Intravenous Sedation for Endoscopy Colonoscopy

Hello, my name is Deanna and I am an anesthesia provider here at The Everett Clinic. I'm here to provide you with a brief overview of the sedation that you may receive for your colonoscopy and/or endoscopy. This video is meant as an introduction. You'll have an opportunity to speak in person with your gastroenterologist and sedation nurse immediately before your procedure to ask questions or discuss concerns that you may have. Most people undergoing colonoscopy and/or endoscopy will receive sedation through their IV. Many people do not remember having their procedure because of the sedation given.
Some people don't even remember talking with their gastroenterologist but rest assured your doctor will give you written instruction and the results of your exam so that you have that information available once your sedation wears off. If you wish to be more awake or more asleep for your procedure then please let your nurse and physician know so they can adjust the amount of sedation to better match your wishes. Common drugs used are Propofol, Midazolam and occasionally Fentanyl. If you have allergies or concerns about what medicine will be used then please tell your nurse and physician when they meet you prior to your procedure. For most people, the sedation wears off quickly and you'll feel mostly back to normal within an hour or two. While you may feel normal, we instruct people to refrain from driving or making critical decisions for the remainder of the day. following your sedation as some people may still feel slightly impaired without realizing it.

[@JimAllen-Persona]

I regained awareness during mine… felt no pain and really didn’t care. I heard them talking about fixing up their back yards. I tried to comment and then I was out again. Actually fought to keep the Propofol effect as long as I could.. they call it the best sleep you’ll ever get and they were right.

[@BB-rv2lc]

Yes it is the Best sleep

[@maryannjesuino9882]

I had two Colonoscopies and two Endoscopies. I never had a problem, didn't wake up during the procedures, once I woke up I was fine to go home.

[@dsaunar]

Just had my first one today. Dr Dhavan Parikh was amazing. Highly recommend him!! All the nurses were so kind. Great experience. Don’t remember the colonoscopy at all. The prep was really bad. Lots of diarrhea and throwing up. Nurse said to ask for Zofran next time to help with the throwing up. Prep was horrendous but the procedure experience was awesome.

[@Nflguy4949]

My Dr had me take zofran 20 minutes before each dose of cleanse medication. Never threw up or had any stomach discomfort. Just had to spend a ton of time in bathroom.

[@annabellemalo]

I had a super traumatic experience (not at this clinic). I was fully conscious and experienced intense pain to the point that I was crying and telling them it was too painful. No one ever upped my dose, and when it was finally over, I was 100% clear headed, speaking normally and literally could have stood up and walked out on my own. I told the nurse the sedation hadn't worked but she basically gaslit me, I guess, because she claimed it wasn't true because my blood pressure has decreased (?). Not like I can feel my own body and know when I'm sedated or not..? I was literally crying and telling them the pain was too much and my body was obviously not sedated if they kept telling me to relax my muscles so they could continue the colonoscopy. Do sedated people need to be told to relax, take deep breaths and stay still? I'm so mad. Versed and fentanyl. I remember the whole thing, the distress and the pain. That's just wrong.

[@miggsmerc6658]

same happened to me during esophageal stricture dilation i screamed the theatre down and they just continued

[@AnnaBeeeeee]

@@miggsmerc6658 it's awful. I'm sorry that happened to you. I'm filing a complaint but I've found so many identical stories to mine, I'm guess doctors know it happens and it's accepted. It shouldn't be.

[@marinad6228]

that sounds scary i had mine last week i felt nothing till it was over every thing was normal..

[@jenniferwinchel1303]

Also not at this clinic, but I just had one on Tuesday and had a similiar response even though I was given 150 mcg of fentanyl and 6 of versed. My anxiety overrides sedation and I have not been able to eat, wake up with nightmares and just randomly start crying. I will never, ever do this again.

[@jenniferwinchel1303]

I'm so sorry. I hate our medical system.

[@BadWolf1958]

Just had my 3rd Colonoscopy today. The first 2 I woke during the procedure. Today I remember getting drowsy and them waking me in a recovery room. I have no memory of the procedure. I mentioned I woke in the previous procedures and they told me they had something new. I never asked what that was, but they told me I couldn't drive for 12 hours. What ever it was I loved the fact I slept through it.

[@shazz1433]

How do they give sedation during the colonoscopy?

[@jothiprakash9952]

@@shazz1433 they give through iv after making you to take position (knee chest position) before the colonoscopy procedure. In Mild sedation you will hear the voices of the doctors,but u feel sleepy. In agressive sedation you can go to the deep sleep during the procedure and you will not recollect the memory during the procedure.

[@shellderp]

you definitely had midazolam in the first two and propofol in the third

[@DDee-oi6kn]

You can ask for light sedation - I don't do well with sedation and I told them that it doesn't take much. They gave me something while I was waiting (don't remember what it was) but it made me jittery and I felt like I was going to crawl out of my skin. The prep the day before was horrible for me - definitely the worst part.

[@amitasingh5095]

I had my endoscopy and colonoscopy yesterday. Both happened together. I was given sedative intravenous and within 5 seconds, I was out. I got to know the process went on for 40 minutes. I had no memory at all. When they woke me up, the only thing I felt was the urge to puke. I puked immediately. Then came the worst stomachache ever. I was told they put in air inside while doing colonoscopy. I was given medication and with in 30 mins I was normal. Had no throat ache or any other after effects. I slept like a baby that night.

[@allijacker1]

I’m having both next week and I’m a little scared frfr .. I hate being sedated

[@utah133]

I just had a colonoscopy and an esophageal scope during the same scan. They call it "light sedation," but I don't remember a thing except a brief painless awareness of the gullet cam.

[@rjsadventureforme]

I usually get asked where I want to go on my sedation experience and I always say Costa Rica, every experience has been just fine and all Dr's and nurses are always pleasant and friendly. I don't ever remember any parts of the procedures, It's the prep that is worst part.

[@matthahn6463]

Oh my lord my father is scheduled for this tomorrow morning !please let me know what exactly to ask so he doesn't feel any pain or something that we'll isn't nessary please and thank you Very helpful video God bless your heart for making this video

[@nightcrawler7247]

Prep is worst than the procedure.

[@symoneb382]

Facts

[@grace683]

I am having prep now for endoscopy today . Not pleasant but essential.

[@Shy411]

I just had mine a few days ago and I totally agree

[@dionnet2574]

​@@grace683why was it bad

[@RichardHead12]

@@dionnet2574lots of 💩 ing

[@barbaramelady110]

I just want to ask is this kind of anestesia ok for people with ectopics ,PCV etc?

[@gsc01972]

Just had mine, went smoothly...had full sedation...Had top and bottom done at sametime....The prep wasn't to bad but vomited the last liquid solution out...2nd if you get the stomach done...They will numb your throat with a spray twice which you have to swallow...Taste horrific but works instantly...can't feel the back of your tongue/throat...As a first time it really wasn't that bad!

[@bri2372]

i’m getting mine today

[@fallensongbird77]

Thanks for posting this comment. Doing my 2 in one procedure end of the month and was curious about the prep and the swallowing of the tube etc. Hope your things came out okay. Thanks again

[@tomburns2642]

Patients always have the right to refuse sedation! Many people have no problem at all.

[@vidyaranyavijayapura1121]

When I was given propofol for colonoscopy, they told will be deep.But I was fully aware through out the procedure, only pain was not there ..I was actually hyper aware clearly hearing my heartbeat, my breathing and scope moving inside my body.I saw the picture as doctor was explaining it to his assistants. I could have come out of that state but did not do that with the fear that it may result in pain..My thinking was very much there, since o2 tube was there I was not able to speak .

[@stephenmartin9393]

I always get Propofol and it works fine. The bowel clean out prep takes a couple of days and is unpleasant but necessary. My last colonoscopy alliwed me to go for a 5 year period before I will need to have the next one

[@VelcroKittie]

Avoid critical decisions? Well there goes the post operative wedding proposal idea!

[@tommac21]

Well there goes the colonoscopy. Because I'm thought about it made a decision and said no way.

[@Nflguy4949]

I had my first colonoscopy this week and was VERY nervous about being put under. Here was my experience. The colon cleansing was easily the worst part. On the morning of the surgery they put an IV in first a saline solution. The anesthesiologist told me she will give me lydacain first so the propofol won’t be painful when it’s injected. So they wheel me into the surgery room and have me lie on my left side and bring my knees up a little. Then I heard the nurse say she was giving me the lydacain first. I felt a tingling sensation all over. After maybe two seconds I said “I feel tingly” and the next second (from my perspective) I was back in the recovery room 30 minutes later. I had expected the nurse or doctor to ask me to count down from 10 or something. Anyway, I was lights out in a flash and felt zero pain when I woke up. 20 minutes later my wife picked me up and we had breakfast. Zero pain from the procedure and no serious side effects from the meds. I felt a little tired but then again the colon cleansing caused me to sleep for only 1 hour the night before the exam.

[@bubblekittea]

I'm I a few days and I'm more afraid of being put under than the colonoscopy!!!!

[@Wannabefarmerinmn]

Takes me 1.5 days to have sedation ware off

[@user-bq6ek7lz7h]

Sedation isnt required so why would you have it?

[@allnaturalfitnesscoach6287]

Do you require intubation using propofol for a colonoscopy? Does breathing actually stop?

[@pwk22]

I go with carfentanyl for my colonoscopies.

[@woolsheepthree]

I remember everything during my endoscopy procedure. But I was comfortable

[@Turboy65]

Full knockout level sedation is probably excessive for a routine colonoscopy. Which was done for me. I'm sure I'd have been OK with a lighter level of sedation. But once the propofol was infused, I was GONE and the next thing I remember was waking up from a very comfortable nap in recovery. My concern is that full sedation under propofol can cause you to require respiratory assistance because you can stop breathing. Obviously that is a potentially fatal consequence and I think it's a bit excessive to subject a patient to that level of risk in order to avoid a little discomfort.

[@55555davie]

Were you guys able to walk after an hour of the procedure? Trying to see how much help I will need.

[@lifebehindbars395]

I walked to another room 10 minutes after I woke up. In 30 minutes I was walking into a restaurant to eat. A little unsteady but I never felt like I was going to fall down.

[@dropbear430]

Need sedation for the prep, its brutal. Feels like my rear end has turned into a pressure washer.

[@belsaye47]

Having 3rd colonosc on 16 October. Not looking forward to it

[@terrileigh356]

I had mild sedation for a upper endoscopy,no throat spray,I remember burping and then being wheeled out,about 30minutes in recovery, i remember getting collected and being at home, cant remember the journey😂

[@bettybaumann5824]

Best sleep ever.

[@user-pe6hh4rp6c]

Everett Clinic was not a good experience for me. Started off with the front desk staff being rude & condescending, anesthesiologist was very uncaring & made sure I knew she didn’t care. So much pre procedure anxiety, I kept hyperventilating & shaking, there was no compassion.

[@pjos11]

I had this done a few years ago and have to have it done at the end of July this year. I’m so nervous! I remember the last time shouting things at the nurses in the recovery room! I was so embarrassed when I came around a bit. What makes you do such things?

[@laurieb3703]

It's completely normal and those nurses have seen and heard it all 🤣 don't feel embarrassed! You literally can't help it and don't mean what you say or do

[@VelcroKittie]

@@laurieb3703 Accckkk!! I'm going for an endoscopy in 2 hours and I will be given Midazolam. Knowing me I'll probably end up breaking out in song! That's happened to me after every operation! For whatever reason I starting singing Frank Sinatra or similar after every operation!

[@xxhyperion-x9293]

I got my colonoscopy they injected me with a white watery thing i was high af didnt know what i was saying but i wasnt asleep but did feel pain than sudden it was al done like 1 minute and never was asleep

[@robertholman235]

do you have the option of wearing a safety strap during a procedure? how does it fasten?

[@RichardHead12]

😂 😂

[@SL-up5qh]

Is there any difference between the twilight drug and full sedation?

[@billkea7224]

Twilight for me was versed and fentanyl. Full sedation is propofol. Even with twilight meds I didn't remember anything and it takes a while to recover. Best sleepy time ever.

[@trudeeblue8248]

My colonoscopy was the absolute hands-down worst experience I’ve ever been through in my life, and I’ve been through chemotherapy. Prep was not fun, but even worse is the fact that when you have this procedure, they’re going to fill your colon with air, and you will be farting, super painfully, for days and days. You will not feel the procedure, that is true, but the before and the after make it so not worth it. After all this medical advances this world has made, you think they’d be able to do this horrible procedure more effectively and less traumatically.

[@VelcroKittie]

My Sister is a nurse and she is putting the fear into me that when you're given Midazolam it can make you quite er....amorous! That would be so embarrassing for me. I'm really hoping she's just making fun of me and it's not true.

[@SL-up5qh]

I wish I didn't have to get one of these. What were everyone's symptoms like after the procedure was over and how long did it take to recover from the sedation?

[@lifebehindbars395]

It was so easy. I remember her saying she was going to push the medicine and then I had the most peaceful nap. Waking up felt like I was waking from a long and deep nap. Slightly dizzy but not for long. In 30 minutes I was walking into an Olive Garden to eat. After I ate I felt 99% normal. Another hour and a short nap later I was good as new.

[@charlesreed5506]

i had it done today, they were like “so we are going to put you to sleep” i was like oh okay, do what you gotta do. Only thing i remember is waking up coughing and they were like “all finished” i was a little loopy after i woke up, took maybe 45 mins to an hour to recover. Wasn’t bad at all, they made me feel very comfortable and relaxed during the procedure

[@Ssillypants]

@@charlesreed5506 we’re u under general anesthesia

[@charlesreed5506]

@@Ssillypants i honestly don’t remember

[@griselgarcia3677]

I’m Scared I get it next month! I’m afraid I won’t get up! Will I be drowsy the rest of the day after ? With sedation are u able to take ur regular meds like ur anxiety meds n ur back pain med or will u need to skip that day because of the sedation

[@Wannabefarmerinmn]

Hey. I had both ends done 2 weeks ago. Don’t dread this, yes you will sleep pretty much the day of the procedure, but that is totally no pain at all. No bleeding or discharge at all. Just a helpful hint, and ask your DR, too, you may not have a bowel movement for 4 to 5 days after. Wish ya well, and you WILL Abe just fine

[@griselgarcia3677]

@@Wannabefarmerinmn thank u so much I think they are starting with the top firsr my throat I think I’m just scared of being asleep all day n them sending me home n something bad happening so I hope it wears off the sleeping

[@wishuwerejakefromstatefarm1035]

Aw I’m so sorry your scared! I’m 13 and just got it yesterday, and there’s nothing to be worried about. you’ll have to ask your doctor about the meds though, I have no idea about that. But there’s nothing to be worried about they put the anesthesia mask on and I fell asleep in like 15 seconds and woke up in the recovery room 👍😊 you’ll do great I promise

[@wishuwerejakefromstatefarm1035]

Oh and by the way I was almost fully awake after I woke up and went to the bathroom, so you will be good

[@griselgarcia3677]

@@williamchristian8705 ok I’m so scared but I have to do it?

[@chachab9239]

I was the unlucky one. 😥 in the midst of the 2 procedures endo/colo I was quickly aroused by extreme pain. I remember that I shouted out... ouch! Ouch! Ouch Several times as the doctor performed the colonoscopy. Ouchhhh! The pain almost unbearable. In matter of perhaps a minute the pain stopped and immediately went under. I will not forget that experience.❌ I’ll think twice about the service of doctor.

[@Eb-qo4ss]

What if I have sleep apnea ? Should it be a concern regarding sedation

[@sharonv4633]

You will have oxygen and they monitor your breathing. Ask that you want to be more awake.

[@billkea7224]

I have sleep apnea and have had no problem.

[@peggyerickson2549]

I also have sleep apnea. I'd talk to your doc about it beforehand.

[@carolyningalls4580]

Im scared Im Too Throw Up.!!!!!!

[@peggyerickson2549]

I know throwing up not fun, but doc's & nurses see it daily. No big deal.

[@bellaluna730]

My Gastroenterologist completely ignored my request to remain awake with light sedation during my colonoscopy. The male nurse said he heard my request but the gastroenterologist ordered him to give me max amount of fetanyel. I was groggy for 24 hours when I finally awoke. I was livid that my request was ignored.

[@AussieOsborne069]

You should report the gastroenterologist,to the relevant authorities.I assume you're in the US, here in Australia for my last gastroscopy the anaesthetist tried to put nurolept in my hand,I told him if he tried I'd give him my version of anaesthetic.

[@ohheyalan123]

I’m having my colonoscopy on Monday and I’ll be pinching my IV line until I’m shown the orders on the computer screen. If they won’t agree to my wishes then I’ll be damned if I proceed. I’ll leave.

[@famfam5922]

Colonoscopies are unpleasant at best. I’ve had two in my life the second one most recently while the first one was twenty years ago. Never another. The drugs to provide comfort during the procedure I found unnerving. I was fully awake for the first one. I do not appreciate having blocks of my memory eliminated by these nasty drugs (propofol) used to induce sedation and block memory. The entire process is barbaric.

[@-myal-8691]

How many have had a colonoscopy without sedation? What was your experience? Was it pain free?

[@randyamyseiber3498]

I wouldn’t recommended forgoing sedation. My MIL (who had the highest pain tolerance of anyone I’ve ever known) opted for no sedation and said she’d never do it again.

[@anthonygiordano3991]

@@randyamyseiber3498 - If that’s the case, then why are there five videos on KZbin where they don’t have sedation (filming the entire thing) and they have minimal discomfort? It must be different for everyone.

[@randyamyseiber3498]

@@anthonygiordano3991 I’m sure it is different for everyone. I just turned 50 and had my first. The actual procedure was totally painless and easy. They don’t even offer it without sedation where I had it done.

[@anthonygiordano3991]

@@randyamyseiber3498 - How was your experience with the sedation? Was it scary? I’m supposed to schedule an appointment but my nerves are holding me back… wish I could just relax.

[@laurieb3703]

@@anthonygiordano3991 I'm scared of sedation too but I actually had it once. I was in the hospital ER with my jaw stuck open. I kept panicking and vomiting so they gave me an IV of something to relax my jaw muscles. I was OUT 🤣 like I just instantly started snoozing lol! I woke up a bit with the doctor over me forcefully putting my jaws back into place. Didn't bother me a bit and I just started snoozing again 🤣. Woke up shortly later, clear headed and feeling completely fine except a little soreness in my jaws! I keep reminding myself that that's exactly how it will be again (I have to get both procedures too) but I do understand being scared to death still lol. We creep ourselves out 😖

[@brendawhitney336]

Had this done. Something kept sticking my arm. I told the anathesiologist and she picked up my arm and said nothing was wrong. She started the procedure, and it infiltrated. So then she had to put the needle in my hand,and to administer drugs. Long story short, I aspirated. No fun!

[@Thesolocamper]

What happens if you don't have anyone to take you home after sedation ?? Only person I have is disabled and can't drive or anything so I'm kind of puzzled what will happen

[@anaileapt9161]

They will reschedule your appointment, or you can either take an uber

[@Thesolocamper]

@@anaileapt9161 thanks for reply...well it's an urgent appointment as doctor is worried about my symptoms so doubt they will reschedule my appointment, I litterly have no one to help me so looks like Uber/taxi. Thanks for replying much appreciated

[@anaileapt9161]

Good luck

[@katscratchfever3506]

@@anaileapt9161 my gi team won’t allow you to take a cab or Uber. Ride home or no colonoscopy

[@katscratchfever3506]

@@Thesolocamper you will need an actual driver. Most hospitals will not allow you to take a cab or Uber. You need a family member or a friend who is personally responsible for you.

[@melissabrill8367]

3 years ago I had a tubal litigation. When I was extubated my throat closed up and they think I had a layrngospasm.. a few months after that I found out I have lingual tonsil hypertrophy, that also could have caused it... now i have narrowing of my esophagus and have to have an endoscopy and I fear I'm going to die because of my expierence any tips or anything? I'm so anxious I can't get off Google.. I think I have to say extra i love yous to my children because I don't think I'll make it out😭😭

[@how.disability.justice]

That sounds scary. Can you say no until they're prepared to ask your affirmative consent so they interact with you on your terms? Some initial thoughts: Does keeping warm help prevent laryngospasm, or lightly petting the skin which gently stretches the throat to not spasm; maybe you and family can do this before and medical staff can move more slowly/quickly and time their movement with your breathing. Are you part of a support group yet? Sometimes there's local groups who can advise which doctors to go to. maybe the medical team can do things during and after so they interact with you how you want: encouragement, rubbing your back/shoulders so you feel warm and safe, ask your consent before they move and do things. and maybe they can schedule a longer appointment? I suggest copying and pasting what you wrote to your doctor and calling the office, or ideally, one of the people doing the procedure so they make a note in your medical chart. And talking to the medical boss in the room before they do it. Did they tell you about voice therapy? Try different breathing techniques to see which works best for you. I recently like sticking my tongue out and making the "fff" sound.

[@melissabrill8367]

@ssssport08 my doctor that is doing this procedure knows I'm extremely scared. Endoscopy don't require and antesiologist but I opted for one.

[@melissabrill8367]

@ssssport08 the doctor also has my medical records when I had my layrngospasm during surgery, I made sure to get them to him

[@Romyshaww]

I hope everything goes smooth with your endoscopy. Don’t be afraid, you will get back to your kids😊. God bless you!

[@melissabrill8367]

@@Romyshaww thankyou ❤️❤️❤️

[@griselgarcia3677]

Also how long does this sedation last after the procedure

[@marineman74]

Effects of the sedation only last an hour or two after the procedure and it was slight. I was driving about two hours afterwards but it’s not recommended. I was already tired because I had to drink my 2nd dose of the prep at 2:30am in the morning. My procedure was at 10:30 am that morning. After the drinking the 2nd dose of prep, you will not go back to sleep because you will stay glued to the toilet😂😂

[@griselgarcia3677]

@@marineman74 I had it last Thursday n the worst part was the prep n then after I got home my throat hurt so bad . My tummy still hurts a bit from the autopsy’s n the polyps removed but other then that it was my anxiety thar got the best of me n I honestly didn’t feel safe as I know covid is going rampage again n it was hard to see some stuff with masks n others not n I’m like people I’m having a procedure here sanitary

[@verashular3116]

The prep is the worst part but the time I threw up afterwards.

[@mikep3322]

I've had at least 15 with my crohns

[@joanne429]

my sedation didnt work

[@phillipsaucedo3665]

Wow must be on some other shit

[@nakishamoxley2447]

How u feel now

[@sharonv4633]

That happened to my sister. She saw her colon a screen.

[@lizbethanne67]

Neither did mine

[@tommac21]

I'm never getting 1 but I know it's not going to be there. No women allowed in the room

[@Mattea68]

glad i will NEVER get one

[@annajaelle3974]

you don’t know that… i thought the same and here i am about to get both

[@Mattea68]

@@annajaelle3974 believe me i know very well

[@davebullock3517]

Never is a long time!!

[@Mattea68]

@@davebullock3517 and thats how long its gonna be

[@vmobile890]

I had a colonoscopy every 3 to 5 years and glad I did . Each time found NON cancer very small polyp . Have HMO my part of cost about $250 . My health is generally good . The release papers said procedure is 30 minutes . To be safe did not drive for 3 days . Always bring note from doctor to show employer and keep copy for your records . Also bring pictures of colonoscopy so your boss shuts up if they give you a bad time .

[@Wrangler59]

I can't stand getting my blood taken because I pass out and definitely don't want a iv. Can't the doctors just give me the sleeping gas to put me under while I get a colonoscopy???

[@wizzard3333333]

Totally never getting either one of these done. Way too risky for either procedure . Too Many done a a day and way to risky. The “bread and butter” Procedure is only Done so the doctor gets rich. They need their mansions and sports cars