recent colonoscopy experience

[mat/childnurse]

I had my first colonoscopy last Friday. I am 46 and my mother has had two surgeries for colon CA, so I felt pretty good about being so responsible. I went to every website I could find and researched all aspects of the procedure (patient teaching, videos of colonoscopies, personal experiences, etc.) I also spoke to several people who had gone through the procedure recently including my husband and my OB/GYN. I felt very well informed and more than educated about what would happen, what I would see on the screen, and how it would feel.

I was given Versed 2 mg and Demerol 50 mg IVP and the doctor waited until I assured him that I was groggy. Everythiing went just as I expected until just after insertion when air was instilled into my colon. I experienced some of the worst pain I have ever felt. The doctor immediately instructed the nurse to give me "25 more" which I assumed meant more Demerol. He continued the exam with me moaning in pain. I felt every mm. of my colon being blown up and navigated. I tried to watch the screen because I was really interested to see my own colon after viewing so many others in my preparation for the procedure. The pain was practically unbearable. Since then, I have had trouble concentrating and sleeping because I keep reliving this scene. I feel so duped and betrayed. All of the instructions and testimonials I read stated that there is little dicomfort and the Versed gives the patient amnesia to any discomfort that may occur. I have lamazed three children and had I known ahead of time, I would have gotten into a breathing pattern and anticipated the pain. I will know better next time. And as a nurse, I will return in 5 years because of my FH.

I guess what I want from you guys is some validation that indeed this does occur occasionally and that I'm not alone in this experience.

Thanks for your input. Sorry about the length of this, but I needed to vent!

[curleysue]

I am a difficutl case cause Versed doesn't really work on me. My first colonoscopy they had to use (And I am not kiding) 20 mg of Versed to even get me started. I was awake and talking at 15mg of Versed. I just have a super high tolerance. The doctors and nurses could not beleive how much medicine they gave me and it didn't effect me. I've heard some patient require only 5 mg versed. I wish that was my case.

So, when I needed an endoscopy, I told the doc my experience and he decided it should be done in the OR with propofol. And boy was that a good idea! I remember nothing.

Just thought I would share my story. Curleysue

[denverasking]

First of all, I need to thank the first poster for posting about her experience. I had the same experience recently and thought I was nuts until I saw the post. (3 kids Lamaze and I levitated off the table with the air and I remember it all). The posts about experiences really vary and with so much - then you go to sleep and it's all over - everywhere, I was surprised and dismayed by my experience. I'm a healthy 50 yr old woman who did the screening colonoscopy because it was recommended.

It took me 2 weeks but I finally called the drs office and a nurse returned the call. She was pretty definite that I was given too little Versed (I got 3 mg Versed & 75 mcg Fentanyl). It really eased my mind - I'm not nuts and I'm not a wimp. I had decided to keep a medical file and notes to myself since 10 years is a long time to just remember. Thanks to all who posted to contact the dr if there were concerns about the procedure - I might have never done it if not for those posts and I would definitely be hesitant to go in 10 years.

I apologize for intruding since I'm just a patient, not a nurse. This was the most informative place I found, though. A couple of other comments. My husband is a couple of years older and the experience where he went was not great, mostly due to the staff. I picked a different center and doctor and at least going in, had a much better experience. All of that was due to the attitude of the staff. It could have been their 6000th colonoscopy but it was my first and they were really great. All of the contacts including the appt setting & everything were great.

Even as a rational adult, this is a difficult procedure to sign up for when there is no family history and no symptoms. I'm cleared for 10 years.

Thank you all.

[teeituptom, BSN, RN]

Sounds like it was a real Pain In The orifice

[Wicket16]

To all endoscopy nurses, I could use some reassurance please. In trying to prepare myself for an upcoming colonoscopy, I have been browsing the web for other people's experiences. Some are comforting, some terrifying. Great. How do you get a realistic idea of what to expect? Also, if you are really in pain, will the doc stop if asked? The big question--I came across a very disturbing site, Gastro-Pro.org. I don't know if this is a demo for an instrument or a demo of the procedure, but now I'm really worried. It really seemed like the doc was being very harsh in moving the "thing" around in this poor lady. Several times it seemed like he pushed it into her very rapidly and a long ways, more that would seem safe. I noticed that the attendant kept patting her on the shoulder, so my bet is that she wasn't very comfortable. It this "gentle" treatment? I have never observed a real procedure, and would like the opinion of those who have. It sure seemed like he was more interested in pushing and pulling on her (showing off for the camera) than in being gentle. I'm really beginning to distrust the stuff I read about "gentle insertion of the scope", and all other superficial statements intended to lure people in for screening. I would appreciate any input. Thanks.

Hi this is my first post. I am not a nurse, but very concerned about having to have a colonoscopy in about a month. My husband just had one and said it was "a piece of cake", but then it doesn't take much to put him completely out...Me, on the other hand need a lot more medication. Can you tell me where in Gastro-Pro.org did you find the information about the woman getting the colonoscopy you mentioned. I am trying to get all the information on this that I can. Thanks!!

[curleysue]

Hi this is my first post. I am not a nurse, but very concerned about having to have a colonoscopy in about a month. My husband just had one and said it was "a piece of cake", but then it doesn't take much to put him completely out...Me, on the other hand need a lot more medication. Can you tell me where in Gastro-Pro.org did you find the information about the woman getting the colonoscopy you mentioned. I am trying to get all the information on this that I can. Thanks!!

You are just like me. I have had about 1 colonoscopy and 2 endoscopy both requiring concious sedation. But me, I am a different story. Versed, does not work on me. Well they can get it to work but during my colonoscopy they gave me, (I am not kiding!) 23 mg Versed and 100 demerol. That is what it took for me to even go out just a little I still was moaning and so forth, obviously I don't remember it but I do remember the doctors and nurses talking to eachother and the doc kept saying just keep giving her more and the nurse would say "are you sure?" Thats all I remember.

I have no idea why I am so tolerante to medications like that. Its the same way for narcotics. Maybe its because I was an extremely sick teenager and adult even now and was in the hospital multiple times for painful things like pancreatitis twice, 6 laporoscopies for ovarian cysts and endo, 1 gallbladder surgery, appendectomy, 3 bladder surgeries, open heart surgery. I am a mess. But they have to give me like 2mg of dulaudid or 150mg IV demerol. Its a disaster and then all the doctors and nurses who are not familiar with my past medical history who think I am some kind of drug seeker or I don't know. Its just bad. I am not on narcotics all the time or anything so I don't think I have done something wrong.

Wicked16- After that experience with the colonoscopy and versed issue my anesthesiologist at our hospital suggested my doctor do the other procedures in the OR where they can give me propofol which if you not a nurse is the white IV medicine that they give you when you go under for general anesthesia. And that will knock anyone out. I don't think they can give propofol in a colonoscopy procedure room without an anesthisiologist at least here you can't. So I had all of my other procedures done in the OR which is not usual. In fact I think you would have to have both the surgeon doing the study and the anesthisilogist agree that doing it in the OR would be best.

I can see why your so nervous you are like me, need quite a bit of meds. Ask you doc or tell him how concerned you are. Maybe they can give you propofol. Or even a different mixture of medications. I know every surgeon has their own cocktails for colonoscopies. Some use versed and fentanyl, versed and demerol, or I guess versed and morphine and valium. I don't know.

Just thought I would give you my experience. Just remember they will not start the procedure unless you are properly sedated! They will stop immediately if you feel pain or uncomfortable. Remember they do these colonoscopies all the time. And have many patients who are tolerante to meds for example drug users or people like me who have had just a lot of hospitalizations.

Take care. I am here for any other questions. Curleysue

[curleysue]

Sorry I didn't realize that I had already said most of the things in an eariler post. My bad. Sorry Sorry. My mind is somewhere else today.

[Wicket16]

You are just like me. I have had about 1 colonoscopy and 2 endoscopy both requiring concious sedation. But me, I am a different story. Versed, does not work on me. Well they can get it to work but during my colonoscopy they gave me, (I am not kiding!) 23 mg Versed and 100 demerol. That is what it took for me to even go out just a little I still was moaning and so forth, obviously I don't remember it but I do remember the doctors and nurses talking to eachother and the doc kept saying just keep giving her more and the nurse would say "are you sure?" Thats all I remember.

I have no idea why I am so tolerante to medications like that. Its the same way for narcotics. Maybe its because I was an extremely sick teenager and adult even now and was in the hospital multiple times for painful things like pancreatitis twice, 6 laporoscopies for ovarian cysts and endo, 1 gallbladder surgery, appendectomy, 3 bladder surgeries, open heart surgery. I am a mess. But they have to give me like 2mg of dulaudid or 150mg IV demerol. Its a disaster and then all the doctors and nurses who are not familiar with my past medical history who think I am some kind of drug seeker or I don't know. Its just bad. I am not on narcotics all the time or anything so I don't think I have done something wrong.

Wicked16- After that experience with the colonoscopy and versed issue my anesthesiologist at our hospital suggested my doctor do the other procedures in the OR where they can give me propofol which if you not a nurse is the white IV medicine that they give you when you go under for general anesthesia. And that will knock anyone out. I don't think they can give propofol in a colonoscopy procedure room without an anesthisiologist at least here you can't. So I had all of my other procedures done in the OR which is not usual. In fact I think you would have to have both the surgeon doing the study and the anesthisilogist agree that doing it in the OR would be best.

I can see why your so nervous you are like me, need quite a bit of meds. Ask you doc or tell him how concerned you are. Maybe they can give you propofol. Or even a different mixture of medications. I know every surgeon has their own cocktails for colonoscopies. Some use versed and fentanyl, versed and demerol, or I guess versed and morphine and valium. I don't know.

Just thought I would give you my experience. Just remember they will not start the procedure unless you are properly sedated! They will stop immediately if you feel pain or uncomfortable. Remember they do these colonoscopies all the time. And have many patients who are tolerante to meds for example drug users or people like me who have had just a lot of hospitalizations.

Take care. I am here for any other questions. Curleysue

Thanks a lot for the information and help. I really appreciate it. I am very nervous about this as you can probably tell. I guess I build things up in my mind to make them worse than they really are, but after reading some of the posts in here....... Anyway thanks again.

[RN2Bn2006]

I was reading your message and felt so bad for you. I am a Registered Nurse working in an Endoscopy Center. Our patients come in so nervous and leave with a big smile on their face and can not believe what a pleasurable experience they have had. We no longer use Demerol and Versed. We use an anesthetic agent called Propofol (Diprovan). We now have Anesthesiologists on board with us who administer the drug and within seconds, the patient takes a nap. The drug has such a short half life, so is administered prn throughout the procedure to keep the patient comfortable. So, on your next visit for your colonoscopy, ask about Propofol. It works so well for the patients, especially females who have had abdominal surgeries and have many adhesions. Good luck. Any questions, let me know.

Wow that's good to know. thanks for posting about the new drug. I'm 35, and due to personal health issues, I've had 2 very painful colonoscopys - I remember it very plainly - crying and begging for pain medicine. I am due for another procedure this month. When I talked to my doc after my last one - she said my BP had dropped, and they couldn't give me anymore medication, so next time it will be general anesthesia. So I will definately ask her about this one you've posted. I even felt when they cauterized where they removed a polyp. Very very traumatic. I too have had numerous abdominal surgeries, so am sure there is alot of adhesians.

Thanks for the advice.

OP - You are not alone. Just don't do what I did, and do it again the same way. If you know it didn't work for you last time, don't subject yourself to the same thing again - there are others ways to go about it.

PB

[RN2Bn2006]

Just thought I would give you my experience. Just remember they will not start the procedure unless you are properly sedated! They will stop immediately if you feel pain or uncomfortable. Remember they do these colonoscopies all the time. And have many patients who are tolerante to meds for example drug users or people like me who have had just a lot of hospitalizations.

Take care. I am here for any other questions. Curleysue

That's not what I experienced - this last colonoscopy, I was telling them I was still alert when they began the procedure. Then I was crying and asking for medicine, and they didn't stop.

PB

[curleysue]

That's not what I experienced - this last colonoscopy, I was telling them I was still alert when they began the procedure. Then I was crying and asking for medicine, and they didn't stop.

PB

My sister works at the endoscopy and colonoscopy short stay clinic at the VA hospital in Portland. She does these procedures everyday and I told her about y'alls nervousness. She said to tell you not to worry at all and talk to your doctor or nurse before the procedure. Tell them exactely what you feel and how scared you are and that you are requesting them to use propofol. IF you let them know that the last procedure you felt everything and was awake beleive me they won't let you experience that again. Honestly. Just like what everyone has said they do not start the procedure until you are sedated fully. In fact for my clinicals I was in a colonoscopy clinic all day and watched about 6 of them. Some of the patients were also scared and experienced bad previous procedures. The doctor and the nurses in the procedure room make sure you are really medicated. And when they start the procedure and you yell out or anything like that, the doctor will stop and wait for the nurse to medicate you more. He keeps doing that until he can proceed with the procedure without you awake.

Hope that helped. Curleysue

[spaniel]

Thank you for the post- I too am up for a colonoscopy but I am too concerned about having Propofol without anesthesia backup. (there was a huge debate on this in the Propofol section.) I'd worked many years ICU/CCU and the CRNA's do seem to know what they are talking about. Any other advice regarding the feasability and safety of having Propofol WITH a seasoned CRNA/anesthesiologist right near the bed? I am really wondering if even that is safe if not done in the proper setting/backup.

While I'm at it, what are some of the higher doses of Versed/Demerol used? I know my prior doses were 50 mg. Demerol and once 3 mg. of Versed and I believe another time 5 mg. of Versed. Didn't do the trick> I too have a torturous bowel , and I have endometiorsis with adhesions.

I've wondered and researched the Virtual Colonoscopy as well- anyone know if the pain is significantly less with this?

[Mimi2RN, ASN, RN]

My doc told me he wanted me to be awake to talk with him. Was awful and I do not plan on having another one.

renerian

Go to a different doc. Unfortunately, as we get older we need all these tests. I didn't feel a thing. I don't ever want a sigmoidoscopy, though. That was horrendous.

I react to demerol and morphine, they both make me vomit until the next day.

I just had a rotator cuff repair, told everyone that I react to those meds. This time I was given Versed and then Fentanyl, NO PROBLEMS. It was wonderful,

Made my recovery so much easier.

mimi