REALLY Bad Experience of Colonoscopy

Here is what you do about it. You tell them that you require to be put under general anesthesia, due to the fact that you suffered so much when you tried it without. Don't let them talk you into the conscious sedation, that doesn't always work, but you will not remember being in pain, if you were. I always remember, so I get kinda angry with my doctor if I was hurting. So, just opt to be put out. I did get the conscious sedation and it worked for me this time. They used Propofol and Fentanyl . This worked well and I was in no pain. I was so worried about it my doctor said she wouldn't even touch me until I was out or told her it was ok. If you have a doctor like this, then no worries. Just make sure you let them know you are not willing to go through that again. I had three polyps that were very large removed, so yea it is probably something you need as when they find one they will most likely find more.

That sounds horrendous, I'm sorry you had such an awful experience.

if it's any consolation I had mine with sedation (I was nervous after the consultant recommended I have it due to being a younger patient and assumed it was going to be very painful) and I had no pain during the procedure at all. The twists and turns I commented at the time that it was a bit more than a push or a tug I was feeling and he moved me around to avoid any discomfort but I defeinitely didn't feel any pain as you've described it so I hope that with sedation you are more comfortable. It also helps you feel more relaxed about the procedure so if you're anxious then I expect you'll find it beneficial.

like you I have to return for a further procedure and while I'm not looking forward to it I'm reassured by my experience with the sedation. I really hope this helps you.

Thank you all for your comments. I am presently still awaiting a date for my repeat colonoscopy with either sedation or (fingers crossed) general anaesthetic, but I am absolutely dreading it. I'm afraid I am going to be an absolute wreck when i turn up at the hospital and unsettle all the other patients in the waiting area. I will post back here when I have further news

Hi. I’m having a virtual ct colonoscopy next week and like you I’m scared. I had a colonoscopy attempt and again was so painful my pulse was through the roof and I was crying out. 

Im scared of the virtual one because a colleague who tolerated the colonoscopy with no pain found the virtual one painful. Anyone tried diazepam? And in what dosage and how long before? Was it successful? Thanks in advance 

Update: I now have my appointment for my second colonoscopy at 1pm on Wednesday 25 October.  No mention of general anaesthetic (assume my request was refused), but I am DEFINITELY going for sedation plus painkillers.  Needless to say I'm "bricking it".  I will post back and let you know how I get on.

Oh no I am 58 and going to have a Colonoscopy next week, I was going to go for gas and air, because my daughter is taking me, and so I thought she wouldn't have to hang around so long then, but now I am thinking I will go for sedation, the hospital told me it shouldn't be painful just a little uncomfortable, I am not allowed to drive at the moment and hate relying on my daughter to get me to appointments. I really hope you are feeling better now.

To be honest, if it is a structural issue (and we are all made differently!) I cannot see why a second procedure would be different although you need to tell them about the problem and that you need a smaller scope. Sedation is probably the only thing short of being knocked out completely that would make a difference. I have always thought gas and air is just a placebo.

Well, I had an appointment today to see my colorectal consultant about a separate issue (possible requirement for surgical repair of a rectocoele) and he said I could have a general anaesthetic for the procedure, but that my current appointment on the 25th would most likely have to be cancelled and another one made to accommodate the anaesthetist.  To be perfectly honest, I want the whole thing over and done with as soon as possible so I opted for the sedation and pain relief.  He's dictating a letter to the Endoscopy Department to warn them that I am nervous and to tell them to give me the maximum amount of sedation/pain relief.   

I hope to be able to give you a much more positive account of my experience in two weeks' time!

Susie, hope you read this before procedure.  I had a sigmoidoscopy about 5 years ago and it was a really uncomfortable procedure- apparently I have an awkward loop in my bowel and I think they had to introduce more air to get round it.  When i was told I had to have a full colonoscopy, I was tempted to say no but the possible alternative of them missing something that may be life-threatening overcame my dread.  I am pleased to say the full colonoscopy was a doddle - well apart from the prep!  I told them about my previous painful episode and they gave me Fentinol as a painkiller (wonderful!) and Midazolam as a sedative with gas and air on stand by if I needed it.  A few seconds after the Fentinol went in, I was feeling great then the sedative cut in.  The next thing I remember was the doctor saying "all done".  No need for the gas and air (Entonox).  Before the procedure the nurse said they can administer more Fentinol if necessary so get all this clear with them tomorrow.  For me, it was close to having a general anaesthetic and I am sure your experience will be the same.  If they told me I had to have another, I would now say bring it on.  Hope all goes well and come back here to say how it went.

Hi Suzy well I had my Colonoscopy last weds, they would not give me sedation because I live alone, so had to go with just gas and air, I found the worst part was actually inserting the camera into the rectum, which hurt a bit, the rest I just found uncomfortable but not painful, my blood pressure was really high, when I arrived, (it is not usually high) but went back to normal after wards. I had 3 medium sized polyps removed and biopsies taken of the Colon, they seemed to think all looked OK, just waiting for results now, and have to have another one done in 3 years 😣 but on the whole I really didn't find it as bad as I thought it would be so will be happy to have just gas and air next time too, I hope u are OK now.