Colonoscopy without Sedation

My colonoscopy was without sedation. There was no mention of it either. My only instruction was to take two enemas before leaving for the appointment. When I arrived I was instructed by the nurse to strip down and put on this tiny gown. She wouldn't help me though... I climbed onto a gurney and wheeled into the exam room. The doctor was an indian guy who explained what he was gonna do. He pushed a lubed finger into my anus and then followed with the borescope. I was on my left side the whole time and watching the TV screen of my innards. He commented on how clean I was and manuvered that scope all the way to the end (beginning) of the bowel. At the end of the procedure, the nurse kept insisting that I fart out the air left inside, but I said that the doc had removed the air and water as he removed the scope. I think she really wanted me to juice my pants for the drive home! Another reason that I will not allow sedation is that my wife's mother died from aspiration following a sedated colonoscopy. She was basically killed by the hospital staff by not being attentive to her recovery. AND you sign the form that you do not hold the staff liable for any mishaps.

Just had a colonoscapy. The doc was surprised when I ask his to do it without the drugs. His comment was that he used to do it all the time, but most people didn't want to remember the proceedure.

Only a couple of times was there any real pain. A couple of times the nurse who was handeling the scope moved it in and out several times while the doc was manuvering it to look at a particular spot and that felt very good. will always do them without drugs.

I enjoyed the feelig of the scope sliding in and out.

I had a colonoscopy several months ago without sedation (I asked) and did feel some occasional pain, not from the air, but from the instrument attempting to negotiate the turns. It was likely due to the young doc's relative inexperience and I'm sure my next colonoscopy with her will be more pain-free.

Skeeterbait,

I had nearly the same experience. The nurse in recovery kept asking me to pass air before I left. Right in the room with only a curtain for a door and the nurses station directly outside. I modestly asked where the bathroom was, did what was asked without ny embarassment, then got dressed and went home. I'm not sure, but I think some of the nuses may be getting off on the humiliation of the passing air thing...its sure not my bag!

I have done my last three without drugs. There was no pain whatever. The nurses asked why I would do it this way. Answer is you can get up and drive your self whever you wish................for me it was a resturant.

Three total.

No sedation during the last two -- and definitely no need for it. Had to argue a bit with the prep staff, but they backed down fairly quickly.

Also, no sedation on my first exam, but they did administer a pain reducer (in advance), which I declined on the next two exams.

I think they want sedation for their convenience. Perhaps it might be appropriate for people who are frightened by the exam.

During all three exams, I enjoyed seeing the inside of my colon on the TV monitor. Also, appreciated being able to drive home without assistance.

A lot of this has to do with the evolution of the scopes over the last decade or two.

Scopes before the days of one-chip digital cameras had a heavy glass fiber bundle to bring the image back and one or two bundles to bring the light down to the tip of the scope. They didn't go around corners all that well and they were heavy.. you needed drugs to get through that.

As the electronics improved later scopes had the camera at the tip with wires that are much lighter and more flexible running down the scope. Now the scopes can use LED's for lighting instead of heavy glass bundles to light the camera.

The lighter and more flexible the scope is, the easier it is to snake through through a colon, and the less it hurts.

I just had colonoscopy # 37 (I have Crohn's disease) a few weeks ago. I've never had one without sedation. My first was in the later 70's, shortly after the procedure was approved by FDA. Even with lots of Valium & Demerol, it was painful. And the drugs made you loopy for a long while.

Now, we have scopes that are light years ahead of the first generation equipment. Smaller diameter, WAY more flexible, with more capability. And to make things even better, now most DR's use Propofol. As a child of the 60's, I just love the buzz from propofol. I always ask the anesthesiologist to give me a few minutes of "buzz time" as my doctor gets ready. So far, every one has complied. The other great thing about propofol is that 10 minutes after you wake up, you feel great, unlike the hangover with the older meds. This is what works best for me, YMMV.

I'm truely amazed at the number of people here who go through this procedure without any sedation. Maybe the inflamation in the colon from the Crohn's disease causes more pain than one would experience if they had a healthy bowel? For me, no sedation is out of the question.

Best regards,

Vapor

I just had a non sedation (no drugs of any kind) colonoscopy. And-----it was OK. Some fullness, two times of medium bearable pain which were brief. A skilled assistant greatly helped by knowing how and when to press on my abdomen. And (dirty little secret) I enjoyed some of it at the lower end. But before you consider running out, WAIT! I had to hunt and hunt for a doctor who was good and connected, and who (in his words) "we will do this together." He was excellent, and I checked references with the nursing staff. Not having a driver I had tired this previously and found a doctor at a different facility, not as good, (well, he SAID he was a doctor) who offered to do it unsedated. He didn't know what he was doing, and when he reached the splenic flexture the pain was "debilitating." He was not conversant, and just didn't have the "touch." He came up with an incorrect diagnosis. I have had kidney stones and this was equal or worse, but instantaneous. I asked him to stop which he did after three more attempts. The pain was so great that I thought he had punctured me.

The other doctor, at the better facility (yes) was so good that again (dirty little secret) I would do it again--I like the sensation of fullness and this was OK. All the way, and no problems! So, my point is that it's all in the skill of the doctor and the care of the facility and staff. So, shop around if you want to do it without sedation. And for me I now know that I can, and will again--but not without shopping.

e2e2

My 2 colonoscopies were done with what I'd call minimal sedation/anaesthesia. I did not experience any sense of being drugged even though I was on an IV that presumably had the usual sedative/painkilling cocktail. The first colonoscopy was ordered because of acute pain and bleeding from the rectum, which turned out to be the result of ulcerative colitis. The gastroenterologist could not introduce the scope completely because the inflammation. I felt severe pain when it reached that point despite the anaesthesia, and remember EVERYTHING about the exam despite the standard verbiage about forgetfulness arising from the sedation.

The second colonoscopy was about a year later and was a followup to the first. The colitis was in complete remission and the scope was introduced completely without any more than mild discomfort. Again I was on an IV, but the anaesthetic/sedative effects seemed minimal, and my memory of the exam is clear, down to the wisecracking of the young resident who assisted the gastroenterologist. Perhaps the dosage was inadequate to achieve the intended effect.

At about the time of my second colonoscopy, I was involved in an IRS audit of a non-profit organization in which I was an officer. I remember thinking that the two experiences were similar in causing great anxiety and being uncomfortable and undignified, but at least the colonoscopy had the advantage of taking less time and the potential of doing something positive for my health. It was also a great relief in both instances that nothing serious turned out to be wrong. I'll recommend a colonoscopy any day over an IRS audit, but neither could be described as leading to pleasant sensations.

A few years ago I had one with no sedation, and other than a pinch going through the sigmoid, the rest of it was a piece of cake, and fascinating to watch on the monitor. I wrote up a long post about it, but for some reason it has been deleted.

Hugs,

Diane

Yes, I did one a few years ago. I thought I posted on that so maybe there is a similar thread. Several friends had done it without anesthesia and said it was fine. My doc said I could have any amount of pain relief/anesthesia I wanted -- his only request was that they put in an IV in case I changed my mind. Watching the video monitor was fascinating.

Before colonoscopys my gp doctor used to do a flex sig and a barium enema every 3 years. There was no option for anesthesia during the flex sig as it was done in his office and it hurt more than the colonoscopy. It seems to me that people on this site would have an interest is seeing/feeling the whole process and should go without anesthesia.

Yes I did not find it difficult

No sedation at all, did fine. I believe it helps the doctor's expertise as well

Never tried it. I think the sedation is definetly worth thinking about..it might be nice to experience something like that without being ina cloud.

I've had two colonoscopies. The first time the doctor said he would administer sedation at whatever point I requested it. Although there was mild discomfort, I went through the entire procedure without any. Watched the whole thing on the monitor. No big deal. It was similar to a sigmoidoscopy. The second time was from a different doctor. He told me the same thing but as soon as I let out a mild "groan" he started the sedation and I was instantly in La La Land for the remaining of the procedure.

Colonoscopy without sedation was a walk in the park for me. I wouldn't return to sedation in the future for this. I also prepped with colon hydrotherapy and avoided the misery of being abused by laxatives, nausea, and being held hostage by the terlet. I've posted many times about this in different forums. It is worth consideration and can be effective. I drove myself home after and didn't have to be off work before or after.

It was always my understanding that while sigmoidoscopies were often conducted without sedation, full colonoscopies never were. Perhaps i was mislead. I've had two, 5 years apart, just to check up on how things were. Both were done; but with different sedation each time.

The first was done with an intravenous opioid (I forget which, possibly diazepam), which was indeed interesting, since they allowed me to be awake during the parts that are less likely to be painful, and so i could watch the TV monitor and see what I look like (pink) on the inside, and follow their progress during the procedure. I also saw the tiny tiny yellow mushroom-shaped structures that were the earliest beginning of potential cancer tumors that were still at the earliest & most benign state (and were removed). That was the good part of this first procedure.

The bad part is that the doctor was in an excessive hurry because of his late start due to his incompetence in getting insurance company OK due to his faulty paperwork. He apparently made a tiny puncture in the left hand side of the transverse colon, just before it twists down & becomes the descending colon. This can potentially kill you, but because the puncture was very tiny, I didn't die, but had the 2nd worst fever of my life before the swelling sealed the puncture, and it started to heal. My temp got very close to the critical level for hospitalization & surgery, but never quite that high. The worst part was the interaction of the pain, fever & coming down from the diazepam (?), which caused intense nightmares, hallucinations, anxiety and inability to sleep much, which lasted for several days. My transverse colon felt like it was on fire. It was a colonoscopy from Hell. It remained so sore for the next 3 months, that i had to take daily enemas to prevent friction from material moving thru it. After that, no enema has ever felt erotic. My subconscious no longer associates one with anything other than potential danger & pain.

When the second one was scheduled 5 years later, I explained to the new doctor what had happened the first time. He suggested propofol to avoid this completely, since i would be unconscious throughout the procedure. I was OK with this because I had already had the scenic view earlier, and all that I would gain was a first hand confirmation that there was nothing wrong inside. I was willing to give up this personal confirmation to avoid any possible repeat of the prior experience. But things did not work out quite as they should that time either.

I was administered the propofol and told to lie quietly until it took effect. That's what I did, and they took my relaxed demeanor to indicate that I was fast asleep. But I WASN'T at all. Suddenly, the doctor rammed the instrument into me with one huge violent push, followed up immediately with another to get around the next bend. I think most patients have NO IDEA how VIOLENTLY this is done. I was completely unprepared for this, and the doctor was totally unprepared for my huge startled reaction and loud GASP. It was no fun, but now I know what they're really doing when you're knocked out.

When declining propofol (or any sedation - I was driving) for my recent colonoscopy, I joked to the med crew as they were about to begin that I didn't care to meet Michael Jackson anytime soon. The thought of that stuff in my veins creeps me out.

Oh for heaven's sake, Propofol is perfectly safe when administered properly and when it's not combined with an entire pharmacy of other medications. Michael Jackson was apparently self-medicating without his docotr's knowledge and had an entire cocktail of drugs on board when he died. His medical care may or may not have been slipshod but it wasn't Propofol that killed him, it was Propofol IN COMBINATION with other medications that depressed his respiration. Michael Jackson was a case of suicide looking for a place to happen.

Propofol, as a short-acting medication, has a lot of advantages when it is used correctly. I had it recently for eye surgery while the doctor was administering local anesthesia. I was out like a light for five minutes while he performed what would have otherwise been an incredibly painful administration. Five minutes later, I was conscious, aware of my surroundings and able to communicate while the surgery was being performed. After about 20 minutes in recovery, I got dressed and walked out under my own steam.

Propofol is no worse and no more dangerous than any other anesthetic agent. They can all kill you if misused.

Yes, of course, I know that propofol is perfectly safe in the right hands and when administered safely as with any other form of sedation. I'm no stranger to surgical procedures. Nevertheless, the aforementioned association with its use will likely always stick with me. As I indicated, my words to the med staff was a joke and, as I had to drive home, I did not want sedation.

ManyOohs4U,

Sounds like you got a real bummer of a doctor for you colonoscopy. My doc was as gentle as a lamb, and took her time. I chose to have a woman doctor as they temd to me more gentle than men, plus the thought of some guy putting something up my butt just creeps me out.

Versed is an evil drug. It messes with your memory, sometimes not only about the medical procedure. I had it last 2 years ago for a cardiac catheterization. My memory hasn't been the same since.

I've had 2 colonoscopies, first with drugs, second with nothing. I have another coming up. This time, just some narcotics to take the edge off.

I like to experience my life, don't steal my memories.

I've had 2 colonoscopies so far with a 3rd planned for the spring. For the first, I was the compliant patient. I remember a demerol shot in my ass just before being wheeled into the procedure room. Something else, probably Versed, was shot into my IV as they started. I think I remember the whole thing, but I'm not sure.

My 2nd was drug free. There was some cramping that wasn't pleasant, but not bad.

I've already discussed the next one with my new doctor. She's going to do it with a pediatric scope that she says is much more comfortable. I may consent to some analgesia like fentanyl or morphine, but it's likely I'll go drug free again.

I like to be aware and knowledgeable about what's being done to my body.

I have always had the procedure done without any anesthesia, as I have a very sharp bend in the hepatic flexure, and I don't need a perforated colon. I usually help the colonoscope make the turn by guiding the end with palm pressure on the abdomen. As I'm used to colonic distention (4 to 5 qt enemas), the only problem I had was trying not to become erect while it was being done.

I have had three colonoscopies, all without sedation. They really were not that bad. There was about 15-30 seconds of cramping when it is going around the last bend, and after that it is a piece of cake. The main reason I don't want sedation is that I try to have the colonoscopy as early as I can in the morning and then drive to work for a normal day. The most pain I had was on the ride home after the first one because they left too much air in me. Before the next two colonospies, I mentioned my concern to the doctor and I didn't have the problem.

I have had quite a few without sedation and they were easy and not at all painful. "Sedation" can be a very misleading term; many colonoscopies are done with "conscious sedation" and that can mean giving the patient an amneisa drug (Versed), but they are awake and often in distress, but they can't move or communicate and the docs don't care that the patient is having an awful time because the Versed will leep them from remembering the pain..at least until they get home..and some patients really have a nasty PTSD reaction and/or long-term memory loss. Patients are sometimes furious that they were mislead about being given an amnesia drug. Propofol can be good, but only if properly administered; my hospital was giving it with Versed and fentanyl as a cover-your ass approach and this often negated the advantage of using propofol-used as a single agent, patients wake up immediately without hangover....but when you throw in Versed in any significant amount, the patients are hung-over etc. We now have a real anesthesiologist (not a nurse) doing our colonoscopy "sedation" and they just use propofol..patients are "out" immediately and wake up fast. Propofol causes amnesia. but it's not as long-lasting as Versed's amnesia. "sedation" makes it easy for the doc to do a rough, quick exam..I have a great female GI who has IBS and gets frequent colonoscopies herself and she NEVER gets sedation...

Much as I'd love to experience a colonoscopy, I've only had the opposite, a gastroscopy, once with sedation and once without. The first knocked me out completely, so I have no idea how it went, but the second was most unbelievably uncomfortable, and I would not recommend it to anyone. Having experienced that, I'm pretty sure a colonoscopy cannot be anywhere near as uncomfortable as a gastroscopy.

Cattan, you don't have a gag reflex in your anus. Just sayin'

If I ever need an upper GI scope, it will be propofol for me.

I have only had one colonoscopy, but I had it without anesthesia with no problem. They said I was very much an exception but I read that no anesthesia is the usual thing in other countries. They did not even put in an IV in case I changed my mind. There was a little pain near the deepest part where he had trouble getting around a bend but nothing bad. No getting over it or not being able to drive although I did not. Now If the prep could just be with enemas instead of drinking that stuff. I am not sure I will go for another one when they say I am due. My cynical side wonders if the great increase in these procedures does not have more to do with billing the insurance companies than with health.