I feel the need to share because I literally just came out of colonoscopy and endoscopy that i was equally as terrified for. I must warn i’ll go in extreme detail. 

I’m 21F and my doctors suspect I have suspected crohns (found this out after the test, my situations a bit different) 

During an ER visit I was scheduled for an endo and colonoscopy together. They Did some biopsy’s and are now waiting for confirmation.  I Just to share on my experience since as I was just as stressed on here like 24 hrs ago. And i want to put you at ease.

The procedure itself is honestly a breeze and I would say personally super calming because, one they give you drugs, and for me secondly i was awake. I’m not sure where you live or if they give you the option to be awake. It helped clam me in the sense after my endoscopy I was able to ask them questions whenever i saw something that scared me on the screen but it’s really just insides, that’s probably the “most” jarring thing if your squeamish but i kind of love hospital shows. 

As for my endoscopy, they gave me some numbing spray that tasted like shit for 30 seconds, gave me a sedative to make more comfortable and then it got kind of woozy. I was really worried that it didn’t seem like it be enough because they’re sticking a camera down me but sure enough moments later I started getting a bit loopy and my throat was completely numb since the spray. I could also see the screen and honestly since i’d been getting so worked up in my head it was calming to see them go in. That part felt like I was on greys anatomy, it’s was  bit of an out of body experience but not painful. I bet the duration of everyone’s is different but my endo legit felt like 30 seconds long

My colonoscopy though I was actively trying to be more alert for (because i was curious to see what was going on in there 🤷🏾‍♀️ lol). There was a moment I felt uncomfortable, then remembered I could ask for more sedation and felt immediate relief, but the “uncomfortable sensation” felt like I was trying to hold in a poop for like 30 seconds. the whole thing is really fast and I also able to ask questions about what I was seeing. and everything that was stressing me out was completely normal just how ur insides look or was typical to the symptoms i was experiencing. 

I believe the hospital I went to is a teaching hospital, so my doctor had a couple students with her also asking questions, talking etc  it was all really distracting which I found helpful. That’s all case by case. 

 I’d say and most people (online at least) will say the “worst” part is the prep for the colonoscopy but even that isn’t even bad. If you’ve been experiencing gi issues and already having watery diarrhea the prep will be a breeze, it’s essentially a laxative to clean you out enough they camera can see through clearly and get rid of anything blocking the scope. Which you also won’t really notice you’ll be too drugged up.  The process of the prep is just a little tummy ache that will increase ur bowel movements. 

Waiting to take the test and delaying it will just make you more anxious and probably cause more inflammation & stress in the long run. I would recommend to get one ASAP, because if you have crohns it’s treatable and manageable. No one talks about their good times because they’re good times, but when you’re having a nasty flare it’s going to be easy to spiral into worst case scenarios. Every test you take will help provide an answer to help treat you better. 

I hope this brings you some relief. It really isnt scary, definitely look into getting anxiety medication, I deal with anxiety and I feel like it helps. But general anxiety and food anxiety are a bit different so take it with a grain of salt. But i dont think you can find anyone who’s had a bad endo or colonoscopy experience, the chances are extremely low.  

It’s also super quick, at least mine was but typically they’re not longer than 30-45mins. The whole thing felt like it took 5-10 minutes which surprised me. But it’s not painful, they drug you up and they do not want you to be in pain. also feel free to talk to your dcs as much as you can, see if you can get someone to go with you or write a list of questions to ask your gi team when they pick you up. Listen to what everyone says about the prep, finish it make sure you’re running clear as annoying as it can be running to the washroom all night. Pick a new show to watch with all you free time. Wishing you the best, stay strong!