I have IBS also and have had 3 or 4 colonoscopies with no problems. Yes, the prep is the worst , again ,yes, the prep is the worst. but the procedure you won't feel a thing, you are out for the count, which isn't long at all and you will wake up asking is it over? So far have been free from cancer, removed 3 polyps and another time they were so small for a biopsy so just burned them off. No problems. Started to have the procedures at age 50 and am now 74! Don't worry, be sure to address your concerns before the procedure, call the office now before you go for the procedure.

I am a nurse of 30 years also a daughter of a colon CA Mom. So I have had about 4 colonoscopy. The only thing I have ever remembered is them saying them say this may make you sleepy and waking up in a chair later. So definitely don't worry about the test. There are also easier preps with fleets phospha soda, or miralax which I just picked up for my procedure. There should be no reason you have to take the old gallon bottle of golylytly. Which is very bloating. Yes you will still need to run to the BR so get pull ups. If your test is in the afternoon. If your diabetic they will put you on clear liquid diets usually for a day. Broth is needed to replace sodium and sugar drinks like Gatorade or juices. Just nothing with any pulp or that is red or purple. Should check sugar every 4 hours or more often if needed. NPO especially with liquids does not have to be any longer than 12 hours at the most as they clear quickly. Discuss your fears with your MD or nurse. About you fears. If you are concerned about sudden drops in your blood sugar your family being there should help distract you. And always if you are waiting to go to testing center and your sugar starts dropping you will need to take something. Just don't eat! Ask MD what you should do in case this would happen. Most importantly if will be easier than you expect. The stories people hear are always the worst of experiences. Remember that medicine is changing and everything is quicker an easier that it was even just a couple days ago. Mine is Oct 21. Good Luck and breathe

I've had a colonoscopy. The prep is very difficult, but the procedure itself is a breeze! They put you to sleep, and the next thing you know the procedure is over!! And then you just have to decide what you want for lunch ... no problem. (((((Hugs)))))

My mother is having they new Virtual Colonoscopy for her next one. They have trouble on the last turn of her colon and because of that she has to have a upper and lower GI. You do the prep the same, and they will put you either in a CT or MRI. If I remember correctly for the CT they fill your colon with air and for the MRI they put in contrast. The Virtual one is a lot less invasive, they don't have to put you under and you can drive yourself home after it since you were not put under.
If you wanted to go this way you would need to find out if anyone near you is doing them and if your insurance will pay for it since it is still so new. Fortunately a hospital near us was one of the first to test it.
Praying for you.

I am also afraid of all the above. My father had colon cancer at age 13 and he passed away at 39. I am older than he was. But still scared about prep and procedure.
How to help. I really need the dr to listen to my fears and they need to adjust precedure to suit you. Or give you more info so you don't need to be so worried.
Take care. Hugs.