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Colonoscopy

Posted , 9 users are following.

karen13478
karen13478

I have a colonoscopy scheduled for tomorrow morning and am completely terrified of the whole thing, I have asked for sedation because of my nerves, can anyone offer me any advice please to hopefully overcome some of my nerves...

many thanks in advance.

1 like, 19 replies

19 Replies

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  • SteV3
    SteV3 karen13478

    Posted

    Hi Karen,

    Believe me people will give you mixed results on a Colonoscopy. The last one I had was last year I found it interesting, I don't know why I wanted to see the inside of my colon but anyway, the only thing I that I found embarressing was when they blow air to get the camera around corners, as you know air must come back out so it does, regardless of how hard you try and not break wind.

    I've had sedation and without, to be honest there was much difference to be honest. I wouldn't worry too much I found it easy going and better than a Endoscopy (camera down the throat, that is disgusting even with sedation!).

    You can view where they are on the monitors, they even showed me my appendix!

    Anytthing in the way they just shoot a bit of water at, so they can see it.

    But, all in all it didn't bother me and I've had many things done in hospitals.

    Regards,

    Les.

    • karen13478
      karen13478 SteV3

      Posted

      Thank you so much Les for taking the time to post your experience,reading yours has made me feel a little better about it, I think also being so hungry is not helping me!

      And of course I have come across 'people's horror stories' about colonoscopy on the Internet so has been good for me to read of a positive.

      thanks agagwishes krakenwishes kraken

       

    • karen13478
      karen13478

      Posted

      Sorry my iPad had a funny few minutes at the end.

      should rewishes krakenwishes kraken

    • SteV3
      SteV3 karen13478

      Posted

      Hi Karen,

      Here is the article that was produced by the hospital that did one of mine, he will tell you exactly what they do.

      Nothing to fear, believe me... Anyway, here's the article and video

      https://patient.info/health/media/videos/what-happens-during-a-colonoscopy

      And, all the best for tomorrow...:D Watch out for the wind! wink You'll have plenty after having it done. hehe

      Regards,

      Les.

      BTW, my iPad throws up stupid characters on here for some reason, so I tend to use the PC more than the iPad. Good Luck

    • karen13478
      karen13478 SteV3

      Posted

      I just wanted to thank you all so very much  for taking the time to post to me and help with my fears...

      i am so glad  I listened to you all and went through with the procedure,I hardly felt a thing defo no pain, I did get sedated as I was in a right old state when I arrived at the hospital and the nurse who was with me said I fell asleep!

      very pleased to report no nasties were found and the peace of mind from knowing this is just immense!

      if I ever need another in the future I will not be scared!

      best wishes to you all.

      Karen

    • SteV3
      SteV3 karen13478

      Posted

      Hi Karen,

      I am so glad you listened to our own advice and our own experiences - and like I said previously, you should never read all the bad or negative reviews from other various websites. With your procedure, you do see many false/positive messages posted worldwide, some of which can easily put fear into one self. Doctors will also say the same, never take what you see or read on the internet as gospel, and it is a fact. You probably made yourself worse by reading such stories, and then you came on here as a nervous wreck.

      I know  many people read details on heath websites and even read all the ailments in some cases, then think they have that problem or disorder themselves - and they then start feeling depressed and anxious about what is wrong with them and they've not even seeked advice from even a GP or Doctor.

      With Colonoscopies I personally think the worse part is drinking the vile prep-formula - but that's my opinion, others may say the fasting is worse - which again I didn't like.

      Anyway, enjoy catching up on the lost meals.

      All the best,

      Les.

  • barbara26695
    barbara26695 karen13478

    Posted

    i was  terrified too  but i had sedation and pain meds  and its not that  bad its a bit uncomfotable  but not  really painful  i watched it on the  screen too quite interesting  dont  worry you  will  be fine  i got a  cup of tea  and a  sandwich brought to me  after  it  by  a lovely nurse
    • karen13478
      karen13478 barbara26695

      Posted

      Thank you also for taking the time to post Barbara I do hope I will be fine as have been a bit of a gibbering mess this afternoon!

      i am sooo hungry at the mo I don't think that is helping..

      Best wishes

      karen

  • dennis15163
    dennis15163 karen13478

    Posted

    Hello Karen - I confirm what disabled_les informed you. I have had four in six years, all without sedation. As Les says it is the air they pump to inflate the colon enabling the scope to be manouvered around the 'bends' that causes slight discomfort for a short period and not throughout the whole procedure - most of the time it is run of the mill and pain free. Please put your mind at ease Karen and remember, the true advantage of undergoing a colonoscopy far outweighs any risk. I feel confident you will post on here within the next few days to say you suffered very little pain. My experience with the staff who attend with the Doctor is that they all are very kind and understanding each and every time.

    kind regards

    Dennis

    • karen13478
      karen13478 dennis15163

      Posted

      Hi Dennis

      thank you also for taking the time to post re your experience...

      it has helped me a lot to hear of people's positives....I really hope I am posting on here saying my experience was also positive...

      thanks agagain kind regards Karen

       

  • Metaxa
    Metaxa karen13478

    Posted

    Hi karen

    Please don't be scared. How far you? Are you on the Senna bit yet?

    Some stuff to remember ALWAYS have sedation and gas, this will help, it makes you feel calmer. Next there is always a nurse with you for support so you are not alone. The endoscopy suite as they call it generally are very helpful and will put you at ease. any questions or worries ask!!

    Finally I know they say it takes ages, well it only takes ages with all the faffing about they do, you know the gown and all that, it actually took 30 minutes with me actual thing. They will tell you results of findings afterwards and you can eat normally again afterwards no problems.

    What are they checking Karen do you know?

    It will be ok honest, have had my first ever colonoscopy with no probs, you will be fine.

    • karen13478
      karen13478 Metaxa

      Posted

      Hello Metaxa

      iv been on CitraFleet which is the laxative just had my last one.

      thank you also for taking the time to post.

      I'm not really sure to be honest what I'm having checked I suppose the whole colon...

      I just wish I could go now and get it done..

      at the pre appointment they said I would be sedated due to getting in a state re the whole thing!

      i am trying to be positive about it all...

      again krakenagain kraken

  • lissa_palmer
    lissa_palmer karen13478

    Posted

    Hi Karen

    I had my colonoscopy with gas and air, last week.  I had read of the experiences of others so felt prepared for anything.  Most of it was quite ok; there were brief periods when it was very uncomfortable and I did my share of gruntin' and groanin' but was utterly determined not to bottle out.  As the nurse had stressed to me at my pre-assessment, 'let the wind blow free' at every opportunity, it's not the time to be shy and lady-like and brings enormous relief!  Do let us know how you get on.  All the very best to you.

  • TheToad
    TheToad karen13478

    Posted

    Hi Karen. I found mine quite fascinating and there was very little discomfort. I was sedated but fully aware of what was happening, in fact I don't think I stopped talking during the procedure! Nice snack afterwards and bought an enormous carrot cake on the way home to celebrate. Don't worry! 
  • kerry69147
    kerry69147 karen13478

    Posted

    Hi I'm booked in for a colonoscopy in the morning which I'm very nervous about, I've been reading through the posts and its not actually sounding as bad as I thought. I was just wondering if anyone could tell me after having the klean prep how long it takes after for all the mad toilet rushes to end. Thanks
    • karen13478
      karen13478 kerry69147

      Posted

      Hi Kerry

      honestly I was the scariest person in the world but it is honestly nothing to fear. The loo rushes should have stopped or defo eased up by the time you have the procedure as u won't have anything left in you and the laxative starts to lose effect the more time passes..like the other people said be prepared to pass wind a fair bit after and I think during unless I dreamt those ones!

      good luck I'm sure you will be fifine best wishes

    • barbara26695
      barbara26695 kerry69147

      Posted

      By the time  comes for the colonoscopy you  will have stopped  going to  the loo The only  thing  during the  colonoscopy and afterwards is a  lot of wind  but  they are used to it so  dont try and keep it  in
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