Anonymous
Post 02/16/2026 17:07     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
I have about 20 colonoscopies. 1 with a sedative at a hospital (that didn’t knock me out entirely) and never again. I was conscious enough to know what was going on and it was uncomfortable. The other 19 were with Propofol (a short lasting IV med that knocks you out) and it’s fine. They will let you know when they are injecting it and about 10 seconds later you are asleep. About 20 minutes later you either wake up on your own or one of the staff wakes you up. I find it similar to taking a nap.
Anonymous
Post 02/16/2026 15:52     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I've had a lot of surgeries and the colonoscopy is not surgery like. But everyone is probably nervous the first time. If you're worried talk to your doctor.


I don’t have a gastro bc I have never had stomach issues. I fear anesthesia and not being awake, not the idea of surgery so much.


My PCP was able to hook me up with a gastroenterologist. I also was very nervous about all of it. The prep is by far the worst part. I was nervous, but glad I did it. They found multiple polyps which were at risk for turning into cancer.

I had at least two phone calls with a nurse before my procedure. You can ask them any question you want or talk about your concerns.


Honestly nobody will make me feel good about anesthesia. My concern is dying from it. Someone upthread said it happened to someone they know.


It's not the type of general anesthesia where you're intubated and fully under. Conscious/twilight sedation is much less dangerous. That being said, ask around and you can find one that allows you to be more alert during the procedure. This is what my sister does because she finds it interesting to watch the screen as they scope her. She's loopy but awake and can remember everything.
Anonymous
Post 02/16/2026 15:50     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
Anonymous wrote:My PCP sent a referral to the gastroenterologist of my choice. I don't require a referral, but what that did was allow the gastro to send me the information. I then just called the office to make the appointment. I go next week. It was the same for my DH. As others have said, doctor met him just before the procedure, then told him the results afterwards. When they brought me into the recovery area, the nurse/tech went over after care. No issues for DH so not sure how it would have gone had he had polyps. The whole thing was easy - and it is something I have been dreading and putting off.


I am going next week too...cheers!
Anonymous
Post 02/16/2026 15:47     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
My PCP sent a referral to the gastroenterologist of my choice. I don't require a referral, but what that did was allow the gastro to send me the information. I then just called the office to make the appointment. I go next week. It was the same for my DH. As others have said, doctor met him just before the procedure, then told him the results afterwards. When they brought me into the recovery area, the nurse/tech went over after care. No issues for DH so not sure how it would have gone had he had polyps. The whole thing was easy - and it is something I have been dreading and putting off.
Anonymous
Post 02/16/2026 15:44     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:No way I’m doing this, unless my cologuard comes back with terrible results.


Just as a counterpoint: I did cologuard at 45, found nothing. At 48, when it was time for a repeat cologuard screening (because they’re good for three years), I decided I might as well do a colonoscopy instead — and they found a 4cm malignant polyp and removed it. Am going for third colonoscopy in two years soon to make sure no new cancerous growths have come back, but my point is, cologuard didn’t find any sign of it.


And my cologuard told me I had a problem...only to have a colonoscopy which was completely clean. My Dr says they are useless.
Anonymous
Post 02/16/2026 15:41     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
Anonymous wrote:No way I’m doing this, unless my cologuard comes back with terrible results.


Just as a counterpoint: I did cologuard at 45, found nothing. At 48, when it was time for a repeat cologuard screening (because they’re good for three years), I decided I might as well do a colonoscopy instead — and they found a 4cm malignant polyp and removed it. Am going for third colonoscopy in two years soon to make sure no new cancerous growths have come back, but my point is, cologuard didn’t find any sign of it.
Anonymous
Post 02/16/2026 09:03     Subject: How does this work for colonoscopies?
My DH asks for very little anesthesia. So little that he able to talk to the doctor during the entire procedure. I think my DH is crazy, but the dr goes along with his request. Talk to your doctor about your anesthesia issues.