u/Civil-Mix4576

Hi!

I posted in this sub a couple of days ago that I was terrified ahead of my first colonoscopy (in UK, 30-something F, done to check everything out after I had some recurrent and unusual for me episodes of diarrhoea earlier this year). Just wanted to update with a really positive experience story. I found the good experiences on this sub invaluable so wanted to share my own!

Prep

Did low-residue diet from 5 days out, then was liquid only from 8am the day before my (morning) procedure.

Plenvu prep at 2pm and 6pm. First dose began working within the hour and it took me about 1.5 hours to drink that and the 500ml additional water. I just sat on toilet once it started working and remained there!

Second dose at 6pm was definitely the worse one- tasted foul! Took me a couple of hours to get down and I had to leave about 100ml (I thought better that then throw up). Remained on the loo until about 12 and then a few more times until about 2.30am before being able to sleep.

No cramps or pain at all- just like turning a tap on and off! A bit chilly at a couple of points- have blankets etc with you and a good book/tv shows/whatever.

Procedure

Was dreading this SO much- both the procedure and the result. Headline: it was ABSOLUTELY FINE. And I am saying that as a *massive wimp*.

Arrived for my procedure midmorning, and had my obs taken and put my gown and easy-access shorts(!) on. Nurse initially found my pulse a little low, which she said could prevent them giving me sedation, but when she put the monitor on another hand it was fine! She also looked for a vein to do the cannula but couldnt find one (this is not nee for me!) and so decided to get the people in the theatre do it as they are better at it- her words!

Was then shown into a small waiting area with others. Tbh this was least pleasant bit- I was tired and hungry and scared and the room was small and airless. But only had to wait about 30 mins.

Then shown into the room, introduced to the doctor and two nurses. All v nice. I did them I was terrified. Nurse popped cannula in within seconds (literally just felt a tiny scratch) then the doctor gave me fentanyl and midazopam. Had a quick digital exam (took two seconds, barely felt it) then camera went in.

Barely felt camera go in at all. Early on there was a bend that was a bit tricky- he said I had a bit of a loopy colon there. Couple of puffs of air through the scope and it felt a bit like I had a short trapped wind/stitch type pain. He decided to give me a bit more fentanyl and roll me on my back, then got the turn done. Next thing I know I can see my appendix on screen!

He then began to withdraw the scope while looking at everything, and took a couple of small biopsies as standard practice. Watched it but couldn’t feel anything! He did show my that there was some residue in my bowel (I scored a 6 for prep) but he thinks that and my symptoms point to an issue with a slow gut. Within another minute or two- all done!

Doc confirmed that there was nothing serious or unusual, and no concerns. Wheeled back into recovery area and had cannula removed (didn’t feel it) then some water, juice, and biscuits. Obs repeated after about 15 mins and then I was free to change while they called my partner to pick me up. Given discharge papers confirming all looked fine and a couple of routine biopsies to check for microscopic inflammation and then went to my way!

Time from arrival to departure: about 90 mins. Procedure time: about 15 mins, maybe?

All in all was SO MUCH BETTER then I had feared. If I had to do it again tomorrow I would be mad about the prep but no concerns at all about procedure.

This sub has loads of great practical tips for dealing with prep and procedure, so I will just add some tips on dealing with the anxiety;

- Tell the team doing it you are afraid!

- Focus on how good it will feel when you’re done!

-Just take it step by step- first dose of prep, second dose, etc. It‘s not the most fun day or two but it is only that and it *will* pass.

Dose 2. Wow. I salute those who have come before me 🫡

Hi all,

I feel so pathetic for posting this but I’m having my first colonoscopy in 48 hours (in the U.K.) and I’m absolutely terrified.

I’m in my thirties and generally healthy but have a long history of IBS, and six months or so ago started experiencing different symptoms. No blood in stool or unexplained weight loss. A doctor did a FIT test which was normal and a stool sample including calprotectin, also normal. Bloodwork all fine other than low ferritin (which I also had when pregnant- I have a 1.5yo). He referred me to a consultant to see what they think.

In the time the referral took I’ve been absolutely fine, no recurrence of symptoms! Had largely stopped worrying about it but then saw a consultant who recommend a colonoscopy as he doesn’t like to just assume IBS. The appointment was made for ten days later (though my notes refer to it as routine, not urgent).

Logically I know this is for the best and that it’s always good to get checked out. But I wasn’t expecting to have to get one and to have one soon, and I’ve just been an anxious stressed mess for days. I am really struggling to cope. I keep randomly sobbing and I’m barely functioning. Trying to look after my kid today and I’m finding it so hard and feel like a terrible mum.

I’m terrified of the prep, of the cannula, of the procedure, and of the results. I’ve had failed smear tests before due to pain and it worries me the same will happen (I will be opting for the conscious sedation). I’m terrified of everything and I can’t even think straight.

Any words of support, advice, encouragement would really be welcome because I feel so awful and also so pathetic.

(ETA: in the UK deep sedation- ie propofol- isn’t a standard option. It’s conscious/light sedation or gas and air (or both).