Mental Preparation for Colonoscopy

[SolisSpirit]

I'm going for my first colonoscopy and endoscopy the 6th of next month, and I'm really nervous about it. I've never been put to sleep for anything, and on top of that, I don't have any idea what to ask when I get there to the doctor, what I should expect, or anything. There are many unknown variables for me in this process and I'm trying to get some idea from others that have already felt what I felt, been through it, and know what to ask. Anything you can add to help make this easier for me would be great. Thanks.

 

[Pentasa]

Don't be nervous. Once the IV is in and the gas is on you will be knocked out cold. When I woke up I was reborn and my path in life became clearer. Maybe you will come out of it more enlightened.

 

[Everly]

Hello!

A few months ago, I didn't even know what an endoscopy or colonoscopy was! I was extremely scared and worried, but the constant symptoms I was having was enough to give me the bravery I needed to go through with all of the testing.

I know you probably can't hear it enough, but the worst part is the prep. Everything else from then on is smooth sailing. Once your passing clear/yellowish liquid, you know you're cleaned out and don't have to drink anymore of the prep! It's extremely difficult to go the whole day without any solid foods, too. But, if you get nauseous from the prep, it kinda helps out with your hunger. So just relax at home all day, because you'll be running back and forth to the bathroom constantly once the prep kicks in.

The next morning, you get to the hospital or the clinic and they check you in. They take you back and you remove your clothing and put on a gown, before they lead you back to a preparation room. They hook you up to the IV cable and give you some liquid to keep you hydrated, and you just wait for the doctor to come back and ask you questions.

For me, I just asked what the sedation was going to feel like, how long I would be exhausted, if I was going to feel anything...Just ask them questions about your worries. Because they'll calm your nerves and relax you as much as they can.

When thats over, you're taken into the room and asked to lay on your side, and that's all you'll remember! Soon you'll be in the recovery room, hopefully with answers! Sorry for the long response! But remember, just ask your doctor or anyone on the forum about anything you're curious about.

 

[McM17]

I had my first in December! I am an enormous baby and am terrified of just getting blood drawn. I was so nervous before mine, but in retrospect, it's really not bad at all! Like they've said above, the prep is the worst part. It tastes awful, but I managed to get it down by drinking it along with apple juice. I was really worried about the IV and the drugs, the nurses kept telling me to calm down because my blood pressure was so high, but when they give you the medicine in your IV it is great! I just felt like I had a nice nap, and it was over really quickly! I wouldn't be nervous at all to go back and have another one, honestly the scariest part is just not knowing what to expect! Good luck!

 

[hedge]

I just had mine last week and it wasn't as bad as people make it. Just do the prep as advised and don't get too far away from the bathroom.

 

[amrycrohns]

I was so scared myself it took me 2 years to build up the courage to do it. Now in hindsight and after nunerous procedures, I feel foolish.

If you are getting put to sleep, it will go something like this IV in, you get wheeled to room if IV isn't done in room. Dr. will say count back from 10, you will say 9. 15-20 minutes later you will wake up and doctor will talk to you and you will remember nothing he said really. You will hang around for 30sih minutes and your loved one can drive you home. Have loved one with you when doctor talks to you incase you don't register what he said.

Oh and it's best sleep I have gotten in years