Painful colonoscopy

They have so many patients, Gastroenterology is jam packed

Really? A painful colonoscopy? Sorry, but my dad also had his colonoscopy before but he said he doesn't feel any pain after. Or was it because he was being sedated when the procedure happened? I'm not sure though. But I think colonoscopy shouldn't be painful unless the one who did it doesn't really know how to do it properly?

I think it depends on the individual. Just because your Dad had no trouble doesn't mean others don't or are being babies! Your Dad is obviously very lucky to feel no pain. I don't think it is down to the doc carrying out the proceedure either because they do it all the time. I have had colonoscopys in the past that have not hurt. But more recent ones have been excruciating! After speaking with my specialist it looks like this is due to my endometriosis and previous operations where I have a lot of scar tissue which can cause things to be stuck together, like bowel, womb etc.

i had an endoscopy(felt nothing) and colonoscopy and it was unberable. im 22yrs old with a 3yr old and said i would of rather of been in labour again. i had to be pinned down while crying and in obvious discomfort. on my notes it said incomplete due to discomfort reached splenic flexure. i thought i was dreaming about the pain but no i was that sedated didnt realise it was me.. i now have pain in my lower back n shooting pains in left leg also chest pains on left hand side and been told this is normal. had procedure monday and is now tuesday.. it has put me off for life..

I've just had a private colonoscopy which was almost unbearably painful. There was sedation with midazolan but I was aware of the terrible pain, cried out in pain but was pinned down by the staff while the doctor continued. I had no analgesic though on the previous occasion I had been give pethedine and only had a couple of sharp, uncomfortable but bearable pains.

I was warned that the procedure could rupture the colon. From the pain I experienced I am not surprised. Looking through these forums and talking to others it seems that many don't suffer but many do. I suspect that for those who suffer unbearable pain, the bowel is being pressed too hard for safety. I shall not have another one unless the doctor can explain to me why my reasoning is wrong.

I see that a couple of doctors have contributed to this thread...maybe they'd like to explain to us all how something as painful as this can be safe?

I have my colonoscopy on 1st October but after reading this discussion i am afraid. Any one van tell me is it ok to do this at a clinic where operation facility is not available or hospital is best to deal with an emergency and females are good in doing this or males or its totally depends on experience ?

You may have a good experience. Many do. I would prefer to have the procedure close to or at a hospital. The skill of the doctor is important but also probably the policy regarding sedation. Good luck.

Furquans, Why not print out this thread and email it to the doctor who is to do the endoscopy, or if not possible, give him/her a printout before you sign the consent form?

I had a colonoscopy this morning (15/10/12) and had seen what others were saying about this type of op so was rather worried about the pain side of it all, but I have to say that I had no pain or discomfort at all. Some pushing and pulling was felt but that was it. I had no sedation, at my own request, they said I could ask for it at anytime, all I was given was a small amount of pain killer.

Perhaps I was lucky or maybe its only those who have had bad pains that bother to write in.

Anyway good luck to you all....

A relief to know some people at least have a good experience Chessman. Clearly no two colons are equal!