This topic is about a challenging experience someone had during a colonoscopy preparation through a loop ileostomy, which was done without sedation. The person experienced severe pain and other distressing symptoms, and they are curious about why sedation wasn't offered and if others have had similar experiences. Here are some helpful insights and advice:
1. Sedation, whether it's conscious sedation or general anesthesia, is typically available for both standard colonoscopies and procedures involving a stoma. It's important to insist on having sedation in the future and to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.
2. Be your own advocate. It's crucial to ask your surgeon and medical team about pain management options and the details of the procedure beforehand.
3. If your healthcare provider dismisses your concerns or doesn't offer pain relief, it might be worth considering finding a different gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon.
4. There is some debate about nerve endings in a stoma. While the stoma itself might not have sensation, pain can still occur from the bowel just inside the abdominal wall or from an underlying condition, so discomfort is possible.
5. Experiencing severe pain during preparation could also be a sign of the underlying condition that necessitated the scope. Make sure to report all your symptoms to your healthcare team.
6. If you've had a traumatic procedure in the past, it can be a strong motivator to advocate more effectively for yourself. Connecting with other people who have ostomies for support and shared strategies can help build your confidence.