[nonce42]

I skipped the drugs for my colonoscopy and I highly recommend considering that option.† It was a lot less discomfort than I expected--I get more discomfort from my abs routine at the gym, and I don't work out very hard. It was also extremely interesting to be able to watch the procedure on the screen. How often do you get to see your own appendix? And it was nice to have zero recovery time and be able to drive home.

†I recognize that everyone is different and this option may not work for everyone. I also think that I got a talented doctor. So your pain mileage may vary.

[csnover]

I think it is reasonable for anyone to try this, but would recommend that they have an IV placed and sort all the paperwork for the anaesthesia anyway just in case—I tried this and had the opposite experience to yours.

[rscho]

Yes, you are absolutely right. Not because of discomfort which is more of an inconvenience, but because having any kind of procedure without an IV in place is DANGEROUS! If you don't have an IV, this makes it very difficult for the anesthesiologist to act in case of problem, i.e. you're in deep sh_t.

Many people died on the table in minor anorectal procedures in the past due to bad parasympathetic reactions.

[andrekandre]

> bad parasympathetic reactions.

for example?

[rscho]

for example, circulatory arrest.

[Aeolun]

From having a tube shoved up your ass? I’m really curious how that can happen.

[matheusmoreira]

Could be a consequence of accidental stimulation of the vagus nerve.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagus_nerve

Even certain routine procedures risk doing this.

[Fauntleroy]

I have no idea how you managed that. My sigmoidoscopy (they do not give you anything beforehand) was one of the most unpleasant experiences I've ever had.

[nonce42]

The strange thing is that I also had a sigmoidoscopy 25 years earlier and it matched your experience of being very bad; I was about ready to confess if it would help. But the drug-free colonoscopy was pretty smooth. I think the second doctor was a much better "driver". But maybe endoscope technology also improved, smaller diameter perhaps? (One might also wonder why I went ahead with a drug-free colonoscopy after my sigmoidoscopy experience. I guess I don't learn from experience.)

[Aeolun]

I mean, it’s definitely unpleasant, but I have a hard time justifying any form of sedation for it. The sedation (especially full) seems more risky than the procedure in such case.

[philjohn]

I had a sigmoidoscopy ... and that's done without drugs ... was definitely not an experience I wish to repeat. But, different people, different pain tolerances :)

[Aeolun]

After having the colonoscopy without any sedation the first time around, I find it hard to believe people would need sedation for it in the first place.

[ycombinete]

I even had an endoscopy without drugs. That’s the one with the scope down your throat. It wasn’t a fun experience, but certainly doable!

[UncleOxidant]

I'd recommend Cologuard as an alternative to colonoscopy - a lot of insurance is covering it now.

[wincy]

I did the same thing. Was an interesting experience, I’ll insist on the same next time.