Colonoscopy without sedation

Hi 

I've had a colonoscopy without sedation, a couple before I had surgery to determine what treatment was needed and one after APR surgery through my stoma for follow up. I though the worst part was the air being blown into it although more uncomfortable than painful and some rather "amusing" noises coming from the stoma afterwards.

K

Yes, I agree that going without sedation is preferable. I have had half a dozen or moreover the course of my treatment, and the best thing is getting the result immediately without waiting to have a snooze. It can be a bit uncomfortable with the Air pumped but I do think without is best

Hope you don't mind an 'interloper' from the Endometrial cancer group! I've just come accross this post as I have been fast-tracked for a colonoscopy on 25 Feb and was wondering if it was doable without sedation. 

Hi I had mine back in August with just gas and air, OK lots of gas and air but as the biggest wimp out when it comes to pain I just found it bearably uncomfortable. God knows how I'll cope with the pain recovering from apr op at the end of the month! X

Thanks for the reassurance and hope all goes well with your op

I had both my Sigmoidoscopy and Colonoscopy without sedation or gas and air and found it very achievable as well.

I have to have another Colonoscopy in just over a week to remove 3 polyps that the Drs believe to be benign. As they will be removing polyps, i’m debating whether to have sedation or just gas and air if needed.

Has anyone here had polyps removed without sedation? And if so is it more uncomfortable than a normal colonoscopy?

Hello Mister Man

I have just returned home after a Colonoscopy this morning - which I had cancelled twice...because of my fear!! Anyway, I am so proud of myself that I actually managed it without sedation! It took 40 mins, and there were a couple of very awkward bends...owing to my bowel resection last May. However, they removed two minute Polyps...& I can didn't feel during that process....so hopefully, you won't either.

Best wishes

Marianne

Marianne ,

You did it . Well done . I know you were finding it hard . I don’t blame you either. I need a bit of encouragement from here to even do my bowel screen .

Fantastic news ,

Court 

Thanks so much Court....all this time I've been thinking I'm a wimp....but I now think that I am actually quite strong to have done it without sedation....the fear was all in my head!

Despite the discomfort, I managed to laugh & joke all the way through....they were an amazing team of 5 women...that continually talked, let me know precisely what was going on....& enabled me to ask anything. Super women!!

The best news of all was the report that day., which stated....'Reassuring examination with no sign of cancer.'

I'm not out of the woods yet, as I have to have a Pet scan tomorrow....as I have two small nodules in my upper right lung. So, not quite worry free until I hear the results of those. But I'm assuming that the colonoscopy determined them not to be mets? Is that possible do you think?

Best wishes & thanks for all your incredibly helpful advice/ replies to everyone on tthis forum. You are very much appreciated.

Love Marianne xx

Congratulations Marianne26 on overcoming your fear, you certainly deserve to feel proud of yourself.

Had a phone call yesterday from my local hospital saying they have cancelled all Colonoscopies. Where this leaves me in regard to my surgery, which is scheduled for 28th of April is anyone’s guess as my Surgeon wanted the polyps dealt with first just to make sure. Not at all confident atm.