[Aeroman]

what should i expect? Does it hurt?

[sasquatch69]

no, it shouldnt hurt, but it might not be comfortable. Assuming you've spent an evening drinking all that fluid and "evacuating" your bowels like they ask, the actual procedure should be painless.
However, its what they do inside there that determines whether you have any pain later on. If they find a polyp or something and cut it out you could have a bit of pain or bleeding.
Your Dr should fill you in on exactly what to expect.

[chalumni]

An IV will be started, possible preoperative sedation with Valium or Ativan, and then perioperative anesthesia with probably Versed and fentanyl or Demerol. Versed makes you feel like you have not had anything done, although you will be conscious enough during the procedure to perform tasks or answer questions. You just won't remember it. The postoperative phase is usually very short, you usually will have to eat and then use the bathroom before you are allowed to leave. Not much to it really. If you have to have a biopsy you will not remember any pain that might be associated with it. If the anesthesiologist thinks you are too awake, they will titrate the dose to a comfortable level for you. Have fun, the worst part is the prep, make sure you do that right.

[Aeroman]

thanks everyone! Doesnt sound like it will be too bad after all...what a relief!

[Aeroman]

you were all right!!! The prep was no fun because I had to run back and forth to the toilet for 4-6 hours! I had the colonoscopy today and you were right, nothing to it. The adrenaline before the procedure was the worst of it!

They did find a polyp and "mild atypical anorectal junction mucosa" - the doc has me referred to a colorectal surgeon. Of course, worry me, I thought CANCER but from what I have been reading, not quite so. Thanks again for the replies...