Re: Colonoscopy

Posted By HFHSM.D.-rf on August 13, 1998 at 07:13:45:

In Reply to: Colonoscopy posted by Jo on August 13, 1998 at 03:27:35:






Earlier this summer I had a colonoscopy done.  I have had bloody
stools since 1979 due to internal and external hemorroids (hemorrhoids). The 24
hour prep had everything bleeding and me feeling misserable by
the next morning when the test was to be done.  I was given 100
mg. of demerol and something to cause amneshia.  According to
the doctor and nurses, I was combative, pulling the IV out and
generally giving them a terrible time.  They found a small benign
polup and a small amount of diverticulitis.  What can be done to
insure that the next time this proceedure is done that everyone
has as easier time of it?  Also, what is diverticulitis?
_______
Dear Jo,
The patient's response to the medications used for colonscopy varies.  Even in the same patient, sometimes the test is esay and tolerable and other times there is pain and combativeness as you desribe.  Your physician can consider several different approaches to sedation at the time of your next colonscopy. a) He can give larger dosages of the same medications in an attempt to get adequate sedation. b) He can preadminister droperidol before the demerol and presumably Versed (the drug that causes you not to remember) c) He can use general anethesia (not an approach that I would recommend).
There are a number of different commercial preparations to clean the colon for colonscopy.  You can discuss using magnesium citrtate and a clear liquid diet for several days as one approach for colonic cleansing.  Another option is tap water enemas until clear.
Your last question pertains to diverticula.  These are outpouchings of the inner lining of the colon that result from straining  during defecation.  Usually, diverticula do not cause clinical symptoms.  there are, however, two major complications.  Diverticulitis refers to inflammation of these outpouchings.  the clinical presentation is abdominal pain that can be quite severe and is often accompanied by fever.  The second major complication of diverticula is bleeding.
This information is presented for educational purposes only.  always consult your personal physician for specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords; colonscopy, diverticula
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