Anxiety over procedure

I had a colonoscopy scheduled, but I successfully talked myself into cancelling. I'm not really scared to have it, just don't feel like dealing with it right now.

I'm thinking scheduling over a month in advance gives people like me more time to build up anxiety...

Yes... the prospect of having colonoscopies can be daunting! I've had two so far. And it's been recommended I have a third next May. Actually the procedure itself is a piece of cake (please excuse the analogy.) It's all of the pre-event preparations that are off-putting... at least to me. Good luck with yours though. It's a good thing to have done!

Ask if you can do the 'smear' test instead. It's not invasive at all and basically shows near identical results.

I had one a couple of years ago. I agree with Skeezyks: the prepping is the worst of it. They'll usually sedate you before the procedure so you don't feel it.

I am going to ask my doc to let me do that one for now.

They really are not so bad especially if they put you to sleep. Seriously the prep is the worst part. The salt solution is horrible and you have to drink it over an hour or so almost a gallon. If you are awake during the colonoscopy they still give you enough medicine to keep you relaxed and sleepy. All you feel is some pressure. It is not painful.

The recommendation in the US is you should have a baseline colonoscopy at the age of 50 and every 10 years thereafter if the colonoscopy is clear. With that said, I didn't have my 1st one until I was 62. I just kept putting it off. The prep is the hard part just like has been said. I hope your first one was/is chronologically earlier than mine!! Just get it over with!!

Sorry, notz. Maybe a little younger but not much. lol

I know I have to do it sometime

When it's over they encourage you to "pass gas" because a little air is pushed into the colon to open it for the look-see. Hey, it's not often you get the chance to fart out loud in front of total strangers and be praised for it!!!!!!!!

It's really not bad. I wasn't fully sedated. I knew what was going on the whole time and wasn't in any pain. I even had a polyp they had to remove to biopsy and that didn't hurt. Truly the worst part of it was the preparation for the procedure.