I had a colonoscopy this past November. The prep wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it was the worst part. I found that using a straw and the flavor packets that came with the solution helpful. And drinking it COLD.
I work in the surgery dept at the hospital in which I had mine, so it was comforting to know the nurses really well, and the doctor I had was someone I've been working with on a monthly basis for 6 years. I was given Versed to "relax" me-and help me forget-and Demerol for the pain. I did fall into a light sleep ffrom what the nurse told me, but would occasionally open my eyes and watch the screen. I, of course, do not remember this. At one point Dr Harlan was trying to get the scope past one of the curves of my colon and the scope retroflexed (curled back a bit) which causes sufficient amt of pain. I do recall opening my eyes and seeing the nurse and saying, "Ouch". She pushed some more demerol and I drifted into blissful unawareness until it was time to get up and get dressed. All in all, it was not a horrible experience for me. Experienced nurses and doctors make all the difference...oh, and drugs. I remember being pretty fatigued, but just took things easy the rest of the day.
My uncle died a year ago April 23 from complications of colon/bladder cancer and my mother (his sister) has the same syndrome, so all of us kids have started taking steps to see about prevention, iff possible. It's some type of familial cancer so God knows who will end up with it from my generation.