[tbdfm]

If you are avoiding a colonoscopy because you don’t want to get knocked out, they can do it while you’re awake.

If for some reason you don’t want to be anesthetized you can just ask. It is also cheaper this way and you can drive yourself home.

Based on my limited research it seems like anesthesia is mostly there because people are prude.

The painful parts of procedure doesn’t hurt any more than having bad gas pain.

And it’s only a few less-than-ten-second points during the procedure that are anywhere near what I would describe as painful.

The insertion of the camera is rather jarring if you’re not used to having things stuck up your ass, but again surprisingly painless.

I was able to watch along with the doctor on a massive tv screen and see my own innards.

Worst part was taking preparatory laxatives before.

Overall not a bad experience for the piece of mind it provided.

Get a colonoscopy if you are due or have reason to believe you should get one.

[spapas82]

Actually the greatest thing for me is the falling asleep effortlessly part!

[b2w]

To me, it felt like some of the best sleep of my life! The gibberish out of my mouth afterwards thou...well it was a good laugh for my spouse, which is a happy sight seen upon opening my eyes.

[eszed]

Ask for novocain around your external sphincter - there's a high likelihood that the doctors won't think of it, because they're used to doing the procedure on sedated patients - unless, you know, you're otherwise prepared for that experience. That'll take care of ~75% of the discomfort. I otherwise endorse everything you say - it's a fascinating procedure to watch while awake!

[dzhiurgis]

How about DNA based stool tests instead of colonoscopy?

[eszed]

It's a low specificity test. If you get a false positive you'll be getting a colonoscopy anyway, and (less of a risk, but still worth considering) if you get a false negative it's a bit of a problem. That's how my gastro explained it, and a bit of my own internet research supported.

[whatevaa]

I think most people are not used to having things stuck up their ass.

[kelseyfrog]

That's an incredibly easy thing to change. It takes little money, a flared base, and only mild curiosity.

[ggggffggggg]

Lol. “Most” is doing a lot of work there.