After being told that I needed a colonoscopy I came on here and read the traumatic painful experiences that people had gone through and naturally became terrified of the whole 'ordeal'! Because of this I wanted to come in and tell you all about my experience yesterday.
I was nearly crying out of fear when I booked in (I've had a few traumatic times in the past with so called painless procedures and so was dreading this one).
The nurse called me in and went through the procedure explaining to me the ins and outs, as it were. I then explained what I'd read on this board and how I'd read the Doctor wouldn't stop if it got too painful.
She looked shocked assured me that the Doctor would have to stop at any time if I were to withdraw my consent. She then explained that some patients have more pain than others and that the worst parts were the 'corners' as the bowel twists and turns.
I felt a little better as she was very professional and inserted the needle into my arm without pain. (I've had nurses make a mess of this in the past).
A few mnutes later the Doctor who was to do the procedure came to see me and said,' \"I've heard you've been reading things on the internet...what is frightening you?\"
He was a nice, normal looking chap so I explained that it wasn't the fact that I was baring my ass (I'm sure he sees plenty every day and I've nothing new to show him) nor the possible pain that was scaring me but the fact that I might be 'forced' to do something I didn't want to if the pain got too much.
Again he looked shocked. \"If you say it is too much for you I will stop at any time. The decision is yours to make even if the sedative makes you groggy. You say No and I stop!\"
Reassured more than ever I signed the form and was taken into the room where the Doctor and two nurses made light conversation with me while I lied on my side and was given a painkiller and a sedative. I felt woozy and the room wouldn't keep still. I can remember thinking that I wouldn't ahve a good view of the screen as there was some medical instrument thing partially obscuring my view.
As the sedative was at its strongest this was the point the camera and the air thing was inserted. Some people have said it was painful - I felt hardly anything. I was aware of it but it was totally painless for me despite my sore bum through all the wiping I'd been doing recently!
The camera was passed along the bowel and in the straighter bits I was aware but again totally painless. On the 'corners' it was uncomfortable ( a bit like mild cramp or wind) but it went round easily enough.
The worst part for me was near the end when my bowel twisted and turned and the camera hurt like hell trying to get it round. The Doctor stopped (tell them, I swore) and told me that it was nearly over and this was the 'last corner'. Now when I say hurt like hell you'd think I wouldn't want to carry on but the pain stopped as soon as he stopped moving the camera. I told him to give me a minute and took deep breaths to try to relax but despite trying severl different positions it was still too painful for me when he tried again.
He asked the nurse to give me more sedative and as soon as this was in the camera went 'round the corner' painlessly!
True to his word this was virtually the end of the procedure - another straight part of the bowel was examined but this was painless.
Coming out he took samples for analysis which looked weird on camera but was completely painless.
I was glad to hear the words, \"thats it all done now you can have a sleep.\"
I probably slept for an hour and then woke up still feeling a bit groggy but determined to get home to my own bed asap!
So how would I rate my experience.
93% pain free, 5% uncomfortable and 2% painful.
I would go through this experience again if I had to, but still tell the Doc my fears and concerns. Make sure you shout out if it gets TOO painful. I did, I swore, rattled the sides of the bed, raised my leg and that got their attention and I was given that little bit extra sedative to get me round the bad bit.
The Doctor told me that the drug does cause some memory loss which I think is why the bad bits remain firmly engraved in your mind rather than the painless bits. I can remember most of it but of course the worst bits stay in your mind.
Knowing I could say 'stop it is too much for me' completely reassured me and, for me, the pain lasted only a few seconds (I've had worse that was why I was having this done) and the peace of mind knowing what is wrong with you makes a few seconds of pain worth it. Mine was all clear but still waiting for sample results.
The Doctor who'd done this came over to me later to ask how I was and did I have any pain? Also asked me what i thought about the experience and I said, \"wasn't too bad.\"
Oh, and before I forget when you prepare for this procedure I'd suggest you eat as little as posible on the two days beforehand. I ate only toast in the morning of the first day of the light fast, then mashed potatos and a little cooked chicken for me tea ,nothing after.
Next day I didn't eat at all just drank plenty of water (and I mean plenty). No cups of mily tea in the afternoon, a few hot bovrils but mainly Volvic spring water.
I took baby wipes into the toilet with me as that area can get sore with all the wiping.
Hope that this helps to reassure people. If you feel that you are having too much pain tell them! Don't suffer the pain can be taken away with a bit more sedative.
Everyone at the unit was very nice and I can't fault anyone in their caring and professional attitude. It was a positive experience for me not a negative one.