Hi everyone I have to go for a colonoscopy as I've lost a stone and a half in two months and my calprotectin results were off the chart! I have white coat phobia and I'm so terrified about having it done can anyone who's had it done reassure me?
I also have.m a massive needle phobia so I'm having it with no sedation, genuinely terrified!
Appreciate any advice!!
Hello penelope 8817 You worry about the colonoscopy is only a fear of the unknown. I had this done a few years ago and the worst thing about it all was the day and night before. The powder sachet you have to take in water the day before to clean out your system is a powerfull.Please make sure you have access to the loo as the powder works within 20 mins drink lots of water and flush your system it clears quicker. Once you reach the hospital you put on a gown and are allocated a bed. When your turn comes the nurse will take you into a room You lie on the bed. I did not have sedation either. Put your mind at ease The doctor will use loads of gell and first he will insert a tube into your back passage. Ment to say you will be on your side knees up. The tube blows air into your belly this is so the doc can see clearly when he inserts the small camera. He will guide the camera slowly upwards as your blown up the pain factor is like a tickle. He will look as far as he needs to then he has a small grapple which he can use to take tiny bits of your inside for testing he will olso remove any polyps as he finds them thuis reduces your chance of cancer. You wont even feel a pinch no pain. The procedure takes around 15 - 30 mins they are very quick. You can watch it on telly above your head. Once the doc has finished you get wheeled back to your bed. I am trying to explain each person is still holding lots of wind this wind has to come out. Everybody who had the same was next to each other and passing wind was very loud and long at times Please dont be shy as the nurse said let rip if you want to get home it was more fun than pain. Dont worry bloated is the worse feeling and pain is a non existant factor. Hope you get that half hour worry free
I found my colonscopy ok actually. I don't really upper endoscopes but lower ones are fine. It just feels like they are pumping air into you. It's not painful, just a little uncomfortable. I'd ask to be sedated though.
i even watched the camera as they went round my colon on mine. What I didn't like was the stuff i had to take beforehand. It's not awful or anything, but I didn't appreciate being in the bathroom all night the evening before.
It'll be fine, really.
I had mine 8 weeks ago, worst bit by far is the prep to clear your system, once you're at the hospital it's fine. I didn't feel the needle go in, I was awake for it and it was all over and done with in 25 mins. Didn't feel anything inside me either. You'll be fine!
I wish you could handle a needle because when you're put out for the colonoscopy, you would feel and remember nothing, and there is no after pain or discomfort. One can go to work immediately, etc. Maybe you can try asking the doctor if they can use another method to put you under.
The colonoscopy IS NOTHING to be afraid of if you're sedated.
The name of the Laxative you drink the previous day is Picolax it is a very strong laxative. But Promise you the whole half hour is easy non painfull and you can go to work or out Dancing later dont worry get a wee treat like a wee night out with your better half. thinking about what to wear ect keep your mind busy
Hi penelope: I recently had what my doc calls a "double dip" -- colonoscopy and endoscopy at the same time. I can tell you the prep is not as nasty as it was 10 years ago and the procedure is almost painless -- some momentary discomfort is all. Since you are so terrified, I assume you have conveyed this to your doc. You might want to ask if he will allow you to be given an oral med to calm you before the procedure. I was awake watching the moniter (not very often do you get the opportunity to view your insides). No needle was used on me. Doc uses a multipurpose scope that slides in very easily because your the prep as cleared your colon so viewing is possible. It's an in and out procedure that is quick and almost totally painless. I have one important tip for you -- DO NOT SURE toilet paper during the prep. Have a container of warm water near the loo so you can dip in a soft cloth to dab not wipe.
Be reassured that this procedure is fast and may be just a bit uncomfortable for a couple seconds. I'm sure the doc knows exactly what he is doing (prob. does 20 or more a week) and that you will be in and out before you know it.
I've had both a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. I have had pinch biopsies, been through a 24 hour acid probe test, a milk test and the Fox map diet. Not easy but no injections no nothing. You have to take a medicine to swallow the tube but my mum treated me afterwards and I soon forgot about it. I'm thick and mix the procedures up so it maybe the one where the camera goes up your bottom, in which case the laxatives clean you out. Good luck, not the easiest but it's OK.
A CT colonoscopy may be better for you because it doesn't require sedation. Sedation can cause nasty side effects.
Ooh what's a CT colonoscopy?
Thanks so much for your reassurance!
Thanks for your reply I will definitely ask about an oral sedative that's such a good idea!
Thanks so much for your response I will definitely ask about an oral sedative
Thank you!
Thanks for your response!
Thanks so much for your response I feel a bit better that you also weren't sedated and the procedure was bearable
It is a procedure whereby pictures are taken of your colon via a CT scan..It is also known as a virtual colonoscopy.
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Can you request those?
You can ask for a CT colonoscopy as an alternative. The images taken are done by X Ray which you can ask your doctor to explain.
Hi Penelope,I had the procedure In 2014 and it wasn't anything like as bad as I thought but did have the sedation.it was just a little uncomfortable but I think some places offer Gas and Air (Entenox) so you could ask for that before hand.You will be fine ,we all worry about the unknown.If you do decide to have the sedation the needle in your hand is nothing at all,I'm fine with it but still look away when it's being done,think happy thoughts and good luck.