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Unsedated EGD and Colonoscopy

I just scheduled an EGD and colonoscopy for next week, the EGD for persistent nausea and the colonoscopy because of family history (I'm 54 and 14 years overdue) plus bleeding issues.  My issue is that I need to have these exams done without sedation because of a previous bad experience with Versed in a dental procedure; the memory loss and nasty amnesia left me unwilling to undergo sedation again for any reason (I know that there are other agents, but I just can't do sedation).  Anyway, everything that I read regarding patient experieces with these 2 exams is for sedated exams; can anyone tell me anything about getting them unsedated?  I'm sure that I can do the colonoscopy without too much screaming, the gastro doc that I scheduled this with was wonderful, but she gave me some conflicting information:  unsedated colonoscopy will me uncomfortable but it's safer and a better (slower) exam if you are willing to do it.  Sounds great to me.  On the way out she suggested the EGD "if you will let me do it unsedated"; I should have asked more questions, but didn't.  I'm worried about the EGD, is the throat spray enough?  I'm worried about gagging, choking etc.  Some accounts have said that the EGD wasn't all that bad, others make it seem like medieval torture.  I do not wish to make it sound like I'm criticising the fact that they encourage sedation; the CRNA at the endo center tried to convince me that she could "make me feel great and not remember a thing"; I appreciate that but my previous bad experience with Versed precludes sedation.  The CRNA offered to "standby" whatever that means, but I'm not sure how that will help if I'm not getting sedation anyway.  So, anyone have the EGD unsedated?  Or the colonoscopy?  Thanks.
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Avatar universal
I have had anesthesia for colonoscopies and much more serious things,
The best anesthesia experiences by far, have been from CRNAs, not
anesthesiologists! The anesthesiologists have been sloppy, too arrogant
to answer questions, while the CRNAs have been very kind, compassionate and excellent.
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Avatar universal
Glad that you had a good experience with a CRNA; my one and only experience with a CRNA was terrible.....she thought that she was a doctor and was arrogant as well as incompetent...maybe CRNA's are o.k. giving sedation (just like RN's do), but anesthesia is something  that should be done by an MD.
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I just got back from having the unsedated colonoscopy and it wasn't bad at all. There were a few times where I felt discomfort and told the doc and she immediatly stopped advancing the scope or changed direction and all was fine.  It was interesting to watch the screen; she took a few painless biopsies and removed some polyps and pending pathology it looks like I have a significant problem but that it was caught early. she stil wants to do the EGD and the CRNA convinced me after the colonoscopy to try a test dose of propofol so that the EGD could be done easier; how's that for nice?  I tried it; propofol seems a little better than Versed; still I really didn't like it.  I'm on the fence as far as the EGD unsedated.  Thanks for all of the encouragement.
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Avatar universal
Thanks for all of the info.  Due to a cancellation, I'll have the colonoscopy tomorrow; just finished the prep, not as bad as I had heard that it was.  I'll get the EGD next week; my gastro doc wanted to do both at the same time but agreed to do the colonoscopy first since I'm still worried about the EGD..her patience seems to stretch to infinity when it comes to my generally resistance to getting these exams.  She reinforced that unsedated colonoscopy is safer and generally preferred by many patients; she wasn't as definate about the EGD, so everyone's comments are really welcome. The CRNA told me that I could try a test dose of diprivan (propofol) after the colonoscopy tomorrow if I brought a driver..she's sure that I won't dislike it and my previous bad expreience with Versed is common; that's why she spends so much time giving propofol.....zero hour 0730 tomorrow!
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Avatar universal
My children had to have yearly colonoscopies, and they would not sedate them.  They said it is safer, because they need to know if you are getting too uncomfortable, as they can perforate the bowel.  My kids never thought it was a big deal.  My son has yearly endoscopies, without sedation, again no big deal.  You have to be careful when reading blogs, they can scare you to death.  I remember my first root canal, and all the horror stories, I was terrified.  Turned out to be a big nothing. Everyone is different, and some people can handle more discomfort than others.  When I was pregnant with my first son, I was terrified to be put to sleep.  I developed an abcessed tooth and chose to have it pulled with no sedation, it hurt like hell, but I survived it.  With your endoscopy you will gag, but the spray does help.
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Avatar universal
I have a friend who years ago had several colonoscopies without sedation, and while they got thru it, it was unpleasant and something they do not wish to repeat.  The exact opposite of those who get unpleasant side effects from Versed!  So, I suppose they can cut off your arm without sedation, but you should at least get good and drunk before you go in!  Ha!  Just kidding.  But really, go for it, and then at least you'll be totally convinced about having sedation if you have to go thru it again.  Keep in mind you can ask the docs not to use Versed... it seems like there's something wrong with that drug, but they have others that won't have strange side effects.  One other thing you could do is ask for some sort of tranquilizing medication, that way at least you'll be relaxed and a happy camper while the discomfort becomes rather bad, if it does.  Me, the happiest day of that year was the day I had a colonoscopy becuz whatever they gave me was soooo happy happpy happy!
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Avatar universal
I have had probably 10 EGD's over the years.  I have had one, my last one, without sedation.  It is a little tough, but very doable. Gagged once, major eye watering too.  Throat was sore for a few days.  Bottom line was no sedation to recover from.  You can ask for light sedation.  Never totally out.  Have done that also.  When I do it again,  I will go no sedation.  I have no experience with no sedation with the lower end.  Good luck.
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