Several years ago, I had an ERCP done using Versed, which is a benzodiazapine. ERCP is more complicated than an endoscopy. This procedure involves going down the throat and into an organ; dropping a camera in, and so forth. It was used to detect problems with my gallbladder.
All, I know is that for 30 minutes I thought I was being tortured to death. I felt like my insides were being ripped apart. I could not speak; I was told not to move, and the procedure went on and on. The doctor kept saying, Im giving her so much of this stuff and she is not responding.

Now, I have significant problems and need a colonoscopy and will not have it done because I would rather die (if necessary) than go through that again. I mean it. It was worst pain I have ever experienced, and I am no stranger to pain.

What can I do? What do I ask for? Benzodiazpenes have no effect on me whatsoever, thanks to addiction by prescription by doctors for panic attacks for over 30 years. The doctors who put me on Ativan (benzodiazepine), could not get me off of it and I am stuck taking it in a very high dose daily, probably for the rest of my life.

My question is, and I dearly hope someone has an answer,What do I do? Is there anything else they can give me for the pain. How do I approach this?
I am not addicted to any other drug.

Please respond someone. I am very scared. Thank you.
Dreeanna

Dreeanna, I have also been taking Ativan for many years and have no doubt that I am addicted to it, but I just tell the anesthesiologist about it when I go in for the colonoscopy and as long as they are aware of the problem, they make whatever adjustments necessary to make sure you are completely "under" before the procedure begins. I was really afraid because I'm also very hard to put to sleep.
I'm so sorry that you had such a horrible experience! Discuss this with your dr when you schedule the procedure so he can alert the anesthesiologist. I ALWAYS tell the anesthesiologist myself when I get there and, so far, have never had a problem. They always comment about how much they have to give me, but I don't care, as long as I'm knocked out, right?
Good luck to you and God bless. JJ

Dreeanna, I have also been taking Ativan for many years and have no doubt that I am addicted to it, but I just tell the anesthesiologist about it when I go in for the colonoscopy and as long as they are aware of the problem, they make whatever adjustments necessary to make sure you are completely "under" before the procedure begins. I was really afraid because I'm also very hard to put to sleep.
I'm so sorry that you had such a horrible experience! Discuss this with your dr when you schedule the procedure so he can alert the anesthesiologist. I ALWAYS tell the anesthesiologist myself when I get there and, so far, have never had a problem. They always comment about how much they have to give me, but I don't care, as long as I'm knocked out, right?
Good luck to you and God bless. JJ

Dear JJ:
Thank you so much for posting. May I ask, how many mgs of Ativan per day you are on and what they give you instead? How do you ask them to wait until the drug takes effect. I found that the last time, they gave me the drug and then this went right on into the procedure! Even, if it had worked, wouldn't it have taken some time to take effect, no?. It seems to happen that they are all ready to go; they give you the shot; and started almost immediately. How does one avoid this when they are already in the room?
I understand that an anesthesiologist does not normally do a colonoscopy, and that it is not covered by insurance. Also, that you must be awake during this procedure. I don't know why that is.

Sorry for the questions, but I am truly scared and very symptomatic so a double scare here of the unknown and my fears about what I have.
Thanks again.
Dreeanna