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Un-sedated Colonoscopy

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jay00004
jay00004

Hi! I just wanted to share my – unsedated - colonoscopy experience, as it may be of help to others! To get to the nuts and bolts of the experience, once the initial medical staff member explained how I was to use the prep medication (Moviprep) I expressed I didn't want to have any sedation on the day of the procedure. His reaction was one of surprise and he followed on by saying words to the effect of 'Why wouldn't you want it''  ''Everybody has it''  'Very few people have the procedure unsedated' etc.. Once I expressed to him that's what I'd decided, he just said I should mention it to the doctor carrying out the procedure on the day. 

On the day of the procedure I spoke to a number of medical staff as an introduction to the Colonoscopy. In truth the few staff I spoke with, were again slightly surprised to hear I didn't want to be sedated for the procedure.... and continued to ask ''Are you sure'' ''Do you think you can have the procedure without it''.... to which I responded ''I KNOW I can have the procedure without it'' of course, all said in a polite, friendly and relaxed fashion! They did express that they could put 'a line' in my hand just in case I needed it or the discomfort became too much.

Once inside the procedure room the doctor in charge was fantastic! He did not question the fact that I didn't want sedation at all! He was asked by the nurse in the room weather she should put an I.V in my hand...the doctor just responded by shaking his head no....at which point I felt reassured as he was solely focusing on the procedure and what he was doing!  

The procedure went well! Of course I wasn't completely anxious free in regards to the procedure but on the whole I was quite surprised how comfortable I felt. The only 'Uncomfortable' feeling I had during the process was the feeling you get when you really need to ''pass wind'' or ''go to the toilet'' and get a build up of pressure in your bowel! and you want to ''push out''. Having said that it didn't last long and before I knew it the procedure was over! In total the procedure took 15 minutes!

Of course we all have different experiences...but my point here is there’s a definite sense that colonoscopy and sedation go hand in hand….but this is not the case. Though we have the choice to decline sedation, this decision may come as a surprise to medical staff, but if this is what you have decided then the choice is yours. Clearly this is my experience and opinion only but I would strongly recommend seeking medical advice on these areas, especially in relation to your own medical history.

​All the best x

 

 

 

 

 

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • jennywren2897
    jennywren2897 jay00004

    Posted

    Well done for having this colonoscopy without sedation, I know of no'one who hasn't had some sedation plus pain relief IV.  Did you have pain relief or nothing at all?  You must have an exceptionally high pain threshold.  Unfortunately for me, I suffer from visceral hypersenstitivity so the procedure was exceptionally painful.  But as you said, everyone is different and the choices made should be respected.  Just because one person wants sedating it won't apply to everyone.  thank you very much for sharing.
  • steve28677
    steve28677 jay00004

    Posted

    Good for you Jay!

    I had sedation but was awake for the whole colonoscopy and endoscopy. I remember the whole thing and played on my phone during the "recovery" period.

    I think the next one I'll try without. The fentanyl and whatever else they gave me didn't seem to do much.

    I really think at the end of it all it depends on the person and what's going on inside where they're looking.

    Thanks for sharing your experience.

  • jon13689
    jon13689 jay00004

    Posted

    Hi Jay

          Thank you for your text, Marie was also half awake when she had her colonoscopy and said she felt some discomfort but not severe.

    She asked to be sedated but wasnt given the third injection, which is why that happened.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on thanks Jay

                                                                 Jon and Marie 13689

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