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

I am so sorry this has happened to you.

My only advice, have your seen a colon rectal surgeon? There has got to be something else they can give you. Madcat had the same problem with her procedure, only to discover, the needle had been put in wrong, thus she did not get the medicine. Please talk to a doctor about this, if nothing else, maybe they can knock you out as if you were going in for regular surgery.

I know I can not take mophine (I break out in hives), and I know they are able to give me something else.

Lee

Dear Lee:

Thank you for your kind words. No, I have not seen a colon rectal surgeon. Is that a particular specialty. I ask because I have to look it up under "specialists" in my health plan.
Who is "Madcat"? Is there a post I can read of Hers? Sounds awful.
I would love to be knocked out. (well not really) because of the dangers involved, but anything that what I went through that time.

I am really afraid if I tell them about the benzodiazapine addiction, they will consider me an addict and give me nothing at all. I am seeing my psych doctor this week, and I am going to ask her about how to approach all of this. Perhaps a letter from her that I am being prescribed ths drug for many years would help. If she would do that.
Thank you.
Dreeanna