Colonoscopy Concern

Posted , 20 users are following.

Hello. I want to be pout right out for my colonoscopy, but my surgeon tells me I have to be at least aware enough to respond to him asking questions... Can anyone verify this? I think I'd rather die...

1 like, 71 replies

71 Replies

Next
  • Posted

    Put right out, I meant...
    • Posted

      They won't put you completely out James and the reason most people don't remember alot of the procedure is because of one of the two medications they give you, it's called Madazolam. This drug removes your memory of the procedure (alot of controversy over this drug, you can Google it and check it out). The other drug is called Fentenol, it's supposed to handle the pain. Some people insist on NO medications at all. I've had four colonoscopys so I know what it's like. Yes they are a little uncomfortable, but everyone has different pain thresholds.
  • Posted

    They ask you questions before you get sedated, I cannot remember my procedure at all and I was only sedated so don't worry about it!
  • Posted

    Thanks, but I saw him two days ago, and was left with the clear impression that I couldn't be put under totally because I'd have to be aware DURING the procedure to respond to his question... And he says he's done 8000 of them...
    • Posted

      Oh I think it all depends on how you react to the sedation, everyone is going to be different. I know it's hard but try not to worry too much about it all as you'll have your own experience of it
  • Posted

    Hello James,

    It depends on the hospital and surgeon as here in Dorset they give Fentanyl for pain relief and the sedative Midazolam by IV.  They don't always knock you out but sedate you well.  They apparently discovered more problems with people in recovery if they were really almost anaesthetised so nationwide the hospitals do not sedate you as much as they used to.  However, there are people who remember nothing about the procedure at all.  Please tell them you are really nervous and they can give you Entonox  to breath if necessary too which is what I had to have.  I am a whimp.  I hope all goes well but do tell them your fears.  Best wishes, Jenny.

    • Posted

      Yea, and the last time I had one, the meds didn't work and was wide awake going into recovery. I think it's crazy to let nurses give mind altering drugs.
  • Posted

    Hard to take you seriously, dear oh dear.
    • Posted

      Yes, I know. I should simply face up to it. Always had a phobia around hospitals and any family I have are 1000s of miles away. Venting, mostly, but was on one forum and full of horror stories...
    • Posted

      The ones with a story to tell are the minority who had a bad experience.

       

  • Posted

    Thanks, all. It's in my family so I have to go through with it. I am fecking terrified. Will report after it's done. Scheduled for the 10 of Feb.
    • Posted

      I'm having a systoscopy on the 9th. Which would you prefer?

      Always remember the expression in Dad's Army? They don't like it up 'em:-)

       

    • Posted

      Hey James. It's not as bad as you might fear. I did have some pain during the procedure but then I have suspected IBS which might explain that, and I was fully aware - I remember everything. They sedated me but it doesn't always have the effect it's supposed to. Actually, I thought watching it all on the screen was pretty interesting. But they treat you with dignity, it's not as if you're on diplay to everyone. I would say that you may experience some pain when they pump the air in to see the walls more clearly, but it's only fairly momentary. I was pretty terrified as well (I had my first one last Tuesday) but I'm glad I had it done - if I ever need another I'll know what to expect, and at least it will hopefully put your mind at rest RE further problems. Let us know how you get on. 
  • Posted

    They will not put you out for it. It's not as bad as you imagine it will be. Basically it is the air they pump in that causes any pain if you have a twisty bowel. I had three twinges when I swore. I much prefer a colonoscopy to a visit to the dentist:-)

    They put me out last year for a cardioversion and that only takes a few minutes. When I went home I was still drowsy and unsteady on my feet. I went to bed and slept for seven hours and later all night. It was 36 hours before the effect totally wore off.

      

  • Posted

    It depends on the hospital what they use. I've experienced 2 different hospitals for mine. The one where I had sedation, they used a hypnotic drug, and I couldn't remember much at all. Ask if you can have that type of sedation.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.