Had the camera December 2021 after the routine poo sample. 4 polyps found and removed. Lab said no issue. Repeat in 3 years.

Had the repeat December 2024. 2 polyps found and removed. Lab said no issue. Now back to poo sample in December 2026.

The mixture they give you to use at home certainly works, instant diet.

Worst part of procedure is the insertion of the camera, 2 seconds of discomfort, after that plain sailing.

Best part is continually breaking wind with no complaints from the audience

And you get to watch it all on a TV.

Then a cuppa and biscuit. Home after 10 minutes.

If you are nervous you can have a sedative (I did not have one) but that means hanging around longer in recovery.

Edited by skidpan on 12/09/2025 at 20:27

I have to report that the Moderators on this Forum, both recent past and present, seem to have a 100% record of the Colonoscopy procedure and the experience of Moviprep. Must be all the Spam that we have to deal with. (10 actual or potential posters of examples disabled before 06.00 this morning)

About a decade ago I was put on a regime of bi-annual inspections, until 5 years ago when they removed 17 polyps..... ..I believe it was a record for the team that dealt with me under Northumbria Healthcare at the time. I was then placed on an annual regime, but now back to bi-annual after only 2 were removed last time.

Opt for the Entonox gas and air, otherwise you will miss all the potential hilarity of the situation if your hospital team are anything like those that deal with me. It's an absolute hoot from start to finish and the most laughs you will have!

"Go with the Flow" - you'll have no alternative- when you use the Moviprep, and if you have a particularly low ceiling, wear a cycling helmet as "Lift-off" can be un-nerving!!

I promise you that the actuality of all of it is nothing like as bad as you worry about- Just wait until you are invited for a Flexi-Cysto camera inspection of an even smaller and more intimate orifice! I had one in May....now that is an interesting experience- and equally as hilarious if you approach it with the same attitude!

Back in 2009 I was admitted to hospital suffering from severe stomach pain, long story short, turns out I had diverticulitis, one of the polyps burst which led to peritonitis, emergency op where I was fitted with a temporary colostomy bag, turns out I had about 24 hours to live if they hadn’t operated, I’ve had all sorts of tests, the most uncomfortable was when I had a scan to see how things were going, it involved inflating my stomach through the stoma, just when I thought they couldn’t put anymore air in, guess what…they did, had the whole thing reversed six months later, I won’t mention the trouble I had with the wound coming open, twice, to the op, it’s probably going to be more uncomfortable than painful, take the sedation if you can organise transport home, don’t forget to leave your dignity at the door ( do they still use those flattering hospital gowns?) and if it’s anything serious,they’ve hopefully got it in time.don’t worry and good luck…??

The camera won’t be so bad…it’s the live feed to main reception you have to worry about…

Wise words Chris, thanks, we are lucky to be offered these treatments and procedures.

Thanks to everyone that's offered words of encouragement and regaled there own tales, it is important that we look after ourselves, light diet tomorrow plus the magic bowel opening potion for me..

UPDATE... appointment cancelled! Staff shortages apparently, rebooted for next month..ho hum..

Northumbria Healthcare always figures in the top 10% of the charts for satisfaction and results, and I've never been inconvenienced by delays.

Please don't interpret this as an invitation to increase the elderly local population- The Northeasterly winds will inconvenience you!!!