Colonoscopy

[gordie1]

Hi there was wondering if anyone has had a colonoscopy? I have been referred after having lots of bleeding from where the sun dont shine. I am pretty nervous about it. Has anyone had one and is it ok? I think they can offer me something to relax is that ok?

[albaqwerty]

Mr Alba has one every year. I've only had one.
They offer you a sedative but you are awake. It's uncomfy at worst and you can troop for ages afterwards.
Hope all goes well.

[douglas9401]

It's not on my top ten list of things to do on a day off gordie but it's fairly straightforward. Maybe find some Olympic level windipops immediately after.
If you've been given something to clear everything out so they can have a good view remember to read the instructions closely, especially the part about not straying from the lav while it's working.
Good luck.

[FoxLee2]

Yes, I've had it done twice. You're given some sedation to relax you and it can be a bit uncomfortable at times but it's not painful. If you can take your mind off what they're doing 'behind' you, just think nice thoughts, and it will be over before you know it.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[FoxLee2]

douglas reminded me about the day before when you have to drink some delightful stuff. I guess I wanted to erase that part from my memory. Must say I wasn't 'windy' afterwards so obviously everyone is different.

[jno]

they may invite you to watch the screen that shows what's being filmed. Couldn't make head nor tail (so to speak) of it myself; they should have sent David Attenborough in to describe it for me.

[albaqwerty]

I'd forgotten about the laxative too. Industrial strength and sometimes you feel that you haven't got rid of enough as it were.
The first stuff Mr Alba took was vile but it seems to have improved.

[Brinjal]

The worst part is the stuff they give you to drink. Blah. Otherwise nothing to worry about.

[Brinjal]

Endoscope is worse having to swallow that pipe.

[douglas9401]

Yup, innuendo's much more straightforward.

[Sqad]

No.....I haven't had a Colonoscopy, but just a tip........accept sedation if offered and if not offered, ask for sedation.

[rowanwitch]

When we did colonoscopy lists the patient got a combination of pain killer, sedative and anti spasmodic its the recommended standard so you should get the same. Make sure you follow the instructions about prep though its a pain to be ready to go and they find there is a load of poo muddying the view...

[anneasquith]

good luck gordie, take the sedation ! dont read RATTER'S posts re his experience though, before you have your's. :)

[Paul22118]

I was really anxious before my colonoscopy and told my concerns to the actual doctor who was to do it. She said she would sort me out and not to worry. What a diamond - I woke up in the recovery room.

[Eve]

I had a sedative and was aware (quite disappointed I couldn't see the monitor as they took my glasses off me) but more relaxed.

As others have said the prep is probably the worst, the camera itself is more a little uncomfortable than anything painful. I had a camera up and down on the same day and the camera down was more uncomfortable with it being down your throat.

[pogle]

When I went in for my colonoscopy I was a little concerned because the Dyno Rod van was parked outside !

[cupid04]

You can ask to be put out. I think it depends on how far down your colon it goes. Mine only took 10-15 minutes so there was no need. Everything came back ok. Only minor discomfort , not pain.

[Mosaic]

Our hospital gave us all general anaesthetics (10 years ago) - a whole ward of us all coming round like happy hippies but with terrific wind!
You have much more to be scared of from NOT having a colonoscopy, so go for it and enjoy the sedation.
As others have said, the picolax or other type of laxative they give you for the prior evening is quite spectacular in what it can cause to appear. I'll swear I found by old specs.

[parkie]

I had my first about a month ago Gordie but the Picolax was not as effective as it should have been so had to have it repeated the following week.
I had a sedative on both occasions. Both times it was a little uncomfortable but as someone has said, a little discomfort is nothing compared to what the alternative could be if you leave it.
In actual fact, at the end of the day, I would sooner have it done on a regular basis for peace of mind if it came to it.
The best part was a coffee and toast afterwards.
Good luck.

[owdhamer]

The stuff they give you to clear you out is lethal,shyte everywhere,the lady doctor thought it was hilarious,still smiling wnen she showed me the bloody big tumour up me arse

[askyourgran]

Mrask had one a few years ago, the worst thing was the clearing out drinks he had to take the night before, he was running back and forth to the loo, in the end he didn't bother fastening his belt. No food before the op and he opted to be sedated. Daughter picked him up to bring him home, made him sit on newspaper in her new car. He was full of wind afterwards. He was so hungry we went to the Fish restaurant on the way home. Turned out he had divertculitis.