How bad is it??

[nervous]

First Off, I would just like to say how helpful i think this forum is.

My issue:
I am a 16 year old crohns patient who was diagnosed a little over a year ago.
I am having an endoscopy/colonoscopy tomorrow and have been prepping all day.
Because I am stuck in the house, I have been on the computer all day trying to get more familiar with what is actually going to happen.

I came across numerous horror stories about the sedative versed and i'm beginning to get extremely paranoid.

My question to all of you is: is it really as bad as everyone is saying?

Is it actually dangerous ( can it cause actual physical harm?)

I would like to think that, as a widely used drug, it is safe. but I am hearing otherwise and I would just like some clarification/reassurance.

 

[Clash]

So sorry this is worrying you so much. I don't have any facts on on the safety of this med but it is widely used. I've had 2 colonoscopies, an endoscopy and several other procedures, as has my son who has crohns, where versed was used with no issues. Someone should come along soon with knowledgeable advise with this drug. I do know it is generally a combo of three different drugs used in the US. I don't remember the whole spiel the nurse gave on the combo. Sending good thoughts your way!

 

[Jennifer]

I've been getting it since I was a kid (9, I'm 30 now) and haven't had any problems with it (honestly I don't know how many times I've had to use it but my guess would be around 10 or more). Since I've been on this forum I haven't heard anyone mention it causing them any life threatening issues for them even though it is listed as a possibility (then again most medications say that). What I can tell you which should give some peace of mind is that when you go in you're given an IV and are put on monitors so they can keep track of your breathing and heart rate. If anything were to happen you would get immediate treatment. They also administer it slowly rather than all at once to make sure you don't have a severe reaction and so they don't have to give you more than you'll need.

When you get in the room, let them know your concerns and they will talk you through it, tell you what they are giving you and that they will monitor you the whole time.

Also, its not just Versed they give you, they give you something before to help calm you but I honestly forget the name although it is possible that different hospitals and clinics use different things.

Honestly the prep is the worst part about scopes. Let us know how the procedures go and if they find anything (although biopsies will take some time to come back). Good luck and try to relax.

 

[Gculk]

The prep is bad but tolerable, the sedation made me hallucinate a bit in the rest room afterwards, so don't worry if you get a bit loopy, but I don't remember a thing about the procedure, expect to have alot of gas after it.

I made the walls shake with my fart.

Didn't pass gas at the office, went home, went to the bathroom, sat down, and let 'er rip. Family heard me CLEARLY from the next room.

 

[Trysha]

Hi Nervous,
I find the prep is the hardest thing about the procedures (as do most on the forum) and I have had a few!
In the endoscopy room you will be reassured by the staff, and the next thing you know you are in recovery usually expelling the air that was introduced to give the doctor better views.
All drugs will have a note regarding safety of use but reactions are extremely rare and equipment is on hand in the unlikely event of any reaction.
Get the prep over and done with and look forward to a good sleep tomorrow.
It will soon be over with and the information the tests give is so valuable to your future.
Feel better soon
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha

 

[phoebestar]

Hi Nervous. You will be fine trust me. I have had serveral and you really dont remember it after. The worse thing is the gas , try to get rid of it asap in the hospital , the sooner its out the better you will feel.
Good luck and keep us informed..
Most of us have gone through this at some point and we are still here xxxx