A sigmoidoscopy... is it painful?
Question:
My doctor has recommended that I have a flexible sigmoidoscopy:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/sigmoidosco...
and after having the procedure outlined for me, I'm moderately nervous. It sounds like it could be quite painful and unpleasant. Should I be prepared for a lot of pain and discomfort? Would taking a sedative beforehand help (the doctor has already okayed me to do so)?
Thank you in advance to all who take the time to respond.
Answers:
A sigmoidoscopy isn't bad. Like the other poster here said, it's more a sensation of pressure than pain. There's a little crampy discomfort because they puff air into the colon to open it up so the doctor can see, but relax and breathe deep and it will be minimal. I was nervous but didn't use a tranquillizer - they actually didn't offer me one - and it turned out OK.
With a colonoscopy, where they look all the way through the colon, I'd recommend a sedative, but with a flex sig, unless you're really scared and tense, it probably isn't necessary.
It'll be fine - it's over before you know it. Take care and let us know how it goes.
BB,
Teacherwitch )0(
i had one done several years ago, they are not so much painful, just more pressure feeling, you should be fine just make sure they stay in you decending colon, unfortunately i had an intern do mine and he went over into my transverse colon and all i can say is OUCH
I honestly do not know, but I did just want to say best of luck, and I hope nothing is seriously wrong my friend.
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