Unsedated Colonoscopy

@Public_Enema, I feel your pain. BE are no joke and they really make you feel like you are about to pop. I love enemas. I love sensual enemas and I love harsh, rough punishment ones. I despise being filled with barium like you would not believe, and I don’t particularly love the nauseating concoction that I am given afterwards to get rid of whatever yucky stuff is left inside me, just in case it “hardens”.

I have a very lazy colon so I don’t think everyone will have the same problems. The moment I get home I give myself enemas until clear, if at all possible and hydrate a LOT, and take whatever laxative I have handy (castor oil seems to work well for this task, and it has been approved by my GI, so I suck it up and hope I’m not going to be in for too rough a ride 🤦🏻‍♀️😂 I always am, but I block it out). I’m terrified of having a bowel obstruction.

It took me many phone calls to find a Dr. to perform a colonoscopy with NO sedation. I was successful and was not sedated. The procedure was over and I was taken to recovery where they wanted me to fart and then I was on my way home.

NO side effects, no one had to stay with me for a few hours afterwards and I didn't require a driver. I am now 3 years overdue (partially because of the pandemic) but having a very difficult time scheduling with no sedation. There was minimal discomfort...during the procedure, the prep was more uncomfortable. I have been more uncomfortable after Thanksgiving Dinner.

In addition, I feel the Dr. has to be more careful and a little less aggressive advancing the scope when the patient is awake. I have heard more horror stories resultling from anesthesia than the reason for the procedure. If I don't need it, I don't want it.

I have never had a Barium Enema. Do they even do those anymore? I have heard that the barium is very heavy and thus difficult to hold. True/not true? I have also been told they use a double balloon nozzle so that the barium can't escape. I would love to hear someones experience with a barium enema. Thank you.

I was booked for a colonoscopy. I was kept waiting for two hours and then they told me that they had been asked to give an endoscopy too. I had driven there so no sedation was going to be given to me. Four hours later the procedures were done.

Intense pain from the colonoscopy (was suffering from post-infection IBS and diverticulosis). So much pain that they couldn't finish. Appalling experience from the endoscopy without sedation. Thirteen years later I still feel traumatised from it (Hiatal hernia and gastritis). Think the Alien film for an idea.

After both procedures sequentially I was in intense pain top and bottom. I was so ill that I couldn't go home and they literally threw me out at the end of the day when they wanted to lock up. Took me months to feel better. Psychologically I don't think I'll ever get over it.

Added fact. A few years prior, at the same hospital my childhood friend was killed by a colonoscopy. They shoved the device through the side of his colon. He died of peritonitis five days later.

Just had my 3'rd colonoscopy this week - all have been unsedated, and for me the discomfort has been minimal. The first time I let them place an IV just in case, but the last 2 I haven't bothered. Maybe I'm strange, but I look forward to getting them every 5 years.

There is something awe inspiring about getting a guided tour through your own body, and the cleaned out colon is beautiful in a way. I have a strong family history of colon cancer, and the other benefit of no sedation is that I get to have a real time conversation that I will remember with the Doctor, in case they should find anything - luckily for me nothing bad! I'm also lucky to have found a doctor to do colon hydrotherapy prep - prep was simple and I had breakfast and a snack the day before - Doctor said my prep was excellent - a few enemas over the preceding days probably helped!

Different people will have different experiences, but whether you do it sedated or not, PLEASE do not put off this test - It can save your life!

This just happened on 4/24/2023, my second unsedated story.

Well, I did it again, first time was no fluke. Had my second colonoscopy without sedation, and it went extremely well, with even less discomfort. I chalk that up to the skill of the Doc.

But there were "unpleasant" parts. More on that later.

This place is a big endoscopy clinic where it's pretty much all they do. And I must say, I was expecting the usual amount of the obligatory hurry-up-and-wait at any medical office, but not so!

Once checked in there was about a five minute wait to get through the boilerplate paperwork, then another five waiting to be called on to start the process.

Shedding the clothing and donning the gown, I had my first encounter with the cute girl next door type of twenty-something nurse. "I'll be with you during the procedure" she says, and I'm thinking great, this cute little lady gets to see my fat hairy ass. Oh well, goes with the territory.

At this stage I'm laying in a hospital bed, and then they wheel me into the procedure room. Where I'm greeted by the Doc and the second nurse. If the first nurse was cute, the second one was certified smokin', and she was going to be the one assisting the Doc, on the business-end side.

Double groan from embarrassment. I wouldn't feel nearly as embarrassed if the nurses were a couple middle aged Soviet infantry types, like I usually get.

The procedure itself went without incident. Had fun watching my innards on the big TV - looked like somewhere Cthulhu hides out. At a couple different times during the exam the Doc directs one of the nurses to manipulate my gut so the probe can get around a corner or give a better view. At another point, the Doc says ""It's OK if you want to fart, I've been using a lot of CO2." To which I replied "Yea right not gonna happen in front of these nice ladies," which seemed to amuse all present.

The previously alluded-to "unpleasant" part came during one of these manipulate the gut times. Unpleasant, because the cute one is pressing on my gut from my left, while the hotter one is draped over me on my right so I can feel her tits pressing on to my chest, both so close I can feel their their warm bodies - OMFG!

The way my mind works, I'm thinking, "hey, why don't one of you girls sit on my face, while the other gives me a reach-around. It's OK if you wanna take turns. What's that, a strap-on? Hmmm...." One could really *lean into* the procedure if it went like that, but alas, that's the stuff of fantasies.

As I like to think, I'm an idea man, so imagine this: a whole facility staffed with hotties (Gals and/or guys, take your pick) that *would* do that stuff.

I smell money! But I digress.

Then it's over and I'm wheeled back to the recovery area, which causes additional confusion because of there's no sedation to recover from. I get dressed, they turn me loose with some instructions, and I get to drive home and eat & drink whatever I want.

I can honestly say that to have sedation for this, when weighing the other factors, is not worth it. I truly had more discomfort from some injections in the knee for arthritis. If one is in any way anal erotic, likes enemas etc, I doubt you'd have any problem going without sedation.

Great write up!

@UpstateNY thanx for sharing!

I had one probably 4ish years back to investigate possible Crohns (all clear btw).

But I elected to not be sedated as a) my consultant was female and pretty and .... b) I enjoy anal "insertions" and wanted to (hopefully) enjoy the feeling.

Upshot is I very much enjoyed the experience but I agree with others there were some uncomfortable points throughout the procedure but more than manageable. My consultant said the discomfort was caused as the colonoscopy had to manoeuvre around some twists and turns higher up my colon and as it passed through the (I may not quite right about this) small bowel.

The point is, if the consultant is skilled, which she was (as well as the team, one of them helped by pushing on my tummy to help get the colonoscopy through one of those tight turns) and you're OK with some possible moderate discomfort at times, then going through it without sedation is more than manageable....hope that helps ❤️

@soapyfun Did you end up enjoying the anal insertion of the scope?

Did EGD/Colonoscopy unsedated at same day.

Interesting feeling, but preparation worse than procedure itself.

@Exam90

For sure, the initial entry was very erotic for me, I felt invaded as the scope was initially inserted which added to my enjoyment and feeling of embarrassment. The other nice feeling was the withdrawal. If I had to have another one I wouldn't be disappointed ❤️

My colonoscopy - around 5 year ago - was unsedated - I was offered a choice, and the discomfort was mild - I could watch it on-screen.

Doing my second Unsedated colonoscopy next week. I prefer it without sedation, because I am back on my feet immediately after the procedure. There is mild discomfort due to the colon being filled with gas - but it’s minor. If ur used to enemas, this isn’t any worse. Also the risk of complications are less because the patient can give feedback of pain if the dr over inflates the gut. When you feel discomfort, tell the dr, he will reduce the pressure and you will be fine.

More power to you who have been able to arrange an unsedated colonoscopy. I've tried and tried but can't find anyone who will do one in the KC area.

I have always been sedated for a colonoscopy, however I did wake up during the procedure once. I remember seeing the screen and saying something that was apparently very funny because the doctor and the techs all laughed. I was only awake for about 10 seconds before being put back under. I don't recall any pain or discomfort.

@soapyfun during a colonoscopy the colonoscopy does not pass through the the small bowel. As the name suggest it only looks at the colon or large bowel. However the Endoscopist might intubate the small bowel via the Ileocecal valve ( ICV) to have a look and take biopsies. As you stated they were suspecting Crohn's Disease. Crohn's disease affects all of the GI track from the mouth to the anus, whereas Ulcerative Colitis only affects the colon ( large bowel).

With regards to the various bend , the first set occurs in the Sigmoid colon, then the splenic flexure, the transverse colon has a dip which can be difficult to navigate , followed by the hepatic flexure and finally the Caecum also has a dip which can be difficult to enter.

As for a nurse pushing on your tummy it was not to get through the turns but mostly likely to prevent the development of loops. During colonoscopy, looping is a frequent challenge. It occurs when the colonoscope stretches and distends the colon in response to the physician's efforts to advance the scope forward. Typically once a loop has formed, it must be straightened before the procedure can continue. Most common types of loops are alpha, reverse alpha, N loop, transverse loop and gamma loop. Loops results in patient discomfort and resistance to insertion ( forward movement ). Loops are resolved by :

• Withdrawal with clockwise torque and re-advance maintaining torque
• Withdrawal with anti-clockwise torque and re-advance maintaining torque

Preventing loop formation can be aided with:

• Changing position of the patient
• Abdominal pressure either to the sigmoid, splenic, transverse , pelvic or a combination of.

Unfortunately sometimes the only alternative is a forceful push through is only occasionally required. It helps to warn the patient of a few moments of stretch discomfort. Then a firm but decisive pressure is applied to advance the scope tip.

I had my colonoscopy on the 15th. I was thankfully sedated. The doc found two polyps but the lab report indicated they were not cancerous at all. So now I can go 3 years without a repeat colonoscopy.

I had my fifth unsedated colonoscopy last week. I'm in my seventies so it might be my last. There's some discomfort but not worth being sedated for. When you're done you're done. Also suggest asking ahead of time if they use CO2 instead of straight air. More comfortable during and after and no farting. The CO2 is absorbed by the body. The suggestion to change your diet a week in advance is crazy. I had breakfast and lunch the previous day and the doctor and nurse both commented that my prep was excellent (clean bowel). Of course, everyone's mileage may vary.

Also suggest asking ahead of time if they use CO2 instead of straight air. More comfortable during and after and no farting. The CO2 is absorbed by the body.

I am unfortunately looking pretty closely at 45, and I have been doing a bit of homework because sedation isn't happening, period, no negotiation. There's a couple of articles out of the VA on unsedated using warm water as a medium to reduce cramping. My thoughts were "interesting, but makes sense given that air can be crampy" and "well, that has to be the world's most expensive enema." Sounds like they remove the water via suction as they remove the scope, which should reduce the risk of accidents.

I am unfortunately looking pretty closely at 45, and I have been doing a bit of homework because sedation isn't happening, period, no negotiation. There's a couple of articles out of the VA on unsedated using warm water as a medium to reduce cramping. My thoughts were "interesting, but makes sense given that air can be crampy" and "well, that has to be the world's most expensive enema." Sounds like they remove the water via suction as they remove the scope, which should reduce the risk of accidents.

Heres an article on using water vs air/CO2 for inflation.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2976859/

My last colonoscopy was 6 years ago. I specifically asked my gastro who was male, and his anesthesiologist to give me light sedation. Of course, I woke up after the procedure and didn't remember a thing, and felt groggy for 2 days. So much for light sedation. I was less than happy.

I currently have a colonoscopy scheduled with my female colorectal surgeon in July. When she said she wanted to do an exploratory colonoscopy, I told her I didn't have a problem with that, but that I had a request. She asked what, and I said I wanted to try it without sedation. She was receptive, said no problem, and said an anesthesiologist would be there just in case I needed some relief. I don't think I'll need it, since having kidney stones numerous times, nothing could come close to that pain, and if it's just some cramping, it will be fine.

Anyway, I'm kind of looking forward to seeing my insides....lol.

I went for a colonoscopy. Arrived early in the morning. Everything was delayed and I wasn't attended to until mid afternoon. At one point during the delay they said that they had been told to give me an endoscopy at the same time. I pointed out that I had not been informed and had driven to the hospital. They said that therefore they will be giving both without any form of sedation. The experience was very painful and hideous. I can't think about the Alien films without having a flashback. A flashback I'm having now twelve years later.

Had my "partially" unsedated colonoscopy yesterday. I say "partially", because I only required a little something towards the end of the scope advance. For the most part, it was only slightly uncomfortable at times, but as my doctor was trying to navigate the hepatic flexure, and ascending colon, I experienced a really sharp pain. Based on her instructions to her assistant, he proceeded to massage and lift my abdomen to help with the passing of the scope. At that point the anesthesiologist gave me a small dose of propofol, which eased the discomfort greatly. I was awake the entire time, from the rectal exam to the exiting of the scope. It was quite interesting to see my colon from the ileum to the rectum.

I will certainly do my next colonoscopy unsedated as well. That will be in 5 years.

Since several family members died of colon cancer, I have to undergo a colonoscopy every 3 to 4 years.

This already 3 times. The actual examination never bothered me since I was completely anesthetized.

Complete anesthesia is necessary since the specialist also immediately removes polyps if he finds them.

And indeed, the first time 2 still very small pollipes were found.

The examination is always very professional and I think it takes half an hour.

It is more the procedure for it that is very annoying.

For three days I have to drink a lot of water with a laxative in it. After a few times I almost vomit from the taste and smell of the water.

But I know I have to drink a lot so I try to persevere.

Next year I have to undergo an examination again and I'm really not looking forward to it.

Complete anesthesia is necessary since the specialist also immediately removes polyps if he finds them.

The colon doesn't have the nerves to detect cutting, only pressure. That's why you need to be careful to not puncture it during enemas or anal play - you won't feel the colon getting ready to tear. Because of the lack of innervation you wouldn't feel polyps being cut out even if you weren't sedated.

This is the same thing I was told before my first colonoscopy that there are no nerves, or nerve endings on the inside of your colon or intestines. The doctor that did my colonoscopy then explained that he did not really like to sedate anyone if he didn't have to. Do to the chance they may not wake up, it was a unnecessary risk. That you wouldn't feel any pain from having polyps removed. That the procedure is more uncomfortable, than painful. This conversation was started when I told the doctor preforming the procedure that I didn't want to be put under to have this done. He was a very good doctor more than willing to take his time and explain everything before and also during the procedure. Explaining what part of my colon he was in, and exactly what he was doing as he went.

All of my colonoscopies were done sans sedation. I have a very sharp bend at the hepatic flexure, and usually help the colonoscope negotionate the bend, as a perforated colon is not on my list of thimgs to experience. When asked about discomfort, my reply was "I've had things up my ass that you would have a hard time getting into a pickup truck!". Laughter ensued, and the procedure done. As to discomfort, for me, I've had worse gas pains--no big deal, I guess because my usual enema is a gallon, so I like the feeling of distention.

The other advantage of being fully awake is that you can see the inside of the colon on the monitor as the procedure progresses.

I've only had a colonoscopy once. I insisted I didn't want sedation because I wanted to get back to work that day. I'd already had the previous day off for the preparation and laxatives.

The team were brilliant. There was no arguing, not even when I refused a catheter, saying please would they put one in if I changed my mind. I was lucky to get allocated to a radiologist that day, the head of the team. I think he was just very competent. There was only minor discomfort very occasionally. I was allowed to watch the whole thing and was given a commentary.

I think they may have been okay about sedation as I had a bronchoscopy immediately before the colonoscopy. I was lucky to have no problem swallowing so appeared calm and cooperative as a patient.

I'd been referred for the tests because of blood tests showing anaemia. The bronchoscopy showed coeliac disease which explained the anaemia. I was told having the colonoscopy still made sense, when I asked if it was necessary. They said 'You might as well have it now you're hear.' and that the samples they took in the bronchoscopy hadn't at that stage been tested. Luckily, colonoscopy was clear.

My family thought it very amusing that I'd had a tube passed down my throat followed by one up my backside. Plenty of jokes about did I make sure the tubes weren't mixed up.

I have had six colonoscopies - all but the first with no sedation. Primarily because I did not wish to miss a full day at work. I also figured that if I was gonna be on TV I damn sure wanted to be awake to watch!

My first colonoscopy was unsedated. The doctor performing the exam was fine with that.

Subsequent exams the doctors insisted on sedation. Probably because the anesthetist doesn't get paid.