Don't worry; we won't take it personally. Fear of colonoscopy is a very common phobia. However, there's no need to fear a colonoscopy procedure. Anxiety over the unknown is often the scariest part of a colon screening.
Can I take my anxiety medications? Yes, if you take medication for anxiety (worrying more than normal) or depression, you can take your medications before coming in for your colonoscopy.
AS The sedative agents that are currently available for colonoscopy include midazolam, propofol, diazepam, diphenhydramine, promethazine, meperidine, and fentanyl. Among these, midazolam and propofol are the most commonly used sedatives, whereas fentanyl is the most frequently administered analgesic.
Thinner and more flexible endoscopes may cause less stretching of the mesentery, which is one of the principal sources of pain during colonoscopy.
Loops or angulation in the colon are possibly the most common patient-related source of difficulty. Some bends require additional skill to navigate. Loops, particularly in the sigmoid colon, can result in loss of control of the endoscope as well as patient discomfort.
Everyone's experience is different, but you can rest assured that the colonoscopy itself is painless. You will receive anesthesia so that you don't feel pain or remember the procedure. Most centers use medications that stop working quickly. That means you shouldn't feel any lingering side effects.
One of the causes of pain during insertion of the colonoscope is stretching of the mesenterium by loop formation of the instrument and the degree of the pain is different from types of looping formation.
A typical screening colonoscopy for a generally healthy adult will take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. Since the entire colonoscopy (from start to finish) is performed with sedation from the anesthesia physician or CRNA/CAA, this means you will be asleep for 15 to 45 minutes.
Will I be up all night with colonoscopy prep? Probably not, if you start on time. While everyone's body is different, most people are able to complete their round of purging before going to sleep for the night.
Minimal or light sedation.
Medications such as benzodiazepines and opioids will help you relax, but you will likely remain awake and may feel some pain or discomfort. You'll be able to understand questions, provide answers, and follow directions.
"When people are more anxious, they're more likely to need more sedatives or not be as well sedated during the procedure," Agrawal says. "They may wind up using higher doses of medications. If they're anxious, it's difficult to sedate them quickly, and they may not have a good experience."
What if I've taken all my preparation and am still passing solid stool on the day of my exam? In this case, your procedure will need to be rescheduled. You may be prescribed a different preparation for your next procedure. Please call the triage nurse to reschedule your procedure with a different preparation.
They Aren't Painful
If the fear of pain makes you dread going for a colonoscopy, you need not worry. The procedure is not painful. The tube (scope) is usually flexible and is only a finger-width. Besides, you're sedated, so you don't feel anything.
This is a rough way to do it, but yes, you will have a very temporary weight loss of one to three pounds typically. But, just as with your bowel habits, these few pounds will return as well once you resume your normal diet.
They heard the test is difficult or painful, and they may be embarrassed to discuss colorectal cancer screening with their doctor. (Some tests can be taken at home with no pain or discomfort.) Because they have no family history, they think they aren't at risk and don't have to be screened.
Is a sedation-free colonoscopy painful or uncomfortable? Most patients report little or no discomfort during the procedure. You can request sedation during the procedure if you change your mind and feel you need it, although it has been my experience that this seldom occurs.
Due to the sedation, it is unlikely the patient will remember the colonoscopy itself. Once the procedure is over, the patient will need about 30-60 minutes to recover from the sedation before getting dressed and leaving the building.
Monitored anesthesia care (MAC) or deep sedation: This method typically involves propofol. It, too, is delivered through an IV but will be administered by the anesthesia team. It does not normally require a breathing tube.
Pain after the procedure: Some people have stomach pain after a colonoscopy. A person may also experience mild irritation to their rectum, gas, or other digestive problems. These symptoms are usually mild and tend to go away in a few days.
The sedation levels during the procedures may also differ. Endoscopies can be performed with minimal sedation, while colonoscopies typically require general anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and relaxed throughout the process.
Most colonoscopies take only 15-30 minutes to complete. As a reminder, most patients recall feeling minimal to no pain or discomfort during the procedure. After the colonoscopy is done, you will be observed in a recovery area until the effects of the anesthesia wear off.
Not only can a colonoscopy detect precancerous polyps, but these polyps can usually be removed during the procedure to decrease the risk that they will develop into cancer. I encourage all people at average risk of colon cancer to get at least one colonoscopy beginning at age 45.
The vast majority of people feel back to normal quickly and don't suffer any pain or serious discomfort during or after a colonoscopy – and the test could save your life. If you're older than 45 or have a family history of colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor today about when you should schedule yours.
Some colonoscopies are done using gas and air as a patient preference, which can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded for a short period. After sedation, you may feel a little more tired for the rest of the day and will be advised to avoid driving for 24 hours, or operating any machinery and avoiding alcohol.