I am PETRIFIED!

[Tracey J]

Ok - so this morning I received a telephone call from the hospital saying that my colonoscopy appointment is booked for next Wednesday. That's just over a week away! :-s I have 'probable IBS' but they are doing all the checks to rule out anything else.

I am sooooo frightened.

Apparently the prep beforehand is much worse than the actual procedure. You have to drink loads of this liquid to clear your bowels out and it can make you v*!!!

I have never felt so scared.

[Gartc003]

What is the brand of prep? I've had them before and it's not all that bad. The reason they say it can cause V is because some people can't stand the taste or amount of liquids. But you'll be fine. Since we are much more aware of what we are doing to our body you'll be cautious enough to not over do it. Some preps are better than others. As far as the procedure, it simple and quick.

[kaiilyn_23]

I did a colonoscopy about 4 years ago now. The prep work wasn't nearly as bad as it sounded. It was annoying drinking so much water, but not nauseating in the least. The stuff I drank was orange flavored, tasted like orange juice which I hate, so that sucked but again, not nauseating. And for me, d is normal so I just watched movies all day and stayed close to the toilet. The procedure is indeed simple and quick - are you having any sedation? I had conscious sedation, which I can only explain that it feels like a roofie... you're conscious, but you don't remember anything...

You'll be totally fine. I was really nervous too, it's normal, my mom still gets nervous and she's had them done quite a few times. But it's a total breeze and it'll be over before you know it!

[kaiilyn_23]

OH, also, when I did mine I told my GI doctor that I had a phobia of throwing up. He said there would be no reason for me to, but to put me at ease, put an antiemetic in my IV too (well the anesthesiologist).

[paulinek]

I have never had it done personally, but I know 5 people who did - one of whom was my late Grandma and she had to have them quite regularly, (in fact she was as tough as old boots and even ended up having them without sedation so she could catch the bus home afterwards ) - and none of them were ever sick during either the prep or the procedure. The only thing they grumbled about was the diarrhoea could come on quite suddenly so definitely make sure you are near the loo and make sure you have got something to keep you occupied while you are in there. I would be nervous too, I dislike all things medical, but it is a very very common procedure and once it is done it will be such a relief so try not to get too worked up xx

[andee]

HI, there are a lot of threads addressing this issue...I started one myself. Scared to death of the same things as you. I had it done in Oct and it went very well!!! No worries! Just go slow with the prep and take your time...look for the other threads...they are very helpful!