losingmymind
07-14-2005, 07:50 PM
For those who had a colonoscopy done, Could you please tell me why your doctor ordered one? What med/meds did they use to sedate you with? I'm going for one and the sedation makes me scared. I hope i can't feel this being done. That will totally freak me out. What if the meds they give me aren't enough and i do feel it? Will they give me more?? What was your reasons for having this done?? TIA
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cb50
07-15-2005, 01:36 AM
For me, I asked for one simply because I'm going to be 53 this year and it was time....I have always been one to take care of myself and have tests done when I should, and this was no different. The test was a piece of cake. Some people are given things like demerol or a pain medication along with a sedative, but my doctor doesn't like using any of the narcotics so I was given a sedative that I was told would induce a 'twilight' sleep, but it actually puts you out so you sleep through the whole thing. It starts with a 'P' but I don't remember what it was called. I'd have it again in a heartbeat. They gave it through my IV and all I remember is rolling over onto my left side, and then a nurse telling me to wake up, I was all done. I don't remember falling asleep or anything else. And what was great about this stuff was, I felt perfectly fine when I woke up, no grogginess like many have where they go home and sleep the rest of the day. I woke right up, felt fine, stopped on the way home for breakfast, then spent the rest of the day puttering out in my yard.
I think this is one of the important tests to have that shouldn't be put on a back burner until 'later'. Colon cancer is the only cancer that's preventable, and a 20 minute test that I'm not even awake for is a small price to pay for my life.
Some people like to be awake for the test, and that's fine for them if they're comfortable, but for me it was just easier to go to sleep for 20 minutes and not even know anything. If you're worried about being aware of what's going on (which I personally was too, because I didn't know what to expect) then being put to sleep for 15 or 20 minutes may be best for you, too.
I think this is one of the important tests to have that shouldn't be put on a back burner until 'later'. Colon cancer is the only cancer that's preventable, and a 20 minute test that I'm not even awake for is a small price to pay for my life.
Some people like to be awake for the test, and that's fine for them if they're comfortable, but for me it was just easier to go to sleep for 20 minutes and not even know anything. If you're worried about being aware of what's going on (which I personally was too, because I didn't know what to expect) then being put to sleep for 15 or 20 minutes may be best for you, too.
Bella916
07-15-2005, 03:12 PM
i just had one done, the worst part of the whole thing was the prep that needs to be done the day before. the actual colonoscopy was not bad at all, in fact, they sedated me (sorry i have no idea what they gave me for it) they never did give me the anastesia that i am aware of because i was awake through the whole thing, believe me when i tell you, it doesnt feel like you think it would feel.... you might feel some air in your tummy and that is it. if you are scheduled to get one then do it, do not let your fears keep you from getting one, it is well worth it! i had one done because i had blood in my stool and i was always constipated, which turns out to be my acid reflux medication that is making me constipate, it turned out to be internal hemmorids. if you read the cancer colon and rectal section, you will see everyones advice on such procedures. they are a whole lot of help, check out posts by cancerdad... good luck and please do not worry about the procedure, it truly is a pc of cake.. good luck
LC in B.
07-15-2005, 04:00 PM
I had my colooscopy yesterday (7/14), and they put me under with a mixture od Demerol and something else. I was'nt allowed to drive myself home, I'm surprised any doctor would allow this no matter what medication is used for sedation. I 'woke up' in the middle of it, felt a cramping sensation, then eivdently the doc gave me a bit more meds and I went back under.
I can't see how anyone could have this done without sedation, its too uncomfortable. But I do agree, the prep beforehand is the most miserable part. I've had many colonoscopies and no problems with any of them.
I had a bowel resection in Dec 2004, now thats a different story.... :eek:
I can't see how anyone could have this done without sedation, its too uncomfortable. But I do agree, the prep beforehand is the most miserable part. I've had many colonoscopies and no problems with any of them.
I had a bowel resection in Dec 2004, now thats a different story.... :eek:
chester4
07-15-2005, 04:04 PM
In part going under scares me, can't something happen to you when they do that?
Mazrose
07-15-2005, 04:42 PM
Hey listen.. these days going under isnt bad at all!!!
I had a colonoscopy because my GI found a mass that shouldnt been there with a internal test.
The worst bit of it is the preperation !!! Big time.. but once they put me under I felt nothing and woke fine.. just like CB50.
Its no drama at all.. so PLEASE dont be afraid and get the colonoscopy done. ITs the only true way to find out whats going on in your colon.
Take care and goodluck
Maz
I had a colonoscopy because my GI found a mass that shouldnt been there with a internal test.
The worst bit of it is the preperation !!! Big time.. but once they put me under I felt nothing and woke fine.. just like CB50.
Its no drama at all.. so PLEASE dont be afraid and get the colonoscopy done. ITs the only true way to find out whats going on in your colon.
Take care and goodluck
Maz
bulletinboard25
07-15-2005, 07:47 PM
Hey how's it going.. I post over in the Irritable Bowel Section, but I have had a colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, and flexible sigmoidoscopy done.
To sedate me, I was given demerol for the pain, and versed as a "conscious sedation".
Look into that, that is the most popular mix these days for this type of procedure.
Rarely do they completely knocked you out for this procedure.
It really isn't that bad of a procedure, the PREP IS THE WORST PART FOR SURE!!!
I had it done because my symptoms had worsened and they were checking for Chrons disease or ulcerative colitis, which was ruled out by the colonoscopy.
After the colonoscopy, the worst part for me was not being normal with my bowel movements. Some people are fine after them, but my bowels were out of whack for 2 weeks because of the amount of laxatives you have to consume for the preperation.
Some people say they have normal bowel movements afterwards and they even went out to eat after they had their procedure, but I was the other way.
Just so you know if this happens to you, it is normal.
To sedate me, I was given demerol for the pain, and versed as a "conscious sedation".
Look into that, that is the most popular mix these days for this type of procedure.
Rarely do they completely knocked you out for this procedure.
It really isn't that bad of a procedure, the PREP IS THE WORST PART FOR SURE!!!
I had it done because my symptoms had worsened and they were checking for Chrons disease or ulcerative colitis, which was ruled out by the colonoscopy.
After the colonoscopy, the worst part for me was not being normal with my bowel movements. Some people are fine after them, but my bowels were out of whack for 2 weeks because of the amount of laxatives you have to consume for the preperation.
Some people say they have normal bowel movements afterwards and they even went out to eat after they had their procedure, but I was the other way.
Just so you know if this happens to you, it is normal.
cb50
07-16-2005, 12:58 AM
I think if you start getting a whole lot of different stories about sedation, you're going to end up being nothing but confused. You need to call your doctor and simply ask them what they use for sedation, then research it on here if you need to. The doctor who did my test uses the same sedation for everyone - no demerol, no pain medication like that at all, they don't like to use those. Whatever it was I had was great, felt fine after, ate after, worked outside after, and simply slept through the whole thing with no after affects whatsoever. One of my other doctor's said they gave him demerol for his and he too 'woke up' in the middle of it, like the other poster on here did. It was not something he was expecting or liked, and heartily gave his blessing on the sedation I would be given instead. I personally don't like the pain medications, whether it's in pill form or an IV, I just don't like them, but I think they give those when you're conscious....when you're asleep like me, it's not needed. And also, what I had worked only while they were giving it to me....in other words, I went out and stayed out as long as they were putting into my IV, but as soon as they stopped it, that's when I gradually started coming to. I think it's the same thing my neighbor had last year for his, too, because he came home and was outside digging in his garden :) Like I said, I'd have it again in a heartbeat.....but again, it really depends on what your own doctor uses.
I just wanted to give you an update - I just pulled out my test report they sent me today, and what they gave me was Propofol.
I just wanted to give you an update - I just pulled out my test report they sent me today, and what they gave me was Propofol.
Bella916
07-16-2005, 02:01 AM
when i had my upper endoscopy they put me out completely, that is why i know the difference between being put under and not being put under, i had the endoscopy a few weeks before the colonoscopy and i requested NOT to be completely out, i do not like the side effects and i have asthma and did not want it bothering more then it already was being bothered due to poor air quality, it can be done if you are stressed out about it, they will give you something that will only relax you. i did not feel pain in my *** or the rest of my colon at all, the only pain i felt was gas pain and well once that is release you are fine. when they do put you under, they give you enough only for the amount of time they need, they do not over dose you and you are awake and talking by the time you leave... having a driver is a MUST, they will not even do the procedure here unless you have a driver with you when you arrive and then the dr talks with the driver once you are done, even if you are only sedated you must have a driver. hope this helps you.
chester4
07-16-2005, 08:17 AM
Thanks to all, I will call on Monday and ask what they use the brochure says it is concious sedation. Not sure what that means. My husband said he was asleep but not really??
Bella916
07-16-2005, 12:40 PM
yep he is right, for the upper endoscopy all i recall doing is gagging, for the colonoscopy i recall all of it. you will talk with the anestesoligist (sp) before you have anything done, he/she will ask you a series of questions, get your wt, your ht, you might want to mention that you are concerned about it and he/she will explain what everything does. they have you hooked up to a monitor and they are monitoring everything, so no need to worry about anything, they will make sure you are ok. hang in there and good luck...
chester4
07-16-2005, 11:10 PM
Bella Thanks for the support! So you think I should not cancel? I know they do a ton of these daily and I am proberbly the biggest baby ever! But I am an adult child of alcohloics and often reexperience the mistrust and fearfulness that I grew up with. After 50 tears I just figured this out but haven't figured a way out yet! Thanks again Ann
kellie2
07-17-2005, 01:40 AM
chester, you have to remember that there is colon cancer in your family, and I think it's going to take someone to remind you of that and what your chances are of getting it, especially with the symptoms you're already having. I think the only thing worse than having a colonoscopy, is having a colonoscopy and finding cancer. You already have symptoms. Why on earth would you even consider not having it done? One of two things is going to happen - either you will be fine, or they're going to find something. One or the other. And finding something now is a whole lot better than when it's too late. You have symptoms chester, and they need to be checked. There is no room for being a 'baby' right now, your health and your life is on the line. And if it's going to take someone to finally be tough with you, then so be it. But you are high risk, and ignoring it isn't going to make it go away. And if you don't do this now, and you let those symptoms go, I think a little farther down the road you may be fighting a losing battle and asking yourself why you didn't have the damn test when everyone told you to. But by then, it won't matter. We can talk to you till we're blue in the face but ultimately your health is going to have to be more important to you than this.
chester4
07-17-2005, 09:16 AM
Kellie2- You are right of course. I saw what colon cancer did to my aunt(She is okay now but went through hell) My brother died of prostrate cancer( don't know if they are related?) I need you to be tough I think that is why I came to these boards so that some one would give me a kick and support through it! I do worry about results but have some confidence that it will come out well. Guess you are the kick! Thanks
Bella916
07-17-2005, 12:45 PM
you will be fine, just go get it done and dont worry about all of that ugliness 50 years ago, you are in today and you are doing fine with yourself... dont look back look forward, be a responsible person and take care of yourself, and taking care of yourself means GO GET THE TEST MISSSSY! keep us posted, and good luck.
kellie2, i am going to look for you next time i need my kick in the ***! good job!
kellie2, i am going to look for you next time i need my kick in the ***! good job!
chester4
07-17-2005, 02:16 PM
Bella916 Even after all these years it stillis emotional when people are kind to me . Thank you all for caring enough to write. I look forward to these posts as they give me something to focus on and the encouragement I need.