which was just what I wanted.  I came round towards the end of the colonoscopy which was done straight after the endoscopy and was in and out of consciousness towards  the end of the procedure and did have a little pain due to apparently having a particularly long colon. I believe the sedation kept me calm while the gastroentrologist had to try a few times to manoeuvre the camera in to different positions.

The recovery time after, was about  45 minutes and then a good sleep at home

I would definitely go for the sedation option if you are nervous  and worried as I was and actually I came out of the procedure thinking it wasn't so bad after all, it was alright.

I had my procedure done at Dewsbury hospital where I was well looked after by the staff who were kind, friendly and took time to explain things to me.

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