I'm still afraid of the colonscopy.?

Question

I'm afraid of the IV. I hate needles. The idea of an enema and something up my backside is not a highlite of my life. 12 hours on the pot !!!
Any kind thoughts ?

Answer 1

I'd be more afraid of colon cancer but hey that's just me.

Answer 2

Take a deep breath, let it our slowly to settle your nerves. I have to admit they are not comfortable by any means. Like you, I was a all stressed out and my nerves were shot before the test. I was expecting it to be a lot worse than it was, which in a way helped. Not too many people like needles, enemas or any thing shoved up their backside. How ever, this will only last a very very short while, it will be over before you know it. Now, colon cancer is another story. The pain for colon cancer: Excruciating. Time frame: Could be a short time, could linger on for a couple years +. Final result: Death.

Again, take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Do this a couple of times. Put your priorities in perspective. And get the Colonoscopy done. It will all be done and over with before you know it. The best part of this is: There are no side effects, and, you just might receive some very good news! Good luck.

Answer 3

I had one done a couple of years ago. When they did it on me I didn't need to have an enema. I just had to drink a ton of this liquid that didn't taste very good and made me have to use the bathroom a lot.

The good news is that you don't have to spend 12 hours on the pot. I only spent a couple of hours on the pot. Once you swallow all of the drink (and there is a lot to drink) you are pretty much done. Within a couple of hours all the fecal matter in your body is gone and you having nothing left in your system to expel. Near the end of the prep you literally have water squirting out of your rear end...that felt weird. It isn't fun, but isn't as bad as having the stomach flu. I had a little bit of cramps...but didn't have that "oh my god I just want to die" feeling.

Sure they'll use a needle to medicate you, but once you have the medication in you, you'll feel pretty good. In my case they gave me 2 drugs. One drug was given about a half an hour before the procedure and made me feel relaxed. The second drug was given right before they started the procedure. That second drug really dopped me up and I couldn't feel a thing.

After the procedure you'll lay down in a recovery area until a friend drives you home. You'll then spend the rest of the afternoon napping.

Trust me the colonoscopy is a breeze...the prep is the part that is a pain.

My advice is to buy some really high quality toilet paper and a couple of magazines to read. Also, only dab at your rear end...try not to wipe or you may end up feeling sore. You'll be fine and will be glad to be done.

Answer 4

I just had one done this summer and except for the laxatives as the prep it was a breeze. Once you start drinking the laxative prep stay close to the bathroom until you are done with the drinking stuff. You will not be in the bathroom fro 12 hours I can assure you that. Once you are cleaned out your are done with the bathroom. Also there is no enema involved in this. When they go to put the IV in at the hospital concentrate on the TV, look away and chat with the nurse who is working on you. It will be over in a flash. As for someone looking at your colon that too was a breeze as they give you medicine to relax you and make you drowsy. I was hoping to stay away and watch on the monitor but I was asleep in no time. When I woke up I never knew that anything had been done. You can't even feel that they were even looking inside your colon.

Answer 5

I've had a colonoscopy before and the worst part was getting my body ready for the procedure...you know..."cleaning out the system". The IV...sure it hurt a little (my nurse couldn't seem to find a vein) and the procedure itself I don't remember at all due to the meds that was given. I woke up later in the recovery room and within no time I was on my way home, however, I couldn't drive so make sure someone goes with you. If I ever have to have another procedure I will dread cleaning out my system more than anything else. Ugh!

Answer 6

Since both my parents had colon cancer and I've had a cousin and an uncle die already of colon cancer a needle in the arm is nothing.

Honestly I've had one done before. The worst part is the prep day. Liquid diet, then the "clean out" phase in the evening. The actual procedure was nothing because I don't remember it as I was sedated. Needle stick was minimal.

Colon cancer is much much worse. Suck it up and get the procedure. People that love you will appreciate you doing it.

Answer 7

The worst thing about a colonscopy is the prep, i.e. the drinking of the laxative and only water for the 24hours before the procedure. Usually after the second bowel movement, you only have water to release. Otherwise, once they put you to semi-sleep, you never know what happens. Believe me, it's not that bad.

Answer 8

There is nothing to them. Yes, you will be in the bathroom when prepping for it, take in some reading material. The IV is not so bad if you have an experience nurse give it to you and in those situations they are experienced. You will not feel anything, you will be out, and there are after effects.

Answer 9

I think most people share your feelings. Sometimes that fear or embarrassment of a colonoscopy cost people their lives.
You are smart to be checked so thoroughly.
My kind thought to you...blessings.

Answer 10

to have the colonoscopy and to have your mind free from worrying about undiagnosed cancers etc seems like it would be worth the discomfort which is temporary anyway