Do You Need Anesthesia for a Colonoscopy
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- Опубліковано 23 чер 2023
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Amen
I had a colonoscopy without anesthesia years ago. NEVER again!
why... i thought women are so "pain-resistant" myth?
@@a2b3c because that is how it was once done! And no one is totally "pain-resistant, male or female!
@@CyntheaAnderson i think the doctor was not very skilled then, it actually only hurts when he overdoes things or is insensitive
I had a second one a few weeks, the minute they put that gas or air in ?? the pain was agony.
First time no sedative, so as I knew it was bad then, I had a sedative this time, made no difference.
I think its because I have IBS?
I've had colonoscopies with and without sedation. After the doctor took nine polyps with me fully awake, I decided not to be a hero ever again.
I don't blame you, I won't ever have another one without ,being knocked out!
Lmao
You do your thing. I'm getting sedation. If you want an experience, get a turp without sedation!
what's a turp? I had my first colonoscopy, with out being put under. What a painfull mistake, everyone is different. I was screaming out in pain the whole time! It hurt more than giving birth 5 times and my near fatal car crash! It hurt up in my stomach. Never again will I be awake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And you do your thing I would never even get one. As he said nobody is sticking anything up there
Waited till I was 68 to get my first one. Thank goodness I did. Saved my life finding 2 huge polyps before they became cancer. @@tommac21 No way I would get one without sedation.
I did it recently without and it wasn't that bad at all.@@JPowell-kz7zn
@@JPowell-kz7zn thanks for the warning, i was considering going w/o sedation, now i want extra sedation !
Well, I’m glad that you had a good experience because when I did it without anesthesia, I was in agony and they had a knock me right out. I was screaming in pain. Nobody told me to fight and release the gas while I was screaming in pain.
I've done a colonoscopy without sedation and it was excruciatingly painful. It felt like an alien clawing around in my gut with constant spasms in my insides.
me too. hurt as bad as giving birth!! cried before and after the procedure. they made me do it without sedation just because i didn't have someone there waiting on me to take me home and to tell the information to. no person, no sedation, final!!
@@lorettatayor5840 worse then all 5 of my births
@@JPowell-kz7zn lol, probably not... the inside of the colon acually does not even have much nerves.. so the doctor was doing his job very insensitive
Had one done on the NHS in London, it was horrific, very very painful.
It must have been your doctor because it's not that bad,.
Me too . Twice . like being tortured . I am normally able to cope with pain , but it was terribly painful .
My wife had it done about 30 years ago w/o sedation. She'd NEVER do it that way again.
Everyone is different. Some people can't handle the pain.@@thomaswood7495
I've had dental extractions when the anesthesia wore off. That was way worse than the colonoscopy.@@conorsheehan9929
I'm in the USA. Many years ago I had a colonoscopy with mild sedation. I woke up in extreme pain and begged the doctor to stop. He did something that let air out, the pain disappeared and I fell back asleep. Since then I have had Propofol for my colonoscopies and have never had any pain.
Where did you feel pain? Mine was in my stomach. Honest, I thought it was going to blow up!
In the colon. @@JPowell-kz7zn
My first experience was when I was stationed in Bermuda. We had to use the civilian hospital and specialists from the island. He did the mild sedation such as you're speaking of and I have to say that was one of the most painful experiences ever....if you ever saw the movie, The Aliens in the scene where the alien was eating its way out of the victim's stomach pretty much describes what I endured. Oh, and my unheaded cries of F'n, STOP!!!
I had a colonoscopy 15 years ago. I told them ahead of time that I'm hard to sedate. I was on the table and they gave me sedation. The doctor began the procedure. I was fully awake and aware. They gave me more. I saw him remove 2 pollups. Fully aware. But as the camera moved around, I felt intensely painful cramps. I cried. They kept giving me more and more sedation. It didn't work. It was a painful procedure for me. The only part I don't remember is recovering in the recovery room. I told my current doctor that I'll never have another colonoscopy unless they put me completely out with general anesthesia. The sedation didn't help me, but I'm always the weird one. My advice is to let them use sedation. You don't want to feel those gut twisting pains that I felt.
Are you hypermobile by any chance
Katie Curac had one done live on TV several years ago and she was wide awake through the whole thing. I wouldn't do it, but it can be done. For me? Just wake me up when you are done, thank you!
Thanks for the reminder.
BUT she was given something to take the edge off.
She did have demerol and light sedation
My late mom had a colonoscopy 30 years ago when she was 50. Until her death at age 70 there was a rare day when she didn't mention the pain she went through during the procedure. Coincidentally, her doctor was named Dr. Payne, and no, I didn't make it up. She never had another colonoscopy. Luckily she didn't get colon cancer. A different cancer got her. Her experience was enough of a warning for me. Two times I've had one and both times I've been under.
Bro how was it? I’m scared to death 😢
I had the procedure without sedation and it was an excruciating painful experience. Never, ever again!
Same. And that was with sedation. Never again!!!!! Now, only will comply if they use propofol.
A man Died on my table right before I came in.He died Screaming the nurses said.I always get knocked out.whew.
Why would ny nurses tell you that right before your turn? That sounds fishy. @@user-er8bj2wj1j
Yes it was the same for me
Terrible pain when being done Afterwards i was absolutely fine
But hopefully never again
Given what you said about sedation being "expected", I'm wondering if it's hard to find a doc in the US that will agree to do the procedure without it? I really don't have anyone I can rely on to drive me to and from the appointment, and I have a fairly high tolerance for pain. So not getting sedated would be very convenient and not that hard to endure. Frankly I'm more concerned about the sedation than the procedure itself. I've never been under general anesthesia and frankly would like to avoid it.
Great question. Let us know what you discover.
Thank you for this video! I was feeling pressure to have sedation before watching your video but decided to go unsedated with your information. It went very smoothly, and I was in and out in less than an hour because I didn't have to worry about the post-anesthesia recovery. There was slight discomfort but nothing unmanageable through focused breathing. I would compare it to strong, temporary menstrual cramps in slightly different areas of the abdomen. After the scope was all the way in, the rest of the procedure was completely painless. I hope to not need many colonoscopies, but I will definitely do the next one without sedation.
Thank you! I'm so glad that it was helpful. And thanks for sharing your experience with everyone.
omg. Thank you for sharing. I'm doing it in 4 days and I found myself being more scared of the sedation than the idea of the colonoscopy. I hear people either say it's fine or the worst pain of their life, I'm a little scared.
My first one I had, I did not have any anesthesia. I was lying on my side watching the monitor and saw my dr. find 3 polyps that could have become problematic in a few years. I like watching and which way they were removed. It was comfortable...mild pressure on turns but definitely duable.
Thanks for sharing that. It sounds similar to my experience.
Thank you for the whole story… especially farting it out😂
I had a colonoscopy and an endoscopy done sequentially on the same day. The doctors told me I should have an anesthetic and I kept telling them I wanted to be awake. In the end, I got my wish; I told them they could give me a very small dose of an anesthetic and that is what happened. I was calm and relaxed (similar to a small dose of Valium) but wide awake, and I remember watching the insides of my bowels as the probe was being withdrawn. The only painful part was when they pumped in gas every time they went around a bend to go further inside. I felt some painful cramping then, but it did not last long. There was no pain whatsoever as the probe was withdrawn. I'm glad I didn't let them put me to sleep.
I have had 3 colonoscopies. All were under sedation, but the first two I felt nothing and I was WIDE awake for the whole procedure. I watched the camera from beginning to end. I could have easily driven myself home. They gave me Midazolam (versed) and Demerol which did nothing. The third time they gave me propofol and then I was out completely.
I had one with no sedation many years ago. It was agony. I knew I was in trouble when the nurse came and said "Hold my hand reallly tight" and it wasn't any where tight enough to kill the pain. I swore never to go back, until they announced future colonoscopies would be done under anaesthesia.
Thank you so much for sharing this info. I do not do well sedated, now thanks to you I feel a whole lot better.
You are very welcome.
If you have Crohn's or some other form of IBD I'd strongly consider sedation. I still have nightmares about the time my sedation didn't stick. Something to ask your GI team about I'd imagine just in case.
Thank you for your honesty. I have a great fear of dying under anesthesia I have allergic reactions to several medicines and I don’t want this to be the end of me.
You are very welcome. You can do it!
ha!@@IBSTreatmentCenter
Just be aware that it hurts in a few spots, but if you breathe though them the pain is gone in a few seconds. It feels like there's pressure and you're hungry at the same time. Then it goes back to normal. Being inflated is weird, but not painful. The way out is easy.
Painful enough they knocked me out !
me toooo!!!! I'm really scared of drugs too. I've decided to do it no sedation.
My first colonoscopy was done without sedation, the pain was incredible, l was sweating so badly. After this l found out l could of had sedation meds. Never again would l do it without meds.
Thanks Donna. What country do you live in?
Totally agree been there
I had one without anesthesia and the pain was as bad as giving birth. It was dreadful. I since have had it done under anesthesia, no problems.
worse that all 5 births put together. Never a next time, unless I'm under!@@leenewsom7517
I did not have any anesthesia for my first colonoscopy and experienced very little discomfort & felt great afterwards. For my second, the doctor insisted. I left the hospital sound asleep in a wheelchair & my husband had to lift me into the car. I was sick for two days afterwards. I won’t have another unless I can do it anesthetic free.
Thank you for sharing your story. Anesthesia can be and often is very hard on the body.
My wife did anesthesia for a polyp removal in her uterine wall and same deal, she felt terrible for days after.
No one can predict some people's reaction to anesthesia. I had my second procedure without any drugs, and I wouldn't ever care to repeat the experience ever again. For me, it was pure hell.
I agree , your body your business ...I want mine w/ o too
TBH for me it's the fear of being under if something goes wrong. I trust the doctor, I don't trust the stuff they give you to knock you out. Unless it's Macallan 25.@@ruthlundy4497
I think it was once the same thing with Wisdom Tooth extractions. Many oral surgeons automatically put all their patients to sleep because that was how they liked working.
That sounds similar.
My doc told me that tooth extractions should be done under sedation by an oral surgeon. About 35 years ago I had fillings and an extraction done by a regular dentist using laughing gas and novocain, it hurt like hell! I (or anyone in my family) didn't know better so I let my dentist do the extraction. I won't make that mistake again. Ironically, my niece needs her wisdom teeth removed soon, she is definitely having them removed as her mother spent $6K straightening her teeth and correcting a birth defect in her tooth alignment when she was a young child. In my generation the birth defect would have been corrected by removing one tooth on each side of her mouth on the upper level and one on each side on the lower level but her mother got conned into braces for my niece.
I'm scheduled for my fifth without any sedation or pain medication next week. For me, the only part that has been unconfortable is if the scope balls up at the splenic flexure. It is a myth that moving when the scope is inside you is dangerous. Also, there is no pain when a small polyp is removed. I've not had big ones removed, so I can't speak to that. For my first colonoscapy, it took me a while to convince the doctor. He told me that he had done 10k colonoscapies and nobody had ever asked for it unmedicated. He told me he didn't know if I could handle it. I told him that he'd just have to trust me just like I didn't know if he was good enough to do it without. I think most people are self conscious about having a tube stuck in their butt. I have a strong aversion to versed and other medication I don't need.
Thank you for sharing this!
I think it depends on what the doc sedates you with. I had conscious sedation that (as usual for me) put me to sleep, the colonoscopy doc said that would be fine. I woke up in the recovery room about 15 minutes after the procedure was done and about 15 minutes after that I was fine and walking out of the hospital without assistance. If my eyesight were good enough I could have even drove home without a problem. I didn't ask what they used (maybe I should have) but it worked and after the procedure was finished it wore off very quickly.
@@mharris5047 You probably had propofol. It wears off quickly. I want to see what they see and keep as much medicine out of me as possible. The discomfort isn't a big deal. I used to drive trucks without power steering for 80 hours a week. I promise that that hurt more than a little old colonoscopy.
"Just like I didn't know if he was good enough to do it without." I think you put a know-it-all in his place...brilliant!
"It is a myth that moving when the scope is inside you is dangerous"
Bullshit, my sister got a ruptured spleen and almost died.
Not interested at all in being awake, especially when they have to remove polyps, which involve cutting in my colon.
I don't recall feeling much of anything when my polyp was removed. The gi doc said I might feel a pinch.
I've read it's painless. Like maybe there's the sensation of the pressure, but no real pain. Supposedly polyps have no nerve endings to transmit pain signals. I'm guessing at worst it feels like getting a hemmorhoid stapled, a quick pinch sort of like getting stung by a bee, but it only maybe hurts for a second.@@IBSTreatmentCenter
There are no nerves in the polyps so it’s painless.
I'm in the UK using the NHS, not private medicine. Had my colonoscopy without any gas or sedation and afterwards I asked how common that was - doctor told me I was the first that year - it was December!
Very interesting. Thanks!
I had an unsedated colonoscopy yesterday. Doctor removed 3 small polyps. Overall I would describe the experience as uncomfortable but not painful. I felt varying degrees of pressure building up but nothing unbearable. The more you are able to pass gas the better you will feel. I spent most of the time talking to the nurses which made the time fly by. Once I was finished I was able to drive home and resume normal activities. I had lots of anxiety beforehand but I am so glad I went the unsedated route. Would do it unsedated again in a heartbeat.
Thanks for sharing that. It's really interesting to read people's reactions to this.
@@IBSTreatmentCenter my pleasure. I prepared myself for the worst and I am glad to say that I was highly disappointed lol! I’m sure everyone’s experience is different and there are certain factors that could lead to someone feeling intense pain. But in my case I’ve experienced constipation and stomach aches that felt much worse than an unsedated colonoscopy. In terms of being uncomfortable I would put an unsedated colonoscopy on the level of a challenging CrossFit workout.
I've passed kidney stones, had lidocaine wear off during extractions, have chronic migraines, I think I need to do this without just to see how bad it really is. Or good. I don't know the frame of reference the people saying it hurt are using. Maybe they never had real pain in their lives and that's why.@@AntDWood
When I had my colonoscopy years ago and I didn’t have the anesthesia, I was yelling and screaming what pain I was in it was so painful way then gave me anesthesia
The pain isn't that bad,. It hurts in a few spots, but only for a few seconds. @@user-ul5ou4vn1r
I just had a colonoscopy and went sedation free was easy procedure walked out right after no wait time felt great
Thanks for sharing your experience. I had the same!
Can you tell me colonoscopy is best way for chorinc constipation
I refused sedation because they wanted to use a large dose of benzodiazepine , which I depend on with tiny doses for sleep, because of PTSD. It is well documented that taking even less than double your normal dose by accident one day makes you need that new level to be effective. A high dose would have ruined the only effective med I had after that. He did it without sedation, with fentanyl standing by, and his great skills caused no pain except for the inflation which feels like gas pain. Fentanyl did not even help much with that. (I got to watch the monitor, alert throughout..fascinating.) But he said my benzo concerns were not, because he has never heard that from any of his patients. (Of course not! When your benzos stop working, you go to the GP who prescribed them for sleep, not to the gastro surgeon.)
Smart! And well done. Thanks for sharing that!
also there is a risk of perforation i had the procedure done they perforated my bowel and had to have a resection due to the damage they done and had to wear a temporary storma bag for six months. Cant sue the nhs as you have to sign a waver before procedure so be very careful
Due to past trauma, I had my colonoscopy done WITHOUT anesthesia or sedation and it went down pretty much the way you described it with a barely perceptible "pinch" when the probe rounded a corner. The only difference was that I could NOT drive my car home immediately after the procedure... I rode my motorcycle.
Hah! Thanks for sharing.
Do they lubricate the scope!?
@@nimaq2620 Yes, and there was a 40" monitor on the wall were I could see what the camera was seeing. Like playing "Descent" except for the beginning. One big advantage was I was finally able to see what a far left friend of mine sees when he spouts nonsense at me.
😆🤣🤣Did you fart during the procedure or after?@@rsrt6910
@@nimaq2620 Absolutely.
Thank you for this doc, because I have my first colonoscopy in 4 days. I also don't like the idea of being sedated unnecessarily, I very much like to be aware and in control of my body, (autism thing maybe)
I am mentally preparing myself for the pain and discomfort, but all in all being awake sounds much better to me. thank you for the tip about farting!
I'll report back how it went.... oh boy.
The only thing giving me peace is that I know how bad bad gas cramps can be, I know i can handle that kind of pain.. I just hope they dont have to remove too my polyps.
Very informative. Thanks. But the sleep was some of the best i've had. I was ready to go back just for that.
Well, there is that.
It’s easier for men because they are anatomically different. I had the first two without sedation BUT I’ve had cancer and they couldn’t get around one corner. So I’m going to have a sedative IF it gets too much. Plain meditation worked up to that point.
I had the propofol sleep. It was magic, like time travel. Highly recommended, and zero grogginess after.
I was given light sedation, I woke up mid way through and was able to watch a monitor & listen as the examination progressed. Facination to watch, albeit a little unreal when realising this is inside my body. Later on I watched the removal of the tube, I could feel the movement and I was able to link what I was feelings with what I was watching on the screen at the same time.
Thanks for sharing Ian!
what about pain
Good of you for making this informative video. My friend damn near died after a botched colonoscopy. I'd think he may have done better to be awake during the procedure.
Thank you for sharing that. It's important for us all to be reminded that there is risk, even if these procedures are routine. And anesthesia adds to the risk.
I woke up at the end of mine. There was lots of discomfort for the couple of minutes. I don't want to go through that for 20 min.
I have had both. The last one done 18 months after I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, Was More Painful than I could have ever imagined. And now 5 months after the colonoscopy I can still feel the inside of my inflamed colon. PS my brother in law had a colonoscopy, he had, had bleeding. 5 polyps were removed, he lost consciousness…one way to be asleep. PS I have had 4 back surgeries and was not in as much pain as that January colonoscopy.
I love how you say if you're going to have a probe stuck up your ass, maybe you don't ant to remember it. Personally, if doctors have anything up my ass I plan to be wide awake. The people that say they don't want to remember are nuts: what IF that's not all they do back there? We've all read those unfortunate stories. I'd prefer to be awake. I was supposed to get my first one like 6 months ago. I did the prep and it wasn't working the day of so I canceled it. They wanted to "try anyway", but I didn't want to have to do prep again if it didn't work out and wasn't sure if my insurance would cover repeated attempts. It was planned as un-sedated. The only thing that had me worried was my doctor was telling me only Yogis can handle it, that it's really uncomfortable. I told her I had to do all my upper teeth extractions in February due to not listening to the dentist over the years for an upper denture (will follow up with implants later), and that since i am Lidocaine-resistant that I doubted anything could be as painful as that. I haven't rescheduled yet, but I will. Sedation freaks me out. If it's not necessary why take additional risks?
Thanks for sharing your story. Obviously, I agree. Why take risks that aren't necessary?
It's extremely uncomfortable, and the possibility of you either moving unexpectedly, or out and out jumping up from the table, while having 6 feet of tubing in your intestine, could be DISASTEROUS! That's why the give sedation. ever have dental work done without sedation/anesthesia?
So millions of people around the world are able to sit there for the exam, but you think Americans need to be sedated? Okay, sure. And stop making stupid comparisons to dental work. It's not even close to the same thing. Teeth are connected to nerve bundles. The inside of your colon is not. @@nicolelala10
TBH anesthesia where I'm knocked out freaks me out. About 30 years ago I experimented with all sorts of stuff. I used to be what we called "straight-edge" at the time, but eventually gave in to peer-pressure. Physically nothing really bad happened to me, although there were a few times Keith Richards would've been jealous. Eventually I grew up and I have no time for inebriation any more. I'm not against alcohol, I still have the very rare 1-2 ounce pour of something like Macallan 18, but as far as anything else that's all years and years behind me. BUT because of all the times I probably should have had something bad happen I am now convinced I'll be the statistic with things like this. I did an MRI today for a possible torn ligament. If it turns out I need surgery I'd be fine with a nerve-blocker, but nothing else. Even when I had my teeth extracted, the dentist gave me Percocets. I took 6 out of 12. I still have the other 6. It was really bad and I should have taken them as prescribed and finished them, but I was worried what if tomorrow it's worse and I can't get a refill? So I used Tylenol, Naproxen, and did things like warm salt water rinses instead. The only medicine I take regularly are vitamins and Statins. I prefer to not do the Statins, but I haven't been at my exercise routine in like two years and my eating habits could be better, so it's this for now.
When I do the colonoscopy I am 100% sure it won't be fun. I expect it to be uncomfortable, and even possibly painful but I expect it to be brief pain if there is any. nothing at all like having a dentist trying to pull a tooth out half an hour after the Lidocaine wore off. @@IBSTreatmentCenter
I had to reschedule my colonoscopy because the prep didn't work fast enough. I need to remember to start the laxative treatment TWO days before my colonoscopy instead of one. I wonder if the morphine I am taking for the pain from several back injuries caused the prep not to work (morphine is known to slow the intestines down and I take a stool softener and laxative on a daily basis anyway).
Thank you Dr! I’m going in for one and I didn’t want to take anesthesia so I feel more comfortable now about it.
You are welcome! I'm glad that it was helpful.
How was it!
Not me. I need to be sedated. It's so uncomfortable and painful due to my inflammation.
I'm glad that you know that.
The only time I got sedation was when I had my wisdom teeth removed, and I only said yes because they said "conscious sedation", but I don't remember anything and my girlfriend who drove me said I kept talking nonsense (even though I was supposed to shut up). NEVER again! Recently I got my first colonoscopy without sedation and it was totally worth it! It wasn't a pleasant experience, but I will do it again when the time comes. I did not feel any pain (the colon does not have nerve endings), just a lot of pressure that was down to a 5/10 level of discomfort at the very worst. Immediately after I could eat a snack, walk, drive and cook. The prep already takes a few days, recovering from the anesthesia would have taken another 24-48 hours and I want to be back to normal ASAP.
I had one without sedation. I won't do it again. The painful part is the first couple minutes and for me it was very painful. If your doctor uses CO2 instead of air you will have little or no pain from gas.
Good to know!
👍
My dear, you DO need deep sedation, Propofol will be your best friend if you want to avoid pain and panic. This is even more true for gastroscopy, which is really a torture if wide awake.
I'm about to have my first colonoscopy. I've had several sigmoidoscopies (and a barium enema) - without sedation - before and after colon cancer surgery (L.A.R.) earlier this year where I experienced a little discomfort only from air being induced into the colon. The most recent time, the probe was advanced up to the splenic flexure. It sounds as if going all the way might be about the same - only a longer duration.
Turning into splenic and hepatic flexures can be painful without sedation
@@sarahmitchell9247 That's good to know. The stump of the rectum now connects directly into the decending colon via an end to side anastamosis. Now, the flexures are at a sharper angle than before the L.A.R.
Basically, everything past the ascending colon was rotated when the sigmoid was removed in its entirety.
Just had my first one yesterday- no sedation. It was very uncomfortable, but lasted just under 17 minutes. I didn't have to take a highly potent drug and I could drive home and the rest of my day I was lucid. Well worth it.
Thank you I needed to hear this! UK?
@@bubblekittea US
My first i was half out. Not fun but not bad. My second, i was out. Much better.
Zofran didn't help me when I had severe headache with vomiting. I'm just hoping I'll be alright without the exam as my 3 siblings had perfectly clear colons . I hate to have to go thru this. Unfortunately though , my mom had a bad polyp and had to get 7 inches of her colon removed
Thank you very much! Here in Ontario, we have options.
But in the U.S. we're told that the healthcare system in Canada is not as good as ours?!😉
@@IBSTreatmentCenter They tell you that so you won't vote for someone who will change it because they're making billions off of it. I've lived in both countries and Canada's health care is superior in most provinces. It varies from province to province. Also, our drug prices are far below that of the USAs, do to fantastic regulations. :)
Moreover, my current GF is a nurse practitioner from North Carolina. She told me exactly what I just told you. She wants to move here and probably will.
Recently I needed 3 MRIs on my back. My doctor booked them and I had them within 10 days. Zero money. No deductible, zilch.
As for my colonoscopy, I want to drive home, so I'm going to forego sedation.
@@trenthogan4212 Thanks for sharing. Yes, in the U.S. healthcare is simply another mega business that scares people by lying or at the minimum stretching the truth so that uninformed voters don't vote for changes that would reign them in.
@@IBSTreatmentCenter Other than it taking a bit longer to get some services the Canadian system is very similar to the one here in the States (I have lived in both countries, I actually receive retirement benefits from both countries today). Everything except a foot doc is also a LOT cheaper in Canada. If I didn't have a supplement to (American) Medicare from my former government employer here in the States I would have probably moved back to Canada, my medical bills add up to over $100K each year here in the States and, fortunately, I only pay a few hundred dollars a year of it.
@@mharris5047 Thanks for sharing that. People in the U.S. have been taught that the medical system in Canada is far inferior to ours. It's a fear tactic created by the people who make a lot of money off our system.
I had a colonoscopy last week and was not sedated, and despite all the horror stories I have heard I felt very little discomfort - just a couple of jags that made me take a sharp intake of air, but these only lasted for one or two seconds each. I watched the whole fascinating process on the monitor, and it only lasted around thirty minutes. Another myth that was erased for me was "The colon-cleansing drink is ghastly - it will make you vomit" I found it just like drinking lemon cordial. As for air being pumped in to inflate the colon - never felt a thing.
Hi Bruce. Thanks for sharing your experience!
they make more money sedating. i prefer NO drugs if its minor stuff like that. i had cataract surgery in both eyes, wide awake. theres no pain, so, no big deal.
Wow. Interesting.
I have a very high pain tolerance, I’ve had 4 major surgeries in the past 2 years, deep cuts into my stomach/abdominem and post surgery definitely sucked, but bearable.
I can’t do a colonoscopy without sedation. It has nothing to do with pain. Without trying to sound crude, my butt is a one way road. It’s the most uncomfortable feeling I’ve ever felt. Having had multiple surgeries, procedures, etc. colonoscopy was the thing that I remembered the most.
It may just be an adverse affect because of my condition (chrohns, UC) but I won’t do a colonoscopy without sedation/heavy anesthesia.
That's completely understandable and makes total sense. I would use sedation too if I had UC or Crohn's, or a history of abdominal surgeries that complicated things. Those are factors that change the equation.
Don't feel bad, that is most straight men. I know as a straight man the biggest thing I am shoving up my rear end without being at least most of the way unconscious is a suppository (and I am also kinky). Women and gay men tend to have more butt stuff done to them while having sex so maybe a non-sedated colonoscopy would be easier for them (I don't get women being more likely to take penises and implements up the butt but that is my experience in my sex life).
Granted, there are risks with anesthesia, but the risk of a patient moving, either voluntarily or involuntarily during this procedure, especially during the excision of a polyp outweigh the risk of sedation/anesthesia. I'm NOT a medical professional, but I always do my own due diligence before any procedure. I urge everyone, to get screened, get their colonoscopies done, and trust your doctor. Talk to your doctor. I've had many great conversations with my doctors over the 60 years I've been alive. Knowledge is power. Ask questions, do your homework. Don't let youtube make your decision. I'm having my third coloscopy two days from now, and have already had the conversations with my doctor. Prep? anesthesia/sedation? Blood thinners I'm on? eating before/after the procedure? This will be my third colonoscopy, with a third doctor. I am literally trusting this doctor with my life. That's why I ask questions.
So the fact that entire countries and regions don't use anesthesia as a default isn't a fact? Interesting. I agree that you should get information and communicate with your doctor. But I'm not aware of any research that shows that there is a higher risk in the procedure when patients are not sedated. That is a big leap, and since you are into facts, you should be able to demonstrate that with data rather than making assumptions and scaring people. Even if it's not the right choice for you, don't make that everyone else's story. It's only your story.
25 years ago, I had knee surgery. Prior to the surgery, I had heard that an epidural was an option, and my doctor put it to me like this, "If you think you can sit absolutely still for 3 hours, without having to move your foot, scratch an itch, or PEE, we can do that." I chose general anesthesia. People that choose to be awake, i think, are not fully aware of the actual parameters. A simple muscle ache, twitch, could have serious consequences.
@@nicolelala10 But this isn't surgery. And it doesn't take 3 hours. And again, millions of people already do it without anesthesia and have not been harmed.
In my opinion, I’m so glad to know that I can do this procedure without anesthesia. I have had anesthesia before and they had a hard time waking me up after. Side effects lasted for weeks it’s traumatic. I would rather have 20-30 mins of discomfort than to go through another weeks of side effects or worse complications while being under. No thank youuu!
Exactly! Take responsibility for your part of the health equation and do your homework. Well said..read/watch/ ask questions…get better educated.
Good for you doctor. I have my colonoscopy one day ago, I enjoyed the sleep! I do not want to be awake for a camera, spot light and tools on the end of a hose shoved up by rear! The next one I will need -- good night.
It makes you wonder how many other types of surgeries you actually need to be sedated for. I had ESWL for a kidney stone last year and they had to place a stent in me afterward. But two weeks later when they removed the stent, it was done in the doctor's office with numbing medication and was quick. I don't know if anesthesia is required for stent insertion, but I believe it might be for ESWL itself so you aren't moving around as they line up the laser to the stone.
Good question.
I'll never do sedation unless it's totally necessary. Most things they can do a local if it's painful.
Have had 5 and another scheduled next month. Propafol or Versed all the way. YOU get a 6 foot tube stuck up your behind and tell me you like it. I don't think so!
I'm grateful for the happy juice.
It makes a difference as to what you were given and how much. Just Propofol and no narcotic (Fentanyl) or Versed can leave you clear-headed after the procedure. It is when you add in either, and esp. both, of the other meds that grogginess more often comes into play. Also, the types of medications you routinely take can either cause you to require more sedation than usual for your age and size or less. The same is true regarding how much alcohol you are used to consuming. If your liver is used to you consuming some things, it can "chew" through sedation drugs faster. If your liver has not had to work to detoxify your blood frequently of drugs and alcohol, a little sedation can go a long way for you. Sedation is not black or white or the same every time. Appreciate that there are variables and that sedation can be adjusted if the provider is aware of your meds and alcohol consumption and has some experience. Anesthesia providers should not go on autopilot and sedate every patient the same. Tailoring anesthesia is a sign of a good provider. The provider can always give more if need be, but they can't take it back once given.
I agree with much of that. But my guess is that 99% of the time people aren't going to get the kind of customized care that your talking about. That's not how the medical system works. It's basically why I created the IBS Treatment Center for treating IBS. It's so that we can provide that kind of customized care.
@@IBSTreatmentCenter Do you employ CRNAs to provide the sedation? If not, who provides the sedation at your treatment center?
@@user-ky6fi2jm9r We don't do colonoscopies. We specialize in IBS, not the other stuff. As you probably know, colonoscopies don't help IBS.
This doctor has such a great attitude. And I enjoyed his digression. I wouldn't care to witness the procedure on a monitor, but I wouldn't know what I was seeing anyway. I would want a doctor like this who thinks it is cool and interesting.
I'm not sure this was mentioned since I watched it closed-caption, but I believe they lube the endoscope to slide it in you.
Yes. That is correct and a good point that I did not mention.
thank you. I have no family and hate imposing on friends for a ride and them to hang out at hospital to do procedure. this is why I have not had one in last 7 years. I'm 66. PLUS last year I had a deep dental cleaning, they over did the medication. my friend had to literally carry me out to his car. this is another reason why I won't be put under and another is COST. I've asked before how much anesthesiologist will cost, for a different procedure, and they said "it depends on who gets it". WHAT? there should be one price not luck of draw
I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for commenting!
The law recently changed on that, the hospital is now required to tell you how much a procedure without complications costs. I actually had to sign a paper stating how much the procedure would cost if Medicare didn't pay here in the States. A colonoscopy at Spectrum Health is about $4500.
I think the fact that people don't want to impose on others for a ride is a reason more people don't have colonoscopys.
I never had an anaesthetic for mine, i was over 50 and and male, with the medical team being all female, and i wasn't embarrased.
I'm 47 and have had two colonscopies. My first was done with sedation but not anaesthesia. I remember nothing. After the procedure, whilst resting, my GE came to tell me the results -- but also that going forward that I require anaesthesia, and that I was one of a very small number of patients requiring it. Why? Apparently I was awake during the entire procedure! His justification for the anaesthesia was simple: "I REALLY don't want you waking up. It could be extremely dangerous for you, as if you become aware, anxious, or feel something and then move your body, a puncture would be likely." My second colonoscopy was with anaesthesia and went fine; my anaesthesiologist was great. I say all this as a mixed-type IBS sufferer for nearly 23 years.
Thanks for sharing your story! On a related note, would you like help with your IBS?
If there are options, which would you says is the better of the two. Have the Colonoscopy with Sedation, or don't have the colonoscopy at all?
Colonoscopies are important for evaluating the colon and are very good at helping to prevent colon cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer.
Can not see anyone go through that without it!
I had it with no sedation yesterday. It was not comfortable but tolerable. The reward part is that I got to go home right after it.
I have have 5 coloscopies, 4 without anesthesia. IMHO If it a check up it is not a problem to do without anesthesia.
Thanks for sharing!
Bro without anesthesia Does it hurt?
@@hamzaarslan8044 I was given a tablet to prevent nausea that I took 4 hours before hand. I was given Buscopan via a IV line into my arm. The procedure started with me on my side and then after the scope was in they asked me to lie on my back with my legs up. I watched the LCD screen and could see inside my body and within minutes the doctor had got to my appendix, a polyp was seen and removed with a wire snare and vacuumed it up and they captured it for checking. This took 20 minutes and then I walked back to the lounge area and had lunch. I had no pain at all. This was done in a private hospital in New Zealand. Note:- I have a healthy colon and was only getting screen for signs of cancer.
Sedation is completely normal here in Australia and i've had a few colonoscopies and never consider one without the sedation. I wonder what it feels like when the surgeon removes a polyp without sedation?
I've had 3 colonoscopy's had twilight anesthesia all 3 and I guarantee I'll never have another without it !
So you haven't done any without and have no basis of comparison. Is it just because you like getting high for 5 seconds?
@@LORDRA1DENyour first point is valid, but your second is very condescending and presumptions.
Why do you care? Their body, their life, their choice. Just because they prefer anesthesia doesn’t mean they want to be high. You sound like a dumb asshole.
Great info, thanks you. As a Brit who had a number of colonoscopies done in the UK both as a child and as an adult, I didn't know anaesthesia was an option until I moved to the US. I'm glad I never did it under sedation, I always found it fascinating and enjoyed discussing what I was seeing on the screen with the Doctor. I have my first US one tomorrow and will ask to not be sedated. I look forward to being home for breakfast and getting on with my day. P.S. I remember being told to let the air out last time and being so embarrassed but as you say, it's clean air and they are so used to it. Felt so much better afterwards!! Haha
Thank you for sharing!
Someone tell me if this procedure is painless and if you can feel something moving in your intestines... please, I need an answer, I'm terrified of this test. Can these movements of the device be felt inside?
@@ge7874 yes, you can definitely feel it moving inside. It will be a little painful but only briefly and you can breath through it.
@@ge7874 If you are that anxious about a colonoscopy, then you may be a good candidate for sedation.
Or a virtual one. @@IBSTreatmentCenter
Today I had my colonoscopy without sedation. For me it was a walk in the park. just a few cramp feelings and some 'pain' in the turns...like 5 out of 10 painscale. And this only lasted for 10seconds or so. I have to do this every 5 years now...and sure every time will be without sedation. 5min afther the colonoscopy I was already in my car :D I had so many fears about it, but damn this was so doable. I know everyone is different, but I believe a lot of people who take sedation could do it without. You just need to try to be sure. Good luck everyone!
i have had 5 colonscopies over the years. for 4 of them i only remember them saying turn on your left side. for the last one i kind of woke up at some point but i don't remember much .
Thanks
You are welcome.
I prefer to be sedated, I normally wake up minutes before the end of the procedure, but keep my eyes closed.
So you prefer the added risks from the anesthesia and being under during the procedure?
@@LORDRA1DEN yes, it feels less embarrassing. Besides, I've never had side effects from the anesthesia.
So it'd be less embarrassing to possibly die on the table from the anesthesia than being awake?@@samanthaknapo
I'm overdue for another one, but I'm old enough that they often say not to bother. I had no polyps or diverticulitis last time, so I'm not sure if it's needed. Mom made it past 101 without having any, after seeing my corpse-like visage from my procedure. (She had heart failure).
I’m an anesthesiologist and do sedation for anesthesia most days of the week, which would be approximately 40-50 patients a week. There are definitely risks involved with the anesthetic and if you can get it done without anesthesia you’d be better off. Also a lot of your safety depends on which anesthesiologist you happen to get assigned that morning. Your gastroenterologist usually doesn’t have a say who he’s working with that day and I’m sure they can all attest there are good anesthesiologists and bad ones. Why take a risk when it’s absolutely not necessary.
Hi Doc! Thanks for sharing that. I greatly appreciate it!
Thank you for sharing! What is your opinion on the virtual colonoscopy? It seems like it has less risks.
@@irme8930 It's not the same as a real colonoscopy. For example, you can't remove a polyp with a virtual colonoscopy. And you can't take a biopsy sample.
@@irme8930 You still have to do the prep with a virtual colonoscopy (fasting, liquids, Miralex split prep drink, etc) and that is actually the worst part of a colonoscopy for most people. I tolerate it just fine so for me drinking the laxative mixed with Gatorade wasn't so bad. And as IBS Treatment Center mentioned, you can't remove polyps with a virtual colonoscopy, and that's kind of counter intuitive IMO. You want to remove polyps in order to prevent them from becoming cancerous later on. Get the gold standard! (the actual colonoscopy)
I had my colonoscopy unsedated and it was a breeze. They tried to tell me propofol was safe. I strongly disagree. There is No antidote. Shocked they use such a dangerous sedation for such a simple procedure.
I had a colonoscopy yesterday afternoon without sedation. No pain or discomfort and enjoyed making conversation and seeing my colon on the big screen and all the intestinal track. My doctor used the water method. Didn't want to risk the dangers of propofol and it saved me 1,000 bucks. I will Never do a sedated colonoscopy for such a minor procedure. Unsedated is the way to go. 😊
Thanks for sharing that Paula. As you know, it's very doable, and highly educational too!
This Dr is absolutely NUTS. Must be into the pain thing. I get them now every 2 years. (many polyps have been found).. The clear liquid diet the day before is rough. Then, begin the prep.. That's not very much fun either. Get taken to the Surgery Center and immediately am whisked back room. Within minutes, here comes the Propofal (they even let my push the syringe until is was nearly empty the tech finished it up. That, my friends is the best 30 minute nap you'll ever have!! After shaking off the mild groggy feeling, first stop is a good breakfast somewhere.. You do rest up the rest of the day, because you were up the better part of all night. The first one 10+ years ago was NOT fully knocked out. NO FUN AT ALL
Thank you for the very helpful messages. I have one question: does every doctor performing a colonoscopy take photos of the intestine? I had it done and before the procedure I asked the assistant if it would be possible to get an video or pictures from the procedure. However, the doctor later told me that he didn't have any photos and he didn't remember how many diverticulosis I had in the intestine. I think he was lying because as far as I know, everyone who performed the procedure he takes photos, even for proof for insurance.
It may have been recorded, but I can't confirm that.
So some doctors know how to do the procedure better than others.
Maybe. But I think that there are many more variables than that.
Due to my past trauma I told them to put me out of they wouldn't like me.
How is that some 25 years ago, you had your colonoscopy under partial sedation that left you fully aware but without any kind of pain? Or do the magicians of increased income hurt the unanesthaetizd on purpose?
Thank You for affirming my instincts to go without Meds. I use nothing thus far at Age 67, being athletic. It's funny because both the Nurse and Anthesiologist assured me it was MY choice to make. HOWEVER once, lying on the table for the procedure ANOTHER older Anthesiologist popped in to admonish me very sternly on my decision. OF COURSE, I realized there were 8 other patients so I felt it was all economics and then just resigned to go with MJ Propopol experience. Well, that's the story - it was not exactly an informed choice here in CT. Thanks Again; and, I will remember this in 10 Years! (All was well.)
BTW the entire experience from a-z was flawless, no cramps, nausea, hunger!!
I'm so glad that you found it valuable!
Dr. Freitas at Stamford Hospital will do it without.
@@LORDRA1DEN THANKS!~
You're welcome. Just so you know, they will suggest it repeatedly, but will do it without if you insist. Mine without is this Friday.@@susanschroeder3512
I've had propofol for a number of procedures. Never had a problem. Everyone is different I guess.
I got put under for mine but I didn’t get put under for a prostate biopsy. That was brutally uncomfortable. So for me, I want to be put to sleep for anything to do with getting probed up there 😂
Okay, I finally got mine today, no sedation. It wasn't bad. It wasn't fun, but totally bearable.
Thanks for sharing that. And I'm glad that you got it!
Thanks! Now I just have to wait for the results from the two polyps removed. @@IBSTreatmentCenter
Me, too, and the two polyps turned out to be nothing. Next appointment is 7 years. @@IBSTreatmentCenter
I woke up in the middle of my first colonoscopy (age 50). A bit of discomfort, but no pain. I slept like a baby during my second one, at age 60. At age 32 I had to have a sigmoidoscopy for unexplained blood in feces (turned out to be hemorrhoids). No sedation. It too, was uncomfortable, but was not painful.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
I have never known anyone who did not get anesthesia for a colonoscopy, i had several and always had anesthesia although several i was partially awake but never had any pain. and several i was knocked out.
I had Anesthesia for my first Colonoscopy many years ago and ended up in a medically induced coma for 3 days. I am scheduled for another Colonoscopy Friday and told them I want No sedation; So far me and the Dr.'s office have talked 3 times and each time they ask in an odd voice... "Are you sure you want not sedation.?" I hope it goes well this time.
Best of luck. I think you'll be fine. At least you probably won't end up in a coma, which a good thing!
It went very well. They really wanted to sedate me. Said nope and I got to watch it and just little discomfort, waiting on 2 small polyps biopsy.
@@YourWealthCome Thanks for letting us know!
Anesthesia is much safer now than it was years ago.
I'm honestly glad I didn't get anesthesia. I got to interact with the medical staff and watch it on the monitor and I was in and out of procedure really quick@@PC-dc1kv
Thanks for sharing this. I'm due in a week, and I don't want sedation. Especially if it's only 15 or 20 minutes. One person commented...somewhere....that the best part was that they were dressed and out the door before the next guy was able to speak with words that had more than 2 syllables...lol!
You are very welcome. And that's exactly right. That's what I liked too!
How did it go?
@@Z_Victory_Z Hi there, it didn't! At the risk of TMI, I scheduled, went through the prep, but the prep wasn't 100% by the time of the appointment, so I ended up not going through with it. I didn't want to end up on the table, with the doc 1/2 way done saying he couldn't see well enough. I never rescheduled, I need to get on that.
I live in Australia i'm getting a sigmoidoscopy they want to sedate me plus band hemorrhoid, but I have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and going under is risky I felt pressured to be sedated but I think not being sedated is the safest option.
I'm not expert on those issues, but I do know that banding hemorrhoids can be painful. Work with your doctors to figure out what the best option is.
Hemmorhoid stapling des not require anything at all. lol. I've had three done, It's like getting stung by a bee in your ass, but it's over quick.
Done mine without sedation - Felt a good solid pain two times during the whole thing was didnt last anymore than 1-2 minutes.
Thanks.
I was advised by my gastro consultant to have sedation for my colonoscopy due to my IBS, he said that it would be painful otherwise. So I had light sedation and was able to watch the whole precedure, I experienced brief bearable pain. My colon was absolutely clear.
Wonderful, on both fronts. Thanks for sharing that! Would you like expert help for your IBS?
Light isn't an option for my upcoming, It's either out or awake so I'm opting for awake. Honestly, I'd do light, but it's not offered.
I'm too immature to fart around people and not laugh uncontrollably 😂😂😂 I laugh when I'm by myself!!
Fair enough!
ME too! But I can make 10 or more farts in a row so that always makes me chuckle and people around me as well😅😅
@@pauljames5914 😂
I had my first colonoscopy 10 yrs ago without any anesthesia, a little cramping. No problem i got to watch the whole procedure fascinating. I due for my second july 16. i was told i have to be drugged with propolol, and she added that's the drug that killed Michael Jackson... Damn i didn't need to hear that
i will nevert have another one in my life! Unless I'm out, I felt so much pain in my stomach. I was screaming for the Doc to stop!!! It felt like my tummy was going to blow up! That""s where all the pain was. Worst in my life!!!! I also don't care to see my insides.
Omg yes!
I had anesthesia, it hurt like hell at one point as I woke up. I was being bounced hard also. Never will get another colonoscopy , I use Cologuard instead.
Cologuard isn’t 100 percent accurate. It’s actually bullshit.
NEED? No not literally. Then again amputation was once done without anesthesia. Why should anyone have to “be tough” anyway? This is 2024 not 1884.