Ok so after reading all the horror stories and desperately looking for some reassureance i wanted to share my experience and hopefully put some peoples mind at rest or at least settle their nerves a little.
I was asked to have a colonoscopy 2 years ago and had managed to avoid it even being taken off the "list" and refered back to my GP, i had so much fear it was unbelievable - I know this was incredibly stupid but the fear had over powered everything.
since suffering with my Ulcerative Colitis after quitting smoking a year ago i guessed this had to be done or i could end up seriously ill, my way of thinkinig eventually was i either have it and take the risk (death being my biggest fear not the pain) or i dont have it and potentially die anyway so i agree i take my prep which was horrendous and only managed 3 sachets, i arrived at the hosiptal feeling ok! i got called in my a nurse he said 'Hi - you look anxious' and there it was i was in tears saying how i was scared and didnt want the procedure done he managed to reassure me and i felt a little better i got changed and waited to see the surgeon - he went through the procedure and explained the risk and amazingly i managed not to cry i signed the consent forms and then went back in the wating room to wait for another nurse to put the IV in my hand a few minutes later she calls me in and i cried again saying i was scared she asked did i not want the sedation or the procedure and then i realised my fear was ultimately the sedation so she suggested using gas and air but doubt i would be able to go the whole way so this was agreed i was still not happy though - the surgeon came back round asked if this was true and called me in a room i felt like a naughty child he said he didnt think i should have it done and i should go home and get my head around the whole thing as i was yet again crying, i told him i need it and dont want to go home having spent the previous day preping he said ok lets do it but i doubt i will get 5 inches inside you and you will be screaming i laughed to myslef and was all of a sudden feeling brave. The pain was never an issue i guessed id gone through 2 labours with just gas and air and the pain doesnt last forever 30 mins or less its over with so i knew i had a good chance of getting through it and if i didnt he would stop and the gas and air would have wore off within a few minutes.
so here i am in the room im led on my side and i took big deep breeathes of gas and air what seemed like 10 minutes it was all over with i did of course feel alot of pain when going round the bends but i told myself it wont be long and ive gone this far.
it was all done he shocked and i was shocked i felt a little light headed but also proud of myself 2 years on i did it and the results were good... so today im back at work feeling happy, i know im propably going to have to do it again but at least i know now i can do it... i hope this helps anyone who is scared for whatever reason.
I found very little reassurence on the net so wanted to share my experience.