Sigmoidoscopy - will it hurt?

[Delinda2]

I'm scheduled for a flexible sigmoidoscopy on the 25th, then discuss options with the surgeon. (Haven't met her yet.) The nurse said they don't use any type of pain control at all. This concerns me because I'm already having a lot of pain & pressure, even with the heavy duty pain meds I'm on. (Morphine, 15 mg, every 12 hours, methadone, 10 mg, every 12 hours, and oxycodone, 15 mg, every 4 hours.) The nurse just said,"It's really fast, 15 minutes tops." Didn't explain how the procedure was actually done. I later heard they blow air into you along with the scope. The thought of any more pressure & pain really worries me. Should I call & ask for something? When I expressed surprise the nurse said, "Oh no, we never use any kind of sedation." Am I being a baby? Any info will be appreciated.

[Teddi]

I've had several, and the worst one for me was the saline enema on my raw skin where my rectal tumor was. The scopes really aren't painful. The tool itself isn't too big. Good luck!

Teddi

[Nik Colon]

They wernt going to with me either, but I told them I wanted it and they gave me meds.

[midlifemom]

Another thought, instead of pain meds, some good anti-anxiety meds might be good.

[BrownBagger]

I liken the sensation to a reverse fart.

[DarknessEmbraced]

I would ask for the meds. I had a bad experience having a flexible sigmoidoscopy without medication. It might have been because they were stretching my anastomosis. The second time I had one I asked for meds and they gave them to me. Good luck.*hugs*

[mike1965]

I had two Sigmoidoscopy two weeks ago. Neither one really hurt to bad. One surgeon was not really gentle he had me kneel down and raised the table and he looked in. It was pretty quick. The second surgeon was more gentle. He had me lay on my side and he put in the scope. He had me watch the screen and he explained what he was seeing. Hope your scope goes well.

[Delinda2]

Thanks for the feedback. I did finally call and talk to the nurse about my concern. She said if it was too painful that doctor would stop the test. Explained that this was to gather information and a painful reaction would tell doc something too & that's why they don't use anything. I'm just anxious to start some sort of treatment. It's been 3 weeks since my dx and I hate the idea that it's growing unchecked. I understand that 3 weeks is nothing in the overall scheme of things, but it still creeps me out. Thanks again for your help. XXOXO, Delinda

[kandj]

Thanks for the feedback. I did finally call and talk to the nurse about my concern. She said if it was too painful that doctor would stop the test. Explained that this was to gather information and a painful reaction would tell doc something too & that's why they don't use anything. I'm just anxious to start some sort of treatment. It's been 3 weeks since my dx and I hate the idea that it's growing unchecked. I understand that 3 weeks is nothing in the overall scheme of things, but it still creeps me out. Thanks again for your help. XXOXO, Delinda

I would ask for a script for Ativan from your primary. Have someone drive you and you will be very relaxed. I take it when I have to go to the dentist! If I don't I metabolize the novocaine too quickly due to my anxiety and it doesn't numb me. Ativan is a beautiful drug for anxiety.

[lpas]

I think it's fair to say that experiences can vary quite a bit from one person to the next, but just wanted to let you know that my flexible sigmoidoscopy was fine--uncomfortable for sure, but not painful. Hopefully you have a similar experience. Good luck!

[horizon]

Surprised by these answers.

I wasn't awake for mine. I was put under just like for colonoscopies.