When you're scheduled for a colonoscopy through your stoma, it's natural to feel a bit anxious about what to expect. Here’s a friendly guide based on the experiences of others who have been through it:

1. Pain & Discomfort
- Most people report little to no pain when the scope is introduced through the stoma.
- Some experience brief discomfort when air is used to improve visibility, but it's usually not painful.
- After the procedure, you might notice some gas, but it shouldn't be painful.

2. Sedation / Anaesthesia
- Many people have "light sedation" and some even sleep through the procedure.
- If sedation isn't an option for you, a general anaesthetic can be used without issues.
- Some choose to have the procedure without any sedation and manage just fine.

3. Bowel Preparation
- If you have an ileostomy, no bowel prep is needed.
- For a sigmoid colostomy, full bowel prep is required, similar to pre-stoma instructions.
- The prep can be easier with a pouch, as you can simply empty the bag when needed. Fasting is often the most challenging part.

4. Access Route & Additional Exam
- In some cases, the scope may also enter through the anus to check the rectal stump, which might leave the rectal area a bit sore for a day, but the stoma itself remains pain-free.

5. Pouching During the Procedure
- Typically, you remove the external pouch but leave the flange or baseplate in place. After the procedure, you can snap on a new pouch and head home.

6. Overall Experience
- Many people describe the experience as "no big deal" and reassuringly say, "You will be fine" or "No issues at all."
- Generally, the procedure is considered easier and less bothersome than colonoscopies before having a stoma.

Hopefully, this helps ease your mind and gives you a clearer picture of what to expect.