My arse. My poor arse.

Leave it to MM to scare you out of a colonoscopy.

*Please send hate mail to [email protected] ... because someone is BOUND to say it, "MM this only happens to you."  Also -- NOTE -- colonscopies CAN BE a life-saving procedure, they can find disease... Please get your procedures done.

I got to the hospital right on time, was taken straight back to change into a gown for the test, and waited mostly patiently for my nurse.  I was given an IV of saline, and taken back to the procedure room.

 

The nurse, Leslie (go figure, I REMEMBER!) gave me the run-down of what was to happen, and I waited for the GI doctor.  He came in, had me sign off on the procedure and away we went.  The nurse gave me medication through my IV --

And the doctor started the colonscopy. 

I felt every bit of it.  While I was slightly sedated, I could feel the scope moving through my system, and the water flushing as well.  I was able to turn and watch the screen, I watched several parts of my intestines flash in front of me.  That kept my mind off the discomfort, a little bit.

I was under the impression that I would be ASLEEP for the procedure, or at least sedated to unawareness, AND have amnesia of the event. 

Non-sedation colonoscopy IS performed, and it's NOT COMFORTABLE, but people do choose this.

 

During the procedure, I heard the doctor and nurse discussing that I might need a little more medication because I wasn't responding to the initial dose.  At some point I started shivering pretty badly, and I remember them asking if I was cold.  I was, and I was also FEELING the scope INSIDE MY GUT. 

I would assume I got a little bit more medication through the IV.    And, honestly, I think I had just enough sedation that I was unable to verbalize just how uncomfortable I was.  I could only get out basic responses.

The GI found a polyp, and removed it to send to biopsy.  I watched it on the screen, a tool took this little pimply bit and removed it.

I was about to scream, if I could, when the doctor announced he was finished. 

Two medications, and I was awake and aware.  Go me.  What can I do with this skill?

Resistant.

My.

Ass.

Literally.   

Now will you believe me that I FELT the upper ENDOSCOPY, TOO?   BECAUSE I DID. 

"You can't POSSIBLY."

BUT.  I did.  I do.  I am super-woman.

Anyway - it appears that my lower intestine is "okay," aside from a polyp, it appears healthy so far as I can tell.  I'll hear more when I go back and swallow a camera.  Oo

 

 

Don't let the Michael Jackson death dissuade you from having propofol sedation in the future...it IS a great sedative, and is well tolerated when everybody does everything right. Just sucks you had to live through that awake twice.

Oh I know, it was my first thought.  :x  Then I came home and looked it up.  No worries about that.

I'm so sorry you went through that.  You are not alone!  

I had an endoscopy about a month ago, and was told I'd get drugs and be awake enough to comply with simply instructions (roll over, swallow, etc) but that I would be numb & not remember anything.  

BULL****

I remember EVERY moment of that procedure...the numbing spray didn't do anything but make me dry heave.  The Versed....HA!  My surgeon was struggling to get the scope down, and had them give me another dose of it, this after giving me a larger than normal initial dose, knowing I have a high tolerance to pain meds and a hard time with anesthesia in general.  No, no help.  I stared the nurse in the eyes the entire time, crying and silently conveying my discomfort.  She just stood there, either helpless or clueless.  

This is why I have a horrible fear of being awake but paralyzed during surgery with general anesthesia. 

I hope yours goes better.

I remember my first endoscopy. 

I don't EVER want to do it again.

Alas -- I am.  But with a capsule camera.

I felt and watched the whole thing also. I was give 2 full doses and was still awake for mine. I was also awake for my endo. Ugh! I feel your pain....Literally.

I was fully awake for mine too and watched and commented on the video with my doc!  I would say it was a little uncomfortable but certainly didn't think it was painful!

All in all, I thought it was ok and certainly wouldn't be worried about having another one or being awake for it again!

No sedation at all? 

Hrm.

Well.  I hurt.  Maybe because I wasn't expecting ANY pain?  I don't know.  

Oh, I had Versed - which just makes me not care less - certainly didn't knock me out.  

I think I have a high tolerance for pain because I often wonder what all the fuss is about when people say how painful procedures are and are on narcotics for weeks afterwards   - no sense no feeling,  as my mum used to say!!!   I even chose to have two natural births for my boys.  I KNOW I'm the weird one!

Sounds like Milk of Amnesia (Propofol) is the way to go if you want to be out completely!

I didn't take pain meds after RNY -- so I get it.