Colonoscopy booked - scared!

[Lilharry]

I'm freaking out. I have just booked a colonoscopy privately, because the wait on the public list was going to be too long, but now I'm regretting it! It's next week! Freaking out, but trying really hard to put it one side. I'm most scared about being sedated while it's happening. I really really don't like the thought of being out of control like that. I actually wish I could just be put under anaesthetic. I'm also really worried they will find cancer and it's too far gone to be treated. Wish I didn't have to go through this, but I know it's for the best. :(

[nomorepanic]

Hi

You don't have to have sedation - I never do.

[Lilharry]

Really? I didn't have it when I had the gastroscopy, but that was over and done with quickly. Is it painful?

[nomorepanic]

It is for me because I have crohn's disease and diverticular disease but lots of people tolerate it without sedation.

Have a read of the posts in this sub-forum and you will see other people got on fine with it

[Lilharry]

Ok, that's great to know, thank you. I will ask the hospital what they think. Thanks!

[nomorepanic]

You could ask for mild sedation and not a full dose or try it without and see how you get on

[Lilharry]

Have just been reading previous threads and without sedation doesn't sound pleasant! I'm really nervous about the sedation, but maybe I will just let them advise me what is best for once and just go with it. It can't be that bad.

[nomorepanic]

I guess it depends on your pain threshold and whether you can cope with that for 20 minutes or have the sedation.

I decided to cope with the pain as sedation freaks me out lol

[Lilharry]

Yes, it's the sedation I'm most worried about, but seeing as I'm trying to confront my fears, maybe it would be good for me to do it and see what happens. I was fine with the gastroscopy without sedation, but it was very unpleasant when they pumped the air i and got quite panicky. I will talk to the nurse today and see what she/he says.

---------- Post added at 13:55 ---------- Previous post was at 12:07 ----------

Just spoke to the nicest nurse in the world. Said I could ring as much as I wanted if I was anxious and that the drugs are nothing to worry about - just said I'd feel like I'd had a few drinks without the hangover and that they're so safe they give them to children and I'll just feel nice and sleepy and relaxed. They won't give me anything if I don't want it - I just have to tell them what I want. And she said whatever they find they can deal with and not to worry. Even if it is cancer, which she highly doubts, they can just chop it out and I should be fine. Feeling much more relaxed!

[zippy]

I had both without sedation. It didnt hurt me at all and it was over quickly.