My first colonoscopy experience - Bowel Disorders Message Board

zlisaz · 10-11-2003, 03:44 PM

With much apprehension I finally went for my colonoscopy. i was referred b/c I had anal fissures, hemorrhoids and some blood while going to the bathroom. My co-worker who had it done said the prep was the worst part and the actual procedure itself is no big deal. She said she felt nothing and then it was over.
Mine was not like that at all. I felt the prep was a drag but more of an inconvenience to have to run to the bathroom every 5 minutes. When I got to the hospital everyone was very nice and accomodating. They put the IV in and rolled me into the lab. I got on my side and then the drugs went in (Demerol and Versed). I felt a little groggy and at one point I remember feeling lots of pain and cramping. Then I remember the nurse, doctor and tech scurrying around and then all I remember was me in the hospital resting room all out of it. I totally have amnesia from the Versed. I remember checking out and the nurse giving me my discharge report which said I had an incomplete colonoscopy and to reschedule another one under general anesthesia. I do remember the Doc coming in to check on me and talking to me after the procedure but it was all foggy.
When I got home the Doc called and said they could only get 1/4 up my colon b/c I had been crying and yelling for them to "take it out". They tried to move me in diff. positions but apparently it didnt help releive the discomfort. I dont remember yelling or saying take it out but I do remember feeling pain. My doc was really nice and said on the phone that he re-evaluated his decision to have me go thru another colonoscopy right away and wanted me to try Zelnorm (or something) for IBS. He said the part of my colon he did see was very healthy with exception of a few hemorrhoids which he says are common. He wants me to wait to see if the medicine works first.
He said that he suspects IBS b/c he said that many patients who have IBS often have uncomfortable colonoscopies. ALthough I have 2 friends w/it who said it was a breeze.
Has anyone else experinced this type of pain while undergoing this procedure?? I feel alone b/c everyone else I know said it was no big deal for them.
Thanks

Laura B · 10-13-2003, 02:33 PM

ZLISAZ, I had my first colonoscopy about 5 years ago. It was also incomplete. I was put under but I woke up in the middle of the procedure having unbelievable pain. I felt like I was having a baby, could not stand the pain. It felt like I was waking up in the middle of a main operation! The doctor had to quit the procedure even though he was only half through the colon. He left the room and the pain did not disappear, I was moaning and croning (sp). After about 5 minutes the nurse appeared and wanted me to get up, I just could not, such pain. She forced me to get up and as soon as I stood up I had to let go of lots of powerful winds that I thought they could hear it on the next floor. And at that moment the pain was gone, completely. With other words, I think the doctor made a mistake and put too much air in my colon. I'm lucky I did not explode!(I understand they have to put air in during the procedures.) He wanted me to come back in a few weeks to try it again but I never went back. Two years ago my sister came down with colon cancer and since it is genetic, I felt I should have the procedure done. I went to a different doctor, told him the problem I had before with that other doctor.
He put me under, I fell asleep and when I woke up I did not feel a thing. I could not believe it was all over. Piece of cake.
So I believe, there are good and bad doctors. The first one was very young and maybe very inexperienced.