colonoscopy

[thelewisgang]

I'm due to have a colonoscopy next week & although I have previously had a bowel enema without any problems, I must admit I am worried about this. I am also having an endoscopy. Although I am going to be sedated, has anyone else had a colonoscopy and can give me any advice. Cheers

[larakitten]

Hi, I had a colonoscopy about 1 yr ago. Must admit i was nervous too. I took a couple of days off work before on my docs advice due to the, ahem, medication needed to clear the bowel completely before the procedure.

However, once i was at the hospital the nurses were lovely and very reassuring, they promised to look after me! I had the sedative, and wasnt awake at all throughout the procedure, didnt feel a thing, wasnt aware of anything in the slightest. When i came round from the sedative, I was groggy for a while, but there was no pain or discomfort at all.

So, Id say dont worry about it at all. Its over in what feels like a flash, although it actually about 30 minutes, its painless and you're not awake enough to realise you've lost all your dignity!

Good luck

x

[thelewisgang]

Hi there. Thanks a million for your reply - you have already put my mind at rest. I know when I had the bowel enema three years ago I wasn't sedated & although it didn't hurt, it was damn uncomfortable but I know they go further for a colonoscopy. I remember oh too well the awful laxative stuff (Picolax) that I will start to take on Monday! Hope this time it clears me out as it didn't do the trick (you could have fooled me tho') last time & ended up going back a few weeks later having Picolax & another preparation. Going to be on a lighter sort of diet from Saturday onwards to make sure this time! Thanks again for your reply and be thinking of me on Tuesday next week xx

[johnj2005]

Hi,

first of all do not worry about the colonoscopy, you will be fine. You may consider colon hydrotherapy as an alternative to taking the laxatives - the London Colon Sanctuary in Harley Street has got the most up-to-date system for this procedure which is extremely comfortable and totally private. The rectal tube is pencil-thin meaning there is no discomfort whatsoever and you do the inserting procedure yourself so your privacy is respected at all time. Staff is super friendly and very knowledgeable. Give them a call and see how they can help you before your colonoscopy. I have been going there due to constipation problems and have been extremely satisfied. I know that they have clients who go there before their colonoscopy examinations in order to clear the bowels without having to sit on the loo for days before the procedure. Cheers.

[Litchick]

I had both done in June and I was so nervous when I got to the place I thought I would pass out! :) I saw the anesthesologist and she reassured me that everything would be fine. Then I saw the doctor and after that I remember NOTHING except waking up and feeling very nicely considering-- all snuggly and sleepy. I was also a bit groggy but felt perfectly well....

Good luck and remember, you only have to do this for the "first time" once -- now that I know what it's like I am no longer afraid so in the future should I need one, I'll be good to go...

Let us know how you do.

[thelewisgang]

thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I will certainly report back, bye for now x

[thelewisgang]

well, it went alright - I was nervous but didn't have to hang around for long which was good. The endoscopy has showed 'Oesophagitis' & a biopsy has been taken so will have to wait a while for the result of that. The colonoscopy was normal but I did experience pain during this procedure although I had been given sedation & pethidine. I'm glad its all over now! Thanks for your postings. Fingers crossed that the biopsy will be ok. bye xx