Had my first colonoscopy today. First time anesthesia as well. My experience. - 46 M

Hello! I just discovered this subreddit today after having my 1st colonoscopy today at age 46 (thought the 1st was at 50, but was informed otherwise)

I wanted to share my experience as a 1st timer for both a colonoscopy and being on anesthesia in case someone who will be in the same situation at me comes looking.

Prep: More of an inconvenience. Follow your doctor's directions 100%. You will start peeing out of your butt. Don't leave the house. You'll know you're good for the appointment when it looks fully clear (no chunks) and yellow. Mine looked like my pee when I'm dehydrated, for example.

Colonoscopy: Honestly, the most "painful" part of this was getting my IV put in. I say it in quotes because that was literally the only part of the entire process that I felt. It didn't hurt, but I felt it.

I get wheeled into the procedure room andmeet the Dr. and CRNA. They have me roll over onto my left side while the tech adjusted my pillow for my comfort. The CRNA says to me (as he's injecting the Propofol into my IV), "Think about what you're going to want to eat when you're done." Right as he said that, I felt the tingling in my chest and head and then I was asleep and dreaming.

The next thing I know, I'm waking back up and I'm still on my side but I'm in the recovery room. I realize that it's over and I let out a HUGE fart 🤣. Nurse comes in shortly thereafter and takes out my IV. I clean up my butt with a wipe since it's all lubed up and then I get dressed.

About 15 minutes after waking up, I was out the door. I didn't feel any grogginess or anything. If anything, I felt a little refreshed since I had a good nap. They don't let you drive, but I didn't feel like I was impaired the slightest.

I still had a few more times I had to pee out of my butt after leaving, so don't over trust your farts. You will be farting for a bit afterwards due to the air they put in there during the procedure.

Went straight to Chick-fil-A and crushed a spicy chicken sandwich combo because I was so damn hungry.

If you're on the fence, don't delay. The prep is the "worst" part of the entire thing. My doctor said I could put Crystal Light in it to help it taste, but I messed up and only had red Mio (YOU CAN'T HAVE RED OR PURPLE DRINKS FOR PREP) so I couldn't use it. I just drank it straight. It probably would've been much better with flavor added.

GET YOUR COLONOSCOPY! DON'T DELAY!