Colonoscopy Question - Bowel Disorders Message Board

SubtleAngel · 08-13-2002, 11:46 PM

Hi Everyone!

I have been reading up on colonoscopies as they are definitely in my future at some point. I have heard from some people that they are given a general anaesthetic to put them under while the procedure is done. Can the anaesthetic be mixed with anti-nausea medication at all? My mother once had a procedure years ago and the anaesthetic made her throw up for at least eight hours. Not very pleasant to say the least I would say.

Anyone have any personal experiences with anaesthetic?

mlgable · 08-14-2002, 12:07 AM

Just because the anesthetic made your mother sick does not mean it will make you sick. Plus there are many new things that they use for sedation these days. If you are deathly afraid you will be nauseated then mention this to your doc and request that he order some anti-nausea medication for you.

auntjudyg · 08-14-2002, 07:32 AM

Agreed. Things are improving all the time and it is difficult to compare just about any medical procedure with what went on years ago.

When I was much younger, I was put out with sodium pentathol (sp?). Goodness, that was horrid! But over the past couple of years I have been under general anesthesia three times - no problem.

Also, I had a colonoscopy and had another procedure when I received the same "relaxant". Technically (and don't ask me to explain the specifics), what you get for the colonoscopy is not anesthesia, but a relaxant. That's what the doctor told me, anyway. But a couple of hours later most people won't feel any effects at all.

08-14-2002, 10:04 AM

Absolutely true that things are quite different now. During my colonoscopy yesterday, I received demerol and versed. Before being given the drugs, blood pressure was 169/92 with pulse at 110. As soon as the drugs were injected into the IV, I could just feel myself and my anxieties/tensions melt away. Wonderful stuff. I don't know if they use the same combination of drugs in Australia, but I'll bet it's something close.

SubtleAngel · 08-14-2002, 07:39 PM

Thank you very much for your advice everyone. It's nice to be able to listen to people who have had experiences with this sort of thing. I have never had a procedure done before so this is all new to me. I also want to have a blood test done just as a precaution too. Haven't had one of those before either! I think I must be the most cowardly person since the Lion in Wizard of Oz!!!