colonoscopy and anesthesia

[sgluckadoo]

kind of gross topic but was wondering what experiences people had with anesthesia and colonoscopies. i was told they were performed under "twilight" anesthesia (drug induced altered consciousness/semi sedated), but am concerned by this. When i ask other people they tell me they think they were knocked out but do not know what type of anesthesia they actually received.

anyone have any advice/ experiences?

[loulizlee]

I have had 4-5 colonoscopies, and I never had any problems with the anesthesia.  Believe me, the night before will be much worse than the actual colonoscopy.

[rricardi58]

I have yet to have my first colonoscopy but that is what I understand.  I plan to have my first within the next few months.

[dcrotteau]

I've had both, a colonoscopy and an endoscopsy.  I'm not sure what the anesthetic is called, but it's nothing to worry about. It doesn't put you all the way out, although some people have said they slept right through it.  The anesthesia makes it so you do not remember much of what happened or for that matter, what is happening at the time.  You feel really relaxed.  It's really no big deal.

[samrhett2]

I guess I am a freak because I have had that procedure with that anesthesia and a rhinoplasty (nose surgery) with the same type.  They never give me enough or either I have a very high tolerance to it because I always feel the procedures.  In fact, the doctor doing the colonoscopy did not believe me when I said I could feel it.  I remember everything, although it wasn't a bad procedure other than the pain of feeling like they were ripping my colon.  lol  Like I said, I also remember the nose surgery and felt a lot of it.  I had nightmares about that one for months.

[kqa]

Depends on the facility, but they used IV fentanyl for mine. I had no side effects from it. General anesthesia for long procedures makes me nauseated so they give me an antiemetic along with the anesthesia. It usually doesn't take long for colonoscopies.

[Timberlan127]

I've had several colonoscopies and don't know what they used for anethesia but I've never been awake for any of the procedure. My sister says she has been awake and uncomfortable for both of hers.

[tbosworth1]

I have had several colonoscopies and have never had a problem with the anesthesia they have given me.  I have never been completely asleep.  I am in a "twilight" but still alert enough to know what was going on.  The last one I had they gave me all the meds they could and it was not enough.  It was uncomfortable but thankfully the procedure is not that long.

[devideddi]

I don't have any type of answer for you but I just wanted to say that I'm glad you asked.  My doctor said I will
have to have one of these soon and I am not looking forward to it.  So I will be watching to see what people have
to say here. thanks

[vickysue]

Piece of cake , the night before is not the best of happenings, just follow the instructions. My first i wasin a twilight zone and it wasn't too bad but the last 4 didn't feel a thing. remember being wheeled to the exam room and being asked if i was ready said yes was told nite nite and next thing they were wakeing me up. I have to have one every3 years.

[potluck6]

Thanks for this post i have to have one of those things to, i'm still in the Lord help me i'm o die stange ,but will have to get the nerve to get one. will read this again .Also thought you don't have to go to sleep maybe when they go up higher oh lord.

[dmahoney]

I have had a couple with twilight, and you never know a thing if done right. 

[sherryinutah]

I'm glad you asked and I don't think it's gross.  I think it's a fair question.  I'm old enough to schedule a colonoscopy but I understand you sign a paper so the hospital won't be liable if something goes wrong.  IS THAT TRUE?

I don't like that idea.

I'm willing to do the cleansing part but I'm very hesitant to "turn someone loose" with that part of my body.

Any reasons to avoid the procedure?  Thanks.  

[furby33716]

well when i had mine i was not complete out but it was not bad what was the
worst was the night before drinking all that barem i was so tucker out but no worry you be fine

[mary33716]

 well i had one done and it was nothing i had general anesthesia but when i woke it was just like had good night sleep not groggy at all the worst part was the prep the night before