Awake During Colonoscopy--Again?

[TromboneAl]

Lena threw up a lot after hers, but she always does that after anesthetic.

 

[swakyaby]

I've had 3 colonoscopies since age 47, all under versed and fentanyl sedation by a sedation nurse while the GI doc did the procedure. I felt alert and no nausea in the recovery area after each one. But after the 1st procedure, the doc later told me I was VERY drowsy during the procedure. So I told him it was okay if I were more lightly sedated for the next one. The 2nd procedure, I had a brief recall of searing pain in my rectum. Forgetting where I was, I lifted my head and almost sat up in the guerney (sorry, Dr H!), whereupon the doc said, "She's feeling it! She's feeling it!" Then "poof!" I was asleep again. I wasn't upset. I knew that could happen, and the doc made sure the discomfort wasn't prolonged. The 3rd colonoscopy, I informed the doc I now had the diagnosis of moderate obstructive sleep apnea. He asked me if I wanted an anesthesiologist, an individual who could also administer propofol sedation and provide airway support if needed. I hesitated and said only if he thought one was needed. He then opted for the sedation nurse using fentanyl and versed. Everything was so uneventful and I felt so normal afterwards that I opted to have a quick lunch on the way home. Oh boy . . .

After we placed our lunch order, I washed my hands in the restroom and rejoined DH at the table. I noticed our napkins on the floor and commented on it. When DH didn't respond, I looked up at him and found myself staring at a complete stranger! The poor man stammered incomprehensibly, and I stood up, blubbering "OMG! I'm so sorry! I had a medical procedure today, and . . and . . ." I abruptly stood up and turned away and found myself facing the man's wife who had returned from the restroom and found a strange woman sitting with her husband, and was staring at me in complete astonishment. By this time my DH was laughing at the next table. I sat down with DH and buried my head in my hands.

It was so strange. I felt completely normal prior to that incident.

 

[swakyaby]

Ten years ago, during my colonoscopy, I woke up several times. I remember someone telling me to "Breathe!"

I let the docs know this time, and they told me they'd give me a much stronger dose (Versed and Fentanyl). But it seemed to happen again.

Not too painful, but I remember hearing the people in the OR talking. I remember a specific conversation about whether someone should go to the recovery room or some other room.

It wasn't that painful, but I've had dentist visits that hurt less. Perhaps I was hallucinating. It only seemed to take about ten minutes. Maybe I'm someone who tends not to go under all the way?

Threw up on the way home. I never want to have another colonoscopy.

With that experience, next time I would request an anesthetist who can administer propofol AND give an antiemetic for a better post op experience.

 

[michael274]

IMO To the post asking about ketamine, I use ketamine in moderate sedation cases to address specific difficulties with anesthesia. To answer your question, never have I considered it my go to drug in a code situation (CPR, respiratory arrest, etc.) For the lady in the restaurant who had some confusion as to which lovely man was her husband, that was likely a result of versed. To the post that the recipient of the colonoscopy would from now on request an anesthetist (great idea), propofol, and an antiemetic, maybe overshooting. Propofol has an antiemetic effect. Please understand folks, in anesthesia we have a saying that states there are a thousand ways to skin a cat, as in doing an anesthetic. I do anesthesia for my patients the way I would have it done on myself or my kid. I have relayed information to you with that in mind. Btw, kudos to all you who are taking a proactive approach to your health by doing the preventative work. I wish you all a very long, healthy life. Best regards.

 

[COcheesehead]

I had my second colonoscopy last Friday. I got the all clear and won't need another for 10 years.
Here's the weird part. I could feel it. I felt the sensation upon insertion, but I wasn't really able to do anything about it. My wife said the whole procedure took only 20 minutes. So I am wondering if I wasn't 100% sedated since they put me under and I was coming out of it just 20 minutes later.

 

[The Cosmic Avenger]

I had a completely drug free colonoscopy. The anesthesiologist sat in the corner reading a book the entire time! It was not painful at all, with just a minor amount of cramping. After the procedure, I hopped off the stretcher and walked home. No need for an escort. I carefully considered the risks of allergic reaction, respiratory problems, etc. from the sedation and decided that the risks or Propofol or Fentanyl outweigh any benefits. I also have not seen any research that indicates there is a higher risk of traumatic injuries during a colonoscopy with patients who are awake. (I have actually read studies that Propofol administration is associated with an increased risk of perforation). Most people in other countries, like Europe, do not use sedation. Yet in the U.S. doctors are now using full anesthesia for the procedure. It is very profitable. I have two friends who are gastroenterologists, and both had drug free colonoscopies. Something to consider...especially for those who are sensitive to anesthesia.

Can confirm anecdotally that an anaesthesia-free colonoscopy is not a big deal, and it's nice to drive yourself home and all! There was a bit of discomfort at the beginning, but not as bad as an IM injection, IMO, and I wouldn't call the cramping minor, as I kept feeling a lot of pressure to...um...expel the gas! And I did, and it helped a lot...until he started pumping in more air, of course. But it wasn't painful, it was just pressure, like a full bladder. (In fact, gas pressure in the rectum is pretty much the same place as the bladder, only just a bit dorsal of it.)

 

[calmloki]

Presented on this subject:


https://i.imgur.com/XVqAi02.gifv

 

[EastWest Gal]

I have to wonder who pays for substandard anesthesiology?

 

[Koolau]

First one, I was quite groggy during, but mostly awake with almost no discomfort. Next two I was OUT! No anesthetic problems afterward. I wouldn't have been legal to drive home, but I could have.

I think it must be very much individual dependent. By the way, I don't want another colonoscopy either, but hope I live long enough to need another one (due to elapsed time.) I've known too many folks who died of colon cancer to forgo this life-saving test - even if it were as bad as TAls's (so sorry you had these issues!) More than ever, this is a case of YMMV.