Comments

1. OneinTX says:

   May 14, 2012 at 8:04 am

   ModestinNC:
   Let’s face it: we here in the US have bought into the screening hype. (And don’t even get me started on PAP smears!) It is oversold by the medical world, media, etc. They too often state only the benefits but rarely the downside. And screening does have a downside. And the general population will believe only what their doctor tells them without ever questioning or researching. No wonder our health care costs are so high! I would really recommend people read a book by Dr. Gilbert Welch, “Overdiagnosed” and also one by Dr. Nortin Hadler, “Worried Sick”. They do a great job of explaining all the aspects of cancer screening: accurate reading of statistics to better understand them, the hidden agenda of promoting screening (special interests, financial gain, etc.), the limitations of screening and much more. In the end, most people are not helped by screening, a few are helped and many more are harmed. I just do not understand the mind set of looking for disease when someone is healthy. It is just turning a lot of people into patients who don’t need to be. Why would someone want that? There is a lot to be said for living a life free of medical care or surveillance while you feel well and saving it for when you truly need it. I have even seen blogs where doctors say that if the healthy, worried well, would stay out of their offices they would have the time they need to address those sick individuals who truly need their help. Let’s face it: life is a risk every day. Your chances of getting killed in a car wreck are probably greater than getting colon cancer! I say quit worrying about your body being a disease waiting to happen and just live a healthy lifestyle.
2. ModestinNC says:

   May 12, 2012 at 2:27 pm

   OneinTX,

   Very good points. I would only add that not only have we not established colonoscopies are a keeper in regards to CRC incidence, we have NOT come close to establishing that they extend longevity. The original statin studies were trumpeted because death from CV events went from 11% to 8% (a 33% drop don’t you know…. never reported in nominal terms). But wait…it gets better. There was no discernible difference in longevity in the 2 groups. One can argue why this is so but the statin group did kill themselves in higher #s and did experience higher accident rates (ahem… docs… statins aren’t harmless to systems not named the liver either). Not picking on colonoscopies or statins but I am demanding honesty.

   The current screening guidelines where colonoscopies remind me of PAP and other guidelines. The miss rate is so high (false negative) that the re-test frequency is too high to compensate. Our war on innocent dysplasia continues on despite the invasiveness and degradation. Providers deem this all “COSTLESS”. I think any provider providing a PAP, colonoscopy, DRE needs to have one a year minimum to make sure they understand this is anything BUT costless.
3. OneinTX says:

   May 7, 2012 at 7:54 am

   ModestinNC:
   Actually I read at some point that the fecal DNA was due to be approved by the FDA sometime later this year. That may or may not be true. I do agree with you about the disparity between rigorous standards of the DNA stool test versus the colonoscopy. If you have read enough about all this you will find that colonoscopies have never been tested in a “gold standard” way for a screening tool: the double blind, controlled study involving a large group over a period of time. The benefit of the colonoscopy is more of an assumed one. The only colorectal cancer screening test that has been subjected to the “gold standard” study is FOBT and it was shown to reduce the incidence of death from CRC. It amazes me, too, that so many people are willing to undergo colonoscopy instead of taking a more conservative approach, like yearly FOBT. The (expensive) colonoscopy should be saved for those who test positive on the FOBT (or FIT, or DNA stool) in my opinion. In fact, I only had a colonoscopy (at 56 years old) to diagnosis some troubling symtoms, which turned out to be nothing serious. I would never have had the test for screening purposes only.
4. OneinTX says:

   May 4, 2012 at 8:02 am

   ModestinNC:
   I wasn’t asked to leave my ties undone, either, but they were undone when I woke up in recovery. Someone untied them once I was “out”. That was more upsetting to me than having them undone beforehand. I wondered why they were untied at all as I didn’t see the necessity since lifting the gown would provide access (the gown being essentially split from the waist tie down). I was told that it is standard protocol to undo the ties: sometimes the chest monitors have to be adjusted (they may need to reach under the gown to adjust) and I was also told that the gown was pulled out from under my hip (pulled from the front) to ensure that it wasn’t “soiled” as sometimes there is some of the colon cleanse left in the bowel. That bit of information just added to my anxiety about the whole thing! But, anyways, it seems to me that your main issue is the fact that your bottom was bared before you were “out”. In my case, it bothers me more that I don’t know what happened to me while I was “out”. In other words, just because I was asleep doesn’t make the situation any better. In fact, it is worse because I am left to wonder just exactly what happened. And I was given “something to relax me(versed?)” before being rolled into the exam room, so my recollection before the actual propofol was given is a little shady but I do recall the butt baring. But I do not recall being asked to raise my knees any more than what they were already bent. Once you are sedated, how much ability to you have to follow commands, if any? That’s my concern. If my legs had to be repositioned or if I had to be rolled onto my back at any point, how was this done and by whom? That’s what bothers me. I don’t like the idea of people moving me and possilby having no concern about keeping me covered. When you are that deeply sedated you basically have no control and no participation in what is being done. I just don’t like that. I don’t expect anything untoward happened but it is still bothersome to me. I realize that most people do not mind what happens to them once they are anesthetized but that is not true for me. I expect that the fact that you were “bared” and asked to raise your knees before sedation was just standard procedure at the facility where your exam was done. They probably assume that people realize what is going to be done and also assume that they don’t mind since they have consented to the procedure. Don’t know what else to say about it. It’s still an unpleasant memory for me and one I don’t want to repeat.
5. ModestinNC says:

   May 3, 2012 at 2:06 pm

   TX,

   With regards to fecal DNA… the FDA asserted it is a device and regulated it (technology rolled out in 2007). In order to get past phase III, these poor companies have to run control studies against a colonoscopy. Ten thousand people will submit to fecal DNA screening and 3 year colonoscopy until enough have polyps or CRC to reach a conclusion about fecal DNA’s efficacy.

   There are at least 2 huge problems here.

   1. Colonoscopies were never held to this standard. Simply declared the “gold standard” (standard of care) and then it’s unethical to withhold to a control group.

   2. The FDA is treating fecal DNA as a substitute for colonoscopy. Look, half the population isn’t going to get a c-scope any way (it’s amazing how many of us do). So the right way to view it is as a test similar to FIT or FOBT or some such. It’s already proven to be more sensitive and specific than existing non-c-scope tests. But the FDA in its infinite wisdom is preventing millions who won’t have a screening c-scope (but would have a diagnostic c-scope if they failed a fecal DNA for instance) from accessing this technology. This is openly hostile and stupid public health policy.

   Punch-line: Don’t expect the FDA to greenlight fecal dna anytime soon. Also, keep in mind that sDNA has the potential to wipe out endoscopies (stomach) as well. Cells slough off all across the alimentary canal and can be analyzed.

   If you’re frustrated, write the FDA (and call your Congressman).
6. ModestinNC says:

   May 3, 2012 at 1:59 pm

   OneinTX,

   The odd thing here is how different my sister’s procedure was. She wasn’t asked to leave her ties undone. She wasn’t bared before propofol. She also wasn’t asked to raise her knees. She rolled onto her left side and went night, night. She woke up in exactly the same position. Begs the question of whether the knee raise (which is humiliating) and the baring (even more so) is necessary before anesthesia.

   Thoughts?
7. OneinTX says:

   May 2, 2012 at 8:12 am

   ModestinNC:
   I completely agree about the generalized guidelines. Everyone over 50 NEEDS a colonoscopy. They rarely counsel individuals on individual risk: we are all lumped into a general population patient mode. They also rarely (if ever!) actually tell patients the actual risk of colon polyps, especially the very common small ones. They are just exaggerated to sound like all of these abonormalities will turn into cancer if they are not removed. That’s nonsense! A lot of people, if given this information, may choose to live with the small risk and just do what they can in lifestyle choices to reduce it (me for one). Also, I get the impression that many doctors rarely offer the alternatives to colonoscopy: yearly FOBT or FIT, etc. FOBT has been proven to decrease deaths from colon cancer. I would think more people would agree to screening if given choices. I also have read about the new DNA stool tests being currently tested that sound promising. I do not understand, either, why it takes so long to get approval. I hate to seem suspicious but I do sometimes think gastros do not want to loose the income from doing those expensive colonoscopies. It seems to me more patients should demand this information from doctors or, if nothing else, research on their own before committing to screening exams. This would probably also go a long way in reducing our “health” care costs. Just my opinion (which is not shared by most of the “worried well” population).
8. ModestinNC says:

   May 1, 2012 at 6:16 pm

   OneinTX,

   Thank you.

   I wondered why it was necessary to expose everything before I wasn’t “there” to worry about it all. Raise knees, propofol and you get to where you need. “Go team”. After all, they move patients all the time without telling them and crank on their bellies without a mention so I don’t see the difference. I will put my body in position and then I want to be out before the draft next time.

   But this is a procedure screaming out for consciousness AND better pain management options than amnesia drugs.

   And there needs to be greater conformity and oversight. Each practice seems to wing it as they see fit. If you’re going to get the benefit of universal insurance coverage and millions of procedures, there should be no doubt about what will transpire. Sadly, there is….and there’s no meaningful record when variance occurs.

   Looking forward to fecal DNA if ASGE will ever get its collective foot off its neck. It’s already better than the FOBT, etc but since it’s a threat…well…it’s in limbo when it can help today. Half the US population will never agree to submit to c-scopes (doesn’t help when its initial advocate withdrew support) so this is a loser from a public health perspective.

   The grand theater from doctors printing money while pretending they have only my best interest at heart bothers me. If they did have my best interest, their guidelines wouldn’t treat me so generically. Gender matters. Age matters. Family history matters less than suggested (age at onset). Vitamin D. Aspirin, Exercise. Calcium. Weight. All these matter…but no… we ignore and pretend that it’s all for wellness when we know that < 50 year old women with a BMI of 20, heavy exerciser,who takes baby aspirin and vitamin d supplements is a ticking time bomb because Dad died at 72 of CRC (after being cleared by a colonoscopy 2 years prior to make the irony complete). It is theater and it needs to stop.
9. OneinTX says:

   May 1, 2012 at 8:16 am

   Modestinnc:
   I’m not sure I understand your drift. All I can say is that I had on a gown and was covered with a blanket. When I turned onto my left side, the gown and blanket were lifted from the side to expose the buttocks only. The gown and blanket stayed on my hip to essentially cover the frontal area. So all that was uncovered was my bum. I do not know if another drape was added after I was sedated but even if one was, it may not have added additional coverage unless they used it to cover the bum once the scope was inserted, which may have been. But, let’s face it, the bum has to be exposed at some point, if not for the entire exam. My concern has always been that they kept the frontal area covered as there would be no reason to have it exposed so that the anesthesiologist and anyone else on that side of the table wouldn’t have a view of any nudity. Obviously the doctor and his/her assistant/nurse would see the buttocks. No big deal to me as the female genitalia is pretty well hidden when you are on your side with your legs together even with them drawn up towards your chest. I don’t know if this answers your question. If I ever decide to have another colonoscopy I am going to request that I have no sedation so that I do not have these “gray” areas about what happened to me during the procedure. If I cannot find a doctor willing to do that I just will not have another one.
10. modestinnc says:

    April 30, 2012 at 10:29 am

    OneinTx,

    Thanks for sharing your experience.

    Here’s my question… were you draped from above (still providing access) while you were awake or were you draped after propofol and how do you know?)?

    I secretly suspect someone enjoyed my humiliation a little too much. I was told to raise my knees to my chest. At some point, this approximates a sexual position. And yes, I get that this stretches the rectum and aims it straight down (and the plane of the genitalia move forward a bit) but if the endoscopist needs this aid, he shouldn’t be in the business (far bigger challenges await). I don’t know if I was ever draped from above but I know it didn’t happen while I was awake. And given the gratuitous knee raise, turning into a ball, this should have happened (or c-scope shorts…one of the two or both).

    I am willing to trade modesty for value-added healthcare but between the absence of a top drape and the porn shot on my left side, this felt mean-spirited to me.
11. ModestinNC says:

    April 27, 2012 at 4:55 am

    OneinTx,

    Thank you.

    I still have my doubts about what happened. I kind of wish I hadn’t lost a ton of weight in the legs and butt in the months prior because in chair position, more things are visible than normal. And they weren’t happy with a 45 degree angle apparently.

    I still don’t get the sequence (where was my drape?). Cover me from above (still providing access) and then ask for the knee raise (which in itself is silly…not necessary to stretch / straighten rectum) not the other way around.

    It’s bad enough I’m allowing a foreign object to be inserted where the son don’t shy with me defenseless to boot. C-scope shorts and I will bare my own butt thank you.
12. OneinTX says:

    April 26, 2012 at 8:27 am

    ModestinNC:
    From what I have researched, a DRE is always given prior to insertion of the scope. I know I had one because it was on the colonoscopy report. And I don’t remember, so it was done after sedation administered. In fact, I don’t remember much after rolling on my left side. I do remember someone (nurse or doctor) raising my gown and blanket from the side to expose my butt ( I felt a draft on that area!) but nothing else. I do not remember them telling me to raise my knees any farther: I had already bent them up when I rolled over. The typical gowns do not allow for a lot of coverage once this is done: basically your whole butt is “out there”, but for women, anyways, the genitals would not be exposed because the legs are together. You would have to be in a lithomy position (spread eagle) for genitals to be exposed. Also, personnel are not at eye level to your butt, so I would imagine all they are seeing is a “mooned” butt. This actually didn’t upset me much as I somewhat expected that, for the initial insertion anyways. I suppose I began to get agitated when I started thinking about the possiblity of them repositioning me and if that occured, was the front of my body undraped at all? I am just going to believe that either I wasn’t moved, or if I was, I was draped during the repositioning (I see no reason why I wouldn’t have been). I also have decided to believe the several nurses who assured me that only the buttocks are ever exposed and nothing else during the exam. Hope this helps you. I know how upsetting it all is because I struggled with it for some time and still think of it periodically. If I ever decide to have another colonoscopy I will know what to ask and will not go through with it unless my needs are met.
13. ModestinNC says:

    April 25, 2012 at 10:07 am

    OneinTX,

    You did and are.

    Can I assume that since I don’t remember a DRE it either didn’t happen or happened post Propofol?

    What I expected in the procedure room was to be prepped (bared) by female nurse and immediately draped from above. Knee raise last before night night.

    What happened? After rolling on my left side, male nurse bared me (my gown was open as instructed so they took the top flap and rolled it up onto my side) . I was told to raise my knees. Too high in my opinion. Based on draft, a lot exposed as you might imagine. Was I ever draped? I have noearthly idea. Female nurse that prepped me left room to attend next piece of meat. So I’m unconscious with advocate, chaperone or audit trail. I thought the deal was occasional but necessary immodesty for value. This was almost mean-spirited.

    Was this your experience?

    Colonoscopy shorts and appropriate gender-specific gown costs like $25. Too much I guess.
14. ModestinNC says:

    April 25, 2012 at 9:17 am

    OneinTx,

    Thanks for bearing with me.

    Since I don’t remember a DRE awake, did it happen after the Propofol? Was that your experience too?

    During my prep, I was ordered into a hospital gown and told to remove panties (gee, really?). I was told to leave the back ties undone. When wheeled in, ordered to left side and told to raise knees… higher and higher..felt like 90 degrees but assume less. Top wing of gown flipped up and rested on midline ontop of thigh / hip bone, waist. Things were exposed but all of it was exposed based on the draft and there’s not a lot left to the imagination in left lateral chair position. There’s just no way for a regular hospital gown not designed for women (with hips) to cover that view with ties undone. And yes, there were people running around at the foot of the bed…nurse nuding me up, plus a flunky tech…gastro and anesth. up by top of bed. Pretty angry that none of this was discussed and that colonoscopy shorts not offered. I am willing to exchange modesty for value-added care but this was unnecessary and bought me nothing. Was your ex

    Now was I eventually covered? I haven’t a clue. They didn’t care upfront so I’m not sure I should assume they cared later.
15. OneinTX says:

    April 20, 2012 at 11:02 am

    I’m not sure I can help, modestandIlikeitthatway. I had on a gown and a blanket covering me when I was rolled into the exam. I do remember them telling me to roll on my left side and I also remember the doctor (or nurse) raising the gown and blanket to expose my bum only. That’s all I remember. I was told that the front of the patient is not exposed during the exam. I have seen patient education videos that show a patient being shifted from the left lateral position to supine (on the back) and they are draped/covered the whole time. I would think that once the scope is inserted it can be manuvered without totally exposing the patient, even their buttocks. I was told after I voiced my concerns that most doctors do even cover the buttocks once the scope is inserted. I would think the doctor and the nurse or tech would have a view of your bottom, but they are viewing it from slightly above so I wouldn’t think much, if any, of the genitals are visible even with your knees pulled up slightly towards your stomach/chest. The anesthesiologist administering the propofol and monitoring the patient is at the patient’s head area so I wouldn’t think they would have a view of any of this. Who knows for sure, though, and I would have to agree with you that the gastro industry would do a lot of their patients a big favor by offering the disposable colonoscopy shorts. It may even get more people to undergo the screening exam. As far as doing a rectal exam before the colonoscopy, I have read that this is done to insure that the cleanse was complete and also to dilate and lubricate the rectum for the scope. I do wish some of the medical professionals would see this site (and others) to know that these concerns exist. I was also told that the colonoscopy tech applies pressure to the stomach if necessary to ease the scope through tough spots but that it is done through the blankets. As I said before, all the information on any colonoscopy site does not address the modesty issue: like it is of no concern to anyone and shouldn’t be because this exam is so important (according to them). In other words, patients should just accept whatever to get the benefit. If you haven’t had a colonoscopy and/or are considering one, just be sure to ask a lot of questions. You may even be able to request and get a same gender team if that will help. If the shorts are not offered, you can even buy your own. I have seen sites that sell them (you can google disposable colonoscopy shorts).
16. ModestandIlikeitthatway says:

    April 19, 2012 at 10:10 am

    I still cannot get a straight answer questions about draping ./ sequence…can anyone help.

    1. What is the (draping) sequence like? From reading, you are in gown, supine on gurney, covered with a blanket and rolled into OR. You are then instructed to roll over on your left side. The blanket is rolled from the side. What happens next? The gown is already untied so exposing your rear is exposing your entire backside if not some of the front and the idea of someone doing that to me isn’t pleasant. Not thrilled about that with bright lights and mixed genders. I assume a drape goes on next that grants access but not line of sight visibility. At this point, it’s show time so raise your knees, right? If you’re not draped then genitalia are most definitely showing (and probably visible anyway to the tech at the foot of the bed (are they really necessary?). Then Propofol (thank God). Then digital rectal exam (why is that truly necessary?)? Then scope? Did I get anything out of sequence? It still seems

    2. Why are colonoscopy shorts (moon shorts) NOT offered to every patient? They cost $45 bucks a case so it isnt cost. Seems like a trivial step to take to improve patient modesty so why isn’t it done? Does the gastro industry enjoy the dehumanization a bit too much?

    3. How many people were told if they were repositioned while knocked out if any?
17. OneinTX says:

    April 11, 2012 at 7:46 am

    AprilN:
    If you have not had a colonoscopy and are considering one just count yourself as lucky that you found this blog and will be able to ask the appropriate questions of your doctor before consenting to the exam. It seems in most cases doctors just give patients some vague explanation of the procedure and stress only how important it is to have. I would imagine some doctors mention the sedation meds but mine did not. She says she told me I would be “asleep” but I do not recall her even tellilng me that. Since the doctors in her practice obviously use propofol they leave the sedation part of the exam to the anesthesiologist. However, the morning of the exam they only seemed interested in getting me to sign all the financial forms and probably wouldn’t even have told me what I was going to be given if I wouldn’t have asked. They just seemed very flippant about it. It seems most of the time when the patient asks questions they are just treated like a child and given vague reassurances; never any details. Please ask your doctor any question you feel is important and don’t accept answers that don’t satisfy you. Any question is valid: you are the patient and it is your body. It is unfortunate for me (and others) who go into these things without knowing what questions to ask only to discover afterwards that we feel confused and, in my case, have a lot of anxiety about what happened. If I ever decide to have another colonoscopy (they recommended one in 5 years) I will not go into it until I feel satisfied that all my concerns and needs will be met.
18. AprilN says:

    April 10, 2012 at 5:14 pm

    I also agree that there should be more disclosure on the part of the health care professionals in terms of what happens during the colonoscopy and how patient privacy and modesty is respected during the exam. I also wish that there were specifics discussed in detail about the medication choices and the possible side effects. While I appreciated that some people do not have any side effects (at least that they can remember) from Versed, I also find it hard to believe that this medication is totally benign and would expect that I would be given all of my options for pain control and sedation for a colonoscopy. Furthermore, I would expect this decision to be made in conjunction with the physician, not soley by the physician as it is my body and I would want the right to make an informed decision.
19. OneinTX says:

    April 5, 2012 at 8:38 am

    Exposure:
    I agree very much with what you are saying but my impression is that most people have little concern about how much they are exposed or how their modesty will be respected (at least for those motivated to go through a colonoscopy). They just don’t seem to care and if that is the case I don’t see much changing. Doctors and medical facilities will just do what is easiest and quickest for them. No detailed explanations about what will happen when you are sedated, who will be there doing what, etc. And if you have never had a colonoscopy before how are you supposed to know what questions to ask? Just realizing this stuff afterwards is not acceptable in my opinion! On one point, there is such a thing as disposable colonoscopy shorts. Why can’t they be offered to patients? Even if there is an extra cost, some (and many) would probably be willing to pay it and the facility would make extra bucks in that event. That way there would be no question in the patients’ mind that their genitals (frontal area) was exposed. After all, most are willing to accept that their bum will be exposed to some extent but I assumed that it would be limited to that. The thought that anything else was uncovered is what I find upsetting because I don’t believe that it is necessary. There is actually a colonoscopy embarrassment study (done by a nurse) which resulted in a scale assessing patients’ concerns, one of which was exposure as well as opposite gender personnel (google “how embarrassing is a colonoscopy”). The conclusion was that if patients’ were given some options in these areas (same gender team, some sort of modesty garment) there would be a greater acceptance of the procedure. Maybe it is time that the gastro industry listened to some of these concerns and addressed them. You very rarely see these issues addressed on any websites promoting colonoscopies.
20. Exposure says:

    April 4, 2012 at 11:07 am

    OneinTx…first thanks… you made me feel better. A LOT better.

    I too wonder about what happens re modesty when no one is looking, teams are gender mismatched and schedules are tight.

    I will note that small of back to upper legs shows a GREAT deal in a chair position (i.e. left lateral). I will assume that a drape above keeps prying eyes away while still allowing access.

    I think this whole issue speaks to the very poor information sharing the industry does as it runs its high volume, meat market procedures. Too much effort over-promising on the procedure’s end-value (miss rates are high, not all cancers follow polyp pathway, most polyps in 5-9 mm band regress, majority of large polyps don’t progress to carcinoma, etc.) and too little time talking brass tack mechanics. Nothing quite like the shock of being told to strip down, get in the gown and make sure your panties are off (but you can wear your socks) to make that clear. Sounds like a scene from Deliverance.

    The second big problem is that complete absence of a patient advocate and/or audit trail. If having a family member in the room is too much, then at least video tape the beast. It’s not like the doc’s are picture shy, everyone gets a folder with some snapshots. The medical industry has proven itself entirely untrustworthy in my opinion (generally around issues involving informed consent) so I’ll be damned if I’m just going to assume goodwill.

    Research points.

    1. Proportion below was a spell check error. Propofol patients require less repositioning (well they are also a bigger hassle to reposition but the greater level of sedation makes navigation of the colon easier).
    2. Women are repositioned more then men. Low BMI women (typically younger) are the most likely to be moved.
    3. Expect more patients to be repositioned without their knowledge in the future. There’s some research suggesting miss rates are lower (i.e. different positions stretch out the colon making detection easier).

    Gastros need to come clean on the repositioning and there is zero reason why any patient need go through this with their genitalia exposed (e.g. moon shorts). This, plus the absence of a patient advocate or audit capability, needs immediate attention from the AGSE and Gastro practitioners everywhere. You are making this procedure more awful than it need be docs so get this fixed.

    P.S. Can you all get together with the Anesthesists and lock down on prep? No two docs do it the same way and the procedure is a dangerous waste of time if colon prep is inadequate. Heck, you can find a big chunk of gastros that still don’t do split dosing and just as many that suggest last dose way too early (mucous builds).
21. Mark Wagner says:

    April 4, 2012 at 10:06 am

    You mentioned that a disadvantage of receiving Propofol is that it requires a CRNA or anesthesiologist to administer the medication. This sounds like an advantage to me…..Why would you not want someone who is experienced in administering anesthesia? As a CRNA, I would not have a colonoscopy done without either a CRNA or anesthesiologist administering my anesthesia. These people are trained to maintain pts. airways….This is what they do. Medicine today is specialized. Have a specialist administer your anesthesia. You will not be disappointed.
22. Mary Murphy says:

    April 3, 2012 at 8:48 am

    Yes I had a very bad experience that lasted for several months after being administered versed for a colonoscopy several years ago, I felt extremelly dizzy for several months, initial disorientation nausea and dizziness, The medical profession didn’t want to believe that the sedation had anything to do with my symptoms at the time but do listen to me now after several years if I say that I never want this med again
23. OneinTX says:

    March 26, 2012 at 8:18 am

    Exposure:
    I have watched many patient education videos of colonoscopy and the patient is ALWAYS draped, even when they are supine. Their legs are just propped up a little so that the doctor can still manuever the scope from the side and not from between the legs. Watch Katie Couric’s colonopsopy on line. She is moved from her side to her back and never once exposed. If it can be done like this for a video, I see no reason why it wouldn’t be done in that way in general. Many of us watched that video and came to the decision that a colonosopy wasn’t that horrible but then you go and have a totally different experience. (She was also awake and talking to the doctor the whole time and not totally”out”.) It would be really helpful if a professional (an anesthesiologis or gastro doc) would agree to visit this blog and clear up some of these concerns. It would help a lot of us who are hesitant to repeating the procedure. Sometimes I also feel like once you are sedated and the team is aware that you will not remember anything, then they do not pay as much attention to respecting your modesty: they just do whatever is quickest and easiest for them. That’s why I would have preferred to be awake and aware during the exam (like Katie Couric).
    I will stess, however, that all my concerns about being exposed were addressed afterwards. I received a post procedure call from a nurse at the facility and questioned her about the issue. She stated in no uncertain terms that the patient is only exposed from the small of the back to the top of the legs (while they are on their side) and nothing else. She also must have called my doctor because I received a call from my doctor’s nurse who also assured me that the doctor was in the room the whole time and that I wasn’t “exposed”. I can only choose to believe them as I do not see any reason they would be lying. After all, if it is not true they could have chosen to just ignore my concerns.
24. Exposure says:

    March 24, 2012 at 9:02 am

    How often are female patients repositioned during a colonoscopy? When they are rolled onto their back how is their genitalia not exposed? I know that females are repositioned more often but that proportion reduces need for repositioning.

    In left lateral (raises knee), female genitalia are visible at eye level but loose drape should maintain modesty. But in supine with a cable up the anus and a gastros right hand between your legs and a mandate to keep the area clear……well, I don’t see how this can be anything other than immodest

    There are stories of people waking up naked from the waist down

    Anyone know if / how modesty maintained?
25. OneinTX says:

    March 23, 2012 at 9:07 am

    MadinNC:
    I understand your frustration as I feel the same way. I was very concerned about the exposure factor during colonoscopy and even asked one of the nurses, who assured me that only my buttocks would be exposed and only the doctor would see them. I was also told that most doctors even cover the bum once the scope is inserted. I can understand that scenario if the patient is on their left side but afterwards when I started researching things I found out that patients are often repositioned during the exam, which made me start to wonder if this happened to me (they NEVER tell you afterwards!). I also get upset about the lack of information given. I feel like they do not want to tell the patient everything to “save” them from the embarrassment or perhaps to prevent them from foregoing the procedure, but that should be the patient’s call to make. I, for one, do care about how I am exposed/treated even when I am sedated.
    I also understand your concern about the lack of information about the true nature of polyps. I did a lot of research on that, also, and found that the vast majority of polyps, even adenomas (especially small, tubular ones) do NOT progress to cancer (some even regress) and while it may be true that there is no way to tell which ones will, this information should still be given to the patient before obtaining consent, as colonoscopy is invasive and does have risks. If patients knew the truth about polyps, some of them may be perfectly able to accept the small risk associated with having them if they are aware that most likely they will not proceed to cancer. Instead we are given this information (as on many websites, also) that makes it sound like EVERY polyp, if not removed, will turn cancerous. It seems like fear mongering in my opinion. Google “Hype Alert: Dr. Oz’s Colonoscopy” about his “cancer scare” after having one of these small, benign adenomas removed. You can also google “Questioning Colonoscopy Evidence” from Gary Schwitzer’s Health New Review blog. If doctors do not have time to give a patient full and accurate (unbiased) information on screening exams, such as colonoscopy, they should have concise, factual brochures/printed material available to the patient to review before committing to any procedure.
26. MadinNC says:

    March 21, 2012 at 4:07 pm

    Why aren’t patients told they could be repositioned during a colonoscopy (supine?

    When a patient is rolled over to supine position are they redraped to cover their genitalia or is the peep show on? I don’t like be exposed and unconscious…pretty sure no one does.

    Why does the pre-procedure description of the procedure leave out so many details (oddly enough those that might cause you to reassess cost-benefit)? It has to be deliberate.

    And then there’s the white-washing of the cancers that don’t originate from polyps, polyps that tend to regress on their own in the 5-9 mm band, miss rate, etc.

    A little honesty is all I ask.
27. pharm says:

    March 14, 2012 at 9:18 pm

    It’s great that medical practitioners comment on this forum; but one thing strikes me (as a scientist and as a clinician): a significant number of patients have a traumatic experience with Versed (midazolam)..this is evident by the comments here and by the thousand or so midazolam horror stories on askapatient. If patients weren’t having awful experiences with Versed, then why would they bother to share their stories? Obviously, something is wrong with this drug and with the way that it’s given so casually; usually without any mention of it’s amnestic qualities….this isn’t informed consent, it’s patient abuse. Any patient receivng Versed should be told in clear language: “this drug is being given to make you forget” not “Versed is going to make you relaxed and comfy”. Anesthesia providers need to step up and obtain informed consent (telling the patient the truth); anesthesia is supposed to be the practice of medicine not nursing and it’s a physician’s responsibility to inform the patient of why they are actually getting a particular drug. There is a serious problem with the way Versed is being used today; I never had an opinion on this matter until a number of patients complained about the lingering amnesia after receiving Versed; and they were never told of the drug’s amnestic effects. I just spoke with a tearful patient who received Versed/fentanyl for a colonoscopy that I had recommended……she seems to have developed PTSD-like symptoms and significant memory impairment 2 full weeks after receiving the drug (bad enough to cause her to miss work). There is little question that her symptoms started immediately after receiving Versed. The GI doctor only says: “you signed a blanket consent for sedation”. Did I mention that this patient is a physician? When reminded that Versed is given for it’s amnestic effects and when informed that a significant number of patients report adverse effects from receiving this drug, NONE of my physician friends would agree to personally receiving this drug. NONE.
28. OneinTX says:

    March 13, 2012 at 1:19 pm

    Dr. Combest or anyone else who may be able to answer some questions:
    I had a colonoscopy some time ago and had the small dose of versed on the way to the procedure room and then propofol for the exam. I have a memory of going into the exam room, turning on my left side and that’s it. Here are my questions:
    1. Does propofol, in the normal dose for colonoscopy, put the patient to “sleep” (eyes closed, lying still)?
    2. In your experience, Dr. Combest, do most patients need to be repositioned during the exam (turned from the side to their back)?
    3. If so, is the patient under propofol able to follow verbal commands and turn on their own and, if not, how does the staff move the patient? Do they keep the patient covered when they reposition them? Do they have to prop up the legs somehow to allow manipulation of the scope?
    4. If the doctor was to do biopsies (as mine did) would that require the patient to be more deeply sedated and perhaps have a higher dose of propofol?

    I realize that most patients want to have no memory of the exam but in my case that is not true. I find myself in a tremondous amount of anxiety trying to “remember” or figure out exactly what happened while I was “out”. I purposefully chose a woman doctor (I am female, also) because I am extremely modest but I ended up with a male anesthesiologist and he had a male nurse anesthestist. (What role would a nurse anesthestist have in the procedure?) I keep picturing being moved around on the table, half naked in front of the colonoscopy team, including the 2 men. This is very distressing to me. I feel silly calling my doctor as it has been quite some time since the exam. She did not have the best bedside manner and I would guess that she would not give me the time to discuss my concerns which she would probably find unimportant. In the end, I am left feeling so agitated that I cannot see having the procedure again even though it was recommended in 5 years due to 1 small, benign polyp being removed. Anyone who can answer some or all of these questions I would greatly appreciate it.
29. Lauren says:

    March 5, 2012 at 6:21 pm

    I had a colonoscopy this morning and they couldn’t give me a full dosage of drugs because they said my blood pressure was too low. It hurt like hell and I didn’t get any relief from the nurses or the Doctor – he could care less about my well being. Have you heard of this happening?
30. Julie says:

    March 4, 2012 at 9:09 am

    I just had a very traumatic experience with the Versed and Fentanyl combination on Friday at a leading Boston hospital. I had this drug combo four years ago without incident for a colonoscopy so the doctor and I are very perplexed as to why it didn’t work this time. The doctor said she typically uses 1-2 mg of Versed but used 6 mg on me plus 150 mg of Fentanyl. It was torture and I am still trying to recover from the drug infusion Any ideas as to why this combination wouldn’t work well when it did before? And any ideas how to clear this drug out of my body because I am still feeling drugged four days later? (In the future, the doctor said I will need propofol.) Thank you.
31. Al says:

    February 25, 2012 at 10:20 am

    Hi Dr. Combest,

    Thanks for your reply. I would be interested in hearing the experiences and perspectives from the gastroenterologists at your lecture. Thanks for offering to share.

    As you stated in your post, my guess is that GI docs tend to use higher Versed doses than an anesthesiologist would simply because agents such as propofol are unavailable to them. Maybe that’s what’s required to keep a patient still. After the problem I experienced, I was later told by the nurse at the endoscopy center that a 10 mg starting dose of Versed (combined with Demerol) is fairly routine at that facility. I guess that’s why I raised the question in my earlier post regarding the possibility that a subset of the population is extra-sensitive to benzodiazepines. If 10 mg+ doses are routine at that center, it would seem likely that huge numbers of patients would be complaining if everyone is as sensitive as I am. Failure to take a patient’s weight into account may be another factor. I’m a small guy (140 lb.). Maybe if the average patient is 200+ lbs., that’s why the high Versed doses are tolerated by so many.

    You mentioned in your post that you often order a small Versed dose on the way into the procedure room. Please comment on why you feel propofol + low-dose Versed is superior to propofol alone. Is the Versed dose typically about 1 mg? Is this done just to lessen a patient’s anxiety, or do you feel it smoothes out the response to (and lowers the required dose of) propofol? Would this small dose result in complete amnesia for the remainder of the procedure and throughout recovery? Besides my 10-day lingering side effects after I received 11 mg of Versed, finding out later that I had detailed conversations with staff and the doctor in the recovery room (of which I have ZERO memory), was very creepy and upsetting. That’s why propofol is so appealing to me to use next time. I don’t mind being completely anesthetized during the procedure, but I would like to have memory of once I’m awake in the recovery room. Do you think most anesthesiologists would be receptive to my request for propofol only the next time?

    Thanks,
    Al
32. SC says:

    February 22, 2012 at 10:46 am

    Hello Al and Polly, thank you for you feedback.

    Al, I must admit, I have NEVER used 11 mg of versed in a single patient. Never. I can better understand why you had memory problems for quite a while since it took quite a while to get all that cleared from your system. My guess is that your experience was dose-related. I feel that your next colonoscopy can be done either with a small dose of versed on the way to the room (as I usually order) or purely with propofol. The issue with propofol is that it is not something you give to the patient before rolling them down the hall to the procedure room; it has too much capability to stop breathing for the physician to risk that on an unmonitored patient on a stretcher in the hallway. that drug needs to be given in the procedure room when the patient already has a source of extra oxygen and monitors attached to track respiratory status and oxygen levels in the blood. I never give it or order it in the preop op room; that would not be standard of care.

    Yes, there are certainly people who have reactions different than anticipated from the usual response. Another common “paradoxical reaction” is with Benadryl (diphenhydramine); for most patients, it causes drowsiness, so much so that it is in many over-the-counter sleep aids. But an occasional person will tell me that it causes anxiety/hyperalertness.

    Polly: my guess is that you may also have had large doses that took you quite a while to clear, but I am not sure based on your description of your experience.

    I guess my main point of posting is to offer my experiences with this drug (20 yrs as an anesthesiologist). I do not see versed is an evil, horrid drug, anymore than propofol is a horrid drug just because Michael died with it. It simply is not that “black and white.” Beieve me when I say that propofol can also render a person “an immobile piece of meat.” All drugs that lower the level of consciousness can do that.

    My best to both of you,
    Sally Combest, M.D.
    Clinical Associate Professor
    UT Medicine Anesthesiology
    University of Texas Health Science Center School of Medicine-San Antonio
33. SC says:

    February 22, 2012 at 10:23 am

    Hello Conor, In response to your comments directed to me. You are correct that an anesthesiologist would not use Versed as the primary sedation drug for a colonoscopy. When I am consulted by my GI colleagues to help them with patients for colonoscopy of UGI procedures, I often start with Versed before the patient is taken to the GI suite but I prefer propofol for the mainstay of my technique for the reasons given here in this article. It is a wonderful drug that works quickly, resolves quickly, leaving patients feeling often quite awake and alert. Its reputation was damaged somewhat by the death of Michael Jackson, but that does not change my opinion that it is a good drug in the hands of a properly trained anesthesiologist or CRNA, not a cardiologist who apparently did not even know how to perform CPR.

    I understand that the GI physicians use much higher doses of Versed than I do because it is about the only thing that does the job for them. MANY of patients today want to have absolutely no recall of the procedure…that requires the higher doses used. Maybe I have a poor idea of exactly how much Versed is being used on the patients in your facility or experience? Can you give me an idea of how much we are talking about? If it is huge amounts, then maybe the issue is an overdose that will take many hours or days to be cleared from the patient’s system.

    I have personally received Versed and have cared for many other health professionals who had no problem with receiving it, so I do not know of other health professionals who refused it…not one. Not one. My experience would not prove to be very unique, as I have practiced in several settings and I have contact with 100′s of anesthesiologists who have used this drug tens of 1000′s of times.

    What I find confusing about the report here is how Valium is portrayed as a drug that allows a patient to be awake and conversant…but Valium (diazepam) is also a benzodiazepine, the same class of drug as Versed (midazolam). BOTH drugs can be titrated to render the patient either calm and alert or sedated to practically the point of apnea. It is a matter of titration for both drugs, both are sedatives/anxiolytics/antiseizure/amnestics. So portraying one as evil and the other as a nice alternative does not match my understanding of the drugs. I frequently describe to patients that their level of consciousness is not like a light switch, where the person is either “awake” of “asleep”, but is better described as a dimmer switch where many different drugs (including versed, valium and propofol) can be used to “dim” a patient varying levels from just enough to calm them down to moderatly sedated to completely unconsciousness. Level of consciousness is a continuum.

    I am actually giving a formal talk to the local GI department tomorrow on the subject of sedation and remembered this website with its concerns about Versed; I wanted to ask them during this time if they had heard negative feedback from their patients. Would you be interested in hearing their perspective and experience?

    Sally Combest, M.D.
    Clinical Associate Professor
    UT Medicine Anesthesiology
    University of Texas Health Science Center School of Medicine-San Antonio
34. martha deleon says:

    February 20, 2012 at 2:09 pm

    My first colonosopy was with versed and it resulted in my right arm having the appearance of an infiltrate. Whenever my arm was extended over my head, it turned reddish. Upon consulting with my regular physician, a venagram was ordered with a discovery of a blood clot in my neck. Was hospitalized , put on heparin injections and dismissed a few days later with coumadin for the next 18 months…Next colonosopy a valium concoction was administered. Woke up with sore arm with two bright red streaks running the length of my arm. The same arm was used as the first procedure. After this my next colonosopy was with propofol without incident. However the next one was done at the endocopy center of a major Chicago hospital and I did not realize that their department did not offer propofol so I underwent the procedure with two 75 mg. injections of demerol. I would rather give birth to a baby and simultaneously have a few teeth extracted than ever endure that again. (Reason for so many scopes 2 polyps found on first procedure) Would appreciate your opinion of my plan to have next scope done by a company I found on the web called Colonoscopy Assist for people like myself who have no insurance anymore . They run a nation wide program and are sponsored by a company called Kadooli, Inc. I am an R.N. and do not easily trust medical offers of this type, but cannot afford the extra thousands a private facility charges. Thank you
35. Al says:

    February 18, 2012 at 5:34 pm

    Hi Anne,
    I thought I’d share my thoughts with regard to some of your questions. Sorry to hear you had a bad response to Versed. As you read through the various posts on this thread, you’ll see that’s why most of us found this website. I haven’t had my second colonoscopy yet, but my GI doc suggested propofol for my next procedure after the problems I had with Versed (anxiety, agitation, prolonged memory problems, depression, etc.). Upon further research and after speaking with others, propofol definitely sounds like a much better option. Of course everyone is different, so it’s impossible to know how an individual will tolerate propofol vs. another sedation option until they try it; all I can say is that there seem to be fewer issues with propofol.

    Some of your concerns seem to center on being more deeply sedated or anesthetized from propofol compared with the “conscious” (or lighter) sedation from Versed/narcotic. While it’s true that one is more deeply sedated from propofol, propofol’s strength is the speed with which it’s metabolized and cleared from the body. Lingering side effects (prolonged sleepiness, memory issues, etc.) seem to be much less common with propofol compared with Versed-containing protocols. That said, because propofol is a “bigger gun” drug, it must be administered by an anesthesiologist or CRNA. Problems such as apnea (not breathing) are potentially more of a problem with propofol, but breathing is one of many parameters that will be specifically monitored by the anesthesiologist. If a problem arises, they’re there to take action. In my mind, having an anesthesiologist present is a huge positive: the GI doc focuses on the colonoscopy and the anesthesiologist focuses on the anesthesia. The potential negative is the added cost of the second doctor.

    Another issue I’d like to address is the option of no sedation at all. Since you’ve been through this once and were OK with it, that may be a very valid option for you in the future. Clearly your GI doc is OK with this option as well. One issue that I have found through my reading is that one preliminary study found that a greater number of polyps are found in fully-sedated vs. awake (or lightly-sedated) patients. While more studies and analysis are needed, the thought is that fully-sedated patients are less likely to move, talk/vocalize, etc., thereby allowing the GI doc to fully concentrate on the procedure. Possibly, the GI doc will perform a more lengthy, careful colonoscopy in patients who are fully-sedated (and therefore appear to be more comfortable compared with awake patients). For me personally, I would prefer to be asleep for the procedure, especially if it results in an exam with potential greater accuracy.

    Assuming you like your GI doc otherwise, I would suggest that the options you were given, 1) no sedation, or 2) propofol, are very good options. I would not look for a new doctor solely because of the options you were given for your next procedure.

    Hope this helps.
36. Anne says:

    February 16, 2012 at 12:45 pm

    I’ve had 2 procedures with the same doctor. The first procedure without any drugs wasn’t that bad–it was interesting watching the video; it was only painful towards the end of the procedure and there were no issues after it was over. I only know what I was told after the second procedure i.e. I was “combative” (they had to give me 5 times the normal dose of Versed) and the doctor recommended that the next time I have propofol. I just had an appointment yesterday and the only choices are to not have anything, agree to propofol or find another doctor.

    I have had an allergic reaction to morphine but have taken hydrocodone and oxycodone without any allergic reaction. See http://www.paindr.com/Opiodintolerance.pdf paragraph A.3. I have had demoral previously without any problems. After looking up different drugs, I would prefer not to have any narcotics but would prefer them to being knocked out.

    Does anyone know the likelihood of having a bad experience with propofol after having a paradoxical reaction Versed?

    I always thought doctors were supposed to take the approach of giving the least amount of drugs required for the situation, moderation rather than extremes. If I had a problem with a hypnotic drug, it doesn’t seem logical to me to try a more hypnotic drug so I don’t remember the pain or discomfort when all I need is something to take the edge off the pain. I’m beginning to wonder what they are trying to hide and their motivation for sedatives that knock you out.

    Pain is a natural response to injury or illness, a signal or defense mechanism to indicate something is wrong, you need to do something, be more careful or stop doing something. It is probably easier for the doctor to do the procedure if the patient is knocked out. If you can’t remember, it seems they they are providing a lower level of care and they can get through it faster without being careful to minimize the pain. Perhaps the doctor is afraid of increased malpractice if they are prone to mistakes and you can actually see what they are doing. Looks like I’ll be shopping for a new doctor, from a few of the posts it sounds like women may be better in this field than men. Anyone know a good doctor in San Antonio?
37. Al says:

    December 23, 2011 at 6:58 am

    Jackie,
    Sorry to hear about your reaction to the drugs. Your symptoms are similar to mine, although yours sound more severe. For me, it took 7-10 days for the drugs to clear from my system (I received Demerol and a much higher dose of Versed) — just give it some time. I would suggest speaking with your doctor (anesthesiologist?) again while the procedure is fresh in their memory about your reaction and to suggest a different plan for future procedures; hopefully this can then be documented in your record. Make it clear that you don’t blame anyone but that you hope to avoid a similar problem in the future. I think you will find your medical professionals to be very receptive to your concerns as long as you can have an adult, professional conversation with them.
38. Jackie says:

    December 21, 2011 at 11:09 am

    I was given 2mg of versed and 200 mg of propofol for an endoscopy and colonoscopy, before going under I had no anxiety or fear about the procedure and joked with the nurses and doctor. I woke up with a horrible felling of rage and a feeling that I would like to kill my doctor but not quite sure why. I do have a vague memory of pain and wanting to escape. It’s been 3 days and I’m still, unexplainably, very angry. I don’t want to be around people, I even skipped out on my own birthday party( day after procedure,poor planning ) I’m very emotional and have snapped at co-workers and was irrationally argumentative with my mother. This behavior is completely out of character. I called the surgeon for help , his nurse returned my call and stated that this agitation may be side effect of anesthesia ( doh) and it should wear off. I’m really afraid of how long this may take, I’d like to have some resemblance of holiday cheer ( especially after missing 53 birthday) is there anything I can do to help get this &$?% out of my system and get back to being me again!!!
39. Anon says:

    November 11, 2011 at 8:56 am

    Had two colonoscopies performed under Propofol. Went out then awoke like nothing happened. I mean, it was like nothing happend down there! not even the slightest sensation that I had something done to my butthole. Was ready to resume the day after about an hour. The second time, I woke up during the last minute of the procedure but I didn’t give a f*ck, because I was still on the drug. Find an MD that uses Propofol for your next colonoscopy. Good times.
40. connor says:

    October 29, 2011 at 9:57 am

    To SC (the “anesthesiologist”): your comments about using Versed thousands of times has little correlation to the issue of Versed/fentanyl induced severe amnesia as being discussed here. An anesthesiologist would not use Versed as the primary sedative for colonoscopy (or any other procedure)..the endo docs use high Versed doses, anesthesia nurses/anesthesiologists use very little in comparison. Calling the patient the next day may not reveal anything; if you have called “thousands” and not heard of serious memory problems with Versed, then your experience is unique. We call all of our patients and had so many complaints that we no longer use Versed; not one of the physicians who wehave done endo sedation on has consented to Versed; not a single one. The medical profession does’t want Versed for their own procedures.
41. Ted says:

    October 25, 2011 at 3:16 pm

    If I had not been reading this material and learning from all of you I would never have known to question my doctor about sedation. He was going to use Versed until I said “absolutely not.” Now I will be able to have my colonoscopy using propofol and I’m glad I found out about options for medicines before it could have possibly caused memory problems.
42. Virginia says:

    October 22, 2011 at 3:41 pm

    What drugs are safe for a 20-year drug free recovering addict who is being recommended to have a colonoscopy?
43. Polly says:

    October 15, 2011 at 1:07 pm

    Thank you, Nancy, for your concern. I can’t tell you how much that means to me. In fact, I believe I might not have had such a rough time dealing with my Versed issues if the medical people I dealt with had shown me at least some compassion. I have gotten better over time, but it took almost two years to stop obsessing over my experience daily (I still have my moments). Sadly, I no longer trust medical people. No apology, no explanation from them…INEXCUSABLE. I hope you are doing better also.
44. Nancy says:

    October 9, 2011 at 1:25 pm

    Polly I am writing to see if you have seen any improvement in your symptoms yet? I also had bad experiences with Versed and got PTSD afterwards. Was wondering if you had gotten any better at all even though I understand that this will likely be with me for the rest of my life. Just hoping that in time the symptoms will be less troublesome. Hope you all are doing well.
45. Al says:

    October 5, 2011 at 1:41 pm

    Dr. SC:
    Thanks for offering your perspective on this. Because so many people seem to do OK with Versed, I wonder if there’s a subset of the population who have some type of genetic sensitivity to benzodiazepines. (I posted my own bad experience with Versed a couple of months ago if you want to scroll back.) Because I received a rather high dose (11 mg), I do not know if the problems I experienced were dose-related or if I would have had problems at any dose level.
    Anyway, my GI doc suggested propofol (+ a very small dose of Versed) w/ an anesthesiologist present for my next procedure. We didn’t go into specifics beyond that. I don’t want to come across as argumentative with the medical staff, but I’m hesitant to have any Versed (even a small dose) in the future. I’ve read that some people have procedures (such as colonoscopies) with propofol given as the sole agent. What’s your experience with this, and is this a fair thing for me to ask for next time?
46. Polly says:

    October 2, 2011 at 11:21 am

    SC, I did indeed tell my gastro my issues with Versed when I was contacted the next day, and again on a subsequent call (third call was never returned). I seriously doubt any of my concerns were even documented . I may have physically survived the ordeal, but not psychologically. I am now convinced Versed is used soley for the convenience of the medical staff, who want an amnestic, immobile piece of meat they can rush out the door in a daze, only to deal with the side effects later. No one cares about the patient once he is home. There are many websites discussing negative experiences with Versed, and also patient drug rating sites telling the TRUTH about what this drug does to some people. Read them.
47. SC says:

    September 30, 2011 at 4:08 pm

    Oh my! what an interesting conversation! As a board-certified anesthesiologist, I have literally used versed (midazolam) 1000′s of times during my career. I have never heard of such a group of concerns as I read here. We contact every patient the next day, and I do not hear of such issues.

    Versed is in the group of drugs called benzodiazepines: Valium, Xanax, Librium, Ativan, and Halcion are also in this group of drugs. They cause varying degrees of anxiolysis (calming anxiety), sedation, and amnesia (no memory).

    the dosage of Versed can be highly variable: I have needed only 0.5 mg for a very elderly person, but much more on strong healthy people, esp if they consume larger amounts of alcohol or narcotics and other drugs at home; their tolerance can be quite high.

    Please be aware that propofol, while being a great drug in many respects, has its own issues. Again, I have used this drug 1000′s of times. My feeling is that if propofol is used, there should be someone (anesthesiologist or CRNA (certified nurse anesthetist), whose sole responsibility is to assure your safety! Propofol can very quickly cause a person to stop breathing, esp in combination with other sedating drugs such as fentanyl, so the patient needs constant, vigilent attention to the respiratory status. I do not believe that the GI doc can adequatly monitor the patient while paying attention to performing the colonoscopy. And regular RNS are not adequeately trained to recognize and resuscitate patients in danger.
48. Megan says:

    September 27, 2011 at 9:51 am

    Versed was fairly harmless when I had it for my colonoscopy but my husband was furious when he learned neither of us had any potential warnings given to us from the GI doctor who performed both of our colonoscopy exams. My husband is an electrical engineer by profession and when he learned about some of the patients who had suffered memory losses he was very upset. I think next time I would elect just to have the colonoscopy done with no sedation and whatever they give you for pain. I would rather know what happens to me when I’m in a hospital, so being awake doesn’t concern me at all.
49. Samantha says:

    September 25, 2011 at 12:32 pm

    Don’t kid yourselves. Versed is a terrible medication for both people and animals. Why do you think most doctors or pharmacists won’t ever take it for themselves?
50. Gina says:

    September 22, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    My dog had a procedure yesterday and was given Versed. She is still vomiting today and feels terrible. I wish I had read about the side effects before taking her into the Veterinarian’s office. Has anyone else had a bad experience with their animals and Versed?
51. Cindy says:

    September 14, 2011 at 11:18 am

    After reading everything I’m not sure if I’d do the colonoscopy again using sedation, but I wasn’t aware of any dangers because my doctor didn’t properly inform me about them and I had no problems with Versed. It sure would’ve been nice to know about the potential issues before going in for the colonoscopy though. So I appreciate this site and the fact that you all are being honest about the risks vs benefits.
52. apprehensive says:

    September 12, 2011 at 10:22 am

    Renee can you tell me where you’re located? I’d like to have my colonoscopy procedure where you had yours.Thanks.
53. Samantha says:

    September 9, 2011 at 10:14 am

    I haven’t had health insurance for a few years but have recently started a new job and because of this will be getting caught up on my health exams. I’m 52 and have never had a colonoscopy. Very glad that you all are reporting the important things patients should know about questioning their doctors. I’m making a long list of my questions and will definitely not be getting Versed for my colonoscopy.
54. Chad says:

    September 2, 2011 at 4:30 pm

    I had a friend (a nurse) who warned me about the all too common Versed side-effects such as PTSD and long-term amnesia; with this information plus what I learned here I was certian that I didn’t want Versed for the colonoscopy that my doctor scheduled for me. I also have PTSD (in remission) from experiences in the Gulf War. I tried to ask the GI doctor about Versed side-effects but he blew me off and said that there were none that he was aware of; I should have cancelled the upcoming colonoscopy, but didn’t. On the morning of the test I asked again about Versed side-effects and again the doctor said “none”. No PTSD, no psychic trauma, no long-term amnesia and he was mad that I asked. He then asked me to sign a sedation consent which specified that I was agreeing to the possibility of all of these side-effects; since he said that they didn’t occur I crossed them out and he freaked out. I again asked if Versed had significant side-effects and he turned red and walked out. An anesthesia nurse nearby came over and told me that Versed has nasty side-effects and that’s why many patients demand propofol; not perfect but better. When the red-faced GI doctor returned, he apologized for the deceit; “if we told patients the truth about Versed many would not consent to it and not all can afford propofol”. I asked for my IV to be removed, but nobody offered to help. A loud argument erupted between the GI doc and the anesthesia nurse; basically she said: “why don’t you tell him just how many of your patients complain about serious Versed side-effects”? I could not listen anymore and pulled out the IV myself (a hush fell over the room) and I asked for my clothes. I’m normally a calm rational person who has always trusted my doctors; after being lied to about Versed I doubt that I will ever have a colonoscopy despite a terrible family history and symptoms.
55. Monica says:

    August 8, 2011 at 3:39 am

    Thank you, Tammi. I am grateful for what you said.
56. Tammi says:

    August 6, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    Monica, I’m glad you brought this up. There are many of us out there with either past or present PTSD and I think it is important for health care providers to realize certain procedures can be even more traumatizing and not to dismiss our concerns. I think you were quite brave to bring this up with the medical staff caring for you and so sorry that they were not educated nor informed about the issues that so many of us face. I really commend you for bringing this issue into the discussion, very sorry that you had to endure another trauma because of lack of knowledge on the part of your health care providers.
57. Monica says:

    August 6, 2011 at 6:25 am

    A warning to upcoming colonoscopy patients who have been the victim of past sexual assault, you may want to MAKE SURE you have some sort of tranquilizer medication for a couple days leading up to and following the procedure. I didn’t, and it was extremely traumatic for me on an emotional level – the procedure brought memories roaring back (post traumatic stress disorder?) and I was pretty much a furious raving lunatic. I had pleaded for something besides propofol, which merely serves to knock you out for the procedure itself. However, I was “pooh poohed”.
58. Lori says:

    July 30, 2011 at 6:23 pm

    Although I’m not 50 yet, I’m getting close. And my family doctor would like me to go ahead and schedule a colonoscopy now rather than wait for my 50th birthday. My family history is riddled with cancer. Including colon cancer. But I live in a small town and I think all the doctors here aren’t willing to forgo on the Versed. It makes me too nervous and scared to think about getting a drug that could possibly cause me long term memory loss. I am the sole supporter of my family and need all my faculties intact.
59. Matt says:

    July 28, 2011 at 4:33 am

    I think it goes without saying that if pharmacists and physicians themselves are not too keen on having Versed during their own colonoscopies that it is something that we as patients should be given full disclosure about so that we have choice in terms of what medications we receive.
60. Experienced patient says:

    July 8, 2011 at 9:02 pm

    I’m 56 and have had 4 colonoscopies; I have a degree in pharm and understand drugs quite well; at least as well as any other practitioner. I can’t understand why patients are lied to about Versed amnesia and the possible long-term memory loss and PTSD that can occur. Of course gastro docs and nurses say that patients are satisfied with Versed; it gets them out the door and the nightmares start when the patient gets home. I’m a control freak and would not consent to Versed; it’s a patient-control drug pure and simple. I list it as an allergy and say it caused hives. If anyone gives it to me when I have a documented allergy, they will get sued. A friend of mine was promised “no Versed” for a colonoscopy and they gave it anyway; she was a wreck and the nurse got smart with her because she was crying after the procedure…my friend (also a RN) belted the gastro nurse right in the mouth and nearly broke her jaw when she was told: “we know better and we gave it ti you anyway”..of course, shes not responsible for her actions since it’s an “amnestic”….I told my GI docs that I would not want Versed and every one of them told me that they would not want it either.
61. Mary says:

    June 29, 2011 at 10:29 am

    Getting a colonoscopy was not something I was particularly interested in doing. But my family doctor kept insisting it was a good idea. My brother died of colon cancer — so with a family history, I know it was something I should have done. Last year after getting the results back from my colonoscopy, I was told I had two pre-cancerous polyps removed. I am still worried about the next time, but at least I know now, that I took care of business and hopefully prevented getting colon cancer in the future.
62. Polly says:

    June 22, 2011 at 10:27 pm

    By the way, I would rather have a “teeth cleaning” any day ! ( Not because of the pain of a colonoscopy, but because of the horrible drug Versed !!)
63. Polly says:

    June 22, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    Bruce, most people who are given Versed do not have any sense of times lapses, but I had the opposite experience. When I “woke up” from my colonoscopy with Versed&Fentanyl, I felt like hours had passed. I was absolutely shocked to see the procedure had lasted only 10 minutes (according to my procedure report). I did have amnesia for almost 3 hours, so maybe this distorted my perception of time ? I asked an anesthesiologist about this, and he could not give me any definite answer, but said it might be that I “dreamed” while under sedation. Regardless , the “lost time” I experienced was extremely troubling to me, TO SAY THE LEAST, since I had not been forewarned. Versed is too creepy and disturbing to me to ever consider receiving again. Not a pleasant feeling AT ALL.
64. Bruce says:

    June 22, 2011 at 12:28 am

    Great thread. Wish I had read it two days ago. Yesterday, I had a colonoscopy. I’m usually excessively anal (pardon the pun) about getting all pertinent information before making choices. I had an initial office visit with the gastroenterologist where we talked about the procedure, family history, etc. I told him I wasn’t nervous about the procedure, but that I was, of course, anxious to see the results. Just before starting the procedure I was all ready to ask the doctor to keep the meds relatively low; I wanted to watch the whole procedure on the monitor and talk to him about it during and afterwards. I’m a curious person.

    During the time of the procedure, the assistant put the IV needle in my arm, the doctor came in, we started to chat briefly, I rolled over onto my left side and before I had a chance to say anything to the doctor about keeping the meds at a minimum, he inserted the colonoscope. No pain. I saw a few images on the monitor. I felt a little gas pain, where I assumed he was inflating my colon. Then, looking at the monitor, I could see that the the colonoscope was being pulled out. He and the assistant said everything looked fine. No polyps. “Great. But are you sure you went all the way to the end of the colon?”. “Yup”. The whole process lasted about 60 seconds. I was glad to hear that everything looked ok, but how did they do this so fast? I was skeptical, but wanted to be a “good patient” and not make too many waves…

    It wasn’t until I got home, read the procedure report and results, and Googled the meds that were used, Versed and Fentanyl, that I slowly started to put together that apparently the process didn’t last about 60 seconds, even though at the time, I didn’t question otherwise. Under the drugs, everything seemed chronologically contiguous; there was no sense of any time lapses. Pretty spooky, this Versed. In one way, it’s like a miracle drug. It was truly a painless procedure (at least as far as I remember!). I strongly encourage anyone who is nervous about the process to stop worrying and do it. A teeth cleaning is more painful.

    But I do wish I had thought to ask about the medications used. I just assumed I would remain awake, aware, slightly sedated, but able to carry a conversation during the procedure and, most importantly, remember the whole thing. Had I known, I never would have allowed the use of a drug that causes me to forget practically everything that happened. I wonder what kind of conversations I had with the doctor or assistant before and during the colonoscopy. Did I ever get around to asking him to keep the med levels down? Was I in more pain than I remember? Did he assume I was in more pain than I really was and therefore up the dosage? Did he do a thorough search for polyps, etc. or was he pressed for time and therefore rush the procedure?

    It’s one thing to be put to sleep, knowing that you are going to be put to sleep. But it’s another thing to have a false memory of what really happened. Apparently most people just go with the flow, accept the Versed as a pleasant, even “trippy” experience, and (hopefully) be happy with the results. I can’t help but feel a little bit deceived. At the least, I think that doctors owe us an explanation of the drugs they plan to use without our having to ask.
65. Michael says:

    June 15, 2011 at 3:59 pm

    Interesting thread; as a primary care provider and as a patient, I can verify that way too many people have significant problems with Versed (midazolam). It’s really a shame that this drug is used so much; many problems go unreported because they happen after the patient gets home and it’s hard for the patient to relate what’s happening to Versed administration. A physician in my group had a screening colonoscopy with 4mg versed and 100mcg fentanyl; doses that were certainly within range. Immediately after the colonoscopy, she became extremely fearful, had terrible nightmares and developed most of the common PTSD symptoms. Everyone told her that her symptoms were unrelated to the exam or the drugs; this is clearly nonesense. Six months later she still has serious memory and anger issues; I worked with her for nearly 20 years and she definitely has serious PTSD. I would avoid all Versed like the plague. Regarding the amnesic effect of propofol; it’s given in an induction dose, so you sleep and you are naturally unaware; patients wake up minutes after a propofol drip is stopped with no problems such as amnesia that I’m aware of. Adding small amounts of versed to propofol and fentanyl certainly decreases the amounts of drugs used, but at a cost: you get the undesirable versed effects and you lose the benefit of propofol. Even adding fentanyl to propofol makes no sense to me; with effective doses of fentanyl, a patient is slower to wake and likely to have a hangover. My previous colonoscopies were done without any drugs; I have seen too many patients have long-term memory loss from versed and other “sedation” drugs….My GI doc wanted to so my last colonoscopy with sedation, propofol only of course; docs rarely consent to amnesic benzos like versed, so I reluctantly agreed. I had a board-certified anesthesiologist do my case (not a nurse; CRNA are fine, but you don’t want an unsupervised nurse/CRNA giving you an induction drug like propofol). I’m in good shape and have no health issues; I got 500mg (yes, 50ml) of propofol for a 20 minute procedure. I was out completely and woke up with no hangover, no creepy amnesia, no problem. Too bad that everyone can’t afford to get propofol; many insurance plans only cover the cheaper amnesia drugs like versed because any nurse or physician can administer them.
66. Candace says:

    June 15, 2011 at 9:32 am

    RE: Sedation Discussion for Colonoscopy

    Hi Al, I will talk to my sister about your questions and as soon as I have some additional info, will put in an update here. I’m glad you don’t have to go in again for 5 years. I’ll be sure to share what decisions I make about the colonoscopy, medications, and how recovery goes just in case that info can help someone else:-)
67. Al says:

    June 14, 2011 at 5:07 pm

    Candace,
    Thanks for your insight. Would you mind sharing why, specifically, your sister dislikes Versed so much? I know what my own reasons are (see my earlier post), but I’m curious about all experiences others have had. As an OR nurse, can she estimate what percentage of Versed-sedated patients have a bad experience with it?

    With regard to the propofol + opioid option, which opioid is typically used (with Versed sedation, it’s usually fentanyl or Demerol, but I haven’t come across the standard opioid used in combination with propofol)?

    My understanding is that while propofol can cause amnesia, it tends to be much less of an issue than with Versed. This is why propofol + an opioid appeals to me for use in the future. While I don’t mind amnesia for the procedure itself (for example, if I happen to somewhat wake up in the middle of the procedure, that’s fine if I forget that), I really would like to remember the recovery room events, speaking with the doctor/nurses, being discharged, etc. Thanks in advance for allowing me to pick your and your sister’s brains!

    With regard to my next colonoscopy, that won’t be for another 5 years, so I won’t have any personal experience to share until then. Good luck with your procedure!
    Thanks again.
68. Candace says:

    June 14, 2011 at 2:38 pm

    RE: Colonoscopy Med Choices

    Al, that was very helpful to have you summarize the different sedation options if one is looking at going with propofol vs just the Versed and fentanyl.

    I’m in the beginning stages of investigation because I will need my first colonoscopy in September but I didn’t want to wait for the last minute to find out about things like this. I do a significant amount of research in my job at work so I guess this tendency also follows me when I have any medical procedures done.

    My sister is a nurse in the OR and I asked her what her thoughts were regarding the 3 choices you mentioned.

    She said that her personal choice would be the propofol for sedation along with some type of narcotic/analgesic . Additionally she said that if a patient had had an adverse reaction to a particular medication –she prefers to avoid that completely in the future. Especially when there are other options. In terms of the Versed dose being lower with a combination sedation ie: the Propofol and Versed–she still said she would not personally go that route if she had a reaction to Versed in the past. Now she is one of the OR nurses that is not fond of Versed period…so that’s imporant to take into account.

    I’m leaning towards using the propofol and a narcotic/analgesic at this point for my procedure. I will not go to any practice that only uses Versed because I just can’t see taking that risk.

    Al, if you wouldn’t mind sharing what you decide to do and if possible any updates, that would be really helpful. The more information I have about what to expect –the better I feel about something like this.
69. Al says:

    June 13, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    I have a follow-up (a question) related to my earlier post. In researching propofol for colonoscopy, I’ve come across 3 options: 1) propofol only, 2) propofol + an opioid, 3) propofol + a benzodiazepine (typically Versed). When Propofol + Versed is used, usually only 0.5 – 1 mg of Versed is given (a much lower dose than when Versed is used as the primary agent). Do any of you have experience or information to share regarding these 3 options? Supposedly, the addition of a second agent along with the propofol helps smooth out the effect and reduces the dose of propofol required (ie, a synergistic effect). Because of my past experience with Versed, my preference would be to avoid it altogether in the future (even at a much lower dose). I’ve taken opioids in the past for various problems, and they have not had a negative effect on me, so my preference would be propofol + an opioid. Any insight or experience others can share would be appreciated.

    Judy, thanks for your comments. I hope your upcoming procedure goes well!
70. Anne says:

    June 12, 2011 at 6:10 am

    I found out that I will need some surgery and was told to tell my anesthesiologist not to give me Versed at any point in the procedure by a friend who works in the medical field. Although I’m not having a colonoscopy I was able to learn more about about the drawbacks about having Versed used for sedation by reading through the information provided here.
71. Gina says:

    June 6, 2011 at 9:56 am

    My last colonoscopy showed polyps so I have to have repeat exams more often also. And I too had a not so great experience with Versed. I wasn’t “out of it” and I kept hearing the doctor tell the nurse or whomever was giving the medication to give me more. But that only seemed to make things worse not better for me. I had a lot of discomfort during the exam but with the Versed I was unable to move or do anything about it except make some noises. This next time I’m going to insist on something else to be used for my colonoscopy.
72. Judy says:

    June 5, 2011 at 10:13 am

    Al, thank you for talking about your experience with Versed. I’m a health care professional and am trying to figure out what I’m going to do about my upcoming colonoscopy. Like you, I also struggle with how to share information so that others who are facing colonoscopies can ask appopriate questions of their physicians, yet not avoid colonoscopy procedures because of what they may have read somewhere online.

    It is true that colonoscopies save lives! And having a colonoscopy is much easier than going through chemo.I know–I had a brother who was lost to colon cancer.

    But I also agree that more discussion and choices are appropriate between docs and patients with regards to advance info about the potential problems with Versed. It is somewhat encouraging that at least in my area, some practices are starting to go to propofol only. The group that my insurance covers however uses Versed and that I’m afraid is not going to be an option for me. So I have more checking to do:-)

    Thanks again for having a frank discussion about these issues. I am sorry that you went through a bad experience with Versed. And how brave you were to let your physician know about the problems you encountered. Kudos also to your physician who not only listened but from your account, seemed to care about your concerns. Not all will listen or seem to care. I hope other patients who read your account know that there are good doctors out there who will address patient concerns.

    To anyone else needing a colonoscopy. Please as Al said—get your checkups and exams. It could very well safe your life.
73. Al says:

    June 4, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    I just had my first colonoscopy at age 40 because of a family history of colon cancer. I received Versed and Demerol and did not have a good experience overall. I am in the medical field, and I know a lot about the pharmacology of various drug options. I had some reservations about Versed/Demerol because I had done extensive reading prior to my procedure. As the article and other posts have stated, Versed just seems to be ‘standard practice’ in my city. When I contacted various colorectal / GI groups in my area, propofol didn’t seem to be an option. Because this was my first colonoscopy (and my first time ever being sedated), I had no personal track record with any of the drug choices, so I elected to be a ‘good patient’ and proceeded with the Versed/Demerol option.

    Although I was informed and had read about the amnesia effect ahead of time, the degree of amnesia I experienced was unexpected and upsetting. Even 6-8 hours after my procedure, I only have partial memory. I felt very much like a date rape victim might feel. Making matters worse, the evening after my colonoscopy (which was done in the morning), I began feeling really anxious and agitated. The next day at work was horrible. I had to ‘bottle up’ my agitation all day. I felt like I wanted to scream but I had to smile and play the part of a professional all day. My thought processes were foggy and slow. When I got home that evening, I broke down and cried. I am not normally an emotional person. The agitation and fragile emotional state lasted about 48 hours. The foggy mental ability lasted 5-7 days. I went through a period of depression / PTSD for about 8-10 days. I am not trying to post something overly-dramatic to scare others; that’s not my intent. I am simply stating the effects I experienced; I wasn’t myself for 8-10 days afterward.

    I have since done a lot of additional reading (and have spoken with the doctor who did my procedure) and have learned a few things:
    1. First, I believe I was overdosed. In reading about Versed, standard dosing seems to be in the 2.5 to 5 mg range; this is referenced on numerous websites and is the range many people post that they received. I was given 11 mg of Versed (10 mg initially, + 1 mg additional because I was talking and moving a little during the procedure, which the staff interpreted as my being uncomfortable) plus 75 mg of Demerol. I’m a small guy (140 lb.), so a 10 mg initial dose was inappropriate in my opinion.
    2. There seems to be a subset of the population who are more sensitive to Versed than others. One reference I found cited that 88% of patients who received Versed were happy with it; obviously that means that 12% aren’t. Some people experience a paradoxical reaction to Versed (anxious, agitated, etc.). In my case, I’ll likely never know if I would have done fine with a lower dose (say, 4-5 mg) or if I am overly sensitive to the drug regardless of dose.

    I’m not a psychologist, but I believe different people deal with stressful events in different ways. Some just try to forget about the event and move on. Some get angry. Some try to educate themselves and make sense of the situation. For me, it was helpful to speak with my doctor (by phone) 2 days after my procedure. I explained to him the agitation, anxiety, and mental fogginess I was experiencing. He seemed genuinely concerned and took time to listen to me. He said that while my reaction was unusual, he does see it happen on occasion. He recommended propofol (with an anesthesiologist present) for me in the future (because of my family history, I have to have a colonoscopy every 5 years). In his hands, he said Versed doses of 10 mg are fairly routine. I didn’t press him on this point too much, but as I stated above, I do believe this was a quite high dose for someone of my weight.

    I feel much better overall now. One month has elapsed since my procedure, and the effects of the drugs are out of my system. I kept my physician in the loop, and made sure he knew about the reaction I experienced. I have a different ‘game plan’ for future colonoscopies. While I think all of the various websites that provide forums for people to post about their experiences are a good thing, a major concern I have is that many people may elect to not have a colonoscopy at all after reading some of the Versed ‘horror stories.’ It’s important to not lose the big picture: colonoscopies save lives! Everyone should be screened starting at age 50 (or at age 40 if there’s a family history). Find a good doctor that you trust and ask lots of questions to educate yourself.
74. Anne says:

    May 25, 2011 at 4:58 pm

    Re: Gastroenterologists in Texas who will take their time and/or Not use Versed

    Dear Apprehensive, I am also in Texas and will be having my colonoscopy in June. I have to check my schedule–left my medical file at home, but I am going in for an office consult soon to discuss sedation options. I will update here for you with the information that I find out. Where in Texas are you if you don’t mind my asking.

    Also, I did learn that the Austin Gastro group supposedly does not use Versed at all anymore. They only use propofol. The problem is that they are as a group I think in my opinion, very arrogant, and will not give any information over the phone or even acknowledge over the phone that having a conversation with the patient about not having sedation at all would be an option. I didn’t want to waste taking time off work, and my copay to find out that they don’t consider patient needs or patient requests at all, so I booked with another group who was willing to give me information on the phone. But that group as a general rule uses Versed, which I am allergic to, but I was able to find out that if you have an allergy or bad reaction to Versed that they will supposedly use some other form of sedation for the colonoscopy itself. I can share more with you if you wish….
75. apprehensive says:

    May 25, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    Hi,everyone, I’ve been trying to find out how to find a dr. who will go slow and talk me thru the procedure. Apparently from everyone’s posts here(majority that is) no GI is able to do that during procedure. If anyone’s comfortable telling me where you’re located and if your dr. is one of them who will do the colonoscopy unsedated and takes his/her time can you put that on here please? Myself, I’m from Texas but am willing to travel. I will however consent to Fentanyl or Demerol but that being said I had a very paradoxical unusual reaction to vicodin(tooth problem). Became kind of panicky,spacey,etc…so hopefully that will not predict my reaction to fentanyl or demerol. DEFINITELY no Versed. Ok thanks.
    P.s. Anyone just have fentanyl or go in there unsedated and ask midway for fentanyl?or demerol?
76. Kara says:

    April 19, 2011 at 11:23 pm

    I had my colonoscopy with Versed and had no issues or problems at all. Don’t remember a thing about it and had no pain or any discomfort. I was very upset though to read about the experiences of the others who have said that for them, Versed had bad effects. I also think that the physician’s should inform everyone about Versed before just administering it. I wasn’t given any options about different medicines and I guess in retrospect for me that was ok—but now that I know about this, I probably wouldn’t want to have Versed again. Even though the first time having a colonoscopy it was fine, I wouldn’t want to “chance” it by having Versed again.
77. Hannah says:

    April 18, 2011 at 5:50 pm

    I had a colonoscopy with Versed. Never again. And no, I wasn’t told about the potential for risks or anything. The only thing I was told was at the surgery center first thing in the morning right before the procedure. That the medicine would “relax” me. I had a terrible experience. Will update more later but I just found this and had to write in.
78. Janet says:

    April 12, 2011 at 10:48 am

    Kelli, I’ve been trying to find out more information about what medications the doctor could use etc during a colonscopy, without having to spend the time and money for an appointment also. But I’m getting the same kind of run around. Do they all really have so much business that they feel as if they don’t have to answer a patient’s questions?
79. Kelli says:

    April 12, 2011 at 4:52 am

    I’ll be 50 years old in July but wanted to go ahead and get my 1st colonoscopy done now because I’m not sure about how my insurance coverage will be this summer. Husband is changing jobs etc. I’m always in favor of doing research oneself and came across this website regarding sedation options for colonoscopy. I called a few gastro offices and it seems no one is interested in discussing sedation options with me in advance. Is this normal?
80. Jean says:

    April 8, 2011 at 12:57 pm

    This may be a bit off topic but just some food for thought. Perhaps doctors are not only witholding information about sedative meds for colonoscopy but also may not be giving patients enough information about risk and the nature of colon polyps. Most websites I found simply stated that polyps could be removed during colonoscopy before they could progress to cancer. But I thought all polyps couldn’t possibly become malignant, so what are the facts about them? I finally got an answer from a doctor – If you are interested, go to http://ht.ly/4eqx5 (Questioning Colonoscopy Evidence) and scroll down through the comments for the facts on polyps. I found the statistics quite eye-opening. Especially interesting is the statement “the polyp scare is a great example of overdiagnosis”. I don’t understand why this information isn’t made available so people can make an informed decision on having the potentially risky exam. Some of us would be perfectly fine living with or accepting this level of risk and/or may opt for less invasive screening, such as the FOBT or FIT test. Also of note: I read about a new highly sensitive DNA stool test (ColoGuard) that is expected to be available in 2013. People may want to wait and have this test and then only follow up with a colonoscopy if results are positive. If you are sympathetic to this mindset you may also want to check out 2 books by Dr. gilbert Welch, “Overdiagnosis” and “Should I be Tested for Cancer: Maybe Not and Here’s Why”. He makes a great case for the possible harm and expense to our overall health care system that is created by screening healthy, asymptomatic people. Refreshing to know there are some doctors who feel this way. Who wants an overly medicalized life!!
81. Penny says:

    April 8, 2011 at 3:38 am

    I guess I am shocked after reading everyone’s comments about getting a colonoscopy. This is very disturbing to know that patients are not fully informed about the risks of Versed and what their options for medication could be in advance of the procedure. I do appreciate that other patients are informing others since this issue seems to be such a problem.
82. Renee says:

    April 7, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    I had my colonoscopy with no sedation whatsoever. My gastroenterologist used a pediatric scope which is smaller and less likely to cause more pain. And she was careful–my doctor took her time and actually showed me what she was seeing on the monitor. I didn’t want to be all groggy and did not want the side effects of the medication. I think there are others here that have also opted for no sedation.
83. Kevin says:

    April 7, 2011 at 3:05 am

    My 2nd colonoscopy should be done sometime in June of this year. I was also quite blindsided by the lack of information I was given about Versed and especially since I have to travel for work and needed to prepare for an International Business Trip the same week I had my colonscopy last time, I feel like I should have been informed about how this medication worked. It left me not only groggy that day, but less capable for the entire week if not longer. I will definitely ask for propofol this time, or even no sedation rather than go through that again.
84. Nanci says:

    April 5, 2011 at 12:56 pm

    So upsetting I have tried to call in my area to get a colonoscopy and also said I didn’t want Versed, and didn’t want to be put to sleep with propofol either and I was also told that they “didn’t allow for any patient preferences.” for sedation. What is wrong with these people? For anyone whose had a non sedated colonoscopy how far did you have to travel to get one done without Versed or other medications?
85. LJ says:

    March 30, 2011 at 6:43 pm

    Meant to say, Total lack of communication = total LOSS of trust
86. LJ says:

    March 30, 2011 at 6:39 pm

    Gretchen, I am sorry you had a bad experience also. You should not blame yourself at all for what happened. Medical people like to blame the patient for not asking the right questions, when we don’t know the right questions to ask. As shocking as this may seem to those in the medical field, I had absolutely no idea amnesia drugs were now being used. And I cannot believe that it is now considered okay to ignore a patient in excruciating pain just because they supposedly won’t remember it (some do). UNBELIEVABLE. That is the reason I have lost trust in doctors, and live in fear of ever needing another procedure or surgery . If you can’t trust a doctor, whom can you trust ??
    Besides all the “Versed” issues I had, I also had bad side effects from Fentanyl, which no one told me I would be receiving either. (Extreme vertigo & nausea) The nurses actually blamed ME for not telling them I couldn’t tolerate narcotic pain meds, but NO ONE TOLD ME I WOULD BE RECEIVING ANY !
    Total lack of communication = total lack of trust
87. Gretchen says:

    March 30, 2011 at 9:20 am

    Re: Doctor’s Not telling us the whole story About Versed

    LJ, thank you for answering back. And I do know it’s supposed to be the doctors who tell us these things about side effects, amnesia, and with Versed the fact that sometimes it just doesn’t even work for some people, but I guess I’m in that stage where I’m still blaming myself. My husband thinks I should just “get over it”, but I still feel like it was yesterday. And I don’t seem to be able to trust anyone in healthcare now either. I’m not even sure I want to go see my regular doctor because he was the one who suggested the colonoscopy and I’m not certain I can “trust” anyone in the medical field now to tell me the truth. I know it may seem silly to someone who has not been through such an experience and I didn’t think I would be one to be so traumatized by this but I am.

    I’m glad to hear that things are getting a little better for you. That gives me hope that maybe I can heal at least a little bit from this awful experience.
88. LJ says:

    March 29, 2011 at 8:30 pm

    It’s not the PATIENTS who “should check into every detail; ” it is the DOCTORS who should explain things in advance ! (It’s called Informed Consent !) Just telling a patient they will receive a “sedative” to relax, but not explaining the amnesia that will occur, or the fact they’ll also be given narcotic pain medication is WRONG WRONG WRONG.
    Overall I am better than I was three years ago, but on some days it is indeed still “just as bad.” So, no, for some of us, it never goes away completely.
89. Gretchen says:

    March 29, 2011 at 9:42 am

    Most patients when they go into a procedure like a colonoscopy, don’t realize that they should check into every detail. Most importantly what types of medications will be used. I wasn’t aware of this either and learned the hard way. I still have nightmares from my procedure that was done 8 months ago. Neither I nor my husband was informed about the side effects of the medications, and I had no idea that Versed could be so bad. For anyone who also had trouble with it are you getting any better now? Or are things just as bad with no improvement?
90. Kelli says:

    March 22, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    Joe, that sounds like an awful experience. I had a bad time with Versed also. Were you informed of the potential side effects of Versed before having the ERCP? Did they explain anything to you when the medical person supposedly did the informed consent? I didn’t have much if anything in terms of informed consent and I wonder if I am the exception or if it is standard now not to be told about what can happen with certain drugs like Versed which are obviously problematic for a lot of people.
91. Joe says:

    March 22, 2011 at 2:05 pm

    I had Versed for an ERCP last year……real bad trip….I don’t remember any of this, but the story goes I got quite agitated, ripped the IV out of my arm (which I did, when I woke up the IV was in my hand), jumped off the table and was hiding under it…..they had to find my wife to sign a consent to have the anthesthesiologist come and knock me out with propofol.
92. Robin says:

    March 22, 2011 at 6:22 am

    I’ve been reading the comments here because I’m turning 50 in April and my physician has already informed me that I need to have a colonoscopy this year. But after seeing how bad Versed is for many people it makes me very leary of getting the colonoscopy done with Versed. For any of you who have not had a good experience with Versed, how would you suggest I approach the gastroenterologist regarding using another type of medicine? I really am grateful also for you all sharing this info about what happened to you. And I am very sorry also for the pain and suffering that I am reading about. This is really hard to fathom that a procedure that you all went in for to protect your health ended up actually harming it. I am so sorry.
93. LJ says:

    March 20, 2011 at 7:15 am

    Thank you, Allie. I do feel better knowing there are others out there who have also had bad experiences with Versed. What frustrates me, however, is that the medical community (as a whole) refuses to acknowledge our problems with this drug. When I went for counseling, my therapist asked what I felt it would take to get over my traumatic experience. I replied, ” I would like an apology from the doctor who deceived me, and I would like an absolute 200% guarantee I will never receive Versed again.” He told me the first would never happen, but that he PROMISED me I would not be given the drug again. ( “I know you won’t allow that”) How on earth can he vouch for the honesty of another doctor ???
    I am sorry for your experience also. It does get better over time.
94. Allie says:

    March 19, 2011 at 7:32 am

    Marie and LJ, I had a very similar experience to what you all are describing. And I didn’t know what could have happened to me until finding this site. I consider myself to be a well adjusted middle aged woman, but going through the colonoscopy and getting the Versed has caused me lots of problems. I keep having recurrent nightmares, and can’t sleep. I have never had any troubles sleeping before until 9 months ago when I had the colonoscopy. I can write more about this if asked, but wanted to say to you both I am thankful that you shared your experiences and so sorry that you also went through a terrrible time having received the Versed.
95. MARIE says:

    March 18, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    LJ, I’M sorry you went thru that. and that no one will talk to u. similar situation here same rage, depression etc. in my case i had had several conversations with dr’s office stating i wanted to be aware and did not
    want to have amnesia. then told everyone at hospital where procedure was done. i had even rec. permission for my husband to be in the room with me. have been back and forth with trying to get my records from hospital and dr. office but i’m told that info is always at the other location. i had gone over all my reasons, showed him the research and he was supposed to keep them from drugging me just min sed. and painkiller. unfortunately
    he did nothing and won’t tell me what happened just keeps changing his story about why and what happened when he says anything at all so i have the added trauma of my husband throwing me under the bus also. it has been 9 months for me and just don’t know how to get past it. if you figure out something please let me know.
96. LJ says:

    March 18, 2011 at 10:35 am

    Marie, no one was restraining me. In fact, I don’t remember seeing anything, or even hearing any sounds (but I could feel everything). I’ve actually wondered about that myself – surely if I was in that much pain I would think I would have been screaming… hard to say how long it lasted (couple of minutes ?) until a “veil” of blackness came over me, and the next thing I knew, it was a couple of hours later. No one warned me about the amnesia, and I totally freaked out, and had severe anxiety & deep depression for months afterward. I requested to speak with the nurse who had been in the room (since my doctor said very little to me when I spoke with him the next day), but she never called me back. Was she hiding something, or did the doctor tell her not to call ? I’ll never know. Also my procedure report said nothing about how I “tolerated” the procedure. All I wanted was some answers and some empathy, never received either.
97. MARIE says:

    March 17, 2011 at 1:01 pm

    LJ WHEN U WOKE UP THRASHING AROUND WERE THEY RESTRAINING YOU OR WERE THEY LETTING
    YOU RISK INJURY BY LETTING YOU MOVE JUST CURIOUS AS I TOO HAD A SIMILAR SITUATION WITH
    THE SEDATION AND THE WRITHING AROUND
98. Mandie says:

    March 16, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    Re: Versed and Colonoscopy

    LJ, I agree with you. I think doctors should absolutely disclose medications and the reasons for why they are given. This is supposed to happen I thought with informed consent. But I guess in the US no most in the medical field don’t think that they have to abide by the standards that were set forth to protect patients. It is a travesty!
99. LJ says:

    March 16, 2011 at 4:35 pm

    I disagree. Many of us DO have an issue with Versed wiping out our memory of the procedure, because WE WERE NOT TOLD ABOUT THAT IN ADVANCE. In my case (as I’ve posted here before), the amnesia lasted well beyond the procedure. Why would a doctor not explain that to a patient, unless he is hiding something ? The DECEPTION that surrounds Versed is what bothers me the most… and the fact that I remember that no one seemed to care when I “woke up” thrashing around in excruciating pain during my colonoscopy. ( No doubt they expected Versed to take care of that)
    “How I was treated” was indeed the worst part of my experience.
100. Deb says:

     March 15, 2011 at 11:13 am

     RE: Versed for Colonoscopy

     I think the issue so many of us are having with Versed’s use is not that it is supposed to wipe out one’s memory for the procedure. That part is separate in my mind anyway. What is so concerning from my own perspective is that I wasn’t told about the possibilities of problems with Versed. And was not informed about the side effects or the possibility that I could remember the procedure. And I didn’t know that Versed was not controlling pain–just supposedly making me amnesiac, which didn’t happen either. Ugggh… so it’s not that things go wrong with medications sometimes, it’s how I was treated that was the problem. And why any adult who asks questions of a physician is made to feel belittlled is a larger problem in the US than most of us may want to admit.
101. Sarah says:

     March 14, 2011 at 7:41 am

     I’m getting nervous about my colonoscopy. It’s setup for next week. My doctor said I’d have a medicine that would keep me comfortable. Does that mean I’ll have Versed?
102. Barb says:

     March 13, 2011 at 12:24 pm

     Shawna, I totally understand and I’d also travel if I needed to in order to avoid Versed. Not being given a choice with regards to how one’s pain and memory are controlled is very poor on the part of the physician I think. And we as patients can only say we won’t accept such things by not participating in such practices in the first place.
103. Shawna says:

     March 13, 2011 at 4:28 am

     I am going to travel to my mother’s house in Cleveland to have my colonoscopy done by a facility which will do the propofol instead of Versed. I asked my family doctor for a recommendation initially where I live but couldn’t believe it when every single gastro in town said they do Versed. They all seemed pretty happy about it as well and not one was willing to discuss options with me. I called another facility in Cleveland–got answers on the phone that they can and will do the propofol, so I’m flying out to have my colonoscopy done. Not such a good thing when you have to leave town to get this procedure done.
104. Beverly says:

     March 12, 2011 at 1:41 pm

     My husband’s first colonoscopy was Wednesday of this past week. Oh my, what an experience that was. I’m afraid neither one of us was told about Versed and how it sometimes works with patient’s not remembering and sometimes doesn’t. My husband has a very high pain tolerance but he says he was in horrible pain during his colonoscopy exam. He also remembers joking going on during the procedure and he was begging them to stop. He was told about the other things to expect but had no idea that he would indeed remember the details and recall the pain of the procedure. I was searching to find out if anyone else had a bad experience with Versed and came across this website. From the comments here it looks like my husband is not the only one unhappy with how his exam was handled.
105. Sandra says:

     February 23, 2011 at 5:37 am

     I work as a tech and shouldn’t really say anything but the reason I think Versed is given so much is because it makes it easier and faster for the physician. It has nothing to do with the patient, but if the patient is sedated, procedures like the colonoscopy can be done quicker. That’s it in my opinion. Would I have Versed? Not a chance.
106. Pam says:

     February 23, 2011 at 4:40 am

     So if having a colonoscopy wasn’t difficult enough I found out that this Versed medication that is given isn’t the best thing from reading all of your reports. I felt horrible for those of you who were traumatized by this drug and am extremely nervous and scared about having this done now. But they say that knowing about the details is better than being suprised afterwards I guess so I’ll be calling the doctor’s office this morning and requesting better communication regarding the options for pain control and the other. I wasn’t told anything except that I’d be given an IV and some medicine to make me “comfortable.” So I guess that’s pretty standard that we aren’t informed of the details? My neighbor’s daughter is in medical school so I’m going to ask her some questions about the colonoscopy and why everyone is given Versed if it is so terrible to have.
107. Amber says:

     February 17, 2011 at 12:11 pm

     Re: Colonoscopy

     I had my colonoscopy at the Cleveland Clinic with propofol. They were very professional there and gave me no problems at all when I said that I would not take Versed. Procedure was over very quickly, staff was great and I don’t have any complaints or issues with the care I received at all. I know that it is a struggle to find doctors who do respect our wishes so I just wanted to say that they did at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
108. Kevin says:

     February 16, 2011 at 2:09 pm

     Re: Versed

     Agreed, if I had it to do over again I would’ve never consented to having Versed administered. Actually I didn’t consent to it—couldn’t even see the paper they pushed in front of me on the morning of the colonoscopy. But that’s another story.
109. Alisha says:

     February 16, 2011 at 12:28 pm

     Re: Is Versed Really that Bad

     Kellie, I am waiting for my mother to come out of her doctor’s appointment so I only have a minute but I would certainly advise that you think long and hard before just taking Versed for a colonoscopy, I know there’s a lot here but read through what others have said. I think Versed is a very very bad choice, but everyone should be informed about it and make their own choices. But just don’t think that your doctor will automatically offer you a choice and/or tell you about all the adverse reactions from Versed. Midazolam (Versed) may be good for doctors because it allows them to do procedures more quickly but I don’t think it is good at all for patients. For what it’s worth….
110. Kellie says:

     February 16, 2011 at 11:43 am

     Is Versed really so awful? I had an appointment this morning with a gastroenterologist about some symptoms I’ve been having and he recommended a colonoscopy. I didn’t think to ask about medications but then I came across all this information and now I’m scared. Should I call the office back and if so what should I say? I don’t want to go into this not knowing what I will be receiving. I have a few weeks because I will be out of town for two weeks so not scheduled to go in for the colonoscopy right away. Thank you.
111. Donna says:

     February 9, 2011 at 8:43 am

     Re: Why do health care professionals want patients to have amnesia for procedures?

     Cathy, You are so correct to question why there is such a big push for patients to receive sedatives with amnesiac properties. In my opinion, the reason that they do this is simply because of $$$ reasons. It is much easier to deal with a patient who won’t remember anything in terms of getting them in and out of the room quicker than someone whom you are having to take your time with and explain things to. Also, if someone is not going to remember the procedure the physician can do the procedures much quicker than if he/she has to worry about causing the patient pain or actually taking their time to explain what is happening etc.

     Needless to say when I go in for my own procedure I want to be fully awake and only have something for pain control.
112. Annie says:

     February 9, 2011 at 8:39 am

     RE: Do you Usually Change Positions During A Colonoscopy?

     Marie, I forgot to answer your question about positioning. Normally, during the colonoscopy exam you are asked to lay on your left side. They may ask you to move closer to one part of the table or another, or sometimes if they have trouble getting around certain parts of the colon, then sometimes having the patient change position can help.

     But generally a patient is placed on their left side during the exam.
113. Annie says:

     February 9, 2011 at 8:31 am

     Re: Is Family Member Listed on OR Report?

     Hi Marie,

     You know on this question I don’t know if they would have a separate section in the record for listing family members or not. Normally, I don’t think that they permit family members as a general rule to be in the room when the procedure is actually happening. If you had special permission to allow someone like your husband or another family member in the room, then I would think (just my opinion though) that it would be documented somewhere in your actual medical records, but perhaps not in the same area where they list out the staff (meaning people who are actually caring for you during the procedure.)
114. MARIE says:

     February 9, 2011 at 7:37 am

     Annie one last thing and i won’t bother u anymore. where they list people present if my husband was in the room would they have listed him or would they just list the staff that were present.
115. Annie says:

     February 9, 2011 at 7:36 am

     Re: How Do They Monitor Your Respiration During A Colonscopy

     Marie, unless someone is hooked up to more advanced equipment in general respirations are monitored by watching the patients chest movement/s and counting the respirations. A tech could be doing that function or helping with equipment.

     In terms of getting oxygen I have read some studies saying that routine giving of oxygen can help prevent someone from having problems with oxygen levels dropping so that may vary depending upon the practice. They do routinely monitor your oxygen level no matter if they give you oxygen or not.

     And I don’t think you’re a “dolt”…. I think that the practice you went to could have alleviated your fears if you were just given options and had things explained exactly to you in terms of what would happen and who would be taking care of you. I am sorry that this did not happen for you prior to having your procedure.

     I can tell you that a relative of mine went to the Cleveland Clinic for his colonoscopy. He was given the propofol sedation in which case he was “out” completely, but only for about 20-30 minutes while they did the procedure, and it is the kind where you “wake up” immediately and aren’t groggy for the rest of the day etc. He was very pleased with how things went–he had no pain, and everything was explained to him prior, during and after. He had to specifically request that no Versed was used, and he wanted the propofol so that he would not know what was happening but also so that once he woke up he would then remember what was said to him.

     So I think it all comes down to you as the patient being given choices and all of us being treated with respect and courtesy and given the information we need in advance instead of just being told someone will “do what’s best.”
116. MARIE says:

     February 8, 2011 at 3:08 pm

     SEEMS LIKE THE MORE ANSWERS I FIND THE MORE QUESTIONS I HAVE. OK FOUND OUT THERE WAS THE DR, RN, SCOPE ASSIT. AND *STAFF MEMBER WHICH THEY TOLD ME WAS A TECH. . WHAT WOULD BE THE TECH’S JOB
117. MARIE says:

     February 8, 2011 at 1:49 pm

     OOPS FORGOT SOMETHING HOW EXACTLY DO THEY MONITOR YOUR RESPIRATION? AND I WAS TOLD THEY GAVE ME OXYGEN IS THIS ROUTINE?
     I REALLY APOLOGIZE FOR ALL THE QUESTIONS I APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME TO ANSWER MY QUESTIONS REALIZING I PROBABLY SEEM A REAL DOLT. NONE OF THIS WAS EXPLAINED TO ME MY QUESTIONS WERE JUST BRUSHED ASIDE WITH THE I KNEW WHAT WAS BEST
118. MARIE says:

     February 8, 2011 at 9:32 am

     Annie, your a lifesaver i’m starting to get a picture of what went on. this happened last june and have been struggling ever since. I had spoken with the doctors office several times and let everyone know at the hospital also i wanted to be aware of what was going on around me they gave me 75 mg of meperdine? plus the valium and benedryl i told you about. would they of known that quantity of drugs would cause amnesia. i am 50 and 155 lbs. that is why i am trying to find out what happened so i can make sure it doesn’t happen again as i don’t remember the nurse talking to me after to tell me about the polyp.. (my dad had colon cancer)so they rec. i retest in five years but i have to figure out what happened the first time before i could even consider that. with the colonoscopy itself do they typically change your position or apply pressure or do you just basically lay there until they are done. i was awake when we first went in the room and they just had me lay down on my left side i was pretty much in a straight line from head to toes
119. Annie says:

     February 5, 2011 at 1:08 pm

     RE: Are Eyes Open With Versed Sedation and Other Questions for Marie

     Marie, in terms of responding to commands all I can say is that generally what this means is that the medical team is supposed to be constantly assessing a patient’s level of comfort during a procedure requiring sedation along with the level of sedation. And the guidelines are to use as little medication as needed, while at the same time providing the patient with a safe and comfortable experience, meaning no pain. I don’t know enough about the combination doses to say if your dosing was “normal” or not, but if I find anything additional out about that I’ll let you know. Just from your note it looks like a positive thing that they didn’t give you very huge large doses all at once. Again, if they took the time to give you small amounts over time, this would say to me that they were trying to make sure that they didn’t give you too much, and were trying to keep you comfortable without overly sedating you.

     Generally if they are saying responds to commands for a procedure like a colonoscopy they may have told you that they were helping you onto the table, or asked you to turn on your side. At the end of the procedure they may have told you that everything was over and you were ok and then asked you to open your eyes. All these things would be considered simple commands.

     Regarding eyes being open or closed, that depends upon the patient, the level of sedation used, and how the patient responds to sedation. Normally if the medication is working properly then with Versed someone will have trouble keeping their eyes open and they will feel sleepy but if someone is really anxious or was not given enough medication or for some reason is not responding to medication then sometimes the person will have their eyes open.

     Benadryl may be used sometimes if there is a potential allergy or allergic reaction that could occur and benadryl also has properties which may make one drowsy, so in essence a mild sedation type effect with some people. I don’t know if you complained of itching or some other reaction that would have caused them to give you the Benadryl. This has nothing to do with colonoscopies but I know my friend’s son who went through cancer treatment was always pre-medicated in advance of his treatments with Benadryl. He said that always made him more comfortable than not having it.

     In terms of giving you additional doses before they started, the medical team should have been monitoring your heart rate, respiration and oxygen level before, during and after the procedure. In terms of the timing of the medication if a patient’s vital signs are quite elevated before a procedure, then sometimes the physician will order some additional doses of medication to try to bring the vital signs back into a more relaxed state so that the patient is more comfortable. In terms of the people in the room as far as I know generally there are only those in the room who need to be there. I’m not sure why they would have just listed “staff member” unless maybe someone was a student or training for something.

     I hope this helps you and it’s no problem to ask as many questions as you need to. I wish you would’ve had a better experience with being given more info about the medications and options etc. I know these things are scary enough without our having to wonder what will be used and what will happen. Seems like it would have been so much more comforting if someone would have taken the time to go over the options with you in advance.
120. MARIE says:

     February 5, 2011 at 9:18 am

     FORGOT ONE THING IF YOU ARE RESPONDING TO COMMANDS ONLY R U AWAKE , EYES OPEN ETC
     OR DOES IT LOOK LIKE YOU ARE SLEEPING.
121. MARIE says:

     February 5, 2011 at 8:16 am

     ANNIE, THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOURANSWER. AS I DON’T REMEMBER ANYTHING I AM TRYING TO PIECE TOGETHER FROM THE REPORT. I WAS GIVEN . SO I WAS GIVEN 5MG VALIUM BEFORE PROCEDURE. THAN WHEN WE GOT TO THE ROOM THEY GAVE ME 5 MG AT 10:06 5MG AT 10:09, 5MG 1015 AND 5MG AT 10:18 START TIME WAS 10:06 AND PROCEDURE STARTED AT 10:14 THROUGH THAT TIME MY RECORDS SAID BETWEEN COOPERATIVE ,ORIENTED AND TRANQUIL AND RESPONDS TO COMMANDS ONLY. COULD YOU EXPLAIN WHAT THAT MIGHT OF MEANT AS I DON’T REMEMBER.AND DO THEY ALWAYS HAVE YOU WIGGLE TOES ETC. WHEN IT SAYS RESPONDS TO COMMANDS ONLY . THEY ALSO GAVE ME 25 BENEDRYL AT 10:21 WHAT WOULD THEY USE BENEDYRL FOR? WHY DID THEY KEEP DOSING ME BEFORE THEY STARTED PROCEDURE OR I GUESS HOW WOULD THEY THINK?KNOW? I NEEDED MORE MEDICATION IF THEY HAD NOT STARTED YET? MY REPORT SAYS THERE WAS THE PHYSICIAN , THE RN, A SCOPE ASSISTANT AND THEN IT JUST SAID OTHER (STAFF MEMBER)
     IS IT COMMON TO HAVE SOMEONE IN TO JUST TO WATCH?
     SORRY FOR ALL THE QUESTIONS I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO PUT THE PIECES TOGETHER AS I AM A COMPLETE BLANK
122. Cathy says:

     February 4, 2011 at 7:06 pm

     Natalie. I am so glad you stood up for yourself. My husband was never told that any of these drugs were optional and unfortunately we didn’t discover this website until after his procedure. So I have no idea of what this surgeon would have said if my husband had refused the meds (not that my husband necessarily would have).

     I found out that Versed (and technically the fentanyl and propofol as well) was optional only by specifically asking a nurse about it. And she sounded quite astonished that anyone would not want drugs and would not want be “out of it”, and not remember anything of the procedure. How sad is that?

     My husband did not want to remember the procedure but ‘m sure noone told him just how long the amnesia could last. In his case it was 90+ minutes, not just the 15 minutes of the actual procedure.

     My question is, if you are given enough pain medication to be comfortable, what would be the big deal if you are not sedated and you do remember the procedure? It kind of makes me wonder if the medical folks are trying to hide something. Why else the big push for a patient to be sedated and unaware, and to have amnesia of the procedure.

     Thanks so much to everyone who has offered their experiences and opinions on this site. I think it is really important for us to stand up for ourselves and demand complete, accurate information from our medical professionals, esp. when it comes to drugs.

     I just wish I had found this site sooner and been able to convince my husband to ask more questions.
123. Cathy says:

     February 4, 2011 at 6:45 pm

     Got some copies of my husband’s medical records, but not all the medication, nursing, etc. notes yet. What I did get said he was given 50mcg Fentanyl, 1050mg Lusedra, 5mg Versed.

     Does this sound normal or like over-medicating? He weighs 210 lbs which is about 95kg. His procedure lasted 15 mintues.

     I can’t tell if these are totals with doses given over time, but I doubt it. I think these were the one time each doses given in pre-op that I observed.

     I’d be really interested to hear what anyone in the medical field thinks about this.
124. Annie says:

     February 4, 2011 at 2:14 pm

     RE: During Colonoscopy Sedation What Does it Mean when Patient “responds to simple commands”

     Hello Marie, in the medical chart when it is said that the patient “responds to simple commands” it means that the patient is following simple instructions. Like for example if the patient were told to “raise their right hand” or “wiggle their toes” etc. Do you know how in the news recently when it was reported that Congresswoman Gifford was “responding to simple commands after she was shot?” So the types of things that the physicians would have asked her to do when they were assessing her level of consciousness and ability to understand would have been along these same lines. They wouldn’t for example ask her to add a series of numbers and then do division on them. That would be too complex. But they would ask her to do things like move her toes or squeeze their hands or something like that. So for any type of sedation they use the same types of procedures to assess the patient’s level of consciousness. If you had complete anesthesia with something like propofol, you would not be responding to commands at all. If I can help explain anything else I’m glad to help.
125. MARIE says:

     February 4, 2011 at 12:41 pm

     Annie, so what type of commands would they mean when they say responds to commands
126. Jaime says:

     February 1, 2011 at 12:06 am

     Natalie, how awful to go through that with a physican. But I think you are very lucky like you mentioned that you did not go into an invasive procedure like a colonoscopy with someone who will not respect your wishes. I have been reading some of the other comments here and it sounds like the secret of having a pain free colonscopy maybe is partly due to the skill and patience of the doctor. The last thing you want is someone who isn’t concerned about you working on you. Some of the female doctors that people have described who have been up front with their patients in telling them about the choices they have for the sedation are more encouraging to me to hope that I will find a good doctor once I have to go through this.
     Take care of yourself and good for you for standing up for yourself. I hope you will post again with news when you find another doctor and good luck with your procedure. So sorry you had this trauma with that doctor.
127. Natalie says:

     January 31, 2011 at 9:43 pm

     Re: Having a Colonoscopy and Refusing Versed

     So wanted to post here and get some of your opinions please. I had my consult today with my gastroenterologist about my upcoming colonoscopy. When I asked him about not getting Versed he tried to tell me it was not a problem, very safe etc, and tried to basically just quickly dismiss my concerns. When I told him I was not going to have Versed as a medicine he told me he wouldn’t do my procedure.

     Can you imagine that? I was completely shocked at how I was treated. As soon as I stood up for my rights he basically told me it was “Versed and fentanyl” or nothing. Then I was still charged of course for the darn appointment. Haven’t met my deductible so this man just wasted my time and also dismissed my concerns. I guess this is better than having him do a colonoscopy procedure though.

     At this point I’m so upset I’m also to the point of just trying to get a virtual colonoscopy–so I don’t have to go through all this hassle.

     Anyone else had a doctor refuse to do a colonoscopy if you didn’t agree to go along with the Versed?
128. Aime says:

     January 27, 2011 at 4:07 pm

     Re: Bad Experience with Lusedra – For Cathy and
     Purposeful Stimulation for Marie

     Cathy, how terrible for both you and your husband to have gone through this. That sounds like a very traumatic experience for you both.

     I’m certainly not a fan of having general surgeons do colonoscopies anyway. Studies have shown much better outcomes if gastroenterologists perform the procedure. Furthermore, I still can’t figure out why your husband would have been given the 3 different drugs. When propofol is used it is normally because patients don’t want the sedative effects of those other drugs in combination. They want to be able to wake up refreshed and ready for the rest of their day. So I just don’t “get it” why those 3 drugs would have been used and I am just saddened terribly when I hear things like this occurring to anyone. But for veterans these types of experiences can be even more traumatizing. The PTSD that almost anyone will have from involvement in any type of deployment combined with this type of experience with the medical profession can make one feel very victimized. And that should NEVER happen. I just appreciate your telling your story so that maybe someone else won’t be blindsided and have a similar experience. Please don’t blame yourself, you did nothing wrong. Like the other people here who’ve posted their stories did nothing wrong. We “should” be able to trust our health care providers, but unfortunately that is not always the case. I’m just very sorry and please tell your husband that I know he deserves much better care than what he received with his colonoscopy.

     Marie, usually when they use the word purposeful they are talking about how the patient responds.

     For example purposeful response would be like: opening your eyes, talking to the medical team, pushing someone out of the way if you were being hurt (and I don’t mean hurt on purpose) they use these terms like if someone were in a coma and had for example a head injury, then sometimes they will use a pin prick by the neurologist to see how the brain is functioning. So if a patient couldn’t open their eyes and talk but pushed the neurologists’ hand out of the way when being pricked with a pin to test neurological funtion, that movement on behalf of the patient would be called “purposeful”. Like it’s ‘with intent’.

     Non purposeful movement is where someone just maybe makes a face, shrugs their shoulders, or winces in response to pain, (no purpose to their movement) just a way of describing some non-specific responses to a painful stimuli

     Recovery room nurses have these numbered responses. Some will use what’s called the Ramsay Sedation Scale where 1 means awake and alert, no cognitive impairment and 8 would be like totally asleep like in total anesthesia where you are unresponsive to any stimuli (anything in between is rated on a continuum) Others have other sedation scales ranging fro 0 -4 …so it depends upon which scale they were using.
129. MARIE says:

     January 27, 2011 at 1:58 pm

     HAD A QUESTION ABOUT MY MEDICATION RECORD IT IS A NUMBER RATIO
     FOR PART OF IT IT SAYS I WAS RELAXED AND COHERENT AND AWARE ALTHOUGH I HAVE
     NO MEMORY OF ANY OF IT. THIS WAS RATED A 1

     AS THE COLONOSCOPY PROGRESSED THEY RATED PORTIONS A 2…..FOLLOWS COMMANDS

     AND AT THE END A 3 RESPONDS ONLY TO PURPOSEFUL STIMULATION

     MY QUESTION IS THIS WHAT COMMANDS WAS I SUPPOSED TO HAVE FOLLOWED AS IT DOES NOT
     SAY AND WHAT TYPE OF PURPOSEFUL STIMULATION COULD THEY MEAN.
130. Cathy says:

     January 27, 2011 at 11:00 am

     Thanks Aime. I appreciate any drug dosage information I can get. I am trying to get copies of my husband’s medical records to find out what dosages he was given. I will use your info as a guideline to see what he should have received if he had just gotten the Versed and Fentanyl and compare it to what he actually was given in addition to the Lusedra.
     Thanks again.
131. Cathy says:

     January 27, 2011 at 8:32 am

     I am sorry this is so long but I feel it is really important for everyone to know about another drug that my husband received for his colonoscopy – Lusedra. I want everyone to learn from our mistakes.
     This was my husband’s first colonoscopy so neither of us had any idea of what was really involved. He is retired military and we get our health care at a military health center (no choice of doctors here. A general surgeon did the colonoscopy, not a gastro-enterologist.) He had been told 2 weeks in advance that he would receive Versed and Fentanyl. The nurse called the Versed an “I don’t care” drug. He was NOT told that either drug was optional, nor was he told any of the risks associated with these 2 drugs. I am not sure if amnesia from the Versed was mentioned or not. I do know that he wanted to be relaxed, pain-free and didn’t want to remember the actual procedure.
     On the day of his colonoscopy we had to wait 2.5 hours for his procedure to begin. The hospital was running behind and the nurses who usually administer the meds (Versed and Fentanyl) right before the procedure starts were busy. An anesthesiologist was called in to help out. She shows up at my husband’s bedside right before he was to go in for his procedure with 3 syringes already filled with meds. As far as I know, she had no idea how old my husband is, how much he weighs or what his health status is. She tells him that this drug is an “I don’t care drug”. I had to ask what the name of it was – Lusedra. She proceeded to tell him that: it was a new generation of drugs in (I believe) the propofol family; it doesn’t cause vomiting; it will decrease the amount of the other drugs needed (meaning Versed and Fentanyl, but I don’t believe she ever mentioned either of those drugs by name); and it wouldn’t give him that drug “hangover” associated with other meds. She asked if we had any questions. Well, this all happened so suddenly and so quickly that we didn’t have time to think and so we weren’t ready to ask any questions. And my husband was so eager to just get the thing done and over with that he foolishly signed the consent form. She NEVER told him the risks involved with any of the drugs he was given, nor how these drugs would affect him, nor what side effects they may cause. And he was NEVER told that any of these meds were optional. We have no idea what dosages he was given of any of the 3 drugs and we were never told why he was being given the Lusedra in addition to the other 2. No truly “informed consent” here.
     The Lusedra started to affect him almost instaneously. And the anesthesiologist waited until he already had the first part of the dose of Lusedra to tell him that a side effect was itching (I had to ask where – it is in the perineal area and by that point he was already feeling it). He immediately had trouble keeping his eyes open, thinking and speaking clearly. She asked him how he felt and of course he thought he felt fine because he was already so spaced out. She then gave him the second part of the dose, quickly followed by the Versed and Fentanyl. By the time he was taken back for the colonoscopy, he was almost completely out of it. The procedure lasted all of 15 minutes. When he came back, he appeared to me to be completely unconscious and unresponsive. The nurse jostled his arm to get the BP cuff on and my husband just laid there. When the doctor came to speak with me, he laid his hand on my husband’s thigh and spoke his name and my husband didn’t even twitch. My husband did not move a muscle (except for his chest going up and down with his breathing) for over 30 minutes. The nurse said nothing about whether this was a normal reaction or not and unfortunately I was not thinking clearly enough to ask. Eventually the nurse started trying to wake him up and I would say it was about 10-15 minutes before he could keep his eyes open and talk somewhat coherently. He asked me the same question four times. He has no memory for about a 90+ minute time period. Once the Lusedra started, his memory ends. He remembers nothing for about an hour after his procedure ended which includes at least 30+ minutes after he “woke up” and we were on our way home. His mind was unclear until he woke up the next morning. So much for no drug “hangover”. He is very bothered by how long he was “out” and how much time he has no memory of.
     I honestly believe he was extremely over-medicated for a procedure that should have lasted 30 minutes or less, and I think he had an adverse reaction to the Lusedra. I mean, being relaxed is one thing, being unconscious is an entirely different response. We tried asking the staff some questions a couple of days after the procedure and got nowhere. I suppose he could call the surgeon, but are doubtful he could answer our questions anyway. At this point, my husband believes that this Lusedra is a new drug that the anesthesiologist wasn’t overly familiar with and that she was trying it out on patients to see how they react. I tried to explain to him that it would be illegal for her to do that without specifically telling him it was a trial and getting his permission, but he still believes it anyway. And the more I think about it, the more I am starting to agree with him. He also wonders if someone “screwed up” with his drugs.
     I am furious with myself for not asking more questions and protecting my husband. Something I will always regret.
     The good news is that other than the 90+ minute memory loss, he seems to have no other residual effects – thank God.
     I have decided that when the time comes for my colonoscopy, I am refusing any sedation whatsoever. I may take pain medication (and even that is still debatable), but I want to be awake and aware of what is going on and what is being done to me. Or I may see if virtual colonoscopy is an option for me
132. Aime says:

     January 26, 2011 at 7:26 pm

     Re: Doses of Versed and Fentanyl

     Cathy I will look and see if I can find any dosing info on Versed and Fentanyl. With Lusedra it is supposedly similar to propofol but is “slow release” but I know some doctors and/or anesthesiologists won’t use the Lusedra they prefer to use the propofol.

     Here’s some dosing info on Lusedra and some general info for you:
     LUSEDRA (fospropofol disodium) Injection, for intravenous use, CIV
     Initial U.S. Approval: 2008
     ——————INDICATIONS AND USAGE————————
     LUSEDRA is a sedative-hypnotic agent indicated for monitored anesthesia care (MAC) sedation in adult patients undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.(1)
     —————DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION——————
     • Use supplemental oxygen in all patients undergoing sedation with LUSEDRA. (2.1) Continuously monitor with pulse oximetry, electrocardiogram, and frequent blood pressure measurements. (5.1)
     • Standard dosing regimen: initial intravenous bolus dose of 6.5 mg/kg followed by supplemental doses of 1.6 mg/kg as needed. No initial dose should exceed 16.5 mL; no supplemental dose should exceed 4 mL. (2.2)
     • Modified dosing regimen [for patients who are ≥65 years of age or who have severe systemic disease (ASA P3 or P4)]: 75% of the standard dosing regimen. (2.3)
     • Administer supplemental doses only when patients can demonstrate purposeful movement in response to verbal or light tactile stimulation and no more frequently than every 4 minutes. (2.1)
     • Adults who weigh >90 kg should be dosed as if they are 90 kg; adults who weigh or=18 years (American Society of Anesthesiologists PS1 to PS3) were randomized to receive fospropofol 2 mg/kg, fospropofol 6.5- mg/kg, or midazolam 0.02 mg/kg, after pretreatment with intravenous fentanyl 50 mcg. Supplemental doses of study medication were permitted to achieve a Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scale score <or=4 and to enable the investigator to begin a procedure. The study end points included sedation success, recovery, memory retention, physician satisfaction, and safety.

     RESULTS: Sedation success was higher in the fospropofol 6.5 mg/kg versus 2 mg/kg group (87% vs. 26%; P<0.001) and was 69% in the midazolam group. Patients in the 6.5-mg/kg group were significantly less likely to remember being awake during the procedure (51% vs. 100% in the 2-mg/kg group, P<0.001; 60% for the midazolam group). Patients in the fospropofol groups had similar memory retention (70% and 82% for the 6.5 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg groups, respectively) compared with 41% for the midazolam group. Mean physician satisfaction scores were higher in the fospropofol 6.5-mg/kg group (7.7) than the 2-mg/kg group (4.5), P<0.001. Most adverse events were mild to moderate in intensity; the most common treatment-related adverse events were paresthesias (68% vs. 60%) and pruritus (16% vs. 26%) in the fospropofol 6.5 and 2 mg/kg groups, respectively.

     CONCLUSIONS: The fospropofol 6.5-mg/kg dosing regimen was well tolerated and effective for sedation during colonoscopy and was associated with higher rates of sedation success, memory retention, and physician satisfaction than the fospropofol 2-mg/kg dose.

     What happened to your husband? Did they have an anesthesiologist giving him the Lusedra? I am terribly sorry that he had such a bad experience. And if you can share with everyone here I'm sure I'm not the only one who would be greatful. I've learned more from other patients about what NOT to do then from my doctors unfortunately.

     I hope this gives you some starting info and I'll keep looking for you.
133. Cathy says:

     January 26, 2011 at 5:16 pm

     Hi. Could anyone please tell me what the standard dosages of Versed and Fentanyl should be for a 53 year old man, in good health, weighing about 210, undergoing a colonoscopy?

     Also, does anyone know anything about the drug called LUSEDRA? My husband received this drug in addition to Versed and Fentanyl for his recent colonoscopy. We weren’t told why and soon I will post our horror story about this.
134. Paulette says:

     January 24, 2011 at 8:53 am

     Reading this information about getting a colonoscopy testing done has made me realize that I was not prepared with questions for my doctor. After spending several hours this morning going over everyone’s comments I am convinced that either not getting any type of sedatives or getting the propanolol is what I will need. Now I understand that finding a doctor who will respect my wishes may not be easy, but I am not going to have Versed under any circumstances. Thank goodness for brave patients like yourselves who are speaking up.
135. Kate says:

     January 20, 2011 at 12:02 pm

     Re: Understanding what a Colonoscopy without sedation is like

     Susan I was very relieved to read your detailed explanation of how it is possible to have the colonoscopy exam without getting those sedation drugs like Versed. I’m very wary of having medications–especially anything that could cause the effects I’ve read about like Versed. And because I’m an engineer in a male dominated profession–I need to maintain all of my mental capacities. Hearing that many physicians themselves elect NOT to take Versed, I am more convinced that this medication is not the one for me.

     Your description of what to expect was so much appreciated. Thank you for this. Now I can feel more confident in making a good decision for my upcoming colonoscopy. Thanks again Susan!
136. Cara says:

     January 11, 2011 at 8:08 pm

     Thank you for explaining how it is not necessary to be sedated during the exam. I appreciate knowing this very much.
137. Susan says:

     January 10, 2011 at 2:15 pm

     As a colon cancer survivor (for 27 years) I have had approximately 15 colonoscopies. I had anesthesia with only one of them, and that was because they were also doing an endo on me at the same time. The first colonoscopy I had was an emergency and I assume there was just no time to prep me. Whatever the reason, it was only a little uncomfortable. The second time I went for a colonscopy (I thnk it was six months after my surgery) and they came at me with a needle to insert an IV, I was, like, “Whoa! I don’t need that!” For the last 25 yeears (after moving around a few times) I have had to argue/assure/convince every gastroenterologist I’ve seen to nix the sedative and the meds. The last one became very irate and finally said, “look, I’ll do the damn thing, but if I start and you can’t take it, I’m out of here and you can make another appointment.” Ten minutes later, the entire procedure over, he apologized, and I walked out. There is a feeling of cramping in your intestines, especially when the tube goes around a curve in your intestines. It doesn’t last long, and I have found by simply breathing in a focused manner through the cramp, I’m fine. There is no hanging around afterwards, and no taking of unnecessary drugs. I’ve passed this advice on to friends and family members for years, and only one person was “brave” enough to try it — and agrees with me. It just isn’t that big of a deal, although it is admittedly an invasive procedure and just the thought of not being knocked out for it might seem a tad masochistic. Just my experience. . .
138. Jaime says:

     January 10, 2011 at 10:01 am

     Robert, I know where you’re coming from on this…good grief you’d think that doctors would inform their patients about Versed and obvious other choices. Have we really gone so far in the other direction that the main reason this isn’t happening is because of profits?

     I’m not going to have sedation for my upcoming colonoscopy, but I am telling my physician that I am requesting pain control ONLY.
139. Robert Unseld says:

     January 8, 2011 at 11:23 am

     After reading all of these comments about being sedated for a colonoscopy, my next colonoscopy will be sedation free.
140. Polly says:

     January 7, 2011 at 10:02 am

     Not every patient regards the O.R. as “cold,dark,scary” ; I do not know why patients aren’t
     ASKED about it in advance. I had major surgery 24 years ago, in the pre-Versed era, and remember clearly being wheeled into the O.R. I actually felt safe and cared-for as I saw the equipment around me, and all the medical people in the room, who were there soley to protect me. The anesthesiologist told me exactly what he was doing, and I was told to start counting, and I’d be “out” in a few seconds. No surprises… Then I awoke in recovery, with a caring nurse, and knew exactly where I was. I was treated with respect and compassion by everyone who treated me during my week-long hospital stay.
     Flash-forward 21 years to a routine screening colonoscopy: I remember nothing of the 15-minute procedure, or the hour afterward; and have only a sketchy memory of 2 hours after that. All I was told in advance was that I would be receiving “sedation” (no mention of the actual drugs I would be given.) To a lay person such as myself, who hadn’t had any surgeries in over 20 years, and had NO IDEA amnesia drugs were now being used, “sedation” is something merely to relax (sort of like Benadryl or meds for motion-sickness). I “awoke” this time to a couple of uncompassionate nurses who were actually blaming ME that I had a bad experience ! was shocked and extremely upset to think my memory had been stolen from me WITHOUT PERMISSION, not only for the procedure, but the next three hours as well. The difference between my two experiences was VERSED. I absolutely do not believe for one minute that it is used to keep the patient “comfortable,” as the previous poster has stated. If it was really for the patient’s benefit, they would tell us about it, instead of keeping it a secret. It is for the comfort of the medical staff only. I know colonoscopies can save lives, but MY colonoscopy with Versed has ruined mine. I no longer trust medical people.
141. Rick says:

     January 5, 2011 at 10:46 pm

     I think that Versed can be o.k. if your provider tells you in advance that this is an amnestic drug. I had it once (I’m really familiar with anesthesia) and it was alright, but the hangover and lingering amnesia bothered me. Anyway, my PCP told me to get a colonoscopy and at 55 with a bad history and as someone who recommends colonoscopy a dozen times per day to patients, I was being a bit of a hypocrite avoiding the exam. Professionally, I knew the best endoscopist in town and she agreed to do my colonoscopy unsedated per my request. The exam wasn’t painful but my prep was poor so we have to repeat the exam…the endoscopist recommended sedation the next time and I politely declined; she agreed to do the exam with “a buttload” of fentanyl only, but she wasn’t happy with an unsedated exam. She sent a CRNA to my office for a chat and she convinced me to consent to propofol sedation……..basically you sleep thru the exam and they can do the colonoscopy correctly..I work in the same hospital as the endoscopist and the CRNA and they are really super; I’m a lousy patient and hate sedation because I’m a control freak. Most physicians and professionals are. Anyway, we cancelled the fentanyl only exam and rescheduled with propofol. I did a 2 day clears prep, 1/2 gallon of golitely on the first day and 3 dulcolax tablets and a full gallon of golitely the second day. Fun, but if you think that any bowel prep is bad, try colon cancer. On the day of the procedure, the CRNA asked me if I wanted her boss to do the sedation since he was also an MD…heck no. The CRNA takes conscious sedation more seriously than most anesthesiologists so I told her to “do it”. Initially I started to tell her job (ie: let’s start with 10-20mg then titrate), and she was really cool……then I shut up and told her to just use her judgement…..I’m sure that I got the standard propofol dose that anyone gets for colonoscopy…..asleep quickly and I woke up feeling great not knowing that the exam was even done. the CRNA (gee, she’s just a nurse) stayed with me until I got into my car and was great……results? several polyps that were pre-cancerous and this means yearly exams. do I care? not now. my recommendation: get propofol if you can……if you have to get versed/fentanyl because of insurance issues…fine… personally, I think that versed is ofeten inappropriately used without consent in colonoscopy; but here is the point: if your endoscopist “insists” on versed, they are probably trying to keep you comfortable……..I hate that drug, but if it was a choice between a colonoscopy with versed and skipping the test…..no contest..I would get the colonoscopy with versed….hey: once you know that versed is given to “make you forget the test” you probably know more than your endoscopist…….for God’s sake, don’t skip a colonoscopy because you can’t get propofol, “the best drug”…..I work with many physicians (my wife included) who won’t go near the “cold, dark, scary O.R. without Versed)…..please be healthy and get your colonoscopy. mine saved my life………….
142. Laurie says:

     January 1, 2011 at 9:58 pm

     Thank you very much for this article and for helping people make good decisions regarding choices for colonoscopy procedures.
143. Nina says:

     December 29, 2010 at 2:35 pm

     Versed I think is a bad medicine and doctors should tell patients how it can have poor effects even many months after it is given. I was never told anything like this and have suffered greatly. I am sorry to hear others have also had bad experiences.
144. MARIE says:

     December 28, 2010 at 9:28 am

     i see where it says you will post a video of someone having a colonoscopy with fentanyl and valium
     where he was able to converse with the doctor. has that video been posted i cannot find it.
     could you direct me to the site please
145. mitch says:

     December 20, 2010 at 11:47 pm

     Lina: thanks for the kind words. please get your exam done; I personally don’t like versed, but if I was properly consented (ie: this drug is to make you forget the test), I doubt that I would have been so against it…anyway, my unsedated colonoscopy was easy; but the doc just called me and told me that the biopsy taken was improperly processed by the lab and that she wants me to repeat the exam…..this woman was wonderful and aplogetic; I told her that a repeat exam was no big deal……….doctors aren’t perfect and neither am I. The original semi-jerk doc who I saw called me again to make sure that i did the repeat exam…even though we had the Versed hissy-fit, he still wanted to make sure that I got a complete colonoscopy…………..I still think that Versed sucks and most docs don’t get this drug; but let me impart a word of wisdom: if you are over 50 or any age with symptoms, get a freaking colonoscopy, with propofol or just painkiller if you are Versed shy, but get the exam!…………….my wife is a nurse practitioner and just scheduled her colonoscopy; with versed/fentanyl…she knows that it’s an amnesia drug and doesn’t want to remember a thing………my problem is what most people have: this drug is given without informed consent and that leads to problems……….my “new” GI doc agreed to another colonoscopy without sedation, but asked me to “keep an open mind” about painkiller……….o.k. my exam will include fentanyl because she says that it’s indicated. please don’t skip this exam………………..best
146. Lina says:

     December 20, 2010 at 2:25 pm

     Mitch, thank you for sharing this info about your colonoscopy experience. I know many of us, myself included had thoughts previously about our doctors doing things in our best interests. Now I think many operate because of what’s easier to make more profits–and who cares about the patients. My first colonoscopy is supposed to be scheduled sometime in the Spring of next year. I can’t say I have confidence about even getting it done although I will most likely do it anyway because I do have colon cancer in my family and it would probably not be a good thing for me to ignore that fact. But I will be making sure that I do not have Versed. In my area there’s only one main gastro group and none of them were willing to even discuss alternatives to Versed when a friend of mine who told me about this site asked. So I may have to travel out of my area to get the colonoscopy.

     Regardless, I’m grateful to you and everyone else here who has so kindly shared about Versed and it’s effects, and how you don’t have to have it although your doctor may tell you otherwise.

     Good for you for standing your ground. And I’m glad your exam was pain free. Hope everything else turned out ok with your health. Thank you so much and Happy Holidays to you and yours.
147. Mitch says:

     December 20, 2010 at 10:40 am

     I’m at high risk for colon cancer and scheduled the exam. When one of the nurses in my primary care docs office told me that patients were having long term memory impairment from getting Versed, I asked a lot of questions on the day of my exam. Nobody was honest about Versed and potential side effects. The endo doc flipped out when I cancelled the exam at the last minute because I was not told of the drugs side effects…….I asked a nurse in the endo suite to get me a package insert from a vial of Versed so that I could read it…confronted with the truth the endo doc said that he thought that was better that patients didn’t know about potential memory impairment (long term)..needless to say, I stormed out. He did call me at hone and apologized; he agreed that Versed had problems andthat propofol was way better, but he said that most insurance companies won’t pay for propofol and nobody wants an unsedated exam…..so what would you do: lie a little and give Versed and get everyone screened or disclose the truth and scare a lot of people away (who might get cancer). I wanted to call this guy a money-hungry jerk, but I know that he personally does a fair number of colonoscopies free for uninsured patients. At least with him it’s not a Versed conspiracy, just not the truth. He had one of his partners call me, a younger woman GI doctor who told me that I needed the exam (I’m bleeding) and that she would do the exam with propofol or any way that I wanted…I refused any drugs and she wasn’t surprized, she said: “once you feel that you were lied to it’s hard to trust us”……my insurance covers propofol, but I wouldn’t do sdation. I agreed to painkiller only if I asked for it and the exam wasn’t painful with nothing.
148. Debbie says:

     December 15, 2010 at 12:21 pm

     I think what’s so hard to imagine for me is that although I did already have my first colonoscopy a few years ago, and I didn’t have problems with Versed, is that I am so disheartened about finding out that there are so many other people who do have fairly severe consequences from getting this medication. Maybe even more scary for me is to know that as a general rule from what I’m reading here—patients simply are not told about the potential for bad things to happen from Versed. My daughter is having some gastrointestinal issues so she will need to schedule a procedure after the New Year. And I think we have our work cut out for us because you can bet she and I will ask more questions this time….
149. Thomas says:

     December 10, 2010 at 6:10 am

     My colonoscopy was done probably with Versed. I wasn’t told and don’t remember. Although I don’t recall personally having trouble with it… Having read more about the potential effects that will be the final time I receive Versed as a medication.
150. Amber says:

     December 8, 2010 at 8:01 am

     Guess I’m fortunate that I discovered this info before my colonoscopy. I’m upset my doctor did not mention this. I’ll be calling his office today and asking for an appointment to discuss Versed and alternatives. Needless to say I’m not going for the exam if Versed is the only thing he uses.
151. Pam says:

     December 7, 2010 at 12:09 pm

     Giving patients full information in advance should be required! I am so mad after reading this. Any doctor who does not tell their patient what medication that they will be getting and the side effects should be fired on the spot by their patient. Good for you all who have said “no” that you won’t accept such substandard treatment. Obviously there are other options instead of Versed and we should all be told this before the last minute.
152. Ellen says:

     December 6, 2010 at 3:55 pm

     Re: Versed is not a pain med

     Hello Linda, I am glad you wrote and I don’t think you were ranting. Everything you said rings a bell for me. Versed, although not a pain med, doesn’t even make some people forget that they are in pain. Or at least it didn’t for me. My gastro said he had given me all the pain meds that he could without being dangerous and I still was in agony during the procedure. Waking up several times begging him to stop and screaming at the nurses. Its wasn’t pleasant. From what I’ve learned sometimes the regular pain meds that they give are not enough and Versed can cause paradoxical type reactions.

     Knowing now what I know I would request the propofol. For me, I don’t want to chance it that any medications that they give won’t control my pain, and I’d feel better knowing anesthesia were there whose only job it would be would be to monitor me while being under. I’ve heard from others who have had it that the propofol has none of the groggy effects like waking up with Versed has.

     I’d love to hear what you have decided once you make your final decision about your colonoscopy and also how things go for you if you don’t mind sharing.

     And way to go about your statement about us being the patients. It’s our body so they should respect our wishes. Somtimes I think they keep us in the dark on purpose. But no more for me. I ask so many questions now I figure they’ll either throw me out of their office or I’ll find someone who is willing to be upfront with me about options.

     Good luck with your colonoscopy Linda, and thank you very much for all the info you shared.
153. Linda says:

     December 4, 2010 at 4:17 pm

     I must not be getting something. It seems as though people here are confusing the drugs. Versed is not a pain med; it’s a sedative (and amnestic). It won’t relieve the pain; you just won’t remember being in pain.

     Fentanyl is a pain med, like demerol. If you have enough pain meds on board, shouldn’t you be able to forego the “sedative”? The ONLY use I can see for the versed is so that the doctors don’t need to use pain meds (you won’t remember anyway).

     I had a lap cholecystectomy years ago. I was not given anything to “relax” me. I was going into major surgery, for pete’s sake. I remember being wheeled down the hall, being placed on the operating room table, the OR nurses securing me on the table, the surgeon on my right side, and then…lights out. Although I was nervous, it was still kind of cool.

     When I had my lithotripsy (different hosp, diff. doc), I was given the versed. Didn’t know at the time what it was, but I do know I don’t remember the trip to the corridor, getting on the table (although I was told I did), nothing until I came to in my bed.

     Then, I had a breast biopsy. I was given valium (and I was high as a kite…great feeling…nurse had to help me to the table so I wouldn’t fall over), and a local. He biopsied, cauterized, stitched. I “chatted up” the doctor and nurses, they chatted back. I don’t remember what I said, but I DO remember I was charming and witty (and also loopy from the valium, rofl). I was awake the whole time and didn’t feel A THING. Sure…a tug here and there but no pain.

     For my kidney stone surgery, I’m sure I was given the versed beforehand. Dunno why. I was going into MAJOR surgery again. I was told it was to “relax” me. I missed all of the pre-op stuff like I’d had with my chole.

     After a couple of these procedures, I found myself “missing” memories and important data. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but it was disconcerting. I never made the connection…until recently.

     The last time I had a procedure done was an upper endoscopy. There, I didn’t WANT to remember (I am paranoid about choking and have a strong gag reflex). Had I known then about versed, I would probably have not had it done, or gone another route. What bothered me the most was coming out of it…I had undressed in a patient’s lounge before the procedure. When I “came to,” I was sitting in a chair, fully dressed, in the endo room. NO clue how I got there. It dawned on me later than I could have been paraded up and down the hallways, stark naked, and I wouldn’t have ever known. I wondered…suppose there had been a fire or emergency? What then?

     It’s no wonder that midazolam is used for the date-rape drug (rohypnal). I now understand why some of my memories have disappeared. Things that I had known until recently (until the first time I was given versed), were no longer at my recall. At first, I thought it was age, but I’m only 56. I have two degrees, so it’s not a question of just not knowing things. My kids have to remind me sometimes of things I SHOULD know…

     I currently have a colonoscopy scheduled. It was originally for CS, but after reading about versed, I called them back and said I want propofol. Wow. I thought the nurse was gonna blow a gasket. In MY state, it has to be administered by anesthesia (I don’t think I would want it if it weren’t). They had to redo the time, and hospital. NOW, I may call them back and tell them I don’t want sedation, only pain meds. They’ll probably really freak.

     We are the patients. We are paying for their services. It seems to me that if we ask for NO VERSED (or any other meds), they should listen. We know our bodies best.

     Sorry for the rant. I felt I needed to add my .02.
154. Michael says:

     November 13, 2010 at 7:56 am

     After a terrible Versed experience, I just won’t do sedation for a colonoscopy. Most doctors insist on sedation and a lot of them want to give it for various reason; not all in the patients best interest. I had an incomplete colonoscopy (unsedated) last year and it’s unclear if the failure was due to a suboptimal prep or if sedation would have helped. Even without sedation, the colonoscopy was not painful. But, then I had a great doctor and she takes her time. She just called me to reschedule and apologized for the prep: 2 days of clear liquids, dulcolax tabs and 1/2 gallon of golitely on day one then a full gallon on day 2. Then possible tapwater enemas immediately before the test. Yikes! She agreed that Versed was a bad idea and offered to have an anesthesiologist give propofol, she acknowledged that she understand whay I was too gunshy of sedation to agree to propofol. So she wants to give me fentanyl only, starting at 50 mcg then adjusting to a safe maximum.
155. JessicaL says:

     November 9, 2010 at 1:10 am

     Re: Getting a Colonoscopy without Sedation

     I wanted to comment about having a colonoscopy using only fentanyl. Is there a specific dose of fentanyl that should be used as a starting point for those of us who want not to be sedated using Versed? And if we are provided an adequate dosing of fentanyl should we be feeling so much pain and discomfort like some people report?
156. Lynne says:

     November 8, 2010 at 1:02 pm

     Thank you for keeping us informed about the questions we should be asking about these medications ie: Versed and Colonoscopies. I really had no clue that one would have to be this careful.
157. mel says:

     November 7, 2010 at 7:43 pm

     I was disappointed that there were no options offered when I went to The GI. I did not want the Versed because I wanted to be awake for the procedure, but I did want some mild sedative to relax me and my colon. Is the colon a muscle? Would muscle relaxants help in the procedure? I ended up saying no to
     Versed and only a low dose of Fentanyl. It was not pleasant. Dr. said I have a lot of kinks in my colon and it was not pain free by any means. There was a lot of backing up and trying again to go forward.I’m not sure the Fentanyl worked. Are there nerves in your colon or is the pain sensed from outside the colon? What can be recommended for the next time?
     Thank you for all the shared info posted or I would never have known.
158. Lisa says:

     November 7, 2010 at 4:32 pm

     Don’t waste your time trying to tell anyone why you don’t want your brain damaged with Versed; just list it as an allergy and tell them that you got hives and had difficulty breathing when you got it for dental work years ago. That’s all you have to do. If you want pain relief, specify fentanyl only, it’s better tolerated than demerol and short-acting. I write “I’m consenting to fentanyl only, no other drugs” on the consent.
159. Tara says:

     November 4, 2010 at 8:19 am

     Re: Experience Regarding Having Colonoscopy without Sedatives, Just Pain Medications

     Howard, my brother is a doctor and I was very glad to read that you requested a colonoscopy without using medications such as Versed. In speaking with my brother, I guess there is a “double standard” of sorts. When patients come in for the procedure, they are normally offered the standard of Versed and the fentanyl, yet when doctors themselves have the procedures, they either opt out of sedation like you, or choose something else.
160. Anne says:

     November 2, 2010 at 1:16 pm

     Re: No Sedation for My Colonoscopy

     Howard, I know I’m speaking for many patients who wish to thank you for sharing your colonoscopy experience with us. And to know that you had to be assertive about your wishes–but that they were honored by your medical care givers and physician regarding the fact that you were not going to take any Versed for the procedure.

     It’s so helpful to hear feedback like yours. And hopefully that will encourage others to go ahead and get the colonscopy screening done if they need it—but to have it done under the terms that they feel comfortable with and not just blindly going in and accepting whatever the doctor orders….
161. Shara says:

     November 1, 2010 at 6:28 pm

     Re: No Sedation with Colonoscopy

     Howard, I’m so glad that you shared your feedback regarding your colonoscopy this morning, and that you shared how you handled conversations with your doctor, nurses, and anesthesiologists. It’s really encouraging to note that there are facilities and medical providers who will listen and respond appropriately to a patient’s request—and I’m thankful that you had a good experience and won’t be spending your entire day all groggy recovering from sedation.

     Your comments are so very much appreciated…thanks for taking the time to let others know about your colonoscopy that was done non-sedated!
162. Howard says:

     November 1, 2010 at 3:45 pm

     Re: Colonoscopy Without Sedation:

     I had a full colonoscopy this morning, and I did it without sedation. I’m 59 years old, and this was my first colonoscopy after having a couple of sigmoidoscopy procedures in years past. After doing some online research on the subject, I decided to go without Fentanyl, Propofol, or Versed. When I arrived at the United Medical Endoscopy Center in Lancaster, California this morning, I made it very clear with the Nurse, Anesthesiologist, and the Doctor that I did not want to be sedated. I mentioned specifically that I did not want any of the above three medications. I indicated that I wanted something to deal with the pain and discomfort, but I wanted to be awake and able to view the monitor and talk to the Doctor during the procedure.

     There was a little bit of resistance, more from the Nurse than the Doctor or Anesthegiologist, but I think they were honestly trying to make me aware of the forthcoming discomfort. Demerol was administered intravenously, and I was able to relax during the entire colonoscopy, which took about 25 minutes. There was very little discomfort, let alone pain. It was much easier than I had anticipated. There never was a moment where I regreted not being sedated. The Demerol was sufficient to keep the discomfort at a very tolerable level.

     Like many of the individuals who have submitted comments, I had some anxiety leading up to the colonoscopy, and I wondered if my decision to not be sedated was a wise choice. I can honestly tell you now, it’s the only way to go. I’m even back to work in just a few hours.

     The Doctor did say that each individual is different, and that what might work for some, may not for others. I am grateful that he gave me the option.

     I hope you find my comments useful.
163. Ginny says:

     November 1, 2010 at 3:16 pm

     Re: Modesty and Colonoscopies

     Jean, I’ve been offline for a while, but just came back to view this discussion and saw your message. I think it’s natural for patients to ask about the issues you raised with regards to being covered during any type of procedure. And I’m always concerned about things like this too. Even when I had to be put completely out for a surgery– I was worried about how my body would be transferred, treated covered etc. As well as worried what I may say when coming out of anesthesia. You know, you don’t want to be blabbering about something to people you don’t know:-) But I think that in most cases, we are treated well by the medical profession. It’s just the times when we are not that make us so worried. And there’s nothing wrong with asking tons and tons of questions and making sure you feel comfortable with the doctors you choose. I do hope I’ve set your mind at ease at least a little bit. Take care!
164. Jean says:

     October 21, 2010 at 6:31 am

     Ginny,
     Thank you so much for responding to my question regarding coverage during a colonoscopy. I feel most of the time that I am the only one concerned about the modesty issue. I suppose it just doesn’t bother a lot of people how they are exposed if it is in a medical setting but I can’t separate my feelings just because it’s a doctor and/or nurses seeing me. But your answer does make me feel somewhat better. I can only presume that I was treated in the same fashion even though I was sedated and completely unaware of what was happening. If I ever get up the courage to go through another colonoscopy (which was advised I do so in 5 years) I will definitely request it be done with pain meds only; NO sedation. Thanks again for your response.
165. Ginny says:

     October 20, 2010 at 8:33 am

     Re: How Is one covered during a Colonoscopy

     Hi Jean, I’m sorry I didn’t see your question sooner. I’ve been following this discussion also and although I’m not a nurse, had my colonoscopy exam done unsedated. I was given fentanyl only and had to really push hard for my doctor to do the exam without any medications that caused sedation.

     The entire time I was covered and the nurse and doctor were both very patient and took their time, explaining what they were doing and letting me watch everything on the monitor screen. I was even able to watch him remove a polyp which was pretty interesting. But at no time during any parts of the procedure did I feel my dignity was threatened at all. I was repositioned several times throughout and they used a series of wraps or covers on me so that my body felt well “protected” from both being viewed and from the cold. Because it can be somewhat chilly in the rooms. Also, everyone in the room was also well gowned and “protected” themselves as well with gowns and masks on. I was very surprised how competent and professional everyone was, and glad that I opted for no sedation.

     I hope that helps you in some way. I know I had read that having no sedation was not a good thing, but in my case it turned out ok. I wouldn’t say it is the right choice for everyone because I was quite nervous about it, but I did want to see what happened on the screen and feel it was a good choice for me.
166. Amber says:

     October 19, 2010 at 7:57 pm

     Re: How Much Dose to Be Aware

     Thank you for helping us with this info about Versed. I wouldn’t have known that it was even important to ask about the issues you’re raising. No doubt, this will help other people be more assertive about their rights and making the doctors more accountable for their actions.
167. HospitalRatings & Reviews says:

     October 19, 2010 at 12:52 pm

     Re: How much valium should be given during a colonoscopy to keep the panic down but remain awake?

     Hi Marie, thank you very much for your question about the meds for a colonoscopy exam and memory issues.

     First, let me say that I’m not a physician, and even if someone were a physician it’s not very prudent to try to give exact dosage information to someone online because what should happen with a responsible physician, is that you would be interviewed first in an office visit, and the dose and type of medication/s should be discussed with you before your actual exam. When the physician or anesthesiologist (in the case of someone receiving propofol) calculates how much medication to give there are factors such as the age of the patient, any allergies, any other medications that the patient is taking, as well as any pre-existing medical conditions that the patient has.

     If the medical team is going to use let’s say a combination of medications during a colonoscopy: for example, Demerol and Valium, then they also need to take into account all of the above which I’ve just mentioned along with the fact that the two medications in combination will have greater effects than using just one alone.

     Here’s some suggested doses of Valium that are adjusted based upon the age of the patient and the reason for giving:

     Some initial information about possible Valium Dosing

     * Anxiety disorders and the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety, 18 to 60 years of age,2mg to 10mg 2 to 4 times daily or time-r el 15-30mg.
     * Acute alcohol withdrawal, 18 to 60 years of age, 10mg 3 to 4 times during the first 24 hours the 5mg 3 or 4 times daily.
     * Relief of muscle spasm, 18 to 60 years of age, 2mg to 10mg 3 to 4 times daily.
     * Convulsive disorders, 18 to 60 years of age, 2mg to 10mg 2 to 4 times daily.
     * Status epilepticus:

     * 18 to 60 years of age, IV 5-10mg at 2-5mg/min, up to a maximum dose of 30mg. May repeat in 2-4 hours.
     * Children over 5 years of age, IV 1mg/min q3-5min, up to a maximum dose of 10mg. May repeat in 2-4 hours.
     * Children 1 month to 5 years of age, 0.2-0.5mg/min slowly q2-5min, up to a maximum dose of 5mg.

     Since Valium is a benzodiazepine memory loss can also occur, but I have actually been in the room during a colonoscopy when Valium and fentanyl was given and the patient remained aware of what was going on, and discussed things with the gastroenterologist during the procedure and viewed the monitor. The key is to find out the smallest amount of medication that can work for you.

     And of course deciding if you want any sedation at all, or simply a painkiller. I know there have been some physicians who have posted in this thread who say that they would not take any sedative type med at all. I have heard others who say that if you’re going to get sedation, then propofol is the way to go, yet one is definitely unconscious during the exam with propofol and it requires the CRNA or an Anesthesiologist to administer it.

     Here is a list of medications that are used to relieve pain only (no sedative properties)
     meperidine (Demerol), fentanyl, alfentanil and remifentanil

     If Valium or Versed is used, there have been some studies saying that if sedation is necessary “most patients are probably overanesthetized”

     Right now I can’t get the whole source fo the article, but there was a reference to the fact that never more than 10mg of Valium or Versed was given).

     http://www.springerlink.com/content/h75r219105l837t1/

     There are other patients who say that they request the “pediatric dose” of benzodiazapenes which could be potentially as low as 1mg.

     I wish there would be a more “cut and dry” answer to this issue, but the good thing is that as patients we are all starting to talk, research and question what meds we are given and for what reasons. You’re question about how much medication you should receive is an important one as well. For everyone, the key maybe to find a very skilled physician who is capable of doing an exam as easily and gently as possible, and who is not afraid to have discussion with us up front about possible options for pain control only and sedation and then discussing these issues with us before the exam. For women, there have also been discussions about asking the gastro to use a pediatric scope which is much easier and less painful to navigate during the exam.

     I hope this is helpful. The best way to help patients I think is to bring attention to the issue. So I’m glad that the conversation has continued and that you are all asking such good questions.
168. MARIE says:

     October 19, 2010 at 10:50 am

     TO HOSPITAL RATINGS AND REVIEWS. it was interesting to hear the va gives valium along with other
     meds for colonoscopy’s because of the potential memory issues. i was given 30mg valium and 75 demeral. and ended up with the amnesia even though i told everyone from the nurse checking me in to everyone else i saw. if i ever consent to this again and at this point i don’t see this happening. how much valium should be enough to take the panic down but leave me awake and alert to what is going on
     around me? any help would be appreciated.
169. Jean says:

     October 17, 2010 at 9:19 am

     This is a little off topic but related to being sedated in a way. There seems to be somewhat of an argument going on on other websites about how well a patient is covered for a colonoscopy. Since some of you on this site have had the procedure unsedated and some of you seem to be nurses, what has been your experience with this? There are posters on other sites that have stated that they have been totally naked from the waist down, especially if they were repositioned onto their back. (By the way, how can they move the scope if you are lying on top of it on your back?) I was very concerned about this issue when I had my colonoscopy and I was totally “out” with propofol so I have no idea what actually happened. I don’t know if I was repositioned or not. I was given a gown and a blanket to cover myself in the prep area. Both my doctor and several of the nurses assured me that I was draped with blankets and was not “exposed” during the procedure (except for my buttocks to insert the scope). I don’t understand why I am having such a difficult time getting this off my mind. I wouldn’t think they would lie to me; that would be unethical, wouldn’t it? But after seeing the other horror stories about people finding themselves totally uncovered I am again worried about this. Why would someone have to be uncovered in that fashion? Is that normal or is there quite a bit of discrepency between how doctors and facilities handle this issue. Any feedback of others experiences would be greatly appreciated.
170. Marge says:

     October 16, 2010 at 3:44 pm

     Re: Discomfort without any sedation for Colonoscopy

     Hi Mindy, I know what you mean about being somewhat nervous on not having any sedation during the colonoscopy exam. I think if you choose a really good doctor and they are slow and gentle and not in a hurry –then there may be some mild discomfort but nothing too terribly bad. I had mine done with no sedation and I would rate my disomfort level at about a 2.5 for a few times during the procedure. I have heard though that if you’re not careful, getting a bad doctor can cause them to not be so gentle and to “make you an example” of why you should get sedation. But there are lots of doctors who choose to forgo sedation when they themselves are having a procedure, so I guess you just have to #1 make sure you have a good, ethical and competent physician.
171. Mindy says:

     October 16, 2010 at 1:04 pm

     Re: Versed and Asking for No Sedation to Be Used

     My first colonoscopy is supposed to be done in about 2 months from now. I’m starting early to try to find out what I need to know. It’s very distressing to learn that some physicians are not forthcoming about the side effects that some of these medications that are used can cause. I’m not going to have Versed but I’m a bit nervous about not having any sedation at all. I know pain is a relative thing but on a scale from 1-10 (10 being the worst pain ever) for those of you who did go through this procedure how much pain would you say you had without using any sedation?
172. Todd says:

     October 14, 2010 at 9:30 am

     Re: Having a Colonoscopy Without Versed or Any Sedation

     Unfortunately, I’ve had too many colonoscopies in my lifetime. With a history of ulcerative colitis spanning back 20 years, my physicians kept prescribing more and more tests. Not that the outcome of the tests helped me in any way. About the only thing that was learned from all this is that I didn’t have cancer. Which was a good thing. What was not so good was for me to have Versed–time after time. About 2 years ago, I finally said enough is enough, and did what some of the other posters said, and just found someone who would do my exams without harmful sedation. It wasn’t awful, sure didn’t feel great, but my recovery time was much shorter with using no sedation and I didn’t feel like I was harming my mind.
173. Anne says:

     October 13, 2010 at 6:49 pm

     Re: Versed

     I agree totally. I told my gastroenterologist that I was not going to have any sedation–otherwise no colonoscopy for me. She at first wasn’t going to go along with this at all. Then I told her-it’s real simple. Either I get a colonoscopy with just pain meds, or I don’t get one at all. Then I asked her if she was going to help me or not. She reluctantly agreed, and I didn’t have any trouble. There were a few times when I had some mild discomfort–but nothing like the pain that I had with childbirth. I said since I had birthed 3 babies, I thought I could handle going through a colonoscopy. So anyone who thinks that they must have sedation, just know that you can get this done without using a sedative. But you have to be fairly insistent about it.
174. Lori says:

     October 13, 2010 at 4:26 pm

     RE: Midazolam (Versed) After investigation Versed for about the past two weeks I’m certain that my next colonoscopy will be without it. Like Belinda, I’ve had it before—and I didn’t have any issues with it. But I can’t claim ignorance any more and this time I’ll be going in prepared. Without the Internet I think patients would remain in the “dark” about these issues for a long time to come. Thank goodness that there is someone out there actually telling it like it is about this medication.
175. Regina says:

     October 12, 2010 at 12:45 pm

     RE: Should you have Versed if you’ve had no problems with it in the past?

     Hello Belinda, that’s really an indvidual decision. I think the issue that most people are having about Versed is that many of us were not informed about the risks–and this lack of informed consent, coupled with the fact that some have very bad experiences with Midazolam (Versed), combines to make people very upset and angry. If after knowing about the risks of the medication, you personally still feel ok in receiving it, then that’s up to you. I know I wouldn’t take it, but that’s just my opinion. You may have a totally different one. Good luck to you with whatevever you decide!
176. Belinda says:

     October 12, 2010 at 6:51 am

     Re; Colonoscopy questions

     Hello everyone, I guess I’m glad I found out about Versed. I’ve had a colonoscopy before and didn’t have any trouble with it. But now, I’m wondering if I should just tell my doctor that I don’t want it for a 2nd time. How many people do you think have problems the 2nd time around with Versed? Thank you for the help.
177. Nicole says:

     October 11, 2010 at 11:01 am

     Re: Midazolam (Versed)

     I’m not supposed to comment on anything that happens at work so I’ll keep this brief, but I work in the surgery department and I am leaving my job because I can’t stand to see the patients who are given Versed. In my department no one really goes over the side effects, the patients are given a form to sign and half the time they are so tired from the early hour that they don’t even bother reading it. Just glad that someone is discussing this problem because those of us that work in healthcare would lose our jobs if we did. Which is why I’m leaving….
178. Bridget says:

     October 8, 2010 at 5:44 pm

     Re: I would never take Versed

     John, I’m thankful that you had the courage to stand up to your doctors and to share your opinion. So many people mistakenly think that “the Doctor is always right!” or that the physician always has our best interests at heart. Versed is one of many medications that should not be given. The other ones in my opinion are the ones for osteoporosis–actually makes the bones more susceptible to breakage and the cholesterol meds. My husband’s physician wanted to put him on statin meds at each visit this year. Didn’t bother checking his thyroid level and once it was determined that he had a thyroid issue, got that treated thru another physician and his cholesterol came down almost 90 points. With no meds!
179. John says:

     October 7, 2010 at 12:36 pm

     I would never want Versed for any reason; reading the comments here and the thousands of negative “versed horror stories” on the net have convinced me never to consent to it. What really bothers me is that my providers have routinely scheduled me for tests and for surgeries where this drug was going to be used without warning me of the terrible side-effects. The final straw came when my primary care doctor scheduled me for a colonoscopy (with versed) and nobody ever warned me of the side effects of this terrible drug. I was verbally assured that versed would not be used, but when the endo doc asked me to sign the consent I wrote: “no versed, I consent to fentanyl only for pain control, no other drugs” and asked her to read what I wrote. She went ballistic and told me that I had no choice but to agree to whatever they wanted to give me. I told her no and got off the table, tossed my paper hat on the floor and started to walk out. The doctor and a nurse grabbed my arms and tried to usher me back onto the table, but I told the doctor that it would be in her best interest to take her hands off of me and she let go. The poor nurse was scared to death. I have never hit anyone but I came very close that day. My idiot primary care doctor said “we get a lot of complaints about versed, you can get propofol-that’s what I got for mine”. I then asked her why she didn’t tell me that initially; she has been my doctor for 10 years and I told her to have a copy of my medical records ready and that I would pick them up tomorrow. When I returned to get the records, she asked me why I wanted the records; I told her that I need to find a new doctor. She’s obviously not concerned about my health,. He knew about this versed nonsense and never even warned me.
180. Kate says:

     October 6, 2010 at 4:23 pm

     Re: Describing your Colonoscopy – For Tony

     Hi Tony, thank you so very much for helping provide me with more details about the prep and what your experience was during your colonoscopy. I know it’s probably silly but having this information helps me feel less nervous about it. I will for sure have propofol and not Versed. Have read enough bad comments about Versed to last forever. In fact, I’m glad I found out about this because I wouldn’t every want to be given Versed, under any circumstances.

     Glad that yours is over…and thanks again for helping me!

     Cheers!
     Kate
181. Isabella says:

     October 5, 2010 at 4:35 pm

     RE: Versed Problems and Experiences

     Polly, I am grateful that you shared with me your experience. And oh, so awful for all of us who have been effected by this very bad medication. I think there should be stiffer laws regarding the need for full disclosure. I am able to find out more about the gas I put in my vehicle than the medicines that are used for my healthcare.

     I will still go ahead and write my letter, but I’m glad you let me know what happened in your case. This way I will not be disappointed if I get no response. I may go ahead and post my letter here and/or rate my doctor publicly here as well. If you want to share your letter I think we are able to do so here so that at the least other patients are forewarned.

     I am sincerely sorry that you also had such a poor experience. Blessings to you for opening your heart and letting others know.

     Kindly,
     Isabella
182. Polly says:

     October 5, 2010 at 10:29 am

     Isabella, they will still brush it under the table even if you write them a letter. I got absolutely no response to a letter I sent to the doctor & endo center where I had my colonoscopy with Versed. If I had known they would not respond, I would have been much harsher in my criticism of the the way I was treated; I actually tried not to sound too emotional (although I was actually a basket case), and I just relayed the facts of what happened, and my reaction… I also found it interesting that I was never given a “survey” about my experience when I left the center that day, which I found out later was supposed to be included with the “post procedure” instructions. ( Someone trying to manipulate survey scores by only giving surveys to patients with good experiences, maybe ??)
     Just recently (two years after my first letter), I actually wrote another letter, and called the center to find out the name of the director of the center. (I am not over my experience yet !) I explained I wanted to send him a letter about my experience at their center, but the nurse immediately got defensive (suspicious?), and asked if it was a “good” letter. When I said no, she asked who I was, and told me the doctor would call me back. He did; he listened; but he never ONCE said he was sorry I had a bad experience. That is what I wanted to hear above all else !
     I also never WAS given the name of the director of the center, and I ended up tearing up my four-page letter (with tears streaming down my face), when I realized THEY DO NOT CARE HOW WE FEEL.
183. Tony says:

     October 5, 2010 at 6:20 am

     Hi everyone, I am a 53 year old male and today, Oct 4 2010 I had my first Colonoscopy. For those who maybe getting a colonoscopy, The prep is pretty aggrevating My Prep was TriLyte. Trilyte comes in a gallon jug in powdered form and is mixed with water. You will drink 8Oz every 15 min until the mixture is gone. Its clear liquid and tasts like gatorade only saltier. You’ll evacuate your Bowl after about the third or fourth glass. This will continue until there is no stool and all you’re passing is clear liquid maybe slight yellow tint. It may take you four hours to drink all this stuff. Now the procedure itself. I was also concerned about Sedation. My major concern was unusual sensations or excitability or other unpleasent reactions. I discussed my concerns at the clinic where I had my Colonoscopy done at. They told me that they used the Drug Propafol. They explained that they would start an IV and the sedation would start in less than a minute. I would wake up without feeling hazy or disorientated and would have total coherence and would remember. This was all true. I was asleep during the whole procedure so I can’t rember that, but everything before that I do. It was the closest thing to natural sleep. I wasn’t groggy and drowsy after the procedure in fact I didn’t really sleep that much after I got home. I pretty much took it easy and lounged around. My advice is if you need a Colonoscopy ask about Propofol. You will be asleep but you won’t wake up feeling groggy. Good luck and take care.
184. Isabella says:

     October 4, 2010 at 12:07 pm

     Re: My bad experiences with Versed

     I’m writing to let you all know that I put my concerns in a letter and sent it to the Administrator of the facility, as well as the doctor’s office and expressed my dismay about the lack of being informed about Versed and other options for having other medications that do not work like Versed during a colonoscopy. I’m not sure if I’ll even get the courtesy of a response, but I feel better at having let them know about it, and in writing so that they cannot just brush this under the table. Has anyone who has written letters about this gotten any kind of response back?
185. Isabella says:

     October 1, 2010 at 7:09 am

     Versed Comments During My Colonoscopy

     I’m glad you all are discussing this. When I tried to tell the nurse at my doctor’s office about my bad feelings about the experience, she kind of brushed me off and said no one else had that happen to them. But I didn’t feel good about the way I was treated. I was told I wouldn’t remember anything but that wasn’t true. I recall getting waking up for moments and then it was almost like I was in a dream or something — like a brief flash of knowing what was going on and then being asleep again. And I did feel alot of pain during those moments when I was aware. I heard the doctor yell at someone to do something. Now I just get bad dreams and feel like I am back on that table.
186. Madison says:

     October 1, 2010 at 5:02 am

     Re: Versed and Colonoscopy

     My experience was totally and completely different. The Versed that I was given for my colonoscopy exam gave me not only short term memory loss, but I couldn’t recall important things about my life. It also caused me to sink into a bad depression. And I was never depressed before getting it. I talked with some nurses about it after I was having so many difficulties. They told me not to ever take Versed again and that it was “bad”.
187. Beth says:

     September 30, 2010 at 9:32 pm

     Re: Versed Issues

     Hi everyone, I know that you are all talking about colonoscopies here, and I haven’t had one, but I just wanted to say that I have had Versed for a number of different procedures. I guess I’m lucky. I haven’t had a problem or issue with it at all. Yes, I’m very groggy and for a number of hours (actually almost all day) if I’ve been given it, but I just go home and try to sleep it off. I know however, that I would be very angry if I had the same experience like some of you described in that you weren’t told about it in advance.
188. Kristen says:

     September 29, 2010 at 10:38 am

     Hashimotos Question about Thyroid Medications

     I’m a Hashimotos patient, just found a out about 5 months ago. I’m on a timed release t3 that is compounded from my compounding pharmacy in town. Initially I was on a small dose that progressively increased. At first, I felt fabulous. Lots of energy, I could hike, bike, run, swim, etc, but in the past few weeks I’ve been getting progressively more tired. To the point where you could say I’m exhausted. Do you think this could be related to the ferritin? My last lab work showed my ferritin at 31. I’m changing to taking this 2x a day instead of once now.

     Thanks for the help.
189. Carol says:

     September 29, 2010 at 8:29 am

     Re: Midolam (Versed) and Side Effects
     My father is a physician and thinks Midazolam (Versed) is way overused. I’m in nursing school and have studied it’s effects. If a health care professional is administering the drug you should be told that there can be side effects such as: dizziness, balance and coordination problems, impaired cognition. Misuse of the drug can lead to a coma and/or death. Although it’s used frequently, there is often much controversy around it’s use, and patients who have regularly received it say that it can have a paradoxyical response, causing even greater anxiety than without it.
190. Lisa says:

     September 29, 2010 at 7:42 am

     Re: Versed and Consent

     I had never had a colonoscopy before until 3 weeks ago when I received my ulcerative colitis diagnosis. Unfortunately I was given Versed and was not told about the potential side effects or even ongoing problems with this medication. In terms of the pre-op and informed consent, I had already been asked to remove my contacts before I even signed anything. And the only thing I was told by the nurse is that “don’t worry” we will give you medicines to make you comfortable. I was not prepared for the fact that I still felt quite a bit of pain, nor that I felt so drugged afterward –almost like I was in a bad science fiction movie. It was unlike anything I had prepared for, and I think the biggest issue for me is that I felt deceived.
191. Janice says:

     September 28, 2010 at 2:51 pm

     Re: Versed and Propofol Used Informed Consent Issues

     Hi everyone, I’m not a patient, but a nurse, and although I don’t work in the gastroenterology department, I just wanted to say that I’m so, so very sorry that you all had these things happen to you in a health care setting. I’ve been saying for years that I don’t think our informed consent procedures are adequate, or even safe, and that there’s too much emphasis placed on doing things quickly for the convenience of the physician or staff and not enough emphasis on choices for the patient. Just know that not everyone in the medical field is insensitve to the needs and rights of the patient, and I did not get into nursing to allow these things to happen to the patients who entrust their lives to my care. Blessings to you all.
192. Allie says:

     September 28, 2010 at 8:36 am

     Re: Versed and Propofol Together

     Jean and Vickie,

     I thought I was the only one who had this experience. About 8 weeks ago I was having some bowel and intestinal issues and my family physician recommended that I consult with a gastroenterologist. Which I did, and he ended up recommending a colonoscopy. I’m very health conscious and am not one to take medications lightly, plus I’m super sensitive to everything. I hardly even take aspirin but if I do, it’s a baby aspirin because that’s all I need. So I discussed all of this with the gastroenterologist and we agreed that I would do better with propofol instead of Versed. Thought I was all set but woke up after the procedure in a cold sweat, and had vomiting felt dizzy and just “off” for the remainder of the day. Like my head was fuzzy or something. I later found out that I had been given both the propofol and Versed, which is not what was discussed or supposed to happen. I need to find out if this was something that the anesthesiologist did and if so, why there isn’t better communication between staff members.
193. Vickie says:

     September 27, 2010 at 8:59 pm

     Re: propofol and versed
     Jean,
     I am glad to hear that someone else had both propofol and versed and that you also do not know why they used both. I am sorry to hear that you got much the same treatment that I did. I, too, will ask more questions in the future. When they had me sign the consent form, they just shoved it at me in the surgery suite, I already had had something to relax me and of course, I could not have read anything at that point. I did ask them what I was signing, and they said that it was okay to administer meds. Guess I should have been a little more coherant, but they should have done the signing thing back in the pre-op.
194. Jean says:

     September 27, 2010 at 4:22 pm

     Re: propofol and versed
     I had a colonoscopy last December and was also given versed AND propofol. I believe the versed was given to me right before they took me into the exam room to “relax” me and then the propofol was administered for the exam. I also do not know why they would have used both. I believe propofol is quite fast-acting so I do not understand why they have to give the versed beforehand. I also asked my doctor and she merely said that’s the anesthesiologist’s decision and she couldn’t give me an answer. That’s pretty lame that the doctor can’t even give an explanation. I did try to call the anesthesiologist but it was a contract group that the surgicare center used and every time I called all they did was connect me to the billing department. I will never consent to having any drugs administered unless I am given a full explanation why they are being given and what they will do to me. If anyone gets a valid answer to the questions of why both versed and propofol are used, I would greatly appreciate you posting it here.
195. Darlene says:

     September 27, 2010 at 7:04 am

     Versed was given to me even though I had requested that I have pain control only during my colonoscopy. I’ve had two colonoscopies so far, one was done approximately 6 years prior and during that exam, I had a very skilled and honest GI who was able to go through the entire exam without using any sedation. I wanted the ability to watch the monitors and had minimal discomfort. So when it was time this year to have my follow up colonoscopy (actually I was a bit late) I should have had it last year, and we had moved to a different city, I mistakenly thought that the same procedure would be followed. Especially since I had no issues with the exam that was previously done.

     I had discussed the fact that I did not want Versed with my new GI during the office visit. He agreed to only use pain medications unless I asked for Versed due to the pain becoming unmanageable. But when I got there and even though I told everyone, from the lady checking me in, to each and every person coming into my room that I was not going to have Versed, I guess they put on my consent form that it was to be given if I had excruciating pain. And although I never asked for it, I was given both the pain control medicine along with the Versed. I will not use this new Gastro doctor ever again, and next time I will not agree to have Versed used even if I ask for it. When I got home after the procedure I became very ill and was vomiting and had a severe migraine that would not stop. Plus, I had intended to work the rest of the day because I can work from home and because of the medication given was pretty much non functional for another 24 hours after the procedure.
196. Helen says:

     September 26, 2010 at 5:47 pm

     Re: How Often For Repeat Colonoscopy

     Hello Amber, That is a difficult question because one would hope that you would get the best advice on this from your doctor. If you are having additional symptoms and you have not been given an adequate explanation on why your original doctor feels another colonoscopy is necessary then maybe it would be best to get a 2nd opinion. And a 2nd opinion from someone who is not affiliated with the same GI practice.

     I know what you mean about not having the Versed (Midazolam) explained to you. My colonoscopy was also done with Versed and the nurse who went through the pre-operative instructions with me, nor my gastroenterologist told me about the side effects I learned after I had already had it.

     And if you decide to get a 2nd opinion, perhaps you could call the office first of the doctors you wish to consider, and make sure that they offer something other than Versed before using your time to go and see them.

     And, if you could update here with what you decide and how you are doing — it would be very much appreciated.
197. Amber says:

     September 26, 2010 at 11:19 am

     How Often Is it Ok to Have Another Colonoscopy?

     Hello, my name is Amber and I had my first colonoscopy about 3.5 months ago and it was discovered that I had ulcerative colitis. For the past year or so I’d been having bleeding with bowel movements, pain, and loose stools. I also have had to curtail most of my activities because going out without easy and fast access to a bathroom was impossible.

     My first colonoscopy I was given the Versed, and like so many of you explain here, no one told me that there could be side effects from the drug. I did have episodes of some panic like feelings for a few weeks after the colonoscopy but I thought that was because of anxiety over my diagnosis etc. Now, I’m not so sure.

     My doctors wants to do a 2nd colonoscopy, but I don’t think it should be necessary to do another one this close to the last one. Has anyone else had this experience where the GI wants more and more tests done? Also, I don’t want to have Versed for future procedures. Is the only way to make sure I don’t get it to have an allergy to it?
198. Ingrid says:

     September 24, 2010 at 8:13 pm

     Regarding Using Versed for Colonoscopy

     Vickie, that is scandulous treatment. I too am very sorry for your care by the doctor and facility. My husband is a doctor and would never permit anyone to give me Versed under any circumstances.

     He said the only way to be certain not to receive it was to be “allergic” to it. So I now have all my medical records which have a note that I have allergies to Versed (Midazolam) and can’t receive it.

     It’s really a shame that we have to take measures like this. Your situation makes me very angry.
199. Joanna says:

     September 24, 2010 at 7:19 pm

     Vickie,

     Thank you very much for letting me know your reaction to the Versed. That sounds very painful. I wonder if taking some Lysine (it’s a supplement you can buy over the counter) may help the mouth blisters. Zinc sometimes can really help with healing these kinds of things but you have to eat with it as it can upset your stomach and I’m not sure how much you may feel like eating if your mouth is blistered. Also honey is used sometimes to speed wound healing so I’m just wondering if that may soothe them. Maybe try some on a small area to see if that makes it feel any better?

     I’m still appalled that they gave you both propofol and Versed together—and hope that your mouth heals quickly. Will you have to speak to the doctor again that did this or do you have any plans to write to anyone to report what happened? I wonder what a patient can do in this situation to make sure that they didn’t do it again?
200. Vickie says:

     September 24, 2010 at 6:17 pm

     Reply to Joanna:

     When I woke up in post-op, I had a blister on the inside of my lower lip. At first I thought that perhaps I had bit my lip while I was asleep and asked the nurse about it. She said to put ice on it when I got home and she looked at it. This morning it is a full-fledged blister, as I have several inside my mouth and my lips were pretty swollen this morning, although better now after Benedryl. I called to see what meds had been given, I wondered if it was from being given versed twice in less than a week. The surgery center said to call the doctor’s office, the dr.’s office said to call my GP doctor. I asked why would I call the GP, she doesn’t know what meds were given to me yesterday! Anyway, since i couldn’t get a satisfactory response, I just decided to take Benedryl and believe that it could have been an allergic reaction to one of the meds.
201. Joanna says:

     September 24, 2010 at 4:32 pm

     Re: Why Physician Gave Propofol and Versed?

     Vickie, that’s terrible. I’m very sorry that you had that happen to you. Do you mind sharing what type of reaction that you had? Were you groggy all day from the Versed?

     My goodness — I’m still agonizing over what to do about the colonoscopy that I have scheduled. This is not making me very confident that my wishes will be followed.
202. Vickie says:

     September 24, 2010 at 2:26 pm

     I had a 2nd colonoscopy yesterday after having had one the previous week and the doctor not being able to maneuver through the right turns of my colon and the scar tissue from previous surgery. The 2nd surgery, I was told they would use propofol, but I had a slight reaction today after the procedure and called to question which drugs I received. I was told that they used propofol and versed. No one mentioned versed yesterday while I was in pre-op, why would they use those 2 combined? I asked the nurse on the phone today and her answer was,”we use that on most of our patients.” That did not answer my question.
203. Joanna says:

     September 23, 2010 at 1:26 pm

     Versed Questions

     Hi Jeri, I guess I’m fortunate to have found this website as well. My colonoscopy is set for the end of next week. I’m now very apprehensive about getting it done. Not one of my health care providers told me that I would be receiving such a drug (Versed) Midazolam. I called the gastroenterologist’s office this morning and just found out that this is what they use! How can this happen in a civilized society?

     I don’t know yet how I will handle this but I for sure will not be getting a medication that I was not informed about and certainly wasn’t told about the side effects. I’m so grateful to you Jeri for writing.
204. Jeri says:

     September 23, 2010 at 12:20 pm

     I’m glad that I found this website; Versed (midazolam) is indeed a very bad drug for a significant number of people and most patients are not told of it’s serious side-effects. I scheduled a colonoscopy because I’m high risk and bleeding. I was told that they used Versed but was told none of the side efects. Luckily, I found this website on the night before the test. I asked questions just before the test and coul dnot get any answers, so I didn’t sign the sedation consent. Finally the doctor came in and I asked her about Versed: is it for pain/relaxation of just to force the patient to be compliant and have amnesia? She admitted that it was a patient control drug and they like to use it because they can do colonoscopies more quickly if the patient won’t remember what happened. This is just plain disgusting. The nurse then told me that they have a lot of patients who call days after the procedure, crying, unable to remember details like PIN numbers and so forth. I asked the doctor if she always lies to her patients and she didn’t get mad; actually she just said that “they know best and just to let them use the Versed”…..I told her that I would never consent to this drug. The nurse then told me that Katie Couric didn;’t get sedation (no Versed) and neither did Dr. Oz). Couric got 50mg of demerol and Oz got 50 mcg fentanyl; both just painkillers, not amnesia drugs. I am nauseated when I think of how deceitful these GI doctors are. I’ll never get a colonoscopy with drugs.
205. Vickie says:

     September 23, 2010 at 12:10 am

     RE: Gluten Free and Ulcerative Colitis

     Hi Tasha,

     Thank you for your help and comments. I was considering going the gluten free route but once I looked into it, I was a bit deterrred by the difficulty of it. It appears that everything I eat has wheat in it!

     I think I may check into the food sensitivity testing more and speak to my insurance company about it. I do seem to have symptoms that are worsened when I eat specific items . Thanks again for your help.
206. Tasha says:

     September 22, 2010 at 2:32 pm

     Food Sensitivities and Ulcerative Colitis

     Hi Vickie, I have a daughter who was diagnosed a few years back with Ulcerative Colitis and it was very difficult. She started seeing a holistic doctor who instructed her to go to a gluten free diet. We also are very careful what types of meats she eats. Only grain free/hormone free and organic dairy. She can’t have any sugar nor any substitutes for sugar. It was a very difficult transition at first, but the good news is that it was successful. She has had no flares for over 3 years. She takes a refrigerated probiotic as well as some digestive enzymes.
207. Vickie says:

     September 22, 2010 at 2:26 pm

     I’ve been wondering if I should have food sensitivity testing done. I have been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis after my recent colonoscopy and am currently taking Asacol, 3 times a day. No diarrhea so far, but I am getting loose stools and some blood loss with the issue.

     I recall reading somewhere that sometimes food sensitivity tsting could help but likely is not going to be covered by insurance. Would anyone know where I could get such testing and what I would need to ask for?

     BTW, I had Versed for my colonoscopy and didn’t have any issues or problems with it.
208. Loretta says:

     September 22, 2010 at 10:09 am

     Re: Acidophilus for symptoms in bowel disorders

     I’ve used Acidophilus for several years. I’m a massage therapist and have been in and out of the gastroenterologists’s for the past 10 years. After my last colonoscopy I had bouts of watery diarrhea, and had to break several times even in the middle of a session to use the restroom.

     One of the pharamacists whom I know suggested probiotics. I’ve been taking Acidophilus for about 6 weeks. I don’t know if it’s the acidophilus or just time passing, but I’m finally making progress.
209. Angie says:

     September 21, 2010 at 9:09 am

     Re: Bowel Problems Following Colonoscopy

     My pharmacist said to try a good probiotic with Acidophilus in it. He said some probiotic brands claim to have more beneficial bacteria from numerous brands however, sometimes patients with Ulcerative Colitis or IBD, or other types of conditions can actually irritate their bowel more by using probiotics with many different strains of beneficial bacteria. Just using the Acidophilus though, has improved my symptoms. Hope this helps someone else.
210. Angie says:

     September 20, 2010 at 11:21 pm

     re: Colonoscopy worsened bowel problems

     Hi you all,

     I wanted to let you know that I too had the same issue following my colonoscopy. But I spoke to a pharmacist at one of our local compounding pharmacies and the pharmacist told me to try some specific probiotics. I’ll update again tomorrow with the type that he said may help because my symptoms have definitely improved since I started them.
211. Kathi says:

     September 20, 2010 at 2:32 pm

     Your Question on Whether Colonoscopy can make Bowel Disorders Worse

     Paula, my son had a colonoscopy earlier this year and is still having many problems including diarrhea, having to run to the bathroom numerous times a day, clear watery discharge, and difficulty digesting certain foods. He never experienced any of these things prior to his colonoscopy. He’s asked the GI doctor what to do about it but doesn’t really get any clear cut answers. The GI wants to do another procedure to take a look, a sigmoidoscopy I believe, which wouldn’t look at the entire colon just a part of it. I’m sorry I can’t be any help to you as we are in the same boat I think, but I wanted to let you know you weren’t the only person having difficulties following a colonoscopy.
212. Paula says:

     September 20, 2010 at 1:11 pm

     Question on Bowel Disorders that got worse after Colonoscopy

     Hello all,

     I was trying to find out if it was common to have more trouble following a colonoscopy than before. I had my colonoscopy done almost 6 weeks ago. Having to go to the bathroom several times a day and experiencing diarrhea. Do you think I could have gotten an infection?
213. Rhonda says:

     September 17, 2010 at 6:01 pm

     Re: Colonoscopy or Bowel Preparation Choices

     Lynn, I’m glad that you posted that information. I thought I had heard something about the tablets being dangerous, especially for some people, but I couldn’t remember where I had seen it. My doctor generally uses the GoLytely solution, but that stuff is awful. I only made that mistake once and won’t take it again. Not only is it terribly difficult to get down, it feels like it’s worse on your system.

     I agree with the other poster about using the Miralax and Dulcolax one. This works much gentler for the body and doesn’t make me nauseous. Still no fun, but just not as violent as an experience.
214. Lynn says:

     September 17, 2010 at 4:42 pm

     FDA Warning Against Visicol and OsmoPrep

     Hi, for anyone’s whose doctor is still prescribing the tablets for bowel preparation for colonoscopies and other procedures where you need to have the bowel cleaned out, please note the following warning notice from the FDA

     Oral Sodium Phosphate (OSP) Products for Bowel Cleansing (marketed as Visicol and OsmoPrep, and oral sodium phosphate products available without a prescription)

     FDA ALERT [12/11/2008]

     FDA has become aware of reports of acute phosphate nephropathy, a type of acute kidney injury, associated with the use of oral sodium phosphate products (OSP) for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy or other procedures. These products include the prescription products, Visicol and OsmoPrep, and OSPs available over-the-counter without a prescription as laxatives (e.g., Fleet Phospho-soda). In some cases when used for bowel cleansing, these serious adverse events have occurred in patients without identifiable factors that would put them at risk for developing acute kidney injury. We cannot rule out, however, that some of these patients were dehydrated prior to ingestion of OSPs or they did not drink sufficient fluids after ingesting OSP.
215. Carla says:

     September 17, 2010 at 1:49 pm

     Bowel Preparation Question: Regarding Pills

     Hello James,

     I researched this for my dad and I elected not to have him use the pills. I believe the ones he was prescribed were called Visicol (sp?) Although I too had seen from reading other patient opinions that some people really liked the pills, I was more concerned about potential safety issues. There was something from the FDA about a new warning being required for this drug, and I heard it had caused kidney failure in some.

     My dad used the Miralax Dulcolax prep and didn’t have trouble with it. He was able to keep everything down and did ok.
216. James says:

     September 17, 2010 at 12:58 pm

     Question about Pill Based Bowel Preps for Colonoscopy

     I am going in for my very first colonoscopy in October. I’ve read other places that the pill preparation is easier than drinking the liquid which some say can be hard to keep down. I have nausea anyway along with some bowel issues and am trying to plan ahead of time the best thing to ask for.

     Could someone please tell me if the pills are easier than the liquid?
217. Rose says:

     September 15, 2010 at 9:15 am

     Versed Issues and Concerns,

     I’m like Nancy, I didn’t know there was any difference or choice for a colonoscopy. So I wish I would have known about this earlier before my colonoscopy. I can’t however, complain about how Versed worked for me. I found I was immediately relaxed and don’t remember anything about the procedure. I vaguely recall waking up and being very thirsty, and when I went home I went home and had something to eat and then spent the next several hours asleep. If I had known that there was a medicine which could have been used that wouldn’t have caused me to be so sleepy for the entire day, I would’ve chosen it.
218. NancyM says:

     September 14, 2010 at 2:25 pm

     RE: Midazolam – What Some Health Care Professionals are saying

     John, that’s really an interesting post from the nurse about Versed. I had my colonoscopy about six months ago and didn’t know any better so I got the “regular” treatment and my doctor used fentanly and Versed. Although I didn’t have any problems during the actual colonoscopy itself, I have found myself more ‘forgetful’ than ever before. I just blamed this on regular aging, but who knows, maybe not?

     Having read some of the other reports, I think that I’ll “opt-out” of any Versed administration in the future. Sounds like there are other options that could be more safely used, and there’s no sense in feeling “drugged” all day.
219. John says:

     September 14, 2010 at 9:30 am

     Re: Should Versed Be Used in Patient With Autonomic Dysfunction

     Renee, I did some searching for you and am still trying to find more specifics about dysautonomia and Midazolam use, but I wanted you tu see that even health care professionals have been discussing some reasons to perhaps question Versed’s use.

     Here’s an excerpt from a nurse who commented on a website for nurses called allnurses.com
     “I have read all the web sites that I can find about bad reactions to Versed. I don’t find these outside the realm of possibility. Any drug which causes the changes in behavior and cognitive function has an endless possibility for detrimental side effects. Dismissing the side effects as anecdotal, narrowly focused or not possible is very narrow minded. This is an alarming trend in medical care these days. Patients have a right to know what is being put in their bodies and what it does. They have a right to say no. They have a right to be “control freaks” or any other thing. They have an absolute right to have their wishes heeded regardless of what the medical person, nurse, Doctor whatever IMAGINES is best for them. They are living beings with likes, dislikes and life experiences. They deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, not drugged into oblivion. Midazolam is a commonly used drug to bypass patient rights and autonomy. Midazolam causes extreme anxiety in any number of patients and these human beings are being treated like they are crazy and their concerns are being dismissed as “not Versed!”

     Because of my experience with Versed I am in a unique position to help patients who have undergone a treatment, usually a colonoscopy or endoscopy in which the drug Versed was used and the effects of it were not revealed by their care givers. These people are nervous WRECKS! Is this what nursing is about? Forcing patients to take a drug and then if they object, quantify their pain or dismiss it entirely? Demand that they PROVE beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was Versed? Prove it isn’t Versed. Please no anecdotal evidence or self serving studies designed to promote the use of Versed.”
220. Renee says:

     September 13, 2010 at 8:08 am

     I have a Question about Versed for Shelly, the RN, or One of the Other Medical Providers who’ve been Participating in this Thread

     Hi everyone, I am trying to find out some info in advance about Versed being given to a patient with an autonomic type dysfunction called dysautomia. My husband has it and needs his screening colonoscopy ie: he’s turned 50 this year so he feels he should go ahead and get it. Could someone in the medical field give me some specifics about the dangers of Versed if that is indeed the case for someone with problems regulating their heart rates with changes in positioning and just overall autonomic system difficulties? If your explanation is technical don’t worry. My husband has a scientific degree but I wanted to do some beginning research for him so that when we go to the doctor, we can hopefully say that Versed is not a good option for him. Thank you.
221. Michelle says:

     September 8, 2010 at 12:45 pm

     Re: Versed Alternatives

     I wish I had found this info out before my colonoscopy. I was having really really bad flares and went into my family doctor who said I needed to go back to the gastroenterologist. Of course once there all my GI ever wants to do are colonoscopies or other types of invasive testing. So I had the colonoscopy done and it showed inflammation–yeah, I could’ve told him that. I was given options to increase meds or change them, but I want to see if going gluten free or other dietary changes will help.

     I can’t keep having these invasive procedures Ie: colonoscopies because my sense is that it actually makes my inflammation worse. Has anyone else gotten worse following a colonoscopy?

     The Versed keeps me so knocked out that I lose an entire day. I never feel quite “normal” coming out of it, it’s like something bad happened but I can’t quite remember it.
222. TeriL says:

     September 2, 2010 at 5:21 pm

     Melinda, it’s nice to hear that there are other things that could possibly work instead of meds like steroids and other types like Asacol. I’d be really interested in hearing about your results with the diet change and trying the probiotic and the digestive enzymes.

     I’ve been though so many doctors over the years as well. Seems like all they wanted to do was more procedures. Colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, upper GI–very quick in my case to do testing, but no one had any real answers for how to stop my symptoms from recurring. It gets discouraging sometimes. I’m hoping everything works out great for you and will watch this space for your future posts.
223. Melinda says:

     September 1, 2010 at 7:35 am

     Hello to everyone who also has a bowel disorder. After many visits to different GI’s in multiple states, this week I did something different. I saw a naturopath and wanted to let you all know how my visit went. For starters, I was there for a full 2 hours, which compared to the cursory 10 minutes that I usually get with a gastro, was a good sign.

     I will be starting on a good probiotic for my Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and will take a digestive enzyme with all meals. He said that may issues are caused by food not being digested completely and then causing problems in the gut. We’ll also be eliminating foods that are more likely to be causing allergies and then will slowly add in things one at a time to see if we can find any allergens that are contributing to my problem.

     The hardest thing I’ll have to do is to cut out coffee, sugar, and soda. I know this should’ve been done a long time ago, but it’s going to be hard. He said there’s some strong correlations between IBD and other health problems. Wish me luck, I’ll keep you posted on how I do.
224. Ingrid says:

     September 1, 2010 at 7:29 am

     Re: Versed vs Alternative Sedation Options

     Over the past 18 years I’ve had 5 colonoscopies. I’ve had 3 with Versed (midazolam) and fentanyl, and the other two with Monitored Anesthesia. My first 2 colonoscopies with Versed I had no problems. Or should I say, no problems I could remember. The third one, however was quite traumatic for me. I did wake up during it and I also had a new doctor that I was not familiar with for that one, which also made things more difficult for me because I thought he was much rougher during the exam. Since I don’t remember the other ones I didn’t know if this was really true or if it was because I woke up while they were working on me. If you have a choice I would recommend using the Monitored Anesthesia and not Versed because it is just less trauma that your body has to go through.
225. Angie says:

     August 31, 2010 at 7:56 am

     Is Asacol the standard for ulcerative colitis, or should I be looking at other medications? I had a very poor gastroenterologist who kept scoping me and probably put me through more procedures than is necessary. I’m having difficulty eating with lots of nausea and burping and have had prescriptions for antibiotics for small bowel bacteria overgrowth, but nothing so far has worked. Now I’m supposed to try Asacol (sp?) and wondered how many UC patients take this. Could it possibly be that I should try a probiotic because with multiple procedures done, all the “clean out” has caused more damage?
226. Tammi says:

     August 30, 2010 at 11:30 pm

     What was shocking to me to hear, as an RN, was to hear the residents discuss sedation options not in terms of what would be best for the patient, but which sedation agent was readily available in the ER or which one would be “quickest” and easiest to obtain and administer. Combine this with the fact that I also heard a resident say that he chose the sedation agent based on the ones that he could remember the drip rate and dosage so that he wouldn’t look “stupid” in front of the nurses, and you have a recipe for disaster. When we’ve lost all touch with what we as health care providers are really there to do which is provide the best care for the patient, then we may as well all go home because it’s an environment that may be riddled with dangerous consequences for all involved.
227. Georgia says:

     August 30, 2010 at 2:16 pm

     Specific Carbohydrate Diet Question: Hello Vickie, I’m sorry that I didn’t answer sooner. Had to go out of town and didn’t have a chance to check the computer for messages until now. In terms of our experience using the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, I believe it was about one week until his stool began to firm up, although relieving the gassiness took a few months. His bleeding resolved fairly quickly as well. But he was adamant about sticking to the program and didn’t knowingly deviate. When I say this it was interesting that early on, if he ate out and even if he was very specific about what he could and couldn’t have, there were times when he knew there were “illegals” in the ingredients, because his body would react immediately.

     We just ended up going out less, at least until he got some additional relief from symptoms. And that worked out just fine for us both because eating at home at least you know what you’re getting.

     The other big chance he noticed almost immediately (in the first week) was that when he ate only “legal” foods permitted on the program, he did not have the frequency or urgency issues that had plagued him in the past.

     Let me know if you decide to try it. There are some good recipes in the book for some things like Zucchini muffins, carrot cake, etc, that I also find quite delicious.
228. Vickie says:

     August 26, 2010 at 6:58 am

     Re: my question about Diet and Ulcerative Colitis

     Hello Georgia, thank you so much for your information about the Carbohydrate Diet and the Colitis. I have heard about this one before, and spent last night reading and learning more about it. The premise of it makes sense to me, there’s some websites that I found that even say it can be helpful for children with Autism because of the brain/bowel connection etc. I’d like to get off of the Asacol eventually, and maybe this is something that could help me.

     I do have a question for you already. How long was it before your husband noticed an improvement in his symptoms once he started the Specific Carbohydrate Diet?
229. Georgia says:

     August 25, 2010 at 6:26 pm

     Diet and Ulcerative Colitis: Hello Vickie, I’m so sorry to hear that your Ulcerative Colitis may be returning. My husband went through a colonoscopy, unfortunately he had the Versed, because we didn’t know to ask any questions about what would be given during the procedure.

     His doctor did the colonoscopy, found inflammation, then wanted to do another sigmoidoscopy a few months following the first procedure. We said “no”, and decided to look at options for healing or helping this without medications. They also wanted to put him on Asacol–again we refused. He started on something called the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. At the start of the “diet” although it’s really not a diet to lose weight, just eating specific types of carbs–it was difficult to adjust and know what to eat. Now, it’s been about 8 months, and he is symptom free. No bleeding, no pain, and no urgency to go to the restroom. I’ve heard that many others have had similar success with the diet. But it’s not for everyone. You must be very strict on it–any variation off of it can cause the bad bacteria to multiply –but with patience and adherence to the principles, and some adjustments in that even if a food is “legal” sometimes it won’t agree with you, I think it is the most sound plan that has science behind it. If I can help further with answering any questions–be glad to assist. I hope your flare is controlled quickly. UC can be a hard thing to deal with and we only dealt with it for a short period of time.
230. Vickie says:

     August 25, 2010 at 1:53 pm

     My colonoscopy was last week, and my ulcerative colitis was found to be coming back. Initially when I was diagnosed back in 2000 I was hospitalized, but I had several years without flares,until recently. Was having episodes of diarrhea and some blood loss with the initial episode but have been stable on Asacol.

     I am wondering if I could be helped with a certain diet. Has anyone here tried to manage their UC or IBD with diet along with medication?
231. Tori says:

     August 25, 2010 at 10:14 am

     Having a Colonoscopy Done without Versed:

     Tori, you can call the physician’s office and ask for the nurse and then ask the nurse what sedation options the doctor uses if the patient has allergies to Versed. This is the easiest way, in my opinion, to get a straight answer about options. If you try to say you don’t want Versed, sometimes you get into a war of words on why the doctor only offers Versed, etc, but if you just cut to the chase and let them know up front that Versed is not an option–ie in the even that someone had allergies, you’re more likely to get a proper answer.

     Ask if anesthesia is an option instead of sedation, if you want to be completely “out” or asleep during the procedure. The advantage of the anesthesia is that another provider whose only responsibility is to handle the anesthesia will be monitoring you and your vital signs etc. The doctor can then focus on the procedure, ie: the colonoscoy, and not be trying to do more than one job at once. I think that’s a safer way to go.

     You may also want to call your insurance company in advance to see if they’ll cover anesthesia instead of sedation.
232. Leanne says:

     August 25, 2010 at 10:04 am

     I’m supposed to have my colonoscopy done sometime in the next 90 days or so. This will be my first one so I’m extremely nervous. I’ve read all the postings about sedation and Versed, and from what I’ve learned– I’m not going to have a colonscopy if it requires Versed.

     So, when I call to try to find a doctor who will do the colonoscopy without it, do I ask if they have an option to use something else? Or should I be very specific and ask for another certain type of medication? I know some of you have said that you’ve had yours without medicine at all, but I know I won’t be able to do that.
233. Tori says:

     August 24, 2010 at 5:37 pm

     Amber, I’m relieved that another nurse feels the same way about Versed as I do. In our hospital, there is a culture of acceptance. One nurse I work with even says Versed “is her favorite drug.” I mean, how horrible is that? What’s she talking about for herself, Versed is her favorite drug, or the patients? I wish more physicians would be open and honest about discussions instead of just filling out the paperwork saying that they openly disclosed side effects and other info with their patients who trust them.
234. Amber says:

     August 24, 2010 at 11:09 am

     Versed Sedation shouldn’t even be used in my opinion. There are other much safer options that are better all around for patients. Of course, if I voiced this publicly in my workplace, I’d be fired. I’m an RN that would like to go back to school and get an MD degree. Daily, I am faced with impossible situations that make me want better treatment for my patients and a different environment for myself.
235. Katie says:

     August 24, 2010 at 8:33 am

     Dear Frequent Flyer: Re: Your Comments on Versed Sedation

     I was thankful that you posted about your experience with being lied to by your medical team. I’m sorry that you had to go through that nonsense, and at the same time, grateful for your honesty to let other people know that this type of treatment can happen to anyone — even a physician.

     I had a similar scenario occur although I didn’t have to go through the prep twice. I had called a free standing surgical center where I live which is one in which 99% of all the gastroenterologists use. I asked to speak to the nursing supervisor and the very first question out of my mouth was #1) Do you offer colonoscopy exams without sedation? My next question was #2) For those patients who request it, do you offer propofol as a sedation choice?

     I was going to choice no sedation, but I wanted to know if they offered the propofol, just because I wanted to see if they had anesthesia coverage. I got affirmative answers to both question # 1 and question #2, but trying to get the exam scheduled was a nightmare. After the nursing supervisor told me that both options were offered, I asked exactly what one had to do in order to make sure that these choices were honored. I was told to simply tell the scheduling desk….

     But when I tried to book an appointment with the scheduling desk, that’s when the fun began. I was told that I had to come in and “ask the doctor for permission” about not having sedation, and he may or may not honor my request. I asked for the doctor’s email or to speak directly to any physician’s nurse to reconfirm, verify what I had been told. No go. But they were more than willing to book the consultation and even a colonoscopy for me and I’m sure had I showed up for the colonoscopy exam that they would have just given me Versed unless I had crossed out items on the consent form as you did, or left entirely. I told them I wasn’t going to waste either my time nor my insurance company’s funds to find out that my choice wasn’t an option.

     I had to travel out of state to get my colonoscopy done. The facility I chose set everything up for me in advance. No lying, no troubles, no sedation, and no pain during my procedure. I would do this again in a heartbeat, but I can’t believe that I had to travel out of state to have this done.
236. Frequent Flyer says:

     August 24, 2010 at 7:51 am

     When I was informed that I needed frequent colonoscopies, I scheduled one and asked if it could be done without sedation and the doc agreed after a lengthly discussion. Trying to put Versed sedation is a good light is akin to putting lipstick on a pig…I do the prep and report for the exam and the nurse has a hissy-fit because I drove myself, I remind her that this is a no sedation exam and she tells me that shes unaware of that. We do the gown, IV fluid and the nurse asks me to sign a consent, which I read and cross out the sedation part and write “I am not consenting to sedation” and she almost faints. When the doc arrives, he’s no help and claims amnesia of our previous conversation. I really got mad at that point and let everyone within earshot know that I have been lied to and that I wouldn’t let this place scope any of my patients (and I announce that I am a physician). So I left. The next endo center was super, exam without sedation and without lying. My point: if you have sedation preferences (light, none, deep): a VERBAL promise means NOTHING in medicine today! Write your preference on the consent form before you sign it! If the endo doc won’t respect your wishes, go elsewhere. Often, docs are the last to know when their patients have a sedation issue (amnesia, PTSD etc)…usually the nurses pick up on this and are a good source of information. As a patient, once you are lied to, any chance of a doctor-patient relationship is gone. Never be afraid to put your desires in writing.
237. Rhonda says:

     August 23, 2010 at 4:00 pm

     My GI doc has me on Asacol, and Immodium for my ulcerative colitis which was discovered after a bad experience with a colonoscopy years ago. I wish I had known in advance that Versed wasn’t required. Had flare up recently after being symptom free for about 22 months. This past colonoscopy didn’t show any inflammation, so I’m not sure why I’m having the same old symptoms again. All the doc can say is to take more Lomotil.
238. Lauren says:

     August 20, 2010 at 2:57 pm

     Rhonda, Your Versed experience sounds like a horrendous experience to have gone through. I can’t imagine having that kind of trauma around healthcare which is supposed to help, not harm you. Truly sorry that you had that happen to you, and appreciate your taking the time to help others by sharing your story. My colonoscopy exam is not until next year (in terms of when it’s due) but rest assured, by reading your story, Marie’s, Jean’s, and I’m sorry if I’ve not mentioned anyone else personally, but all of the info here, I will be much better prepared to deal with the medical system. I will not, be getting Versed, so that’s for certain!
239. Rhonda Holt says:

     August 20, 2010 at 11:07 am

     Several years ago approximately 2003 , I underwent an endoscopy, and I have to say it was the most terrifying night mare i ever experienced, They administered Versed and Not only did I feel everything that was going on, the doctor over dosed me and quit my breathing 4 different times, and each time they resuscitated me they went back and gave me more only to stop my breathing, finally the doctor could not get my breathing to start so he ran for his supervisor and they finally got me breathing again, I remember every feeling of that tube in my stomach, and when they were done, the doctor came up to me and was in tears and apologizing and said i was a trooper and he did not think anyone could of pulled through that… he then went to find my husband and told him what happened and admitted he gave me enough versed that would of killed my husband and himself but he said I was a trooper and pulled through it…. I have never been the same since that day, I had a permanent hydiladia hernia in my esophagus..I have nightmares and am terrified of hospitals.. I have neurological problems went to a neurologist, and he said this could of caused some brain damage due to the breathing being stopped for that many minuted at a time, lack of oxygen could of caused brain damage as he quoted and now and they try to say its MS,and my Lumbar turned out inconclusive.. since after that procedure i have white spots on my brain..I tried to take this to a lawsuit and no one would take my case due to all my records had mysteriously disappeared..I do not know what this drug is or if they know its ruined many lives but i know live a life in a nightmare, like i am in a dream stage and never have been able to be the same as i was before that procedure and overdose that quit my breathing.. I feel for anyone who has gone through this and i hope they find something about this medication and come forward and help us who’s lives it destroyed….My life will never be the same and i will never beable to feel and think normal and get out of this dream like nightmare i feel i have been living in….I hope more come forward with there storied so we can all have more moral support and force them to investigate this medication… Anyone can contact me if you have had the same problems and nightmares with the administration of Versed…
240. Bonnie says:

     August 19, 2010 at 4:01 pm

     Jean, you’re an angel:-) Thank you for helping me and for putting your information out there so that it will help others deal with physicians in a more positive manner. You’re the Best! I love the nonfat Greek Yogurt also. It beats the processed stuff in the grocery stores. I’ll try the Stoneyfield, normally I get the Fage, but hey, variety is nice too! Thanks again Jean.
241. Jean says:

     August 19, 2010 at 1:56 pm

     Bonnie,
     If you do end up finding another doctor make sure you have a COMPLETE copy of all your previous medical records so that they do not repeat any tests unneccessarily. Also, you might try to find a doctor who is a proponent of integrative medicine. Check out Dr. Andrew Weil’s website: he is a big believer in that approach which combines traditional and alternative medicine to treat the whole patient. You may find some useful dietary tips on his site. It’s all about being proactive and eating for optimal health.
     Also, I am a big fan of probiotics. I have been eating Stoneyfield organic, nonfat, plain Greek style yogurt every morning for several months. It has 5 active cultures (probiotics) that help produce a beneficial gut “flora”. My system has been humming along beautifully. Maybe you can stomach it’s consistency or even blend it in a smoothie. Give it a try! Best of luck to you.
242. Stephanie says:

     August 19, 2010 at 8:22 am

     My ulcerative colitis dates back around 11 years. I’ve had more colonscopies and sigmoidoscopies than I can remember. And yes, part of this is because I had some of the with Versed. Worst experience of my life. Listen to Jean’s words if you are planning a colonoscopy.

     I’m 34 years old and used to have regular episodes of bloody diarrhea, pain, bloating, increased frequency, urgency, and inability to go out or be away from an easily accessible restroom. Literally homebound because of this horrible disease.

     But finally, I was able to get a handle on it. I changed my diet, added in good probiotics. You see our gut is filled with “bad” bacteria, as well as “good” ones, and when we have all these tests ie: the colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy etc, they clean out both all the bacteria, even the healthy ones in your gut when you do the colon cleansing the day before. So your immune system and your gut are then compromised.

     I now take probiotics every day, specifically one with Acidophilus as well as antioxidants . I also had very good luck adding in Vitamin B12, which reduces inflammation. I’ve been symptom free for about 2.5 years now, and with any luck will stay away from the gastros office for a while.
243. Carolyn says:

     August 19, 2010 at 8:14 am

     For anyone whose sick and tired of taking pharmaceuticals, and feeling worse, I thought I’d pass along this article on Improving Health Through Nutrition.

     Improving Health Through Nutrition: No Quick Fix

     By: Michael Wagner, BA, LMT, CFT

     When recommending dietary supplements to persons with health deficiencies,
     one of the most common questions we’ll hear is, “How fast will this stuff
     work?” If we can help steer people away from the “quick fix” mentality
     and, instead, adapt realistic expectations for realizing improved health
     through nutrition, I believe we’ve performed a great service. That’s
     because the restoration of genuine optimal health takes time and patience
     the quick fix mind set will never allow.

     True, there are exceptional cases, especially with exceptional supplements
     or unique circumstances. Some people begin a dietary supplement regime and
     realize amazing results. But they are exceptions. And although certain
     symptoms may have subsided, the body very often has a lot more healing to
     accomplish over the long term.

     To assist consumers of dietary supplements to “stay the course” and not
     quit their program prematurely because they “weren’t seeing anything” we
     need to educate them. Not only about the supplements in their regime, but
     about their own body and how nutrition supports the body to effect
     improvements in overall health.

     To this end, I’ve found seven principles worth remembering and passing on
     to those people we wish to see benefit from nutritional supplements and
     programs.

     1. With nutrition, we are not suppressing or manipulating symptoms as
     with pharmaceuticals. We are not treating conditions as with herbology. We
     are simply giving the body what it needs to heal itself and rebuild itself
     anew and this takes time.

     When correcting nutritional deficiencies, while we won’t see instant
     improvements in most cases, we will be promoting true and lasting
     healing. Pharmaceuticals may sometimes “work” instantly, yet never address
     underlying causes and possess unwanted side effects. Contrary to popular
     thinking, drugs don’t heal anything: only the body can do that – when it
     gets what it needs.

     In Optimum Sports Nutrition, Dr. Michael Colgan explains why patience is
     the key:

     “A principle of nutrition you need to know is physiological dynamics.
     Unlike drugs, nutrients do not have rapid effects. No quick fix. The
     business of nutrition is to build a better body. That has to wait on
     Nature to turn over body cells. A blood cell lasts 60-120 days. In 3-4
     months your whole blood supply is completely replaced. In 6 months almost
     all the proteins in your body die and are replaced, even the DNA of your
     genes. In a year all your bones and even the enamel of your teeth is
     replaced, constructed entirely out of the nutrients you eat.”

     This time course is well illustrated by the course of deficiency diseases.
     If I remove all the vitamin C from your diet within 4 weeks blood vitamin C
     will drop to zero. But, you will see no symptoms of disease at 4 weeks.
     You will have to wait until enough of the healthy cells have been replaced
     with unhealthy cells. It is another 12 weeks before the symptoms of scurvy
     start to ravage your body.

     “So when you implement an optimum nutrition program, don’t expect to see
     rapid results. In one of our studies at the Colgan Institute, runners were
     supplemented to try to improve their hemoglobin, hematrocit, and red blood
     cell count. But after one month of supplementation, there was no
     improvement at all. After 6 months, however, all three indices were
     significantly increased.”

     “Think of it this way: If you take a neglected houseplant and start
     feeding and watering it, the leaves may perk up a bit from the improved
     nutrition. But you have to wait for the old leaves to die off and new
     leaves to grow before you get a really healthy plant. It is the same with a
     human body. When you start feeding it better, you have to wait on
     physiological dynamics of the body to grow new, improved cells in the
     improved medium. After 18 years in sports nutrition, the shortest program
     we will give any athlete is six months”. With patience, nature can do its
     work and produce its
     miracles.

     2. We are all unique. Individual biochemistry’s are affected by diet,
     lifestyle, drug usage, stress, fitness level, genetics, toxins, etc. It’s
     inevitable, therefore, that some persons will respond more rapidly than
     others to improved nutrition. If you’re not experiencing results as fast
     as you’d like, it could be a factor of any number of things. It might be
     that the body has priorities other than the one upon which you’re focusing.
     For example, you may be wanting to lose body fat while your body may want
     to lose a tumor you don’t even know you have. Give your body permission to
     have its own priorities and timetable.

     3. Positive health changes can be occurring without your “feeling
     something”. Research studies utilizing blood tests, bone density and body
     fat measurements, etc. confirm this. Improved health begins on the
     molecular and cellular levels. Latter, this may translate into the
     alleviation or disappearance of specific symptoms and conditions. (The
     already healthy or symptom-free person, especially persons with
     abundant energy, might take note: Your health benefits from optimal
     nutrition tend to come in the form of your body’s correcting sub-clinical
     problems-depletions, imbalances and toxic build-ups that haven’t yet become
     clinical conditions or “felt” diseases. In other words, in optimizing and
     maintaining health, remember “feeling healthy” really only means “feeling
     symptom free”. Actor Michael Landon was “feeling great” on National TV:
     three months later he died of cancer. Virtually everyone can benefit from
     improved nutrition since, simply by living, toxins accumulate within our
     bodies, the body wears out and chronic degeneration slowly settles in.
     Giving the body what it needs to stay healthy can minimize the ravages of
     modern living and optimize health.)

     4. The Greatest health benefits of improved nutrition may well come in
     the latter years of life. Regardless of the rate your current health
     challenge is improving, continued optimum nutrition just makes good sense,
     since the greatest benefits may be experienced in your senior years. While
     others are painfully shuffling around nursing homes and tending to medicine
     schedules, you might be enjoying your summers on the Colorado River and
     winters in Hawaii. Is this the benefit you want? Learn what your dietary
     supplements can do for you. Then make an educated choice.

     5. If you experience a “correcting crisis” while on an optimal
     nutritional program, stay the course – its working! When your body begins
     cleaning out toxins, metabolic wastes, parasites, candida die-off and the
     like, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms. Because you may feel worse
     before you feel better, it’s important to read the articles and books,
     which address this phenomenon so you can better understand this process.
     The correcting crisis, when understood, is a clear indication that your
     improved nutrition program is truly working and leading you to improved
     health.

     6. Licensed health care practitioners still make educated guesses as to
     how long it might take to see a specific health improvement using
     nutrition. Admittedly and imprecise science, but as a starting point, on
     holistic medical doctor uses the following formula: For a specific health
     improvements, figure three months, then add one additional month for each
     year the chronic condition has existed. For example, a chronic condition of
     5 years might be expected to see a good improvement within 8 months,
     provided the body, mind and spirit of the patient gets everything it needs.
     Experience with nutraceuticals largely indicated the longer the
     consumption,
     the greater the benefit.

     7. As one very prestigious medical doctor has well stated, dietary
     supplements ought carry the warning: “Not to be taken on an empty spirit”.
     The human mind and spirit are powerful beyond measure. They can easily
     override any optimal health plan. They must therefore be in alignment with
     the healing process. Sometimes the non-physical causes of ill health are
     poorly understood by the individual dealing with it. If long term attempts
     to achieve better health bring minimal or no results, there may be a deeper
     reasons that need exploration. Caroline Myss’ works, including Why People
     Don’t Heal, or the works of Bernie Siegel, M.D. might be a good starting
     point. Tend to your thinking; nurture your spirit.

     Staying mindful of these seven principles of nutrition and healing will
     hopefully keep all of us out of the trap of quick fix thinking and help
     allow us to create the time and patience to achieve true healing and enjoy
     lasting optimal health.

     By: Michael Wagner, BA, LMT, CFT
244. Bonnie says:

     August 19, 2010 at 8:07 am

     Jean, thank you for your important insights. I am looking for a new GI and will definitely be able to use your knowledge in my search. The GI I’m searching for should hopefully not be arrogant and they should take the time to listen and does not just want to do testing ie: colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and then get rid of you. Seems like there is a ‘mold’ of how physicians treat patients, especially anyone with ulcerative colitis which can be progressive, and if you ask questions, they blow you off.

     I’ve been hospitalizated several times recently. Was discharged too early, and ended up back in another hospital because I should not have been discharged. My diagnosis is infectious ulcerative colitis. I have bloating, diarrhea, am exhausted, have abdominal pain and bloody stools, along with diverticulitis. Right now my abdomen expands so much after eating even foods that have been pureed in a food processor. I’m looking as we speak for a new GI and one hopefully who can help me with ways to beat this thing. I’m taking Colazol several times a day, and am still very weak. Dread having any more testing, just want a doc who could help with perhaps looking for a dietary link etc.

     I’m glad that I came across your post. Thank you for the help.
245. Jean says:

     August 19, 2010 at 6:24 am

     My advice to anyone considering a colonoscopy: ask your doctor whatever you need to know about the procedure, no matter how trivial it may seem. If you do not get satisfactory answers, find another doctor. It is important that you feel comfortable knowing what to expect before, during and after the exam. As far as sedation, I think the 2 best options would be as follows: 1. If you want to be completely asleep and not be aware of what is happening, ask for propofol. It is deeper than the typical “conscious” sedation achieved with versed. 2. If you want to be awake and able to view the monitor, talk with the doctor, hear what is going on, etc. ask that pain meds only be administered as needed – NO VERSED! Personally, I would have chosen to be awake: it is creepy to me to know that something was done to me and I have no knowledge of it whatsoever. Just me personally. But everyone is different. That’s the point. Maybe someday the medical community will realize this and OFFER patients choices. Since colonoscopy is normally an elective procedure, take the time to find a doctor that you feel confident with before you consent to anything. That way perhaps you will have a more positive experience (as positive as something like that can actually be!) Good luck to all.
246. Bob says:

     August 18, 2010 at 6:49 pm

     Lynn, I’ve taken Lialda before to help treat my Crohn’s disease. I normally have abdominal cramping but it seems like with this medication it has gotten worse. The pain is fairly severe. I also have increased frequency and urgency issues around needing to use the restroom–quite a joy when trying to work I must say. Additionally, I’ve also experienced some weight loss and have experienced nausea. I don’t know if it affects everyone like this, but I was not impressed.
247. Lynn says:

     August 18, 2010 at 12:31 pm

     Question on Medication for Colitis? I know this is kind of off topic as well,but you all seem to have good knowledge here about gastrointestinal issues. My GI gave me some samples of two medicines: Apriso and Lialda. Has anyone tried either of these 2 medicines and if so, which one worked better for you?

     What were the side effects that you experienced if you used either or both of these medications?
248. Rosemarie says:

     August 18, 2010 at 10:00 am

     Jean, I think your discussion of the colonoscopy issues are all on-target. How best to uncover the “secrecy” of the subtleties that we all must watch out now as patients than to discuss all aspects of it. I say vent as much as you need to. And thanks for the article about the potential DNA stool test. I actually know some gastroenterologists who are very above board and give patients options, and won’t do unnecessary testing. While even they say that there are some gastros out there who simply do more testing ie: ordering sigmoidoscopy only a few months following a colonoscopy just so that they can bill for them. So I think any discussion from patients is relevant, and helpful, and we just have to keep our guard up unfortunately when dealing with medical issues just like we would with other services. Thank you again for bringing up some of the important elements that can arise when people are having screening procedures like colonscopies performed. I know you’ve enlightened me and feel certain that as more people come to view this discussion, that it will also be educational for others.
249. Bonita says:

     August 17, 2010 at 9:38 pm

     Polly, There is no way to excuse the behavior of a physician or health care provider who is not respectful or does not fully explain the procedure, medications used, and side effects and risks of such procedures. I think it’s such a shame that you had to go through what you went through with your colonoscopy. And if a therapist “didn’t understand” that is no reflection on you or your experience. I would say get a new therapist but I know each time you go in expecting help whether it be from a healthcare professional or therapist etc, that it is very disappointing when they discount your feelings and this can actually make you feel much worse. I don’t know anything about the herbal medicines in terms of the Midazolam clearance rates, but hopefully someone with more knowledge about that will write in. And although it doesn’t take away from your experience, just reading all the info here and learning what can happen during medical procedures like colonoscopies has helped me tremendously. I really appreciate your talking about these things–otherwise patients like myself who are supposed to be getting a colonoscopy wouldn’t have any clue about what to ask or expect and how to avoid problems. I know that doesn’t take away from your experience in the least, but I did want you to know that reading your story has helped me.
250. Jenna says:

     August 17, 2010 at 7:46 pm

     I’ve been in the hospital 4 times since my ulcerative colitis diagnosis about 13 years ago. My initial hospitalization was bad because I was in a significant amount of pain and had a large amount of bleeding. They put me on IV steroids and fluids. I’ve had minor flare ups since then, but my last really major episode was in 2003. I am taking 12 Asacol a day, and it works pretty darn well. If I have a minor flare up sometimes they will have me take steroids again for a short period of time.

     The reason for more frequent colonoscpopies is that once you have had Ulcerative Colitis for over 10 years your risk of cancer increases. So I go in once per year and they biopsy everything they see that is a possible issue. The monitored anesthesia means that you get an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist present in the room with you during your colonoscopy, and they administer propofol, which is a drug which puts you completely “out” and you won’t have any pain or discomfort and there’s no issue of being awake and needing more meds during the procedure. The propofol is very quick acting and it’s also out of your system quickly, so you’re not left all groggy for 1/2 a day or longer like which happens if they use Versed.

     The doctors who use Versed may tell you that you won’t remember the experience which can or can not be true, but it can cause you to have anxiety about things you did later that day that you still don’t remember, and then you lose the rest of the day. With the propofol and the monitored anesthesia I can remember the doctor coming into the room and explaining the results, and I don’t have any bad effects afterwards. I’m able to eat lunch, and I’m not groggy at all.

     I’ve had more colonoscopies than most, and am happy to say that I’m cancer free. Yes, it’s a pain to have to go in each year, but with the propofol instead of the Versed, it’s been very tolerable.
251. Polly says:

     August 17, 2010 at 5:14 pm

     Writing a letter or speaking with a doctor about a bad Versed experience (especially when there has been deliberate deception about the amnesia) only helps temporarily. It will not restore a patient’s trust in the medical profession; that is sometimes irrevocably destroyed. I know colonoscopies save lives, but if I could re-wind time and erase the fact that I ever had one, I would. I have been left with permanent PTSD, and continue to obsess over my experience. I saw a therapist twice, but he did not understand, and that made me feel even worse. I wear an allergy bracelet, and carry a medical card saying I am never to be given Versed under any circumstances. I have also recently read about a natural herb (available over the counter) that causes “rapid clearance” of midazolam. I have considered taking it, just in case a doctor tries to pull a fast one on me again, it won’t have the effect he wants. Could that harm me in any other way ?
252. Jean says:

     August 17, 2010 at 11:00 am

     Rosemarie,
     Thanks for all your kind words. It’s reassuring to know that maybe more and more people are willing to question and research things instead of blindly accepting everything doctors advise. If you are interested in reading the article on the possible DNA stool test, you can go to http://www.smartbrief.com, then go to “DNA tests could find colon cancer earlier” and look at the full issue (August 13, 2010). My apologies to others on this blog for getting a little off the sedation/versed topic but thanks for letting me vent.
253. Krystle says:

     August 17, 2010 at 10:10 am

     I’m 40 years old and have been diagnosed since 1990 with ulcerative colitis. Initially, I had colonoscopy exams every 5 years, and now I get them annually. Having monitored anesthesia is much better in my opinion than the Versed.
254. Danielle says:

     August 17, 2010 at 10:06 am

     My ulcerative colitis was found when I was 30. I’m 34 now and my doctor wants me to have colonoscopy exams every other year. I haven’t had any issues for about 3 years now, so I’m not sure that having a colonoscopy that often is a good idea.
255. Fran says:

     August 17, 2010 at 9:28 am

     How Frequently Should a Colonoscopy Be Done? My ulcerative colitis began last fall, and I’ve been reading about different people’s experiences with this disease. Some people talk about going into the hospital for 4-5 times over a 20 year period and having times when their symptoms are worse, coupled with periods of remissions. And this would only be “mild” disease. How often does one have colonoscopy exams if you have ulcerative colitis?
256. Tina says:

     August 17, 2010 at 8:57 am

     A few years ago doctors didn’t know what was going on with me and so I was put on Flagyl for a period of time. It didn’t help. I still had episodes of bloody diarrhea, although it was definitely worse in the morning and evenings. During the day, for some reason I could actually get through the day at work without too much trouble. But the medication, Flagyl, gave me such an upset stomach, that I began vomiting with it, and this was highly unusual as I hadn’t vomited for 35 years. I went through a colonscopy, then a sigmoidoscopy, and was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. I remember the sedation with the first colonoscopy didn’t go well, the pain was fairly intense although I was told I wouldn’t remember. The sigmoidoscopy wasn’t too bad. I’m doing fine now, was put on Prednisone and Asacol and don’t have any more episodes. But the diagnosing part was really rough.
257. Fran says:

     August 17, 2010 at 8:48 am

     My neighbor’s 85 year old mother just had a colonoscopy. I’m questioning why, at 85 years old, anyone would even do a colonoscopy on a women who already has cancer that had spread. She was given Versed and spent the entire day confused and agitated as if she was in pain after they brought her back to their home to recover. I’m wondering now if she awoke during the procedure and had no one to advocate for her.
258. Rosemarie says:

     August 16, 2010 at 5:55 pm

     Jean, after all these years of me encouraging people to get the colonoscopy exam, now, I’m siding with you and would absolutely welcome a less invasive, less expensive procedure. I just think that it’s a horrible that physicians are not dislosing the full implications of the exam, nor the medications they use. I talked to some nurses today and their feeling is that the use of Versed in many types of procedures is not needed, and more importantly can be damaging to the patient. As so many of you all have discussed here, they said that Versed is most often given for the “convenience of the doctor” and that many, but not all physicians have a paternalistic view of medicine that does not sit well with patients participating in their own health care decisions.

     The DNA stool test sounds very promising and if it works out, it would certainly help in screenings, and probably cut down on the problems that some people experience post colonoscopy.

     I used to think that the US was great for healthcare, but even new technology like MRI machines which can be used with people with Pacemakers is available in Europe and even India while we, with our slow moving approval process in the FDA don’t yet have this available to our citizens. So I think it does pay to ask lots of questions and not only question whether a test is necessary, but question what other technologies exist in other areas that may not be here today, but may be worth waiting for, or going elsewhere.

     I can certainly understand why you are upset about your procedure, but please know you did nothing wrong. It was the physician who misused his position and took advantage of your trust as a patient. You and Marie have both done us all a great service by giving everyone who seeks healthcare some vital information so that hopefully in the future we will all be better prepared patients. I’m just very angry that your knowledge came at such a high price to you personally.

     Take Care,
     Rosemarie
259. Jean says:

     August 16, 2010 at 11:21 am

     Rosemarie,
     I’m sorry but I think the necessity of screening colonoscopies for the general public is overblown. I understand Katie Couric’s concern but her husband died of colon cancer when he was still in his 40s, so more than likely he was at a higher than normal risk for developing the disease. They recommend EVERYONE get this test at age 50. I still think it would make more sense and probably save people a lot of anxiety if they took a more conservative approach. I read just the other day about a new DNA stool test that is highly accurate at predicting pre cancerous lesions (even smaller than most polyps) and that test if approved would cost only $300.00. Wouldn’t it make more sense to use something like that to identify only those truly needing the more expensive colonoscopy. Sometimes, sorry to say, I feel like it is all a big money making industry. I will be interested to see if the gastro industry embraces this new test or if they continue to recommend colonoscopy since, in their words, it is the “gold standard” in testing. Also, as evidenced here, so many people have negative experiences with it all. There just seems to be such a disparate way these exams are done from one doctor and facility to the next. You just never know what you are going to get unless you ask a million questions. And why, as patients/consumers should we have to ask? It all makes me a little angry, especially in my case when my doctor’s records show that she had a thorough discussion of the procedure and options with me during my office visit. I know I would have remembered that! It just didn’t happen. Only some vague statements as to the safety and importance of the exam; nothing specific. Not even a mention of what meds I would be given for sedation. I still get upset thinking about it and blame myself a little for not going in more informed, but it is a lesson hard learned. Never again! They will probably want to kick me out of the next doctor’s office for asking too many questions. Jean
260. Cindy says:

     August 16, 2010 at 7:22 am

     I’ve had several colonoscopies and have struggled with gastrointestinal issues. I’m only 26, and have had bowel problems for around the last 7 years. Initially, my symptoms were bloating, and the first doctor diagnosed gallstones. Then I had surgery to remove them, and that’s when everything changed for the worst. I was constantly on the toilet and had bloody bowel movements. The colonoscopy they did at that point was the worst one ever. For some reason the sedation did not work and I felt the entire thing. At that point, I was sick and tired of doctors and tired of hearing that they couldn’t find anything wrong. I moved to a different state and found a general Internal Medicine Practitioner who said I had Entamoeba histolytica and that I needed medication and also to be treated for IBD. He put me on flagyl which didn’t help and now I’m on other meds to see if they work. I feel like an experiment for the physicians to use as a trial and error thing–like a mouse in a lab to them. I wish someone could tell me after all these tests what is really wrong. They are always eager to do the colonoscopies yet I am left with no answers.
261. Rosemarie says:

     August 15, 2010 at 7:00 pm

     Jean and Marie,

     Since Katie Couric made the whole idea of getting a colonoscopy less frightening, I’ve been always the one to encourage friends and neighbors to book this exam –the colonoscopy as a means of detecting colon cancer before it could spread. But I must say, I am extremely upset that both of you ladies had to go through what appears to me to be deception from your physicians. I get better cooperation from my local grocer if I ask him/her where my vegetables come from, and this information is not life threatening. Well I guess it could be life-threatening down the road if I ate vegetables in the high pesticide category, but I think you know what I mean:-)

     How can the medical profession claim to want to “educate” the consumer of medical services by making claims, developing brochures, and spending money on advertising for a procedure where it seems that it is not that unlikely that you as the patient will be deceived?

     Bravo to both of you for not staying silent. You are trailblazers in an industry which needs to start policing itself, but in the meantime, you are serving other prospective patients well by letting them know that they must always protect themselves as much as possible even in an environment or setting which is supposed to be safe and to be protective of good health but may in reality be just the opposite. With my kindest regards to you both for health and healing after your colonoscopy ordeals.
262. Jean says:

     August 12, 2010 at 4:14 pm

     Marie,
     I am so sorry you have the added issue with your husband. Actually, I am surprised they let him be in the room for the exam. It sounds like you are having a hard time trusting anyone. I understand completely. After over 6 months I am wondering why I am still so obsessed with this and still thinking regularly about it all. I have almost decided that those drugs did something strange to my head and I am tempted to go get some counseling just so I can get some peace of mind. I am normally nothing like this! Anyways, after I came home from my colonoscopy I noticed 2 faint red marks on the upper part of my chest but that was from the monitors. That’s exactly where they had been placed by the nurse in the prep area. I can’t think what would have caused your collarbone to hurt, though. I was on my left side, also, and think that’s how I stayed. The place where I had my exam done said that they occasionally have to apply pressure to the abdomen to ease the scope through a turn but the medical tech does that through the blankets. (That’s what they told me, anyways) I know that there is no way I will ever know what exactly happened to me during that 45 minutes or so when I was “out” so I suppose I have to learn some way to get past it. It’s just unfortunate that experiences like the ones we had have to color our opinion of the medical world and perhaps prevent us from getting care in the future. Jean
263. MARIE says:

     August 12, 2010 at 11:54 am

     jean, one thing i forgot to mention. when i came to in the recovery room my right collarbone hurt, this is why i asked them if they touched me or moved me. he said no i must of laid on it wrong. this is why i am wondering if they changed my position or applied pressure. since he already knew i was so angry about it i don’t know if he was telling me the truth or not. i was on my left side not my right. i could see a light blue outline of a what looked like a bruise for a few days.
264. MARIE says:

     August 12, 2010 at 11:45 am

     Jean, my husband was in the room with me. that is part of my huge problem. i had several discussions with him prior to the procedure. i told him about my research with medications, the stats that showed less complications with very light sedation or no sedation at all. he gave me his word that he would not allowed them to drug me into twilight sedation and that he would get me out of there immediately after.
     i knew i could handle any pain if i could of focused on him and told him so. he knew how strongly i felt about it. i also told him if he didn’t think he could do those things to just tell me and i would have not let them give me anything then i could make sure they didn’t have the chance. HE LET THEM ANYWAY
     then his response was didn’t i trust him he did what he thought was best. this was hugely important to me and he brushed me off. at one point he asked me what i would do the next time and i told him i would never ever allow it again and would take my chances even with a family history of colon cancer, and breast cancer. i originally worked up the courage to see my nurse pract. because of rectal bleeding which i was pretty sure was from hemorrhoids she barely looked said could be anything should get colonoscopy because if i wait until they find cancer i will die. nice huh anyway colonoscopy happened june 21st and still get depressedl along with overwhelming anger and sadness i am trying so hard to control. can’t seem to let it go and i tried to talk to my husband but from what he has said i don’t really know that he would really tell me what happened. i feel like i am all alone
265. Sarah says:

     August 12, 2010 at 9:11 am

     Jean, I’m very glad that you brought up these issues. Medicine has become a minefield and it seems that many, not all, but many providers are more interested in a quick turn around and how much they can bill instead of providing choices, information and the best healthcare to their patients. I’m with you totally on wanting my physicians to tell me what they will be using, why it will be used, what options I have, and then let me make the final decision. Unless I come into the ER and it is a life/death decision and I’m unable to make decisions for myself, I don’t want anyone giving me broad generalizations about… “we’re giving you something to relax etc.” , I want the facts, and just the facts. And yes, there are facilities out there who are more amenable to including the patient’s in the decision making process, but what I’ve found is that even in these cases, one has to be fairly assertive about what one will and will not accept.
     I am very glad to have found your comments and to know I’m not the only one who thinks we must not accept such antiquated practices such as “doctor knows best” etc..
266. Jean says:

     August 12, 2010 at 6:36 am

     Marie,
     I don’t think you are overreacting. I had a colonoscopy last December and still to this day feel upset and angry about the experience. They gave me both versed and propofol for the exam and I wouldn’t even know that if I hadn’t have asked the anesthesiologist the morning of the procedure. Mind you, I had to ASK. So, I was totally asleep for the procedure. No knowledge of what was done to me, who was doing what, etc. Yes, that bothers me. I got a complete copy of all my records from both doctor and surgi center and no details about the procedure on either one. I think doctors use a one-size-fits-all approach to this stuff. They don’t give you any options. Obviously this procedure can be done with pain meds only; no sedation/amnesia. We are all not babies that cannot handle seeing the actual procedure. What are they trying to hide??? What do they want you to forget??? Anyways, I watched the video of Katie Couric’s colonoscopy; she was awake, talking to the doctor, watching the monitor AND modestly covered. Did you see the post here by Kimberly on July 22? She awoke twice during her exam to find herself totally uncovered. That kind of stuff makes my blood boil!
     Frankly, I don’t understand why they don’t take a more conservative approach to screening people for colon cancer, such as doing a FOBT, stool DNA test or even using a new blood test recently developed by Israli doctors which detects not only colon cancer but also the presence of polyps. Then colonoscopies could be used only in cases that warrant it. No wonder health care costs have skyrocketed here in the U.S. Someone is making a lot of money off all those exams. I, for one, will be foregoing any invasive, humillating screening exams in the future, even though they recommended a follow-up colonoscopy in 5 years. I will be content to reduce my risk by eating a healthy diet, exercising, etc. Don’t mean to rant here but sometimes it feels good to get it off your chest and also to realize that there are others out there who feel the same. By the way, Marie, if your husband was in the room during the exam couldn’t he tell you if you were repositioned, had abdominal pressure applied, etc,? Just curious. Jean
267. Lynn says:

     August 11, 2010 at 3:41 pm

     Marie,

     I applaud you for having the guts to say that your treatment was wrong and to stand up for yourself now. Although the treatment you received from your doctor was just awful, what adds fuel to the fire, in my opinion, is for anyone to insinuate that you may be over-reacting to the situation. What happened to you was an abuse of power on so many levels, and you were violated not only by the physician but by the nurses and other staff who did not put your needs and requests first. If the staff couldn’t honor a verbal agreement they should have said so. One of the first things one learns as a nursing student is that a nurse is a patient advocate. I am so sorry that you had no one to be your advocate when you needed one.
268. Barb says:

     August 11, 2010 at 12:25 pm

     I think patients would have more trust in their healthcare providers if medical professionals would admit when they made an error. Tell the patient you screwed up, then tell them what you’re able to do to fix it or just acknowledge that you understand if they want to find another provider.

     Keeping things “secret” may look good on paper to some corporate attorney, but in reality, patients are much more likely to sue if they’re lied to.

     I empathize with anyone who’s been lied to by their doctors or healthcare members.
269. MARIE says:

     August 11, 2010 at 11:22 am

     thanks everyone for your responses. i had spoken with the doc’s nurse at least 4 time prior to procedure
     stating i wanted to be awake, alert, and aware of what was going on and specifically stated no amnesia.
     somehow they ignored that but remembered enough to switch from versed to valium but at that amount
     they knew it would cause amnesia. now i don’t trust them at all prob is my dad had colon cancer so that is why i had the test. what made everything worse is i had done the research and showed my husband
     i talked to him over and over about this. he promised he would make sure my wishes were carried out and would be in room with me during procedure . he let them drug me and keep drugging me throughout the procedure. . when I (came back) i immediately realized what happened and called him on it and he would just say he did what he thought was best as i was apparently in a lot of pain even though they didn’t up the pain killers just the sedation. i had two make two trips to pick up records because they didn’t give me everything and still i basically got medication record and summary of proc. same thing at doc’s office ..requested complete file and all they sent me was the summary of proced. than when i brought it up again he asked didn’t i trust him. probably why i am having problems with trusting right now. anyway thanks all i really needed to vent and have someone listen
     who isn’t trying to convince me i’m the one who overreacted.
     thanks again.
270. Kate says:

     August 11, 2010 at 10:37 am

     Honesty and full disclosure in healthcare are certainly lacking in some situations, and this one is a prime example of it. And Marie, add me to the list of those who are very saddened by your experience. Out of all the procedures one can have as a patient nothing seems to put us in such a vulnerable experience as a colonoscopy.

     Now, I don’t watch much television, but last week I happened to catch an episode of a true, real life as it happens medical series called Boston Med. What was striking about this program is that not only does it portray the experiences of doctors and patients as they happen, but the program also catches both physician and patient reactions as both go through the variety of experiences that make up their lives.

     On the episode that I watched, there was a supposedly brilliant cardiac surgeon who operated on an infant who had a defect in his heart. After the surgery the infant was supposed to come off life support but the doctors couldn’t figure out why the baby wasn’t responding as he should. The parents were told to say “goodbye” to the child, but then the medical team discovered through some additional testing that there was an error in the first corrective surgery.

     Surprisingly enough the television coverage showed the surgeon immediately going to the parents, telling them that he made an error, and then the child being brought back to surgery in order to correct it. The child is now 16 months old and is doing well. I was amazed that not only did the surgeon admit to the error right away, but that it was profiled on medical television.
271. Anonymous says:

     August 11, 2010 at 8:06 am

     Marie, I am also sorry about your experience. I requested my complete medical records (in writing) from the endo center where I had my colonoscopy, after a nightmare experience with Versed. (This was strictly for my own information, without any intention to sue.) I was surprised at the lack of information on my records, and even more surprised that many things were scratched out, and appeared to have been changed before being sent to me. In two different places on my records, the time documented for the colonoscopy had been changed from 10 minutes to 12 minutes…and the times documented when I was given medication did not always agree. The doctors notes from our pre-op discussion (a phone call) made no mention of my request to be awake for the procedure, although we had discussed that. There was also no mention anywhere about how I “tolerated” the procedure… and although it was noted that a nurse spoke to me the day after the procedure, the comments about our discussion were completely scratched out ! I doubt anyone actually documents position changes during the procedure…
     My trust in medical providers has also been severly damaged from my experience, but not completely destroyed. Lesson learned: put everything in writing, tell everyone you refuse Versed, and pray you have chosen a competent, honest, caring doctor… (they are out there)
272. Joanna says:

     August 10, 2010 at 7:34 pm

     Marie,

     Losing trust in your medical providers is a terrible thing to have to go through. I’m very sorry that your wishes were not followed. I have heard of other patients who were verbally promised certain things would or would not happen during medical procedures, and who also experienced that their wishes were not followed. What I do now before going in for any procedure is to discuss what medications will be given, and then make sure that this info is on all of my medical records so that it is in writing in terms of what I will or will not take in terms of meds. I learned this the hard way after I was given some Versed for a procedure and I didn’t know there were other meds that couldn’ve been used or that I could’ve refused this type of sedation completely.

     In terms of your question, are you asking how you would find out what positions you were placed in during your procedure? I know by law that you can request access to your medical records. Generally, though if you request access what the hospital, facility, or doctor’s office will send is just a written summary of the procedure. You can request complete medical record, including nursing notes, full operative details and summary, and note COMPLETE Medical Record is requested. If you don’t get them you can follow up in writing and with a phone call and request the full operative record, not just the summary. I’m not sure if the info you want will be on there, but it is for certain your right to have a copy of your entire medical record.
273. MARIE says:

     August 10, 2010 at 2:49 pm

     I WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE VERY LIGHT SEDATION (JUST ENOUGH TO TAKE EDGE OF PANIC OFF)
     WAS GIVEN 30 VALIUM 75 DEMEROL AND 25 BENEDRYL. NEEDLESS TO SAY THAT WAS NOT LIGHT SEDATION. THIS, AFTER REPEATED CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THIS SUBJECT. TOO LATE NOW BUT MY TRUST HAS BEEN SEVERELY DAMAGED AND AT THIS POINT I DON’T KNOW IF I COULD GO BACK FOR A REPEAT IN 5 YEARS AS THEY HAVE SUGGESTED. BUT MY QUESTION IS THIS. WOULD THERE BE ANY INFO IF THEY DID A POSITION CHANGE OR APPLIED ABDOMINAL PRESSURE DURING COLONOSCOPY? I AM HAVING TROUBLE GETTING ANY INFO. THANKS
274. Genie says:

     August 6, 2010 at 12:41 pm

     Angie, I’ve worked in the gastroenterology department for several years. Although I haven’t ever had a colonoscopy I’ve worked with many patients who’ve had them. Regarding your question on the afternoon appointment, yes this means you will have to fast a bit longer. You may want to ask if your physician has another day where she/he can work you into their schedule that is an am. time slot. I think that is the easiest one for most patients just because you can get the exam over with and then go home to rest.

     There’s quite a bit of discussion now about Versed and it’s effects. Knowing what I know I would not recommend it, so I agree with your neighbor on avoiding the Versed sedation. In terms of your being awake, that is obviously your choice if your gastro will do the colonoscopy without any sedation. I like for paitents to know that they can request pain medicaton–but no sedation, and if you’re in the hands of a very skilled gastro, this can work well for you. Just know that sometimes women’s colons are more challenging to navigate, meaning that if you’re reading reports of men who’ve had colonoscopies without any sedation and saying how easy it was–it may not always coincide with how things go with a woman’s anatomy.

     I also let patients know that they can specify “no Versed” on their consent form, pain medication only and then put an additional notation that they would accept Demerol, or Valium but only if requested. (I just used those two meds as examples, not saying these are the ones you would list, but you can be very specific about your wishes in advance and put them in writing so there’s no miscommunication on the day of your procedure.)

     I was in the room incidentally when my brother had his colonoscopy–without sedation, just pain meds (fentanyl) and he was discussing all kinds of topics with the doc as well as watching his exam on the monitor.) So it can be done, just plan in advance what you want your options to be. Good Luck!
275. Angie says:

     August 6, 2010 at 8:56 am

     My colonoscopy procedure is on the books for next week and I’m so nervous! It’s in the afternoon which means I’m going to have to fast for the day before but also an additional 1/2 of the day. Have had blood in my stools for a few months now. This will be my first colonoscopy and I was told by my neighbor who’s incidentally a physician, not to use Versed. So my gastro will have a CRNA to give me the propofol but I’m wondering now if I should ask to do the colonoscopy without sedation? My preference would be to be awake and see what’s happening to me. I don’t like not knowing and definitely don’t want to be drugged up or groggy for the rest of the day. For those who’ve had the procedure without sedation how uncomfortable could this potentially be?
276. Robin says:

     August 5, 2010 at 1:01 pm

     Gary, so relieved to hear that your colonoscopy is finished. And I’m sure I speak for everyone that having you share information about your colonoscopy, the sedation, and physicians can only help other patients make better choices about their own care.

     It’s nice to know that you were comfortable, and that the CRNA was respectful of your wishes. Hoping that your biopsies turn out ok.

     Appreciate your taking the time to let us know that you are ok, and for again providing information about the propofol, Versed, and other issues.
277. gary says:

     August 4, 2010 at 9:48 pm

     I had the repeat colonoscopy this morning. Maureen and Robin: you are special people and I really appreciate your comments and encouragement. I’m sure that everyone is sick of hearing about my colonosopy and my sedation issues but here goes…I did a 2 day prep and reported for the exam….everyone was sorry for the repeat exam (no big deal, sh*t happens)…having to repeat a prep never killed anyone………….I asked for an unsedated exam and they agreed to this; but a CRNA asked to stand by “in case I changed my mind”…………fat chance….not so fast.she used fentanyl and propofol not Versed and only asked to “keep me comfortable”…………….so I agreed…anyway the unsedated exam was easy…….the doc said that my biopsies were “worrisome” and that I’m back again next year…as much as I hate sedation, the crna asked my permission to give some propofol during my procedure because the doc was having difficulty with the scope…I agreed and it wasn’t bad..I hope that everyone has providers like I have…………best
278. Robin says:

     August 4, 2010 at 4:20 pm

     Gary,

     Good luck with your colonoscopy. I feel so badly for you that you must have the colonoscopy exam done a 2nd time. Thank you for sharing all your valuable comments about physician choices etc, and your experience with having a physician who allowed you to refuse Versed and have the option of taking propofol during your colonoscopy. I sincerely hope everything goes well on your biopsies, and hope that they proper steps are taken by your medical providers so that they are not lost. Good luck to you and please do update us here so that we know you are ok following your next colonoscopy.
279. Maureen says:

     August 4, 2010 at 11:39 am

     Gary, I am so sorry that you have to redo your colonoscopy procedure. Can’t imagine having to go through that prep again and have sedation. But I’m so glad that you seem to have a kind and responsible doctor.

     It’s also nice I think that you will have the option for propofol. Anything to stay away from the terrible Versed.

     Sending prayers and good thoughts to you for an easy procedure. Best of luck and do let us know how it goes.

     Maureen
280. gary says:

     August 3, 2010 at 4:44 pm

     Sandy and others: glad to hear that you will be informed patients. I’m writing because thelab lost my biopsy samples from my recent colonoscopy and I have to repeat it tomorrow! Idid the original without sedation and it was refreshing to have my fears about Versed validated. One HUGE comment: if you have a provider that you trust, everything else falls into place. The endo center just called me since my test is tomorrow; everyone as sorry that the biopsy samples got lost, but it happens. I got a cal from the endo doc and she told me that she was mortified that the samples got lost, but she has been 100% honest with me; so was the CRNA..I told her “no sedation” and thats what I got. The CRNA just called and talked to be for 1/2 hour; she agreed to just “stand by” and not to give me anything unless I asked for it and I trust her. It kind of sucks having this test repeated in just a few days, but I’m not worried. When you have providers that you can trust, it’s not bad. The crna is still trying to get me to agree to propofol (no Versed side effects)…..she was there when i got the unsedated exam and acknowledged that I was able to tolerate it…………but she thinks that it would be “better” with propofol. the endo enter offered to do a repeat exam and cover the cost of the propofol (no charge). I never complained about the lost biopsies, but the doc and the crna offered to have me stay overnight after the test in case I didn’t have a driver and wanted sedation……..can’t get any nicer than that. my wife is a physician and told me to accept the offer; she wants to get rid of me for a day or so. she spoke with the endo doc and I think that they are planning to convince me that the propofol is a good idea…..hey, if you need a colonoscopy, get a good doc and do it…..
281. Sandy says:

     August 2, 2010 at 6:12 pm

     Jean,

     Thank you for clarifying the information about your colonoscopy procedure. I am so sorry that you were given both the Versed and the propofol and that you didn’t receive a complete explanation. It’s terrible that we aren’t given information without “digging” it out of the medical providers.

     I really am so grateful to you and the others who have spoken up about this so that myself and other people will be more informed as to what we need to do in order to properly plan for a colonoscopy or some other type of medical exam.

     I agree with you 100% that it should be required to provide patients with more information about what will happen, who will be there, meds that may be used (their side effects) etc.

     If I don’t get answers in advance I will call and cancel my exam and reschedule it only when I’m comfortable that I’m getting truthful responses from a potential physician. Thank you so much for caring and for all your helpful info Jean.
282. Jean says:

     August 2, 2010 at 2:59 pm

     Sandy,
     Actually I was not given a choice on sedation and didn’t know enough to ask. I would have preferred to be unsedated; just pain meds if necessary. No versed! I did ask the anesthesiologist the morning of the procedure what I would be given and was informed I would have BOTH versed and propofol. They gave me the versed before taking me into the exam room; to “relax” me supposedly. But I have to wonder why they would give versed before the propofol if propfol is so fast acting. It made me wonder what they did not want me to remember as versed is an amnesiac. I actually didn’t feel good about having that (embarrassing) procedure done in front of 5 people and not know what each one was doing to me, what they were seeing, etc. I would have liked to have had some participation in the exam and would have liked to watch the screen. I wish I would have researched more of these websites before having my colonoscopy because if you don’t ask questions they sure don’t volunteer any information. I realize that everyone is different but I would think that they would at least offer you the option of more detailed information (as far as what to expect in the exam room, who will be there assisting, what they will be doing, what choices you may have for sedation (if any), etc.). I just am not comfortable having an exam that requires exposure and not be aware of what happened. Please do call your doctor and get answers to any questions you may have before going through with it so that you do not have any regrets afterwards. Jean
283. Sandy says:

     August 2, 2010 at 11:43 am

     I’m getting a colonoscopy soon and was fortunate enough to find this site. Gary, I’m especially glad I read your material about having a doctor who would agree to do the colonoscopy without any sedation. I didn’t know this was an option. Jean, Kimberly, and everyone else who provided info about their experiences–thank you so much also. I didn’t ask any questions yet–but am going to call my gastro’s office this afternoon and setup an earlier office visit so that I’m sure that I can either request no sedation, or have the propofol that Jean used during my colonoscopy. Guess I was expecting that my doctor would give me the best choices. It’s a blessing to know this info in advance.
284. Jean says:

     August 2, 2010 at 8:44 am

     Kimberly:
     I am so glad that you are going to follow through with your written concerns. I hope the other websites gave you some ideas on how to properly address your complaint and also how to take it to a higher level should you not get a satisfactory explanation or even apology about how you were treated. I also think these websites are valuable resources for patients and I wish I would have read more before I had my colonoscopy. I have little experience with the health care industry; luckily I have always been healthy and able to avoid it. I have always been concerned with the modesty issue and I believe that a lot more can be done to accomodate patients in this area. I feel a lot more “empowered” now and feel like I will be better able to speak up for my wishes if and when I need to visit a doctor/hospital again. I think it is so important that patients and doctors work together to make the atmosphere as comfortable and dignified for the individual even if it means perhaps doing things a little differently; outside of “standard protocol”. I think medical personnel get so used to doing things a certain way that they do not even consider options. They also, as may have been in your case, get careless and probably feel like it’s no big deal to them to see uncovered patients but fail to realize that the exposed person is the one feeling humiliated and will possibly have lingering feelings of shame, anger and/or resentment. Anyways, didn’t mean to go on so much on that but I hope you will keep me posted on your progress. It may at least give you some satisfaction to let the proper parties know how you feel. Good luck. Jean
285. Kimberly says:

     August 1, 2010 at 3:50 pm

     Hello again Jean,

     Thanks very much for the info on patient modesity and again for all your support and help with the colonoscopy issues. I’ve already begun writing out my concerns, have a good first draft almost complete so it will be interesting to see what comes from this. The good thing is that I’ll be much more vocal now about telling other people to come and read this site and learn in advance what their options are for colonoscopy, and I’ll be better prepared to deal with medical providers in the future after this experience. I’ll certainly keep you posted and will update here to share any feedback that I get as a result of my written complaints. Hope your weekend is going well!
286. Gary says:

     August 1, 2010 at 12:07 pm

     I just had a colonoscopy and was prepared to argue because I didn’t want sedation and I just assumed that I would not be treated very well. I was wrong. The GI doc was a very skilled and pleasant young woman who took the time to explain everything to me. She agreed to do the exam without sedation and assured me that she would stop if I said stop. In fact, she thought that an unsedated colonoscopy was just fine, an she was totally honest: we usually give Versed because that’s what insurance companies pay for, most people expect a pain-free procedure and with Versed most won’t remember much (but she agreed that many have bad experiences with Versed if not warned of the amnesia). On the day of the test she asked if a CRNA could stand by in case I changed my mind; she would have propofol and fentanyl ready to go but only if I asked for them. The exam went well without anything, a few twinges but really minor. The doctor told me not to be concerned about embarassment and that everone would be looking at the monitor, not my butt. This exam was easy because I had a doctor who was very honest and not in a rush like most seem to be. Tammy’s experience is really unfortunate, that doctor should be fired. My guess is that consent for colonoscopy sedation wil change in the future: as my doc simply put it, get Versed if you want amnesia of the procedure and it’s usually with fentanyl to reduce any pain. This combo usually works well, but you are not usually asleep. There is often residual amnesia and a hangover for a while following the exam. Get propofol if you want to sleep thru it and wake up quickly; but many insurance companies won’t pay the $700 or so extra cost. If you have a good GI doc you can try it unsedated like I did. One other factor is that most docs want to use sedation beause they think that it will increase a patient’s chance of returning for a repeat exam. My doc told me because of Versed (patients not being told of the amnesia and other problems) exactly the opposite is happening; the patients with bad Versed experiences are telling their stories and lots of people will NEVER get screened. Websites like this are great.
287. Jean says:

     July 30, 2010 at 10:08 am

     Kimberly,
     I understand completely how you feel. If this exam is so important then the medical community should do all they can to make the experience a positive one and respect the patient’s modesty and dignity as much as possible. I am a very modest person and think a lot of other people are, also, but may be afraid to voice their concerns. If you feel this way, you may want to check out some other blogs regarding medical/patient modesty, especially ones by Dr. Joel Sherman and Dr. Maurice Bernstein. There are many interesting points of view on these blogs regarding this issue. I hope you do follow through with your complaints. I would like to know what feedback or explanation you do get and I will check this site periodically to hear from you. Good luck. Jean
288. Kimberly says:

     July 29, 2010 at 6:49 pm

     Jean, thanks for writing and letting me know that being covered during an exam was a concern of yours also. I just felt so betrayed on many levels, and I think I will voice my concerns in writing both to the facility and the doctor. If nothing else, maybe this will help prevent another patient from being treated in this fashion. Just getting the courage up to do something like a colonoscopy is difficult and all you hear again and again is how important the exam is etc. But to treat people like I was treated shouldn’t be acceptable practice. I’m glad that you had the propofol. If I have a colonoscopy or other type of exam again that requires sedation, that’s what I will require. And you’re so right. We patients have to stick up for our rights if no one else is looking after us! Thank you again Jean.
289. Jean says:

     July 29, 2010 at 4:23 pm

     To Kimberly regarding waking up and being uncovered during her colonoscopy: I had a colonoscopy done last year and was VERY concerned about the exposure. I was given propofol so don’t remember a thing. I did ask several nurses, however, as well as my doctor about the exposure and was assured that the patient is always draped and only the bottom is exposed (and sometimes even that is covered after the scope is inserted). Now there is no way I know for sure this happened but I have no reason to doubt it. You should definitely lodge a concern/complaint to the doctor and/or facility. There is no reason that you should have been uncovered in that fashion. It is totally unacceptable, whether you are a really modest person, like myself, or not. It is just plain dignity for the patient as most facilities profess in their patient rights statements. If patients don’t complain about this type of treatment then it will just persist!
290. Mandy says:

     July 27, 2010 at 4:02 am

     Versed was not a good choice for my colonoscopy. My procedure was done yesterday and there was significant pain. I had a hysterectomy several years back and don’t remember feeling so much pain. Perhaps Versed works with some people, but for me, it didn’t have any effect. I remember the entire thing including asking them to stop several times throughout the colonoscopy. What frightens me the most is that they didn’t/wouldn’t stop. I certainly think that it would have been appropriate to stop, give me some pain medication, and then proceed. I asked for an explanation from the gastro afterwards why it hurt so much, and he just said something about that the hysterectomy had “shifted things” and some colons are more difficult than others or something to that effect. I’m really upset and cry when thinking about what I went through. Why didn’t anyone tell me ahead of time to expect more pain because I had a previous hysterectomy?
291. Mike says:

     July 26, 2010 at 7:24 pm

     I needed a colonoscopy but after reading the Versed horror stories, I couldn’t believe that any doctor would mislead and basically lie about this drug (especially the creepy amnesia that can be very long-term). So I picked 3 endo docs and played dumb; I didn’t want to do the Versed rant right off the bat so I waited to see if ANY of them told me the truth about the drugs (Versed and fentanyl). Gastro #1 was the worst: “sign this so we can give you meds to keep you comfortable”. (total lie and he never mentioned amnesia; in fact he denied that it occured; he even insisted that I would be asleep). Gastro #2 was better, he told me nothing about the drug at all except that”the exam requires sedation, we use versed/fentanyl. At least the nurse gave me a handout which mentioned the side effects (fine print). When I asked to see the gastro after the nurse was finished, he was pissed at my questions; I asked him directly about the side-effects and he wouldn’t answer a direct question. Gastro#3 was a woman and although she didn’t go into gritty detail she did mention that a driver was needed since Versed causes amnesia. When I asked about the other terrible side effects, she was honest. I asked her why she didn’t give patients more detail about Versed side-effects and she was blunt: without sedation most would not get screened and a lot would develop cancer, she tries to minimize the side-effects, but if anyone asks direct questions she will answer truthfully and she did. My last question is important for this website: “doctor, would you want to receive Versed yourself”? NO! She said that she would demand propofol (as would any physician), but she reminded me that many patients can’t affort the huge cost of this drug which many insurance companies won’t pay for. She then asked me a question: given that most patients demand sedation and that Versed is the only choice for many, what would I do? If you tell them that a much better drug is available (but not for them), they would walk away. She had a great point: if you establish trust with the patient and you are honest during consent (I will act in your best interest and I’m giving you Versed to make you forget the procedure (and list the reasons)…she said that she always does this and has had decent patient satisfaction with the drug. She also told me that she hates using it because of the side-effects and that it commonly doesn’t work anyway; they give incremental doses until the patient is really comfortable, but by this time the exam is over, the patient has a hangover and their memory is fried. I was shocked that she talked to me for so long about why she uses Versed but basically hates it. Her last comment was: most gastros hustle a patient who got Versed out the door and tell them that they had a good experience; then they get home and all hell breaks loose…Then the call the office and get ignored. I admire her honesty and have a very low opinion of gastro’s 1 and 2. She knows them both and called them “slob gastros”. At no time did she push me to get the exam, but she did tell me that I was high risk and that with my symptoms that I needed to get the exam (without Versed if that was my choice). I left and we parted as friends. The next day a anesthesia provider (a nurse) called me and told me that gastro #3 had called her and she was calling to see if I wanted to try propofol and she verified that my insurance would cover it. I was still afraid about sedation and she told me i could try it with nothing or with narcotic only (fentanyl). I chose nothing and the nurse told me that the prep was waiting for me at the pharmacy and that my exam with gastro #3 was in 1 week. Gastro #3 had already scheduled it. Did the prep and reported for the exam. Verified that I wouldn’t be getting anything and the gastro doc agreed. She had one suggestion: would I mind if the CRNA stood by with syringes hooked up to my IV with propofol and another with fentanyl in case I changed my mind? I agreed because the gastro doc was so honest. The CRNA held my hand during the exam and reminded me that all I had to do was ask and I could get narcotics for pain or be asleep (really) with propofol in seconds if that was my desire. I tried it with nothing and it wasn’t bad. The CRNA and the doc were great, honest and I was comfortable with them. Towards the end of the exam, my back started painful spasms (nothing to do with the exam, but I have several fused vertebrae, so this happens when I lay on my left side. The doc and CRNA saw that I was in pain and the doc again mentioned that I wouldn’t get anything unless I asked for it but that she had several polyps and a biopsy to do and that this would take a while. Nobody was pushy, so I admitted that my back was killing me because of the left-side position and that I wouldn’t object to a little relief. The CRNA smiled and asked me if I wanted a nice buzz (fentanyl) or a nice nap (propofol) or both (she’s a great bartender). I told her to use her judgement (finally, people who I can trust); she gave me increasing amounts of fentanyl until the pain was gone, no side-effects at all. The exam was long, but painfree until the end; I couldn’t release the trapped air (fart) that was introduced thru the scope no matter what I did. in the recovery room, this got painful until the CRNA offered to help; she suggested some propofol and I could be as awake or asleep as I wanted. Again, I said use your judgement. She told me that I would be getting sleepy and I did; they rolled me into a different position and the air noisily came out. Within minutes after stopping the propofol I was wide awake, feeling great. It was sad to see the other patients who had received Versed babbling and moaning in the recovery room. Morale: Versed is a bad drug for many (I won’t take it and ,neither do medical people); you can’t trust many gastros (they lie for a buck) and when you find a great honest gastro like the woman I found (and a great CRNA), then drop your pants and get a colonoscopy. My results were precancerous and I need frequent colonoscopies. I’m not worried at all.
292. Tammy says:

     July 26, 2010 at 6:40 am

     I was given Versed for another procedure before and my physician did not take the time to explain about the drug or the effects of it. No one on the medical team told me about it otherwise I would have refused. During my procedure I “woke up” had a negative reaction to the Versed and then they ended up having to put me under using General Anesthesia. This was not for a colonoscopy, so I don’t want anyone to think that this is normal for a colonoscopy. I was just very angry at not being told the truth. In the past I’d had other operations and remained awake during those procedures. My tolerance for pain is very high and I’m not anxious about having surgical procedures. My sister was with me during the pre-operative phase of the operation and said that details about the sedation options were never discussed. Knowing now I’ve learned about Versed, it is something I would never, ever, take again. I have in writing in my chart that I have allergies to Versed and should not be given this medication under any circumstances.
293. Andrea says:

     July 25, 2010 at 6:02 pm

     Shelly,

     I’m grateful that you shared your story about Versed. I’m a nurse too and was beginning to think I was in the minority of those who think Versed is an awful choice for patients. I was like most other health care providers I’m sorry to say until I experienced Versed myself during a colonoscopy exam. I remember a male nurse telling me I would not remember a thing but in my case — I did wake up during the procedure and heard myself begging for more medication. And I have a very high threshold for pain. My doctor, whom I thought I trusted, made some comment about me not being able to remember anyway and I was mortified at how I was treated.

     I am so sorry you had to go through such a betrayal of trust in your case as well. Now I believe nurses are a patient’s last line of “defense” against some of the abusive practices that exist in healthcare. And the brainwashing of staff that goes on to “convince” them that Versed is a good medication is criminal in my opinion. Anyway, I just wanted to write in and to say thank you for your courage in standing up to that jerk doctor, and know that by spreading the message you are doing a really good thing.

     Warmly,

     Andrea
294. Shelly says:

     July 25, 2010 at 2:23 pm

     I have had a family member have a terrible experience with Versed (memory loss long-term) and severe anxiety, nightmares so I wanted to avoid it for my own exam. The nurse from the GI lab and the GI doc told me that I could start with nothing and that they would only give me a very minimal amount of Versed if I asked for it so I agreed. What a fool I was. Just before the exam, the GI doc pushed the max dose of Versed all at once into my IV and I flet like I was going to die. A month later I still can’t remember discrete information, dates, etc. I’m a fairly young nurse and I’m not exaggerating. When I confronted the GI “doctor”, he told me that I didn’t really remember what actually happened due to the amnesia effects of Versed; when I showed him the records and had one of the endo nurses who was present back my story up, he just said: “you signed a sedation consent, so any promise to use a minimal amount or to titrate the amount used is meaningless. You gave me written permission to do whatever I wanted to do, regardless of any verbal promise that I made”. I was shocked and felt like crying, but steeled myself and told him off. I see this idiot frequently in the hospital where we both work and he says hi to me; I respond with “have you lied to any other patients today you unethical slob”? I always make sure that others (especially patients) hear me and I told him just to try to shut me up. He’s totally silent. Do not sign a sedation consent unless it specifies no Versed; a promise to use a minimal amount is worthless. I’ll never get another colonoscopy and I will never recommend one to any of my patients. I have been an advanced practice nurse for 30 years and can’t believe how the GI profession has deteriorated into a bunch of ethically bankrupt slobs.
295. Ivy says:

     July 23, 2010 at 8:28 am

     Hello Kimberly, I’m sorry that your colonoscopy experience was a bad one. I can relate, mine was also last week. From the sounds of it maybe we had the same doctor. (Smile) No but seriously, I had done my investigation about the procedure and thought I knew what to expect. I can remember myself screaming and crying and the doctor saying he had a hard time sedating me. I felt lied to….that if I had been told that the procedure hurt, I would have known what to expect. But I felt violated and “duped” and would not go back to the same doctor again. I would also insist on being put “out” completely for the procedure instead of using the light sedation that was promised with Versed.
296. Kimberly says:

     July 22, 2010 at 7:00 pm

     I had my first colonoscopy this morning and it was way worse than I expected. Everyone told me “not to worry” it would be alright, but it was really awful. I think I was given Versed, I didn’t know to ask about it before, and just found this website while searching for someone else who may have had a bad experience to a colonoscopy. I woke up several times during the procedure because I was in severe pain. Each time that I awakened I noticed that there were no sheets covering me–I was exposed and was appalled that they wouldn’t cover me with something. Each time that I woke up–I felt as if my insides were being stabbed. Even after the procedure was over my pain continued for a while and I passed not only the gas I was told to expect but also some blood. The nurse reassured me that this was “normal” and that everything was “fine” but I wasn’t expecting to feel such discomfort especially because I wasn’t warned about it. Has anyone else had this happen to them? I won’t be doing another colonoscopy unless something changes for 10 years, but I won’t ever let them do it without putting me completely asleep.
297. kate says:

     July 13, 2010 at 2:21 pm

     My first colonoscopy is scheduled in the next few weeks. I didn’t ask about Versed when I scheduled the exam. if I decide that I don’t want to use Versed, should I call my doctor’s office now and tell them I don’t want the Versed, but want something else? I’m nervous about the whole thing and don’t want to worry about memory problems. It was interesting to note that there were even medical professionals here that said that Versed is not such a good medicine to use. For this, I’m thankful. I’d rather know than not know about the Versed problems than to simply get it because I didn’t ask.
298. Cindy says:

     July 13, 2010 at 11:01 am

     I’m going to order the book for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet today. It seems like it will be a lot of work but I guess it will be worth it if it helps with Colitis or Crohns. Our family has many members with bowel disorders of some type so guess what I’ll be bringing to the family reunion this year. LOL. I was at a neighbors house yesterday and her daughter is on the diet. Had some muffins that were SCD legal and they were suprisingly tasty and had good things in them, carrots, honey, etc.
299. Gina says:

     July 10, 2010 at 11:32 am

     I have Crohn’s Disease and am using the Specific Carbohydrate Diet also. It was more difficult at first because I had to get used to the preparation time for some of the foods. Now, I have a system down where one day a week I prepare most of my meals for the week. You have to do some tweaking I think because at first you have to see if there’s some things that bother your stomach even if they’re “legal” on the diet. But once I figured out some basics, it’s now really easy and very convenient. I also use the Lara Bars (my favorite is the apple pie flavor) for take along snacks during the day, especially if I’m going to be commuting on the train.
300. Jennie says:

     July 9, 2010 at 5:46 pm

     Hello Tammy,

     My husband has Ulcerative Colitis and he’s been on the SCD diet for a little over 6 weeks now. We’ve had to do some tweaking, which the book says is normal for people with gastro disorders, like limit the amount of honey he can eat as well as to initially limit things like onions etc, but he’s making some good steps towards getting better. My husband initially had diarrhea issues and had hemmorrhoids and the gastro doc wanted to do another invasive exam ie: a sigmoidoscopy even though he had had a colonoscopy a few months before. But the gastro never even checked for the hemmorhoids, just wanted him to go in for another procedure. We said no and because he is not having diarrhea anymore, the bleeding has stopped and he is not running to the bathroom all day/every day like before. I like to make baked goods for him using the coconut flour which is also legal but I ordered the almond flour this week so next week I’m going to try the carrot muffins with the almond flour. Sounds good now as a matter of fact…but I’ll have to wait until my flour comes in.
301. Tammy says:

     July 9, 2010 at 4:30 pm

     Linda,

     My daughter has been on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet for 2 months. She is like a different child. Her energy is back, her eyes sparkle and she has no more stomach pain. In the beginning I was a bit overwhelmed with what to feed her and didn’t know how I could incorporate the food plan into our day to day routines. But I got the book and read about it first, and then got to meet some other parents who were actually using it for their kids and now I’m comfortable with the food prep and she’s doing great with not only eating the food, but enjoying it also. I make her banana muffins with almond flour, and carrot muffins, using the same kind of flour. They’re moist and taste really good, and have none of the bloating effects that you’d see if you were using regular type flour. So the diet is really good for anyone with celiac disease also. My daughter is no longer on any medications so for her, it is really reduced the irritation and inflammation that used to occur in her gut.
302. Linda says:

     July 9, 2010 at 9:25 am

     Anyone try the Specific Carbohydrate Diet for their child? My son has numerous bowel problems and has been to several gastroenterologists over the past several years. I’m concerned because none of the options we’ve been given lead me to think that anything would be curative. The medications that traditional MD’s are using seem to me to do nothing but mask the symptoms. I know many have used the SCD for ulcerative colitis, Irritable Bowel Disease and Crohn’s Disease, but could someone give me info on possibly using the SCD for a child?
303. Karen says:

     July 9, 2010 at 9:12 am

     Elaine,

     It isn’t an uncommon situation to have both diverticulitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Although it was initially thought that these disorders were two separate conditions, some doctors now think that there can be some overlap. Treatments for diverticular disease that is painful and IBS are normally the same. Adding in fiber to the diet can help in both cases, although too much fiber during a flare up can sometimes exacerbate the symptoms.
304. Elaine says:

     July 9, 2010 at 8:40 am

     I have been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Disease and my doctor is now saying I also have Diverticulitis. Has anyone else been given two separate diagnoses like this and if so is there a correlation between having both the Diverticulitis and the Irritable Bowel? I mean, could one have contributed at all towards me getting the other?
305. Rhonda says:

     July 8, 2010 at 2:20 pm

     Hi all,

     My dad went on the SCD diet last year because his doctors were suggesting yet more meds for his ulcerative colitis. And it seemed like his “flares” were more violent and frequent even with steroids. He had upper endocscopy, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, you name it, and wasn’t getting much relief at all. He’s a golfer and trying to play a round of golf while having to run to the restroom 4-8 times an hour, just wasn’t working.

     But after learning about the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, his life has changed considerably. He doesn’t have the frequency or urgency issues that had plagued him for years. His stool, although most of the time soft, is much better and isn’t liquid. Minimal to almost no mucus which is a huge improvement, and he feels and looks better. It is a really good program.
306. George says:

     July 8, 2010 at 1:23 pm

     Here’s an update on my colonoscopy procedure. Had it yesterday and it was really no big deal. The day before, by far was the worst. I checked into the surgical center at 6:30 am. and I was dismissed to go home at 10:00 am. I had been worrying about it for weeks. Hopefully this will reassure some of you who are very anxious about the colonoscopy.

     Regarding the day before and drinking the prep, I had asked my doctor if I could do the Miralax/Dulcolax one because I had heard it is easier to do and although I wouldn’t say it was a pleasant experience it was certainly tolerable for me.

     Doc said I was cleaned out perfectly and he got a clear view. He did remove 2 polyps and I’m waiting to hear the results back but doc said everything else looked good.
307. Louisa says:

     July 8, 2010 at 12:33 pm

     Hello Liz,

     I’ve been on the SCD diet for about 4 months now. And I travel. While it is sometimes difficult to know exactly what you are eating, it is not impossible to do the SCD diet while traveling. Some things that helped me were to get a list of the legal foods that I could easily pack. Although they are supposed to be a little more advanced, the Lara Bars made with just dates (no sugar) are lifesavers for my lifestyle. They pack easily in planes and if I’m starving, one of these with an apple can really tide me over and/or serve as a lunch in a pinch. If you need more info, let me know.
308. Liz says:

     July 8, 2010 at 10:10 am

     I’d really like to try the Specific Carbohydrate Diet but I’ve heard it is very difficult if you travel. I’m on the road quite a bit for my job and I’m wondering if there would be a way to do this while away from home. Could anyone with a bowel disorder who has tried the SCD diet let me know if you were able to succesfully stick to the plan while traveling?
309. Becca says:

     July 8, 2010 at 5:06 am

     Greetings to everyone,

     I wanted to comment on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet as well. I have Crohn’s Disease and was also prescribed medications to control the symptoms. Nothing really seemed to offer a cure–and even with meds my symptoms could vary from day to day. Someone in my church group gave me a book about the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and I am so encouraged by my results.

     Now the diet itself does require work…the key is to take the time to read and understand which foods are ok to have on the plan and which ones can aggravate your gastrointestinal symptoms. I also use the crock pot frequently to prepare meals and then freeze individual servings so that when I come home from work, I can just pop something in the microwave and have dinner.

     It’s amazing to me that after seeing over 7 gastroenterologists not one discussed the importance of diet in terms of healing my intestinal tract. If you’re open to taking a little extra time in preparing your meals in advance, I highly recommend checking out the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. It has been a real life changer for me.
310. Luann says:

     July 7, 2010 at 8:19 pm

     Tanya,

     I’ve been through several colonoscopies also and agree with the other poster that the worst part is the prep. Here are some things that I was told by other patients which helped me. Hope they can help you prepare for your colonoscopy so that the preparation part is a little easier for you.

     Make sure and refrigerate your cool aid or gatorade or whatever liquid you are mixing with the powder if you are using a powdered prep. The cold temperature of the liquid helps make it more palatable and disguises the taste. I was embarrased about the passing of gas after the procedure so I talked with my gastro before hand and was told that they can not only pump the air into the intestine but also pump most of it out. There could still be some gas, but it isn’t like you have to feel like you’re going to be “lighting up anything” for the rest of the day. Also, go easy on the food/liquids post operatively. You’ll need to rehydrate, but do so slowly and eat just a little bit for a few hours afterwards. If you have your procedure done in the morning you can have a very light lunch, then can generally have a regular dinner. Hope this helps, and all the best to you!
311. Colleen says:

     July 7, 2010 at 4:44 pm

     Hello Tanya,

     I’ve had 3 colonoscopies before, so I hope I can ease your mind at least a little bit about the process. My opinion is that if you have a good doctor, you won’t have any pain if they give you pain medication. My doctor uses fentanyl and knows that I don’t want and won’t accept any type of sedation and he is accepting of that although at first it took some arm twisting. Smile:) I told him I wouldn’t have the procedure at all if he required sedation! Now I know some people aren’t comfortable with this and prefer to be asleep during the procedure. And as you’ll read here, some are really, really opposed to Versed, for many reasons. Since you’ve found that in the past Versed for you wasn’t very “sedating” you may want to explore other options. Some will find a doctor who like mine will give pain medication only, others wanting some type of relaxation will ask for Valium which is a relaxant and then fentanyl which is pain medication. Others who wish to be totally asleep may want to use a doctor and a facility which offers propofol but this would require monitored anesthesia. The procedure itself for me was not bad at all,the worst part was definitely the prep. It sounds like you may have some concerns about your doctor and if this is the case–perhaps you could find another provider who would give you more info other than “it will be ok” or “you’ll be fine” and who will put your mind at ease so that you won’t be afraid going into the procedure.
312. Bob says:

     July 7, 2010 at 12:27 pm

     Mac,

     I would definitely encourage you to get an evaluation from a doctor. I wouldn’t let the fear of having a colonoscopy stop you from getting an evaluation. Sometimes bleeding can be caused by hemmorhoids and if that is the case, then you may be able to get treatment for that which would not involve a colonoscopy. If I were you I would encourage you to make an appointment with a family doctor, or a clinic where you can receive general medical care and get the opinion of a health care professional as to what your next step should be. That way you will know if they recommend a colonoscopy or if it is just something else that could be treated. But it’s better to know what your options are so that you are not frightened. Best of luck to you.
313. Jessica says:

     July 7, 2010 at 11:35 am

     Hi everyone, I have some great news to report about the SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet). My husband has ulcerative colitis as well and was going down the road to nowhere in terms of the regular medical treatment: ie: colonoscopy, then they wanted to do a sigmoidoscopy and put him on steroids etc. I always do a lot of research before just blindly following what a doctor says and so I found out about the SCD diet. I asked him if he wanted to try it and he said “what do I have to lose…nothing…so sure I’ll try it.” He’s been on it for a few months and has had outstanding results. He finally has a normal stool for the first time since January. No mucus in stool anymore and no bleeding which he had regularly before doing the diet. I can’t say that following the diet is easy..it’s not really a diet per se in terms of losing weight but it’s basically lots of good fresh fruits, certain vegetables and meats, so it’s back to basics in terms of cooking. No processed foods, wheat, glutens or some other things. If anyone has more questions I’d be glad to help if I can.
314. Luann says:

     July 7, 2010 at 10:42 am

     Good morning Susan,

     I’ve heard nothing but really good things about the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. It’s got really good reviews…here’s a link to it if you want to know more about it.

     http://www.hospitalsoup.com/intestinalhealthdiet

     My cousin had ulcerative colitis and was almost going to have to have bowel surgery but decided to give the diet a try and is doing well now—without surgery or medications. I would highly recommend that you consider it or at least read more about how it works.
315. Susan says:

     July 7, 2010 at 9:54 am

     I’ve had ulcerative colitis for several years and have tried numerous medication regimens. They seem to help for a while, but I always seem to have relapses. I was talking to a friend yesterday and they said I may want to try the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. Has anyone heard of this and if so, do you have an opinion on whether it works? Thanks!

     Susan
316. mac says:

     July 7, 2010 at 9:01 am

     hi
     i have pain in anus and when I have defectation I saw new bloody secretion but I’m afraid of colonoscopy. Help me please
     thanks
317. Tanya says:

     July 6, 2010 at 7:05 pm

     I’m brand new to this site and I was hoping someone could possibly give me some support and/or encouragement. The past 8 months I’ve been having stomach and bowel issues and am supposed to be going in for a colonoscopy in two weeks. I’m not just scared, I’m terrified.

     The doctor has explained that he will use sedation but I’ve had a previous procedure performed where I was told the very same thing and the sedation didn’t affect me in the least. I’m not sure the doctor, (gastroenterologist) that I’m using is liberal enough with the medication. I’ve spoken to the nurse in the office to try to help reduce my anxiety –but she tells me “it will be ok”, and she said that they will use Versed, which is the same thing I had for the previous procedure. This frightens me even more because it didn’t work well for me in the past. I really don’t want to go in and have pain during the colonoscopy. Do you all think I should ask for something else to be given and if so what would you suggest for those of you who have been through this before?

     Appreciate your help.
318. Margaret says:

     July 6, 2010 at 2:18 pm

     Dear Polly, I have been afraid to actually get a colonoscopy scheduled although I am way overdue by about one year. This will be my first one and I have a lot of anxiety about it. Although it was very disturbing to hear about your experience with Versed, I wanted you to know that I will now be sure not to have a colonoscopy using that type of sedative. I was going to use the same doctor that my husband used for his colonscopy which he had two years ago, but that doctor told me that I would be “just fine” with the Versed and kind of brushed off my questions. With the help of the info that I’ve learned here and knowing about your situation I can now feel more confident in choosing another physician and not being pressured into taking something that I don’t feel will be good for me. I will let you know how it goes and my deepest appreciation to you for talking about this because otherwise there is now way I would’ve learned about the problem had I not found the info on this site before my exam.
319. June says:

     July 6, 2010 at 8:08 am

     Polly, you are very welcome, and thank you for asking a great question. I think your concerns on medication choices and options for conscious sedation during colonoscopy procedures are going to provide other patients with some very valuable information and insight for decisions that they make for their own medical care. All the best to you:-)
320. Polly says:

     July 5, 2010 at 3:57 pm

     Thank you
321. June says:

     July 5, 2010 at 3:15 pm

     Hello Polly,

     I really do understand where you’re coming from regarding not wanting to list the Versed as an allergy and wanting to know why you may be hearing options as to why it may be best to do so…. I’m a registered nurse and think that patients should definitely not be put in these positions. However, let me just share with you the following perspective. There are numerous opportunities for errors within the healthcare environment…multiple departments interacting with one another, and medication administration is one very important component. Let’s say in a perfect world you did find a provider who listened to you and who was willing not to administer Versed— but you may be admitted somewhere in the future and the unit or facility is very busy. In busy, chaotic environments health care decisions are made quickly and since Versed is the “go to drug” of choice for many providers— you could be given Versed either intentionally or unintentionally if someone on the health care team either didn’t check your preferences or decided in a moment of rushing to provide care to you, that it wasn’t an issue in that situation.

     Contrast this scenario with you having an “Allergy” to a specific medication. It is documented in your medical record, your pharmacist, as well as ALL medical providers should have this “ALLERGY” listed in your chart. When and if you are admitted anywhere in the world for medical care one of the first questions you will be asked is, “Do you have any allergies to medications?”. If you are unable to speak for yourself this info can be, part of your medical record so that it travels with you everywhere. And there are other things you can do to properly document this “Allergy”.

     You would also as a matter of standard protocol get a brightly colored arm bracelet, denoting that you had an allergy so that all healthcare professionals interacting with you during the entire time of your admission would know NOT to EVER administer Versed or whatever drug you are allergic to.

     So, although in a perfect world yes, it would be great to have a world in which choices like this were not necessary, BUT I know what my choice would be if I wanted to have the odds on my side of not getting a particular medication that I knew was not in my best interest.

     As a healthcare professional and as a nurse, my job is always to put the patient’s needs first, and I wish that you would never have received Versed, as it is my personal opinion that it is a very poor medication choice with regards to the needs of the patient. I don’t ever want to have it and won’t permit my family members to have it either. I’m sorry you had such a bad experience with Versed, and my hope for you is that in the future you have dedicated, caring and professional individuals who provide you with full disclosure about your choices regarding medical care and that your experience in the future should you need healthcare, your experience will be much better.
322. Hospitalist says:

     July 4, 2010 at 10:32 pm

     Polly: Sorry that you had a terrible experience with midazolam. You are not alone. Please understand that when a patient stops breathing because of midazolam (Versed) administration, that is a SEVERE allergy and should be listed as such to insure that you do not get the drug again. Yes, in an ideal world, your refusal of the drug would suffice; in today’s medical environment if you go into the emotional toll that receiving this drug has taken on you, many providers will consider you confused and administer the drug anyway. Versed causes amnesia, forces patient compliance and generally makes everyone’s job easier. Good providers don’t act this way, but frequently the drug is given anyway. This is not right, but save yourself the grief: list it as an allergy. I have never had midazolam but list it as a class 1 allergy causing hives and difficulty breathing. I don’t want it because I have seen many patients have severe mental reactions to it and I don’t want amnesia. Best to you.
323. Polly says:

     July 3, 2010 at 7:49 pm

     I also have been told by a couple of doctors, a nurse, and even a therapist, that if I really want to make sure I am not given Versed again, that I should say I had a really bad reaction to it , and that I “stopped breathing ” when I was given it. However, I have a major problem with having to lie to get a doctor to respect my wishes. Shouldn’t it be enough to say that I absolutely refuse it; that it caused long-term psychological issues with me, which I have been told are similar to PTSD; and that I was near-suicidal because I was so distraught & depressed over my experience? (This is the absolute truth) Why isn’t that enough ??? It has been over two years since my experience, and my worst fear IN LIFE is that someone will slip me that drug again. For some of us, the damage this drug has done is irreversible.
324. Mary says:

     July 2, 2010 at 9:44 pm

     A friend of mine had bad long-term memory loss from Versed, so I list it as a drug allergy (I say it gives me hives). A nurse advised that I do this or they will try to give you Versed because it causes amnesia (yikes) and they like that. I told my GI doc it was fentanyl (painkiller) only or nothing and I wrote thison the consent. The exam was painless.
325. Stacie says:

     June 30, 2010 at 3:43 pm

     I’ve taken the 4 Dulcolax for the colonoscopy prep before but I was told to take them the night before the day before. Gosh, that’s confusing, I mean the night before the day of the preparation. It never caused me any cramping or anything, but I did get up the very next morning and went straight to the bathroom. Then, just did the clear liquids as instructed and took the miralax late in the afternoon. I also make sure to stay at home when I start the prep, no driving or being out and about for me. Sometimes you can get nauseaus or need to get to a bathroom fast so I wouldn’t suggest being out and about in a car.
326. Sarah says:

     June 30, 2010 at 1:03 pm

     Normally Dulcolax tablets don’t kick in for several hours, but they could upset your stomach, so I always plan on being at home after taking them. 4 Dulcolax tabs is alot of tablets, when I took them before my last preparation, it really made things explode, and it was not a good thing. I would definitely ask if the two Dulcolax would be ok instead of taking the four.

     In terms of the day before the procedure, truly it is better to be on a clear liquid diet all day. Whatever you eat has to be purged out, and this makes it more difficult to do. Just make sure you drink lots of fluids and have something with electrolytes like the Gatorade so that you can stay hydrated. It’s very important to have your colon totally clean for the colonoscopy, otherwise they can’t do the exam.
327. Norma says:

     June 30, 2010 at 10:33 am

     Valerie, My last colonoscoy instructions were to take 1/2 of the Nulytely preparation mixture in addition to 4 of the bisacodyl tablets (otherwise known as generic Dulcolax). Because I’m known for researching EVERYTHING I found that there was a clinical study done which actually showed that 2 tablets not only worked just as well as the 4 tablets, but there were much less side effects with the 2 tablets. When I asked the gastroenterologist about this he said, “Ok, just take the 2 tablets”. My prep worked fine, the doctor commented that everything was clean and easy to view, so it does pay to ask if you really need the 4 tablets vs the 2.
328. Valerie says:

     June 30, 2010 at 10:07 am

     My 4th colonoscopy is scheduled soon and I’m to use a slightly different bowel prep this time. Seems like every time I go in for an exam they are changing up the bowel preparation a bit. Anyway, my sheet says to begin clear liquids the day before the colonoscopy at noon. Before when I’ve had this done, the forms said to begin the liquid diet at midnight the night before. This one they want me to use the Dulcolax and Miralax mixed in with the Gatorade, but it says to take 4 Dulcolax pills also in the afternoon before. Isn’t that an awful lot of Dulcolax to take at once? Has anyone else taken the 4 Dulcolax tablets and survived the situation? Do you know how long I should plan for before the Dulcolax will start working? I have horses to take care of and I need to schedule their care before I am otherwise not able to be up and about if you know what I mean. Is it ok to eat breakfast on the day before the colonoscopy? Appreciate your help.
329. Kim says:

     June 30, 2010 at 9:56 am

     Kevin, I think with your situation I would call the doctor’s office and explain that you had some difficulty with Dulcolax tablets in the past. Sometimes the physicians have different options that you can use for the colonoscopy prep. I wrote down a long list of questions for my doctor before my first colonoscopy exam. Yes, I had lots of questions, but I figured if I didn’t write down my questions, I’d forget to ask them.
     Good luck and let us know if we can help further.
330. kevin says:

     June 29, 2010 at 5:09 pm

     I’m freaking out about this exam also. My diagnosis is ulcerative colitis and I’m to have my first colonoscopy in July. The prep is the part that I’m worried about. I’m supposedto drink something caused gavilyte, (anyone heard of this) and then take 4 dulcolax tablets at 7pm in the evening. I’m worried that 4 dulcolax tablets is too much. Once in my life before I took one dulcolax and had horrendous abdominal cramping. I don’t want to go through that again.
331. Cindy says:

     June 29, 2010 at 4:00 pm

     Kate,

     My first colonoscopy was in February of this past year and I was extremely nervous also. Mine went fine, no problems, but I preferred to be awake during the procedure because I did not want to have Versed given. My doctor gave me a painkiller only and I was in no pain or discomfort at all. I also suggest not using the GoLytely and rec’d the Miralax suggestion from a good friend of mine who has to have regular colonoscopies done because of a condition that he has. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor lots of questions and get the answers before you go in for the test. As long as you get all the info you need up front, the exam should be fine if you have a good doctor. Best of Luck to you.
332. Gina says:

     June 29, 2010 at 2:42 pm

     Hello Kate,

     I’ve had two previous colonoscopies so I hope I can give you some helpful tips. First of all, the colonoscopy prepartion the day before is the worst part of the whole exam, so if you can get through that part, you should sail through the actual procedure pretty easily. I would also cut down on the amount of food I was eating for several days before. I think my instructions also said to cut out salads and high fiber things for a week before. Ask your doctor if you can use the Miralax/Dulcolax prep and not the GoLytely. Also stock up on some baby wipes and get the Ultra Charmin Toilet tissue as well as some hemmorrhoidal cream and pre-treat the area before you start going. Hope that’s not too much info, but it helped me so I’m sharing it for you. Good luck with your procedure and I hope this helps you.

     Gina
333. Kate says:

     June 29, 2010 at 2:33 pm

     I’ve had blood in my stool for about the past 2 and a half months and my doctor has recommended a colonoscopy. I’m extremely nervous about having the procedure. I know I shouldn’t be—other people have them every day, but my anxiety is definitely increased and I’m worried about it. Could I get some more info from anyone who has not used Versed and how you handled asking your doctor to use something different. I’ve talked with another lady whose had a colonoscopy three times and she says the worst part is the preparation (the day before). I hope that is true.

     Thanks for the help,
     Kate
334. Roger says:

     June 29, 2010 at 1:28 pm

     My wife had her colonoscopy last week and said she would never do this again if she had to have Versed. Either someone miscalculated, or her body just responded differently to most, but she woke up several times during the colonoscopy and said the pain was unimaginable. Now she’s waking up every night and having nightmares about this. She is very upset about not being told that there were other options and I’m concerned because her doctor never mentioned anything about alternatives. She’s a college educated professor and not one to complain or exaggerate things. I wish we had known about this information that you posted here before she went in for her colonoscopy.

     Furthermore, she was given the GoLytely colonoscopy preparation to drink and it was difficult for her to drink it because she was nauseated and vomited a few times trying to finish the preparation according to her doctor’s instructions. I don’t know why other options aren’t provided to patients for the prep part of the exam either. Yes, I understand like the doctor said here in one of other comments that colonoscopy saves lives, but seems as if there should be some more truthfulness on the part of the physicians that do this exam so that patients don’t feel “duped” afterwards.
335. Candy says:

     June 25, 2010 at 8:17 am

     Hello. My colonoscopy is scheduled for next month and I’m glad I found this information before I go in for the procedure. I have more questions to ask of my doctor now so thank you for providing this material.

     Could anyone tell me if I request pain control only for the colonoscopy is there any other medicine that would relax me but not cause me to fall asleep? I don’t mind being awake, in fact, would prefer it, but don’t want to take anything that could cause memory loss. Thank you.
336. Hospital Ratings & Reviews says:

     June 24, 2010 at 10:56 am

     Hello Dr. Allison,

     I really appreciate your taking the time to write in and comment about this article. And for your re-emphasizing that Colonoscopies are truly life saving, but that it’s important to do one’s due diligence in researching doctors, options for pain control and/or sedation etc.

     It’s also a breath of fresh air to have a physician share their thoughts about Versed, and the drive through type colonoscopies. I also work in health care and was appalled at some of the practices I saw with regards to giving Versed without any thought just because “That’s how we do it”.

     Thanks for contributing to the discussion and for sharing your own personal experience.
337. Hospital Ratings & Reviews says:

     June 24, 2010 at 8:45 am

     Hello R Minor,

     Thank you very much for your comments about colonoscopy sedation. I had a similar situation happen with my spouse when I was trying to find a doctor to do his exam without the sedation. What we ended up doing was finding a doctor who would agree to do pain control only (so he got fentanyl) which was for pain, but he did not get any Versed during the exam. I think Dr. Allison had a really valid point saying that #1 colonoscopies save lives and #2 you need a good doc to do the exam. My spouse ended up getting some polyps removed that could have later potentially turned cancerous, so I’m really glad he had the exam when we he did….

     Good luck with everthing and please come back and update if you find a good doc to do the colonoscopies. And if your doctor (once you find him or her) doensn’t mind getting more referrals you may want to include the name of your doctor (smile).

     All the best to you, and thanks again for taking the time to join our discussion about colonoscopies.
338. R Minor, Ph D CHemistry says:

     June 23, 2010 at 3:01 pm

     This site is great! I just got off the phone after a bad call with my husband’s doctor who told him he wouldn’t be sedated but only meant general sedation… I basically said if they can’t do the colonoscopy without drugs we would just cancel and keep hunting till we found a doc who would. My Mom died of colon cancer and I have been putting this off (I am 55) and will continue to put it off till I feel I have found a doc who tells me the truth.

     Thanks for all the info!
339. Barb Allison MD says:

     June 22, 2010 at 9:06 am

     First, I want to say that colonoscopy saves lives. Second, I think that MOST conscious sedation experiences (with Versed and fentanyl) are o.k. until the patient gets home. Many people have problems with the amnesia from Versed (midazolam) and fully 10% end up in some sort of counseling because of this drug. 10% is HUGE. Personally, I would have colonoscopy with NO drugs (if you have a good doc) or with painkiller only (fentanyl only)…..I have IBS and have these exams yearly. I’m getting tired of watching patients getting screening colonoscopies “carwash style”…hurry up, over use meds such as Versed, get them out the door only to have nightmares and PTSD from the unecessary sedation. Propofol is a “better” option, but causes exactly the same memory loss as Versed.I avoid these drugs like the plague. And if you think that nurses are safe to administer sedation, I disagree. RN’s of CRNA’s are NOT anesthesiologists…………………….do what you want; ask questions, avoid sedation, your mileage may vary…..
340. Carin says:

     June 7, 2010 at 5:18 pm

     I just wanted to let you all know that I had my colonoscopy last week with propofol and it was a breeze. Woke up with no grogginess, just felt like I had a very refreshing nap. I was so glad that I requested it instead of Versed. My one prior to this one was done about 6 years ago with Versed I think. Not sure as I don’t have the records, but it took me all day to recover vs this past time which was way easier to get over. If anyone is fearing a colonoscopy or the medications that they use, I would really suggest looking into finding a doctor who will use propofol.
341. Renee says:

     June 7, 2010 at 3:17 pm

     Hello Norma,

     I’m an RN who works in a surgery center and we do colonoscopies without Versed as our new protocol. What you may find is that some of the more progressive gastroenterology practices are finding that patient satisfaction rates are much higher when propofol rather than Versed is used.

     What you can do before you even book an appointment with a gastroenterologist is to call the office and ask to speak to one of the RN’s there and then ask very specific questions. Ask if they offer propofol or other sedation agents other than Versed, and then if they do find out the names of the medications and research them before you make a decision on which doctor you want to see. If you need any other help please post again. I know it’s frustrating but it is possible to find a doctor who will respect your wishes and offer options for sedation that is not Versed. Good Luck!
342. Norma says:

     June 7, 2010 at 12:22 pm

     I’m writing in to ask a question about scheduling a colonoscopy. How is the best way to schedule the colonoscopy exam if I am sure that I do Not want Versed to be used during the procedure? Are there certain hospitals or doctors that offer colonoscopies without getting Versed? I appreciate the information here very much.
343. Barbara says:

     June 6, 2010 at 9:59 pm

     Jenny, It is a relief to know that a medical professional has a poor opinion of Versed. My husband’s colonoscopy was almost 3 months ago but he is still having nightmares about it. He was told he’d be given something to “relax” and that he’d be comfortable, but his experience was quite traumatic. Apparently, he “woke up” several times during the procedure and was in agonizing pain. He has a very high pain tolerance so for him to complain–I know it must have been fairly bad. He remembers the doctor telling the nurse to “give him more” and says there was joking in the background. He’s got 2 advanced degrees and is also having trouble at work with tasks that involved complex calculations as well as his memory. We didn’t even know that he was given Versed until asking for his medical records because no one gave him any options. I can’t believe in this day and age that things like this go on. Thank you Jenny for giving your opinion. We asked for a meeting with the doctor just to see if we could get some help or find if something went wrong with the medications but we were brushed off and told it had nothing to do with Versed. I’ll never permit anyone to come close to my husband with this medication again. Just glad I found this website.
344. Jenny says:

     June 4, 2010 at 9:58 pm

     Versed causes many people long-term memory problems, most of which are ignored by “medical professionals” who administer this drug for “patient control” issues. I have seen too many patients harmed by Versed; I list it as an allergy which causes hives and difficulty breathing and mention that this happened during a distant dental surgery. Insist that Versed caused hives and difficulty breathing; don’t go into a “versed is an evil poison rant” or they will ignore you. Google “versed problems” and see the hundreds of Versed horror stories (like never again) above. These people have nothing to gain by relating their awful experiences; personally, I believe every one of them. And I’m a medical professional.
345. Never Again says:

     June 2, 2010 at 7:17 pm

     I was given “vitamin v” by a CRNA against my will. When I questioned this cretin, he stated that this drug was merely a “muscle relaxant.” The other nurses who were in the room went along with this, even though I had told them in no uncertain terms that they were not to give me any drug that would incapacitate me. There is another poster here who opines that it is the lack of informed consent which causes the Versed problem. Yes, that’s part of the problem, as I would NEVER have consented to an amnesia drug, EVER! However this drug, like many others, didn’t work well on me. Despite HUGE doses, I retained memory, just became absolutely obedient and docile. The CRNA claims that I actually gave consent for general anesthetic while doped up with Versed because I “didn’t object.” How could I object with 7 mls or so of Versed in my system? I couldn’t speak coherantly, move my body or object in anyway. The horror remains. I specifically said that I would NOT accept general anesthetic either. So informed consent is just a joke and nobody is enforcing it, BUT, it wasn’t the informed consent part that caused my PTSD. It was the stinkin’ Versed, without any amnesia. I am livid over the informed consent or lack thereof, but the anxiety, shaking, memory problems, insomnia, PTSD etc. is a direct result of Versed, not just a lack of informed consent. It has gotten better. The first 3 months when I was suicidal and HOMICIDAL TOWARD THE ANTI SOCIAL MORONS WHO INJECTED ME WITH POISON, were the worst. My self control was severely tested during this time. After that, it took about 3 more YEARS to begin to feel sort of normal. I started a blog about Versed for cathartic reasons. No use talking to medical professionals as they are the ones responsible for my mental disorder. There is hope. We may never be the same, but the human mind is wonderful in its ability to adjust. It will probably become more bearable for you. Good Luck!
346. Kaitlin says:

     June 2, 2010 at 4:32 pm

     Hi Tembra,

     I am very sorry that you were given Versed without proper information and consent as well. This too happened to me, not for a scheduled procedure but I was also given Versed and was only told that I would get something to make me “relax.” The worst thing for me was not my experience with Versed…I don’t remember anything and I know that’s what is supposed to happen. It was the betrayal of my trust in that I feel like I can’t trust the medical providers to tell me the truth about medicines etc. I’m sure it is hard but if you can, maybe you can allow yourself to not worry too much about what happened when you had the Versed but perhaps see what you can do to make sure that you never get it again if that is your request. For me, the more I focused on what could have happened the more anxious I got, so what helped me was to come up with a written plan that I now give to any of my new physicians, that says in writing I am never to have ANY VERSED EVER for any type of procedure. There are other medications that can be used. Like on this site here where I read that former President Bush had a colonoscopy and he didn’t get Versed.

     To answer your question this is just my opinion, but I think the reason that the medical profession gives patient’s Versed is not so much to make it easier for us, but to speed up their processes. Operating room time is billed by the hour/minute etc, so it is expensive, so if they don’t have to interact with us —the patient, or worry about how we’re “handled” it is easier for them to do more cases. Just my opinion, but if you put your foot down and specifically tell them that you’re not taking Versed, they have to come up with other alternatives.

     I’m sorry that you had to go through this experience and please let me know how you’re doing and what you decide to do for your upcoming colonoscopy.
347. tembra says:

     June 2, 2010 at 2:04 pm

     hello..the reason i posted here..as you can see from my age listed above…i am due for a colonoscopy later this year…and am scared now that i know this drug is used for that procedure as well……
348. tembra says:

     June 2, 2010 at 2:00 pm

     Had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy 3 weeks ago…was put to sleep in the holding area..woke up 3 hrs later in the post recovery room…great…it’s over…do not remember a thing! a week later at followup at surgeon’s office……a pleasant woman in the waiting room was waiting to see my surgeon as well; asked if I remembered her? she was my OR nurse, and apparently right before my surgery. We had had a conversation while i ‘walked ‘ to surgery suite, climbed on the surgery table, was prepped, , and draped…, strapped at thighs and arms… before being put completely under to be intubated… when i asked her why I could not remember (this was my very 1st surgery)…and how I could physically do this…she kindly informed me of the side effects of the drug that was given to me to ‘RELAX’ me…..I was in shock to say the least, so wished I could have discussed further with her…since then. I have been researching the effects of this drug…i feel horribly vulnerable at this point…why was I given this when i was going to be put under general anesthesia anyway? it was just a routine elective surgery, nothing traumatic… or emergency…. I am a 49 yr old woman who was told she was being given something to relax her (all my vitals were normal; and yes i was nervous but who would not be, being their 1st surgery…but I was calm in the pre OR holding area…I just cannot seem to shake this fear that I embarrassed myself in some way as I know now the drug pretty much makes you a compliant zombie… and uninhibited…why would I need it? surely the short distance to the operating room was nothing i would need to ‘forget about? I actually would have liked to have seen it…. I just cannot grasp and come to terms with why i was given this drug at that early stage of the surgery? i could understand after I was on the surgery table., before intubation..the next day after I was told this…I had my hospital records pulled for me…and there it is 4 mg Versed… now seems every waking moment right now this is on my mind…and am growing more despondant each day..cannot seem o jusify the actions of being given this..and not informed of its side effects….by the way…how long has this drug been a mainstay in surgery suites?
349. Mary says:

     June 2, 2010 at 7:06 am

     It’s tragic that some gastor docs “insist” on the dangerous and mind-numbing conscious sedation for a simple colonoscopy………….this exam is easily done without amnesia drugs by a caring practitioner…………sign a consent for “TITRATED” VERSED AND YOU WILL HAVE A CHEMICAL LOBOTOMY…….sorry, I’m an advance practice nurse (NP) and can’t stand hearing from patients who were abused by “conscious sedation”. If you need sedation, get propofol from an anesthesiologist, not a CRNA ( a nurse with less than 2 years additional training)………………………I’m sorry that I have referred patients for colonoscopy; it should be done carefully and unsedated; it’s not, its a rush and to heck with the patient……..sorry, I have to tell the truth……….
350. Gareth says:

     April 15, 2010 at 10:08 pm

     I’m a layman, so take this what it’s worth. I’m 55 and have a Ph.D. in aero e., so I’m not stupid but certianly no a medical person even with the title “doctor”. Anyway, my primary-care NP scheduled me for a colonoscopy; she told me that I was getting one unless I was prepared to argue. O.K., I said that I didn’t want those awful amnesia drugs (versed) and she said fine. The gastro doc called me and said that she could do the exam without sedation, but asked that I consider painkiller only (fentanyl) and if I didn’t have a ride home I could stay overnight. Hard to argue with such kindness. Did the prep and showed up driverless; the nurses got me in a gown, asked a lot of questions and started an IV. I reminded them “no sedation”, a CRNA asked me if she could “keep me comfortable” with fentanyl on demand; I agreed only if I asked for it. We did the exam with nothing, it was painless.
351. Joe says:

     April 14, 2010 at 10:20 pm

     I wouldn’t pay a ton of money ($700) for propofol,and I’m allergic to versed, (it’s a horrible drug). On the day of my exam, a CRNA was there and started to take my history for propofol. I told her that I’m a healthcare professional (higher in the food chain than a CRNA) and told her that I wouldn’t consent to sedation, especially from a nurse). When I objected to the cost, she said “it’s a professional courtesy”, nice but not needed. I did the exam drug-free, it was easy.
352. Brian says:

     April 14, 2010 at 3:17 pm

     Thank you very much for giving patients information about Versed. I need a follow up colonoscopy and just got off the phone with my gastroenterologists office and got the typical run around. First, I had specifically asked the scheduling staff to put the fact that I will not take Versed in my medical record and in the appointment request. And I had called first to find out that propofol was an option. Now, they tell me that there is no one to give the propofol during the times my doctor is available. And if I hadn’t double checked, there wouldn’t have been anyone to give the propofol and I would’ve shown up for the appointment after doing the prep for 3 days and losing at least 1.5 days of work.

     Unbelievable, what medicine is coming to these days!
353. Linda says:

     April 12, 2010 at 9:05 am

     Also after reading the other comments I would like to say that I did not recieve proper consent. I was given versed to repair a fracture. I directly asked the nurse what she was giving me and she shrugged her shoulders and said morphine. I was given 15mg in two hours. I believe I have been permanently damaged as it is three years later and I still have anxiety and phobias and cannot go to a doctor or health clinic without fear (overwhelming me) and crying. Thanks for this web site. Knowing there are others helps.
354. Linda says:

     April 12, 2010 at 7:31 am

     I disagree with the people who say Versed does not have residual effects. It is a fact that Versed works by increasing GABA in the brain and it is also a fact that some people have depression when GABA is increased. This drug alters brain chemistry and I believe that for some people the damage is permanent. Think about it.
355. Shelly says:

     April 10, 2010 at 9:48 pm

     I’m a Ph.D. in physics at a local hospital and I basically run the radiation lab; I’ve worked there for 25 years and I ask that fellow employees not call me “doctor” because, even though it’s my proper title, I’m not a physician and don’t want to confuse people. I prefer to do my job in jeans and basically be part of the woodwork; I don’t want to be considered “important”. One of the primary care docs found out that I had blown off my required annual physical for most of the 25 years that I have been employed and she freaked out. She and I are friends (good friends in the past, if you know what I mean), and one day she cornered me for a physical, did all the labs and told me that she was scheduling me for a colonoscopy. I told her that I would only do it without sedation, and after all of the horror stories that I have heard about Versed, I was really bothered that they would use it on humans. Memory loss could mean job loss for me; she told me that none of the docs get Versed. Anyway, on the day of the exam , the nurses and the GI doc tried to talk me into it, ubtil someone mentioned “he’s a doctor”..then suddenly everyone changed their mind and said: “of course you don’t want Versed, sorry for the confusion”. A CRNA offered propofol and or painkiller only (fentanyl), but I was so shocked at the Versed subterfuge (docs get one thing and patients get amnesia, memory loss, PTSD), that I did the exam with nothing. It wasn’t too bad, but the doc couldn’t get all the way to the cecum so I have another scheduled. The CRNA will standby with fentanyl only if I ask for it; I put on the consent: I’m not consenting to sedation. When did medical practice start treating patients like lab rats? Tell the people the truth about Versed and stop scaring them! It’s a bad drug for 10% of the people and 10% is HUGE.
356. Rachel says:

     April 6, 2010 at 4:01 pm

     I too have been horribly affected by Versed. Had my colonoscopy about 7 months ago and didn’t do any research before hand. My fault, I trusted that this was a fairly easy procedure and that everything would be ok. In terms of not remembering, I do recall bits and pieces, and none of it was pleasant. I was actually screaming in pain and then the physician I heard tell someone to give her more. I’ve had nightmares ever since and even though I know this is an important test to have, can’t imagine myself ever going in for another one.
357. Susan says:

     March 30, 2010 at 8:56 pm

     Thanks for all this information. I have had a lot of memory problems but had no idea it related to Versed, which I was told was the “same as Valium, only smoother.” Since my family has a history with colon polyps, I’m supposed to be scanned every three years if they find no polyps or every year when they do. But while my doc is considered one of the best in the country, I’m not impressed with his medications — Fentanyl and Versed. My last one was the worst. They do not seem to realize that trying to put an IV into a dehydrated person’s hand is very painful, unless you inject lidocaine with it. They blew two veins and then, when I asked for ice or a cold pack to keep the swelling and bruising down, they didn’t have any. It was very clear to me that I was not given enough pain meds, because I was yelling “stop, stop” during the procedure only to hear my doc whisper “give her some demerol” which I cannot take and was on my allergy sheet. Immediate nausea followed. I was very clearly moaning and continued to be in horrific pain as they proceeded. The demerol finally knocked me out until they finished, but when I awoke, they were trying to hurry me out (we have many patients) and I said I needed to speak with my doctor. The response was classic. “Why, you’re not going to remember anything he says.” I got up and left…and no one stopped me…and drove myself home. This is not going to happen again. Period!!
358. Gary says:

     March 29, 2010 at 10:02 pm

     Vanessa: I think (professionally and personally) that almost all of the problems with versed are due to a lack of informed consent before the patient gets the drug. IE: patients are not informed of the amnesia then they freak out afterwards. I would freak out too if someone gave me an amnesia drug and told me that it was “just to help you relax” That’s a lie. Once this has happened to you, it’s too late..you won;t trust the medical system again. BUT; if you know in advance that the main purpose of versed is to eliminate your recall of the procedure, you won’t have a problem. The amnesia starts about 5 min after the injection and continues for about an hour or less. The amnesia is intense enough that most patients think that they were asleep, when they were actually awake…they just don’t remember. If you are told about this in advance, it’s no problem. Propofol causes amnesia too; the only difference is that most people are actually asleep (you obviously have amnesia sleeping), but it wears off 3-4 min after you stop injecting it. That’s nice, but most places require an anesthetist to administer it and that’s expensive; probably why you are having trouble getting it in the NHS syetem, Propofol for gastroscopy isn’t general, it’s just deeper sedation. I would not hesitate to get versed for gastroscopy as long as I was aware of the amenesia in advance. I have had propofol and versed; I prefer propofol since the recovery is much faster, but it requires an anesthetist here in the USA and is very expensive. Your choice, but I wouldn’t skip a procedure waiting for propofol if you really need the procedure. All of the bad press that versed gets is because of the lazy docs who administer it without telling the patients in advance about the amnesia….amnesia isn’t a bad thing..propofol causes amnesia also, just not for as long a period. good luck.
359. Vanessa Windass says:

     March 19, 2010 at 8:59 am

     I’m from the UK – 43 year-old female – due to go for a gastroscopy next Wednesday (24 March). I’ve read the warnings about Versed and decided to go with private health instead of UK NHS in the hope I could have a general anaesthetic (propofol), but I’ve hit brick wall after brick wall with my own GP and Consultant. I queried the bad press on Versed with the Consultant when I saw him yesterday and he just looked puzzled, said it was fine and he would give me an extra dose along with Pethadene. I was convinced by him at the time, but soon realised later on that I cannot go through with it – I keep crying and feel depressed and anxious at the thought of it – and nobody is listening to me. My fiance has now stepped into my “battle for Propofol” and called the hospital to say under no circumstances do I want the gastroscopy with Versed and will only undergo it with a general anaesthetic. I honestly didn’t think I’d have to be battling it out with medical professionals at my age. I’m appauled – there are so many people out there suffering and yet nothing is being done to change the procedure.
360. Edward says:

     March 15, 2010 at 9:30 pm

     Great website; I’m glad that I read it before I got my recent colonoscopy. I never knew that there was so much controversy with Versed; it’s obvious from this site and from versedbusters and askapatient that a lot of patients are not told of the amnesia effects of this drug. Lack of informed consent causes a trusting patient to feel lied to. I thought the gastroenterologist who was doing my colonoscopy was someone whom I could trust and I was certain that he would be honest about the versed/fentanyl that they use. Wrong! He didn’t mention anything about amnesia and deliberately tried to make me feel like a pest for asking questions. He lied when I asked if versed was an amnesia drug; I got the same old crap about it being something to relax you. No informed consent here at all. When I started asking questions, the gastro tried to brush me off and said “we need to get started”. I told him that he was going to answer all of my questions or we were not doing the procedure. He marched out of the room telling me to relax and to trust him. When he returned he was shocked to find my IV bag and tubing in the sink (I had pulled the IV out) and applied pressure until the bleeding stopped. I have never been so angry in my life. He became apologetic and said that he would do anything for me; I asked him to get my clothes, which a nurse did and I dressed and left. Every patient within earshot heard our argument and at least one other patient cancelled. That night he called me at home and I let him have it. He admitted that he basically lies about the amnesia effects of versed and says he does it for the patients own good (I’m a doctor and I know best). I told him about the large number of patients who have been hurt by this drug and by not being properly informed of the amnesia/ptsd and he told me I was wrong. I told him to visit askapatient and read some of the versed horror stories and I hung up. About a week later, I had my mom in the ER for treatment and I ran into this gastroenterologist. He came up to me and wanted to talk; initially I told him to “get away from me, I don’t talk to liars”; but he put his hand on my shoulder (and I almost punched him) and he looked me straight in the eye and said “I’m sorry, I really didn’t know that so many patients were having problems with versed. We have changed our consent procedure”. I was about to smack him, but then I noticed something: this guy was telling the truth, he didn’t know about the problems with versed. He looked really sad when he told me that the nurses who answer the phone got a lot of versed complaints and that it was his fault for not informing patients. O.K, that’s enough for me.
361. Gary says:

     March 14, 2010 at 4:46 pm

     Polly: When you say that you were tricked into receiving Versed, that means that you were not properly consented. That is the worst possible abuse of informed consent. I have spoken with many, many patients who had the same experience. I believe that if the doctor had simply told them that they were getting a drug to make them forget the procedure rather than lie to them about “something to relax you”, the problems would not have happened. We had a huge problem with patients and Versed (about 10% of the total number receiving the drug); when we changed and enforced the consent protocol the number of problems dropped to almost zero. Are there slob docs (especially gastros) who just use Versed to do an exam quickly and roughly to make money and push the patient out the door in a daze? Sure, but with the internet, it’s happening less and less. The drug does not have a residal pharmacologic effect; this is an accepted fact. But the trauma that is caused by it’s improper use can be long-lasting. If you really have permanent anxiety (I believe you when you say that you do); it’s proper to consider counseling; just as if you had PTSD. I know of a primary care provider who has PTSD symptoms years after receiving 4mg Versed.
362. Polly says:

     March 13, 2010 at 7:40 am

     I wasn’t going to comment again, but I would like to say that I disagree with the previous poster on several points:
     1) There IS a “conspiracy” involving true informed consent for Versed. I do not believe for one moment that doctors just forget to mention the amnesia; they know darn well that many patients would not agree to the drug if they knew the truth.
     2) While I know that most doctors will never admit that a patient wasn’t “properly consented,” that was no reason for my own own doctor to ignore my obvious mental distress over what happened. Seems to me that he didn’t acknowledge my letter or phone call because he was afraid I might sue him (which was never my intent).
     3) I disagree that it was “not the drug that caused the problem.” How do you really know that before the drug clears the system, it doesn’t permanently alter brain chemistry in some people ? With every other drug out there, there are people who have adverse reactions, but no medical person will ever admit that Versed may cause problems, because it’s used more for their benefit than the patient’s.
     4) There are many people who do have a “residual effect” from being given the drug. I for one have been left with permanent anxiety over my experience ( I had a nightmare just the other night about it, ABSOLUTELY TRUE), and I will never be able to “just move on.” What I thought would be just a routine screening colonoscopy for me turned out to be a life-changing exerience.

     I know you meant to help, but I actually feel worse after reading your comments. (There will be no more from me. ) Thank you again for this website.
363. Gary says:

     March 12, 2010 at 11:28 pm

     Lots of people have problems with Versed (midazolam), just like those mentioned in the 3 posts above. I’m a clinical pharmacist and I have encountered a lot of patients who have had bad reactions to Versed. Initially, I thought that the reports of anger, insomnia, feelings of being lied to were exaggerated, but when one of our primary care docs spent some time in my office crying about her own Versed debacle, I started to take the problem seriously. The biggest problem with Versed IMHO is the almost universal LACK of informed consent about the drugs amnesia effects. You can’t thrust a consent form in front of a patient 5 minutes before a colonoscopy and tell them “sign this so we can give you something to keep you comfy”!!! Then after the procedure, they are a little stunned and hustled out the door only to arrive home profoundly amnesic and mad as hell that nobody told them that they would receive an amnesia drug. Versed is given to make the patient forget the procedure, pure and simple. Many docs use it sloppily just as a patient control drug. There really isn’t a conspiracy here; if patients were told in advance that Versed is an amnesia drug I doubt that many would have problems later. Informed consent only takes a few minutes. Versed doesn’t “erase” your memory, basically you just don’t form new memories from a few minutes after it’s injected. That’s why patients think that they were asleep when they were actually awake and babbling. The doc who did my colonoscopy wasn’t thrilled that I requested an unsedated exam, but she did it and it wasn’t painful. To the posters above: as a pharmacist, I apologize for the way that you and your loved one’s were treated. You should have been told the truth. Don’t expect that the doctor will admit that you weren’t properly consented. Just move on. It was the lack of informed consent, not the drug that caused the problem. The drug was out of your system in a few hours. Even though I have heard a lot of Versed horror stories, I have taken the drug. I had to have a brutal spinal procedure done while awake and without a lot of narcotics so that I could communicate with the surgeon. She suggested Versed and that’s what we did. I felt as though the procedure was over in minutes (it took a long time) and I don’t remember anything. It obviously was a painful procedure, I was soaked in sweat and I was told that I was moaning a lot. I don’t remember a thing and that’s good. But my doc told me in advance that the drug was being given to induce amnesia of a very painful procedure and I was fine with that. When you aren’t lied to, you don’t usually have problems. Try to understand that you experienced a problem with a slob doc who was too lazy to consent you properly and realize that you don’t have any residual effect from the drug. Take care.
364. Josie says:

     March 10, 2010 at 5:26 pm

     Kathleen, I too had a husband who was given this horrendous drug Versed so I understand what you are going through. Like Polly’s comment the feelings will decrease in time but it’s important not to get re-victimized by the medical profession denying that it is an issue. Just going to a psychiatrist to be labeled potentially as part of the problem may not help your husband. Maybe there’s someone at church he can talk to or a support group locally for victims of trauma that is led by a survivor. Part of the issue for my husband as well was in trying to get the doctor to acknowledge that my husband had a bad experience with Versed. We weren’t interested in any legal proceedings or anything like that, all we wanted was an acknowledgement that there are other options and it would have been nice to know that patients were given those options prior to having a procedure done. Bless you both and thank you also Polly for writing about your experience. Although I’m so sorry that any of us had to go through this, it’s also comforting to know that we were not the only ones.
365. Polly says:

     March 9, 2010 at 6:05 pm

     Kathleen, I had a Versed experience similar to your husband’s about two years ago, and the intense rage, insomnia, & depression lasted for over a year, but it did finally get better. I am sure I could have benefited from counseling, but I didn’t feel I could trust another doctor. Versed was the worst thing that ever happened to me, and I left been left with permanent anxiety about ever needing another surgery or medical procedure again. I don’t just feel the doctor “tricked me” about the amnesia, I truly feel betrayed. He also never acknowledged a letter I wrote to him, and his staff did not return my phone call at a time when I was practically suicidal, feeling profoundly VIOLATED (mentally). Tell your husband he is not alone – there are MANY of us out there who know exactly how he feels. It will get better, but will take time. Whoever is behind this website, God Bless You. I know now there are at least some medical professionals out there who “get it.”
366. Kathleen says:

     March 9, 2010 at 7:26 am

     I just received my first colonoscopy w/o Versed (using only Demerol) mainly because my husband had and is still haunted by his Versed experience from 8 months ago. He has talked to our PCP and the gastro who both seem “glazed over” swearing that they have never heard of sleep loss, anger, feelings of being being lied to, etc. Somehow, he must get some relief. Our PCP recommended he see a psychiatrist to explore a PTSD diagnosis. I am not sure how this will help but I guess it is worth a try. Does anyone know of (and has been helped from) a web or local “support group” or will these “hauntings” fade in time?
367. brad says:

     January 24, 2010 at 10:44 pm

     I just had an unsedated colonoscopy ( had to lie about allergies to the amnesia drugs)….the unsedated colonoscopy was EASY! But, it looks like I need yearly exams.. fine. just don’t make me undergo “conscious sedation”………..I would rather have colon cancer………………..
368. Hospital Ratings & Reviews says:

     January 5, 2010 at 12:35 pm

     Jerry, thank you very much for writing. After researching this issue for a friend who needed a colonosocpy I was appalled at the lack of disclosure regarding Versed and the problems that some patients experience from this drug. Please thank your First Officer as well for sharing her experiences and thoughts about Versed. One of the gastroenterologists, (MD) whom I spoke to said that at a Veterans Adminstration Hospital where he previously worked, the protocol was to give Valium not Versed, along with other medications for colonoscopy procedures. This made perfect sense to me because if in a Veteran’s Hospital environment you already have Veterans who may be dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Issues, it may not be a good idea at all to give a medication like Versed which can cause some of the issues/problems in memory and/or the traumatic experiences that some patients have reported. As I’ve written previously, the issue is not that as many of the docs will tell you that “most” people do alright with Versed, the issue is that as a prospective patient, you have a right to know what the drawbacks are to this particular drug and what your choices are. Every drug/medication has potential side effects and drawbacks but knowing that it is your right as a patient to ask questions and understand the choices about medications and get this information in advance and not on the day of your procedure is a message that I think we need to share with everyone!

     You are so right to bring up the fact that sometimes medical professionals may simply give a medication because it is “easier” for them, not because it is the best for the patient. Just know that there are doctors out there who will work with you to come up with an option so that you do not have to have Versed if you don’t want it to be used. I don’t know where you’re from but I’ve heard from many patients who say on the East Coast many facilities are now moving towards using propofol instead of Versed because it has increased patient satisfaction rates etc. And, you know when former President Bush had a colonoscopy, propofol, not Versed was used!

     I know how difficult it can be to find a doc who will work with you and who is not just interested in doing another case quickly, but I think if you ask questions in advance and have some time to find the proper doctor for you, it will be possible for you to have your colonoscopy exam without Versed, because there are other options. And I agree wholeheartedly with you about informed consent…most patients don’t even know what they are consenting to, or that they don’t really have informed consent about many of these procedures. But, by sharing information like this, my hope is that patients will start asking a lot more questions and be advocates of their own health. Probably going to be even more important in the coming days/weeks/months as we deal with the consequences of where our healthcare system in the US is going. Anyway, that’s another topic, but really appreciate your taking the time to post. Please let me know if you find a doc to do your procedure without Versed, and I hope very much you get your exam. It really can be lifesaving….. All the Best to you.
369. Jerry says:

     January 2, 2010 at 5:35 pm

     Many patients are reporting significant trauma from Versed. I’m an airline pilot with a bad history of colon cancer and have resisted getting a colonoscopy because many of my friends have reported long-term memory loss from geting Versed for a colonoscopy. None of these people are wackos ( at least not any more than I am; I’m a 20,000 hour pilot and have flown in 2 wars). My current First Officer (co Pilot) used to work as a CRNA and she tells me that the memory and PTSD problems with Versed are minimized by most doctors because administering the drug makes their jobs easier. She also tells me that she rarely administered Versed (used propofol) and that few medical professionals would consent to receiving the typical colonoscopy doses of Versed (0.05mg/kg). In addition to being an airline pilot and CRNA (weekends), she flys F16′s in the USAF reserve…she’s no dumb broad. As a pilot, I can’t afford memory loss (I have killed enough brain cells myself). I’m just a lay person who needs a potentially life-saving colonoscopy; but the problems with Versed (and the GI practitioners who mislead patients about this drug) have kept me out of the endo suite. I wonder if the public will ever hear the truth about Versed, or is informed consent no longer in vogue?
370. Hospital Ratings & Reviews says:

     December 3, 2009 at 3:35 pm

     Judy, thank you for your comments. They are most appreciated, and I am so glad there are other patients out there who are questioning the status quo. You know, intererestingly enough the gastroenterologist from one of the colonoscopies where I was permitted to attend for the purpose of working on this topic was both open to using another type of medication other than Versed and was also great with helping the patient get approval from the hospital to actually film the colonocopy so I will be posting a video of the actual procedure soon. Anyway, it was the nurse involved on colonoscopy day who couldn’t believe that the patient was not going to have Versed, but the physician did want to have some Valium on hand in the event that the patient needed it after they started. So during the day of the procedure the nurse tells the physician that “We don’t have any Valium here on the unit, I will have to order it from the pharmacy and that will take an extra 10 minutes!” The physician kindly smiled at the nurse and said, ” that’s fine, I can wait 10 minutes, please order the Valium to have on hand before we begin.” So sometimes it’s not that another medication wouldn’t work or perhaps work more effectively, it’s just that sometimes I think we can all get in a “rut” of doing the same thing just because we’ve always done it that way. Makes me want to re-read the Dr. Spencer Johnson book “Who Moved My Cheese?”

     Thanks Again Judy for writing in and for sharing the reference sources. My hope is that others will read this and get some “courage” in having conversations with their physicians so that they can make educated decisions as you did when scheduling procedures. Way to Go…I’m so pleased to know that you were your own advocate!

     One final note: the gastro that I was able to follow for the colonoscopy I witnessed said that his belief is that the more knowledge that a patient has the better, and that “it’s your body, you should have the ability to make decisions about your own care.” I thought that was a breath of fresh air! Take Care Judy and many thanks for the great info you provided and shared.
371. Judy says:

     December 3, 2009 at 1:46 pm

     Thank you for this article. I only wish there were even more options! Personally, I DETEST Versed! I prefer to be awake, alert and aware and to watch the monitor and REMEMBER what I saw as well as what my gastro has to say AFTER the procedure.

     My gastro and I had many conversations about my aversion to sedation and wanting to watch the monitor before I agreed to annual colonoscopies (Crohn’s disease for 34 years). We didn’t come to a “meeting of the minds” regarding ANY colonoscopy UNTIL we reached agreement about doing them w/only Demerol (maybe fentanyl or alfentanyl would be an even better choice???).

     We reached that meeting of the minds AFTER I gave her the two following articles AND she insisted on undergoing both upper endoscopy and colonoscopy herself W/O sedation BEFORE we reached that mutual agreement. She now agrees w/me that the upper endoscopy w/o sedation is worse than colonoscopy w/o sedation due to the gag reflex!!

     Endoscopy 2002 Jun;34(6):435-40

     Patient pain during colonoscopy: an analysis using real-time magnetic endoscope imaging.

     Shah SG, Brooker JC, Thapar C, Williams CB, Saunders BP.
     Wolfson Unit for Endoscopy, St. Mark’s Hospital, Harrow, London, United Kingdom.

     PMID: 12048623 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

     and

     Gastrointest Endosc 1996 Feb;43(2 Pt 1):124-6

     Why is colonoscopy more difficult in women?

     Saunders BP, Fukumoto M, Halligan S, Jobling C, Moussa ME, Bartram CI, Williams CB.
     Department of Endoscopy, St. Mark’s Hospital, London, England.

     PMID: 8635705 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]