HELP please - first sigmoidoscopy

Ok - so it's kind of weird but this is my first sigmoidoscopy coming up tomorrow morning - I've had UC for over 10 years, many of them I've been lucky enough to be in a state of remission, and I've always gotten colonoscopys.  I've been having an issue lately where out of nowhere I'll wake up in the middle of the night with extreme stomach pain/cramping and can't go to the bathroom [no blood, nothing] and then I'll be blocked up/feeling bloated, lower stomach discomfort, until I take a laxative or what-not. 

So I saw my doc today about this and he took some blood and wants to do a sig...he said I don't need to do ANY prep or have anesthesia.  I kind of freaked and he said, if I prefer, I can have the anesthesia but it isn't necessary...

So...a. anyone ever have that happen to them, what I described...just wondering about that but mostly, I want to know about the sigmoidoscopy process...

For people who have had sigs, is it best to go w/ the anesthesia?  What kind of pain/discomfort is it if you don't?

Thanks.

Come to think of it, if I ever have to have another one, I'll ask for a valium.

I have had two sigs.  The first one was uncomfortable especially when they blew the air.  I agree with the previous post...It makes you feel like you got to go but can't.  I was in a flare at the time.  I'm thinking this had a lot to do with it being so uncomfortable.  The second one, was not bad at all.  My rectum looked great.  What a big difference with my first flex sig experience.  You don't need anything because the procedure isn't that long.  Wish you the best on your Sig.

CeeJay

I had one yesterday! So I feel able to say it is fine!

I trawled this forum for advice yesterday morning and freaked the hell out. I hadn't been to the toilet much but they said I wouldn't need an enema as it often causes more harm than good. Originally I was going to be sedated but I had tickets to a gig last night and wanted something to look forward to. This was a good choice. I got in there at 2pm yesterday, went into the room at 2.30, and as home by 4.

The actual procedure was no trouble at all. I won't lie, its awkward, and a very odd feeling, and I'm one of those wierdo's who watched the screen. When the camera was inserted it feels like having a poo but wrong, yet not uncomfortable at all (though it depends how sore you are there already) When the camera got to a bend, i felt like I'd been stabbed or stung. If you have a tattoo, very similar to that feeling when they hit near a bone and you're not expecting it, but then the feeling passes and the procedures over. The nurse stroked my hair and a few panting type breathes and I was fine to carry on. I was wheeled out of the room, given a drink and able to get dressed. I was surrounded by mainly older people hooked up to machines sleeping or looking incredibly disorientated and I was able to leave and go about my normal business. I was also able to speak to my consultant and understand what was going on, so glad I didn't opt for sedation.

Afterward my stomach started to ache ever so slightly, like a mild period pain but nothing trouble some. I did have one a few years back in the middle of an awful flare, given an enema and it was agony, but going to the toilet was agony so anything in that area was going to be hell that was pre being diagnosed so they gave the enema. If going to the toilet doesn't hurt, this procedure won't hurt.

Good luck.

Also if you do opt for sedation you have to be picked up and can't be left unattended for 24 hours. Can't turn the oven on in case you forget, cant drive or look after children. For a ten minute procedure it's easier to go without than feel yucky for the day. I had it for my first one and it didn't help one bit but did mean I forgot the next six hours.

I had to do two fleet enemas the morning of my sig flex. I am intrigued by those who say they didn't have to do any prep. I'd much prefer not to do any prep! Not that two fleet enemas are the worst things in the world, but they are more onerous than doing nothing, right?

I did not have any sedative at all and as many other have reported, there was discomfort but by the time I thought "oh I don't like this" that part was over and the rest was really nothing to it.