Colonoscopy and Sedation

I have had several Colonoscopy procedures without sedation. During the per-exam by the Gastroenterologist I say that I would like to not have sedation. I get an IV before/during the procedure and can request medication during the procedure if things get too uncomfortable. The most uncomfortable part for me has been gas pains as air is introduced to get a better look as the scope is removed. The nurses may say you are brave! You will probably ride in a wheelchair to you car (standard procedure) medication or not. It is fascinating to see what your colon looks like inside. Get a stiff neck trying to view the monitor. Even saw where my appendix was removed.

Wife and I recently had colonoscopies within two weeks of each other. I also had an endoscopy at the same time. We both opted for sedation. I thought about going cold but with the endo, sedation was necessary. Wife has a very low pain threshold so sedation was essential for her. The worst part was the prep. My doctor uses a Dulcolax and magnesium citrate combination which is tolerable. Wife's doctor still uses MoviPrep - a concoction that would gag a maggot. Fortunately, nothing serious for either of us - she is on a ten year schedule, I am three. Not looking forward to the next time but will use sedation.

If you use the sedation then another whole day is ruined. I am lucky I never have had pain with the colonoscopy even when the air was used. Not everyone is built the same.

The 'need' for sedation during uncomplicated colonoscopy is a creation of the doctors. By sedating a patient, especially with Versed, they can accomplish two things. First, they can work faster because the patient is more compliant. Second, they can use slightly less care because the patient won't remember the extra pain.

In Europe, sedation is available but rarely used - although the American way is contagious.

You are correct.......the entrance nurses always give me a hard time and tell me that is the doctors decision, I tell them it my body therefore my decision. The health care in the US is in serious decline because patients do not stand up for themselves.

When I asked for just light sedation, the doc was happy to comply. We settled on 2 mg. of versed. I was awake the entire time and felt absolutely no pain whatsoever! The entire procedure took exactly 12 minutes. The scope reached my secum in approximately 2 minutes - amazing!! At completion, I informed my doctor that I felt zero pain. He was happy to hear that and claimed that "men are easier" - sorry ladies 😢 He then asked the nurse to place a note in my records to indicate that sedation will not be needed for my next colonoscopy.

I read a few articles about the benefits of a colonoscopy. It was found that the chances of having a problem from the procedure is greater than finding cancer. From a puncture to an infection to bleeding.

Then from the prep drink that removes the electrolytes and good bacteria from the colon can cause problems in itself. It was said that if you don't have a problem to begin with, leave it alone,

I am scheduled for my second colonoscopy next week Wednesday. I WANT as much sedation as I can have. I dont want to bwe awake or remember the procedure. I just wish I could get sedation for the preparation as well. I may have a med fet, but I am not into pain or having garden hoses inserted there. I only have it done because of medical history.

Last one was with drugs, didn't remember a thing. Previously awake with multiple enemas before. Those were much better. The tube just felt like a nice long nozzle. No discomfort, and I got to watch the monitor.

Had my first colonoscopy at the VA in 07. Lost three days. Friends telling me about things I did which I have no memory of.

Versed is now on my VA record as an allergy. I will not allow any sedation if I choose to have another colonoscopy and the VA doctor will refuse to perform the procedure.

I did it without sedation and had no problems at all, however, I have spoken with many who think they couldn't do it without the sedation. One has to wonder how they know if they have never tried it. The wild thing is, I was turned in the direction of a monitor, where I could see everything. It was strange knowing that that tube you saw in the monitor was actually making its way into your insides. It was a bit strange to watch.

I had my fifth colonoscopy just a month ago today. I have never had any sedation for a colonoscopy. I take 3 to 3.5 quart enemas on a regular basis. If the Dr. has a difficult time getting the scope to go where he/she wants it to go, an assistant will press on the body where the Dr. tells them to. If I were to talk about pain, I'd have to say that the worst pain during the actual procedure would equate to an extremely short extra mild headache or short and tooth ache. I've had the same Dr. for four of my colonoscopies. We always chat during the procedure, and sometimes he'll tell me that "this is where the appendix is located on the outside," or "here's the cecum, and I'm going to go in just a tiny bit." Very interesting view. For the fourth one somebody asked why I didn't want sedation; my immediate response was that I'm used to very strong and large weekly enemas, and that the little scope that they insert is no larger than the colon tube that I often use for my enemas. To say the least, I think that I raised a few eyebrows with that statement.

I have one every year at least never have sedation only pain full part is air they pump in to open path for tube think its far safer and better if you can move as asked to buy surgeon and hole thing is over in no time feel slight pull as they take biopsy's there's little bleeding after but lot wind can cause minor accident's on way home so best were some kind protection pull ups or pad

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, and I'll maintain it until my dying breath! That's what drugs are for! Getting put under is nothing at all. Hell the clean out the night before is worse! I'd rather take enema's until clear than drink that crap! This is a NECCESARY MEDICAL PROCEDURE and not to be mixed up with any kind of fetish kink that is going to get your rocks off. Get put under, get it done, and move on.

Get put under, get it done, and move on.

#2 and #3, yes, absolutely. #1,no way without medical necessity.

I have one every year at least never have sedation only pain full part is air they pump in to open path for tube think its far safer and better if you can move as asked to buy surgeon and hole thing is over in no time feel slight pull as they take biopsy's there's little bleeding after but lot wind can cause minor accident's on way home so best were some kind protection pull ups or pad

Even with Versed, you respond to commands - you just don't remember. If the doctor tells you to roll to the left, that's what you do.

Sedation or no sedation does it really matter . When you turn 50 you need to have one . If you don't you run risk of getting colon cancer especially if it runs in family . You could ask my neighbor but you can't he died of colon cancer because he did not get one . It would have saved his life. The only sedation he worried about was the morphine drip he was on .

So if you like rolling the dice don't get one . It's like Vegas maybe maybe not. Do you want to risk it . Get one if you're over 50 . Your wife and kids will appreciate it .

Sedation or no sedation does it really matter . When you turn 50 you need to have one . If you don't you run risk of getting colon cancer especially if it runs in family . You could ask my neighbor but you can't he died of colon cancer because he did not get one . It would have saved his life. The only sedation he worried about was the morphine drip he was on .

So if you like rolling the dice don't get one . It's like Vegas maybe maybe not. Do you want to risk it . Get one if you're over 50 . Your wife and kids will appreciate it .

Sedation or no does matter. First, there's about 10% of people who get Versed have life changing effects. Second, there is a higher incidence of bowel perforation with sedation. That could be because the doctors work faster or that you can't complain so much.

Either way, colonoscopy is a relatively safe procedure and can be lifesaving. Nobody's talking about not getting a colonoscopy, we're talking about HOW to get one and taking control of your medical care.

^^^^ good post

We here in the USA are in the minority with regard to sedation. I have not used sedation for the last twenty years. during one exam the Doctor removed 13 polyps, I never felt any pain. This exam is a must for all of us over 40. It is invasive but think about our female members who undergo invasive exams as a routine including this. Females and males do not be "pussies" ......................DO THIS.

I have had five colonoscopies. The first three were performed with light sedation (Dr's request, not mine), with demerol and versed. The first one involved the removal of several polyps; the second, one. I felt good after each procedure, which was done early in the morning and went right to work afterwards. The last two were performed with propofol anesthetic. Again, it was at the Dr's request). It took me alot longer to recover from those.

I echo the comments of those who have urged all males over 50 to have this procedure. My father was talked out of it by his primary care doc (unbelievable, but true) and it killed him.

As stated before my last three or four were without meds. I am fortunate because I experience no pain at all, not even when the air is injected. During one of them 13 pylops were removed, he and I play golf and he explained it was like taking a divot spray some water on the area and move on. Interesting watching on the screen with him doing the narative ("we are passing the whatever"). When i go in to register every time the clerk tells me it is the doctors choice about no meds and every time I have to explain to the clerk that it is my choice........they are dumb asses who have been indoctrinated into the "control freak" system.

Personally, I love the comment "We'll start an IV just in case you change your mind." No you won't. They don't get it.

When the colonoscopy is over, I'll be across the street eating breakfast 15 minutes later. I'm not even waiting around for you to grace me with your presence to remove the unnecessary IV. The only thing I wait for are the report and pictures, about 5 minutes while I'm getting dressed and using the bathroom.

I think they use sedation all the time here in British Columbia. I had one done last year and found no problem with recovery after.

My father had colon cancer, so I am probably going to have one every year.

I think they use sedation all the time here in British Columbia. I had one done last year and found no problem with recovery after.

My father had colon cancer, so I am probably going to have one every year.

In the US, they use sedation most of the time - unless you advocate for yourself.

With a family history, keep on top of it.

I think they use sedation all the time here in British Columbia. I had one done last year and found no problem with recovery after.

My father had colon cancer, so I am probably going to have one every year.

That's just a wee bit more often than is necessary. 😁

I'm not anxious to confront the VA when they want me to have another colonoscopy. I lost three days of memory thanks to Versed. NEVER AGAIN! They will probably try to trick me into it but I already listed it as a medication allergy so that may make them think about it.

Well StephenS I would highly doubt any medical professional would try to administer any medication to you when listed as an allergy. The choice to be give sedation or not should always involve the patient foremost. Some people prefer to be sedated while others prefer not to be.

Versed or midazolam is the drug of choice for most endoscopic procedure and as other have mention it can cause a few unwanted side effects. There are other sedation that can be used so it is worth discussing this with your doctor.

RN,

'Discussing' and 'Your Doctor' are usually not synonymous with the VA in the USA. It's factory medicine. The patient is usually just a meat bag to receive procedures and medicine.

Jds4med, you are dead on. You never get to meet the physician who will perform a procedure; some nurse holds up a 5x8" computer screen and tells you to sign. I'll never do that again.

Well Jds4med and StephenS that very sad to hear that in this day and age such practices still occur and are alive and thriving at an institution such as the VA. As you " It's factory medicine. The patient is usually just a meat bag to receive procedures and medicine." that's really not good and there is no justification for it.

StephenS all i can say is "good on you mate" once is enough and you have every right to refuse the Versed ( Midazolam).