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Traumatic aborted colonoscopy - now long wait for CT scan.

Elly123
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Hi there

I was sent for an urgent colonoscopy as my GP was worried I might have bowel cancer. I took my moviprep Monday and Tuesday morning and then went to Hospital. I was not given an appointment time, only an arrival time. I was taken to a small room at 2.20pm and fitted with a canula, which was quite painful. I was then left in that room by myself until 4.00pm. I was getting increasingly anxious from the waiting and I wasn't allowed to go to reception to see my partner, and he wasnt allowed in to see me. At 4.00pm a nurse came to tell me I was next, and I was taken to the exam room at 4.30pm. Since I was very anxious I asked for the maximum sedation and they gave me 5mg mizadolam and 100ug of Fentanyl. I felt a very slight drunk sensation, and then it passed. I was completely lucid, and recall the whole horrific ordeal. The pain was indescribable. I was sobbing and pleading for more painkillers. They decided to stop, which made me even more upset because I didnt want them to abandon the procedure, just give me a GA or more painkillers! The doctor said he saw the left side of my colon and that it was totally normal. I was allowed to leave after 10 minutes, and at no point did I feel woozy, sleepy or any effects that I had been told to expect from the sedation. They have now told me I need to wait 3 weeks to hear back about arranging a CT scan to view the side of my colon they couldn't reach. Obviously, I am really upset and quite angry - a) because the painkillers didn't work b) because the procedure wasn't completed and c) because I now have an anxious wait for the CT scan, if I even get it.

Has anyone else had this experience? Everyone I have spoken to said they didnt feel any pain, only discomfort. I'm now terrified of ever having the procedure again. Why didn't the painkillers have any effect on me? Can I ask for it again under general anaesthetic? What happens if they refuse the CT scan or I have to wait months for an appointment? Should I make a complaint to the hospital? I'm really unsure what to do.

Parents
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    With Midazolam there is a time of first onset and a time of peak effect...they average at 2 minutes and about 5 minutes respectively. With 5 mgs of Midazolam, the doctor or nurse should be giving you an initial dose and then the rest in increments. The target state is conscious sedation and experienced professionals should be aware that you are not reaching that state. Beforehand they should be checking your weight and asking about your overall health. Midazolam is lipophilic, so if you're quite a bit overweight (as I am, so don't feel bad about me wondering aloud) then it will take longer to reach the target state. 

    Nurses should be registering your anxiety and should allow your boyfriend to sit with you. Also, they should be asking you to stay much longer afterwards than 10 minutes...were your vital signs being taken after the procedure at all?

    I'm afraid this unit sounds like it's not working as it should be...such long waits beforehand, especially without any explanation why, are not acceptable. I would report a concern, because you won't have been the only one who's had a terrible experience. One word of warning though...the medical profession is very defensive and sometimes vindictive...ask to speak to someone in patient relations over the phone and whilst being polite tell them exactly what your experience was like and how it has affected you afterwards. If you or your partner are feeling very brave, ask if you were attended by a dedicated sedationist and if an adverse event report was made and if not, why not, but if so, was it reviewed by the sedation committee?

    I am new here but I would ask the gentleman above to try and  reference reports involving GA and incidents of mortality or provide a link...vague recollections are not helpful and claims need to be factual if they are to be made at all. 

    Anyway, your sensitivity to pain intrigues me...have you always been like this? Do you have any other sensory sensitivities?

    Well, that's enough for now. I hope the fella above is not angry with me...I'm definitely envious of the boat...

    Saluti

     

     

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    With Midazolam there is a time of first onset and a time of peak effect...they average at 2 minutes and about 5 minutes respectively. With 5 mgs of Midazolam, the doctor or nurse should be giving you an initial dose and then the rest in increments. The target state is conscious sedation and experienced professionals should be aware that you are not reaching that state. Beforehand they should be checking your weight and asking about your overall health. Midazolam is lipophilic, so if you're quite a bit overweight (as I am, so don't feel bad about me wondering aloud) then it will take longer to reach the target state. 

    Nurses should be registering your anxiety and should allow your boyfriend to sit with you. Also, they should be asking you to stay much longer afterwards than 10 minutes...were your vital signs being taken after the procedure at all?

    I'm afraid this unit sounds like it's not working as it should be...such long waits beforehand, especially without any explanation why, are not acceptable. I would report a concern, because you won't have been the only one who's had a terrible experience. One word of warning though...the medical profession is very defensive and sometimes vindictive...ask to speak to someone in patient relations over the phone and whilst being polite tell them exactly what your experience was like and how it has affected you afterwards. If you or your partner are feeling very brave, ask if you were attended by a dedicated sedationist and if an adverse event report was made and if not, why not, but if so, was it reviewed by the sedation committee?

    I am new here but I would ask the gentleman above to try and  reference reports involving GA and incidents of mortality or provide a link...vague recollections are not helpful and claims need to be factual if they are to be made at all. 

    Anyway, your sensitivity to pain intrigues me...have you always been like this? Do you have any other sensory sensitivities?

    Well, that's enough for now. I hope the fella above is not angry with me...I'm definitely envious of the boat...

    Saluti

     

     

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