Wow, perfect timing for this post because I have to schedule a colonoscopy as well. The doc said they will use propofol. I have to really clear my bowels for the procedure to be effective, and that is what worries me most, as a severe constipation sufferer.
I’m benefiting from all these great replies!
Wishing you luck with your procedure! Should be just fine.
I didn't post an update on here about my colonoscopy but I should. I told the doctor I had adverse effects from benzos and didn't want them used in my anesthesia and he assured me there were alternatives. Before the procedure, I felt ill from the Prep and had asked for anti-nausea medication.
During my procedure, I aspirated, and the fluid went into my lungs and they just continued the procedure like nothing happened and let me cough and choke throughout the procedure. I lost my voice from the coughing and developed pneumonia from the aspiration which required an ER visit. I was given 2 rounds of antibiotics for the pneumonia- which I felt like I had to have because I didn't want it to get worse. Thankfully, I tolerated the treatment well and it took a few months but I am doing better.
I found out later that they never gave me the anti-nausea medication, and also, they gave me Versed and fentanyl for my anesthesia. Versed is a benzodiazepine. I told the doctor NO benzos. And when I asked for the surgery notes, there is no record of me requesting no benzos. He altered the notes because I started complaining and asking questions and I know he suspected that I would take him to the Medical Board or worse.
Trying to write a formal complaint has been tedious and ridiculously fraught with roadblocks. First, I had to file to get surgical notes from a third party, then I had to write a formal complaint though my insurance company which took forever and resulted in nothing, then I wrote a letter to the State medical board, which took a long time for me to write and fill out with my cognitive impairment, but then I found out that I contacted the wrong Board, it had to be the Osteopathic Board and the also had no record of the anesthesiologist. I also had to gather any other supporting doctor visits.
So now, I have the paperwork for the Osteo Board next to me, and even though it has been months since the incident, I must gather my strength to write another formal complaint because I am sick and tired of these doctors getting away with harming patients, specifically ME in this instance.
It is very important that you double check the anesthesia cocktail before you get the procedure, that was my big mistake.
