Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Colonsoscopy or Barium Enema

The docs and nurses say that the colonoscopy doesn't hurt but rather exerts pressure in the gut. Let me tell you that the pressure is pretty extreme. They pump air into your colon so that it big enough and provides an easy path for the scope. I thought I could make a go of it without anasthesia and watch the process on the monitor, but about 30 to 45 seconds into it they had to administer the anasthesia.(I'm a wimp) You can request that they use special anasthesia where possible for special needs. Some drugs they use are not actually classified as anasthesia, but they knock you out just the same. You also have cleaning enema preps several hours prior to the procedure which are no fun. If you go the sedation route, you'll never know anything happened except for passing the pumped in gas out for the next 3 hours.
My Dr. gave me a choice between a couple of procedures, but said that the colonoscopy is still considered the "gold standard" for most colon tests.
Good luck with your decision, I'd go for the colonoscopy since it is more thorough and if they find any polyps etc they can remove them then and there.

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