abuse survivor terrified of having colonoscopy

[unikuelady, RN]

My doctor wants me to have and colonoscopy and endoscopy due to continual low hemoglobin/hematcrit. Since I have hemoroids that bleed every time I stool (no matter how soft the stool is) the fecal occult tests are positive. When in nursing school-I did a weeks rotation in the GI clinic and observed many of these procedures being done. Most of the patients stated afterward that it wasn't bad at all. Even with all of this "knowledge"- I am terrified of the colonoscopy part. I am a survivor of severe sexual abuse during childhood. Much of the abuse centered around having daily enemas, foreign objects of all shapes and sizes inserted into my rectum. I know alot of trauma occured to my delicate tissues back then because I remember having blood stains on my panties. Only once since childhood, My gyn MD decided to insert her finger into my orifice-she said to check for lumps. I had such a severe emotional reaction (jumped off the table-screaming at her-throwing things around in the room) that I had to be restrained until I could calm down. I am afraid that this could happen again. My questions are? How do the GI staff care for this type of patient? Does anyone have experience with this type of patient? Do patients ever have general anesthesia for this procedure? I have cancelled this needed procedure twice due to the above. I'm in my mid 40's, have been in therapy for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, functioning well in society and personal life at this time. Thank You all for any input you can give me.

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

Tell the MD in private that you were sexually abused iin the past (he/she needs to know this anyway since scarring will be evident). Ask for valium or some such to take before leaving home (someone MUST drive you). Ask to be completely asleep during the procedure (I got versed and do not recall anything. It was great). You can do this!! You just need help. THere is no need to tell your whole story, just state you were abused and need to be completely under in order to allow the procedure. Good luck.

[Stitchie]

I'm sorry you have to ask this type of question.

I agree with purplemania, tell your doc, probably your PMD, about what you have survived and ask for the really good drugs before the procedure begins.

My personal opinion is that you shouldn't be completely under to the point where you cannot maintain your airway. You would have to be intubated and the drugs for that can make you nauseous afterward. Given enough Versed, you won't remember anything.

Good for you for sticking with therapy and not letting this ruining your life. Do what you need to do to protect your health, and live well.

[SuperSGirl]

Ask for a general anesthesia provided by an anesthesiologist or a CRNA if you are extremely concerned. Explain why and if your doc isn't understanding, change docs.

[SuperSGirl]

Ask for a general anesthesia provided by an anesthesiologist or a CRNA if you are extremely concerned. Explain why and if your doc isn't understanding, change docs.

[lindaloo51]

In cases such as yours, I agree a CRNA there with the proper medications can make this a much less traumatic procedure for you. The key here is that you are a survivor and to remain one, you need to find out what is going on. You should find a surgeon who can do the colonoscopy and take care of the hemorrhoids at the same time to keep from having to do the whole thing over again.

[lindaloo51]

In cases such as yours, I agree a CRNA there with the proper medications can make this a much less traumatic procedure for you. The key here is that you are a survivor and to remain one, you need to find out what is going on. You should find a surgeon who can do the colonoscopy and take care of the hemorrhoids at the same time to keep from having to do the whole thing over again.

[rn29306]

I am truly sorry for your past experiences that now affect your current medical condition. I am a CRNA student (SRNA) and I can tell you that the current drugs available now are far different than in previous days. I am not going to give specific anesthesia advice, but I want you to know that:

1. Talk to your MD and ask to meet directly with anesthesia PRIOR to the day of the procedure. Tell them personally what has happened. Do not take the chance of your MD passing the information on to anesthesia. YOU need to convey your story, fears, and expectations of the procedure.

2. Drugs available today can erase a procedure from your memory, allow you to remain in a relatively pain-free state, decrease the fear of a procedure, and can decrease any possibility of post-procedure nausea and vomiting.

Not to toot our own horns, but anesthesia has alot to offer someone in your position. He or she can outline a anesthesia plan that is right for you. Please don't let anyone force you into something. If you don't like it, find someone else.

Please keep us updated on your situation. Take care.

rn29306

[rn29306]

I am truly sorry for your past experiences that now affect your current medical condition. I am a CRNA student (SRNA) and I can tell you that the current drugs available now are far different than in previous days. I am not going to give specific anesthesia advice, but I want you to know that:

1. Talk to your MD and ask to meet directly with anesthesia PRIOR to the day of the procedure. Tell them personally what has happened. Do not take the chance of your MD passing the information on to anesthesia. YOU need to convey your story, fears, and expectations of the procedure.

2. Drugs available today can erase a procedure from your memory, allow you to remain in a relatively pain-free state, decrease the fear of a procedure, and can decrease any possibility of post-procedure nausea and vomiting.

Not to toot our own horns, but anesthesia has alot to offer someone in your position. He or she can outline a anesthesia plan that is right for you. Please don't let anyone force you into something. If you don't like it, find someone else.

Please keep us updated on your situation. Take care.

rn29306