Painful Colonoscopy with Haemorrhoid banding

Tests and investigations
21

I was so glad to find this discussion yesterday, at least now I know that I am not simply weak and pathetic which is exactly how the doctors and nurses made me feel.

I had an endoscopy done which involved no pain and then banding of two hemorrhoid which was and still is painful in the extreme.

I am glad that I did not see this discussion prior to my appointment as it is mostly the really bad experiences that are recorded here so let me just put it into perspective: according to research (in the USA) only 1 in 200 (0.5%) of patients experience extreme pain. It would however be nice if medical professionals could at least recognise that it is possible that that person writhing, shaking, crying and being sick really is in pain and not just being a drama queen.

Mine was done in a German hospital, they did finally put me on a drip with what they told me was a pain killer but I am not convinced as it made no difference at all. Then they gave me ibuprofen on an empty stomach and a local anaesthetic gel. At this point I new what the effects of those tablets on my empty stomach would be so I text my husband to go get the car and a sandwich while I got dressed and told them I was now magically recovered and booked out. By the time I reached the car I was already breaking out in sweat and got a few bites of a sandwich down just in time.

Some advice for pain relief: The hospital gave me 400mg ibuprofen, 1 to be taken 3 times/day if needed 😂 Thankfully I have paracetamol and ibuprofen at home which I take alternately every 4 hours, this really helps. I also lie on my bed most of the time with a pillow under my hips to raise my butt above my heart to reduce swelling.

22

I am totally with you, Winnie, I had exactly the same procedures as you a few hours ago: colonoscopy and banding of hemorrhoids in one go.

The consultant and all the friendly staff re-assured me I was not going to feel pain and, under sedation, I wasn't going to care much anyway and not remember anything after. What all that about??? Yes, I was a little dazed, but I knew exactly what they were doing, saying, I felt an exruciating pain at times during the colonoscopy (not all the time); it was like my bowels were going to burst inside me, I just couldn't contain myself even though I absolutely hate showing I'm in pain in front of medical staff.  The assistant nurse was pushing on my belly with his hands at a consultant's request every now and again (presumably to help the camera turn?) - that was awful too! I felt trapped and lied to. I said to all of them out loud that the sedation wasn't working, but they ignored me. 'Of course it's working!' 

Then, it was time for banding... On the NHS website for St.Thomas Hospital it says: ' banding is a very short, painless procedure done without sedation'. Well, I was under sedation and that was just horrendous! I gave birth naturally twice (no epidural, pethidine etc) and only screamed at the very end, but this 'painless' banding made me moan like a child! Luckily it didn't last very ling!

I just wish someone had been honest with me beforehand. Such a surprise on an operating bed is unacceptable. I would have preferred the brutal truth. 

I was in a lot of pain straight after (and still am 6 hours later) - I couldn't lie down still, I kept rolling on the bed in pain and just wanted to get up and sit on a toilet  (I find that position brings me relief), but the nurse guarding me in the recovery area insisted she had procedures to follow and that I wasn't to get up for another 30 minutes because of sedation. I told her I didn't feel sedated at all, but of course she knew better and kept me there against my will. It's not like I just had heart surgery! I felt misunderstood and trapped again. 

Then the consultant came to see me himself, which was good of him. He re-assured me the colonoscopy didn't show anything worrying (a small polyp, which he removed there and then) and the banding went well etc. 

It later turned out he went to say the same things to my husband again because he didn't think I would remember anything!!! How many times, people, I DID NOT FEEL SEDATED! 

It's just awful to think your body is the one undergoing all that stuff, but nobody is actually listening to you or treating you seriously! 

Finally, I had an encounter with a nurse who was discharging me. She did ask how I felt and how it went, but when I mentioned the sedation had not worked for me, she just smiled and said 'poor you!' 

Now I'm in an exruciating pain, I cannot find a position where I can actually think about something else than my backside. Paracetamol and ibuprofen they told me to take make hardly any difference. I was not given any leaflet or guidance how to recover 'well' after the proceure. It all feels a bit like the Wild West... I wonder how things will go tomorrow and will I get any sleep. My little girls want their mummy, who can barely move from bed to toilet at the moment! 

I think I got better info and treatment when I had my wisdom tooth removed! 

Anyway, I do not mean to scare anyone at all - it's just how it was for me. I hope you will have a different experience if you are having a similar thing done. 

If today will mark the end of my saga with hemorrhoids, I'd say: IT WAS WORTH IT! 

I had to ask for some pain relief and only got some over the counter pills, which didn't help. 

23

Omg I am in New Zealand and have had an endoscopy this arvo. I didn't have any sedation and had 3 bands put on internal hemorrhoids. I was going fine until then! No pain relief then an hour drive home. I'm in agony! Taken Panadol but just lying on my side on bed and cant get any relief!

24

I'm going to share my own horror story regarding my experience with haemorrhoid banding. I have had this procedure done three times now so far and saying it has been complete agony doesn't even come close to the pain. I've been iron anemic for about ten years now. As I've gotten older my health has deteriorated somewhat and the haemorrhoid bleeding has gotten more severe. About four years ago I was directed to a clinic that dealt with rectal problems. It cost me $600 for the procedure involving a colonoscopy and an endoscopy and two days of prep which included laxatives and no eating. That alone was a nightmare. The day of the procedure the f**kwit doctor told me what I already knew (that I had bleeding haemorrhoids) and suggested I take Metamucil. Seriously! $600 and he did nothing! Fast forward a few more years as my iron levels are dropping and I have to see the same doctor with the hopes of having banding done this time. Another $600 and two prep days with the same result. Nothing. Absolutely useless! Not to mention his staff were rude and made me feel very uncomfortable during the whole procedure. Due to that doctors incompetence I suffered with anemia for years. A few months back I was put on the public waiting system. The treating doctor did an initial check with a scope (which hurt like hell) and said he could band them with a cost of the gap in a few weeks. No prep needed just to take it easy for a few days afterward. On the day of the procedure which took about five minutes I was not prepared for the two weeks of hell that followed. Lying on the table as he did the quick procedure without any anaesthetic was excruciating! The scope was moving around in my anus so much it felt like I was going to die. He'd put air in there to inflate the bowel and the pain was unbearable. As I hopped off the table and paid him I nearly collapsed in the car park. My anus and stomach hurt so bad I literally thought I was dying. I went home and lied down in the same spot and didn't move. Absolute agony is all I can describe! The next day I went to the local hospital where they gave me a shot of morphine and an ultrasound to try and help. I even asked them to remove the banding to ease the pain. At this point I couldn't urinate or have a bowel movement because it hurt so bad. He prescribed painkillers and I had almost two weeks off of work because of it. The only thing that helped was to have a warm Epson salt bath and pee in that when I could relax. I had never been in so much pain in my life. Four weeks later I had to return for my second banding. I explained what had happened and he gave me a script for more pain killers in case it happened again and said he'll band only half the haemorrhoid to see how it goes. The second procedure once again hurt like f*****g hell. But the recovery was 99% less intense. I almost felt great. Some slight discomfort this time and almost no pain. Once again bowel movements and urinating was hard but easier this time. For the first time in years the bleeding had finally stopped when I went to the toilet. I was so relieved. It's only due to recent more bleeding that I went back for a third treatment. This time the procedure was almost as bad as the first time. I've had nearly a week off of work and endless painkillers. It's come to the point where I have to get on my hands and knees and have a horizontal bowel movement to ease the pain and help pass it. After that it's an immediate bath to relax my anus for half hour. This procedure is absolute hell on earth! Anyone who has this procedure done I fully understand the pain you're going through. You're not alone

25

Hi Nikki - sorry to bother you, just had it done, really sore, what did you do/take to feel better? 

26

I had three bands put in in October 23rd 2017. And just now I’m pain free. 4 months later. Was bleeding after bm for that time. 

27

No way would I ever have this done again without a general anaesthetic. Most people are offered a sedative but when I had sedation it didn’t work at all. Luckily the doctor stopped when I asked her to. It was agony.

months later I was lucky enough to be sent to a private hospital on the NHS and the consultant agreed to a general anaesthetic.

didnt feel a thing, woke up with a little pain in my stomach but was given pain relief immediately. Spent a few hours in the hospital then allowed home.

i had the 

this procedure should never be done without a G.A.

Id like to suggest every nurse/doctor who does this procedure should have to have it done first.

they would soon make it compulsory to give G.A.

I compare it to having a tooth out without any anaesthetic in the gum.

i had the banding done also. Not had any pain as such from that but 2 weeks after my procedure my haemorrhoids are still swollen so I don’t think the banding worked.

 

28

OMG Winnie!! We are told stay right by our bathroom, plan ahead, wipes, quick dropping sweat pants, cause you gotta "go now." We are given an IV, and put to sleep. Some other places use heavy amounts of demerol combined with another medication, so you do not suffer. This is horrible! I don't usually think sue them, BUT something is very very wrong. I am SO sorry. What happened to you is barbaric and unnecessary💔💔💔

29

I was given Demerol first time I had it done without a GA and honestly they might as well have just popped a sweet in my mouth. It did nothing, so they put another shot in my iv and it made no difference,

some people actually go to sleep with that stuff but I was wide awake.

Yes the Bowen prep is wicked, as soon as you leave the bathroom you’re back in lol do not used toilet paper use the wet wipes.

30

That should have read bowel prep not Bowen prep sorry.

31

I prepped, but with doctors permission! I was allowed 1& 1/2 days. See I have a condition with my systemic lulpus. I digest drinks and food like a snail. Normally, I would have started today right! And I was given permission NO dulcolox! Yippee. It cramps me horribly. And I was given permission for ORANGE GATORADE! I need to share, as this is important!Actually. I am NOT going against your physicians. Had I not had an endoscopy long ago, & been accused eating, which I had NOT WE may have never discovered how slow I process food. A VERY IPORTANT THING REFARDING PREPS. I ATE LIGHTLY UP UNTIL 2:30 PM MONDAY. But get this?,_I mixed 1/2 miralax, orange garorade, and NOTHING, meaning no poop, no gas, no nothing, UNTIL,_16 HOURS later. I spent most of Tuesday in the bathroom after finishing the other 32ounces. I had my prescription head ace pills. Drank more gatorade, and a bouillon!!!!! Oh saved 1 /2 glass with prep for9 pm. I have no headabpce, no nausea, despite from the start needed 1/2 prescription nausea if needed .well peeps I am all water. EASY PREP, READY TO GO!!I AM SCHEDULED FOR 8 AM. NOT BAD! And the hospital 3 min. From my house. Did I mention I am starving on let me reiterate....all kinds of funny gurgling in tummy, no cramps. He's with or without Lupus does this not sound dreamy with You for stoies? Mine included??? Please pray I get a clean test

32

This was my second, Go with a CScope..and Banding..Had it done about 10 years ago with virtually NO PAIN...I was sedated, IV and it took about 30 minutes...I was given NO Pain Relief medication this time...and I have to tell you.....what a freakin nightmare.....Pain was off the charts...Whats your pain level 1 to 10.. ??? Mine felt like a 30....Had to pee, incessantly...had a bout of diarrhea, I assume from the left over PREP....but this pain was worse than any pain I have ever had...I took, Ibuprofen 800 mg  a Baclofan  10 mg and Indomethacin 500 mg...that has helped with a heating pad,,But I am still hurting and we shall see if I have relief tomorrow..

33

There seems to be a growing trend of less or no sedation - certainly in the UK.  When I had no 1 eighteen years ago I was sedated and remembered very little apart from whimpering in pain.  When I had no 2 two years ago, all I got from the so called sedation was a badly bruised hand.  Then the endoscopist decided not to proceed and sent me for a CT scan instead.

34

Yes I found it ridiculous how alot of you people come out here and try to scare others who need to have this procedure done too me the worst part is the prep for it and the medicine they put in your IV may sting a little not everyone is alike on this type of test and if it was not for having this test what would we all do we all have to know if we have polys and or cancer this way til they come out with something new to replace this test. Sounds like you did not have a very good doctor who would do that to your intestines find a better doctor.

35

I’ve just had the rubber banding procedure done today for the first time. 

I’m in so much pain.

I was told by the doctor I would be able to go back to work straight away as normal the next day? 

But when I google this procedure and recovery information, usually everyone says you are bed ridden for 2 - 3 days and then you can’t lift anything for 1 - 2 weeks to avoid straining? 

I’m currently working underground diamond drilling and all I do for 10+ hours straight is lift very heavy things. 

Who do I believe? Can the doctor be completely wrong? I’m afraid I’m going to go back to work in a couple of days and hurt myself and have serious complications. 

Have any of you guys/girls been told not to lift things?

36

You need to rest. That's a definate and also cannot go back to work straight away. I had my second round of getting my hemorrhoids removed and have been up for best part of 24 hrs as the pain and discomfort is causing me not to sleep. I was given a general and put under when they did mine yesterday and was told that I was to be off for a week to 2 weeks.

37

You need to rest. That's a definate and also cannot go back to work straight away. I had my second round of getting my hemorrhoids removed and have been up for best part of 24 hrs as the pain and discomfort is causing me not to sleep. I was given a general and put under when they did mine yesterday and was told that I was to be off for a week to 2 weeks.

38

Thanks for the reply mate. 

The constant pain is unbearable, I can’t sleep either. 

My doctors and surgeon gave me zero advice for aftercare/ recovery etc..

Are we aloud to take laxatives with stool softeners? 

39

If you search for my first post on this fourm, I have listed what pain killers and antibiotics I was given. I was given 3 diffrent painkillers and 1 antibiotics. Plus some movicol to help it be soft when I do have a movement. You may pass blood when you have a movement but don't worry as its part of the recovery. I was told on my first op I would be off for a week then if I needed longer go to my gp to get a note. Its been over 24hrs since my op and I was not allowed to drive or operate machines since I was put under. Plus I needed someone with me to observe me incase of side effects from the op. You should not do anything really in the way of lifting as you could tear something inside your body since you have had a op. Warm baths will help. I had one 24hrs after the op and helps relax the muscles around the area. I have not had a movement yet and taking 3 movicol through out the day as well as upping my fiber to keep it soft as possible for when I do have a movement. Either way you should have been given some pain killers and antibiotics. Like I said buddy, search my earlier post from 8 months ago and I have listed what I have been taking meds wise. Good luck and speedy recovery.

40

I’ve recently just had haemorrhoid banding done this Thursday and wanted to post about the pain I’ve experienced. The actual procedure wasn’t painful and I was in and out with in 45 minuets and had three internal haemorrhoids banded. As soon as the procedure was done and the camera was removed I instantly felt as if I needed to go to the toilet. This feeling lasted for several hours. Within an hour of having the banding done I started to feel like I had  period pains which steadily became more and more painful to the point I can only explain the pain like a contraction when having a baby. This pain lasted for 12 hours and no amount of pain relief helped. I spent all night rocking back and forth paceing the floor or rolling around in pain. The next day was a little easier the pain had stopped but the feeling of fullness was still there but not anything I couldn’t manage. First bowl movement was excruciatingly painful and the intense stomach pain was back but only lasted a couple of hours. Am now on day 3 of having the banding I woke up with no pain at all and no feeling of fullness. In fact I felt totally normal until I had a bowl movement again and then the stomach pain was back. Am now laid in bed with a hot water bottle in hope the pain will be gone ina few hours.