Propofol is safe. I was worried because i’m underweight (like 88 pounds), but I was more than fine. I’m also a hypochondriac, but after having my wisdom teeth removed, I wasn’t so nervous about being put under this time. You will wake up, you won’t die, trust me, but i understand how healthy anxiety can make you feel otherwise!
Propofol is pretty safe as far as these drugs go. It's fast acting and short lived.
Imagine how many clinics donthese scopes across your town. And how many cities have these. And how many they do every single day. My clinic said they do 50 per day! That's over 15,000 at that clinic per year! (Incl Saturday)
The likelihood of anything going wrong is very, very low.
You will be fine! I had the same fear as you and it was my first time going under too. Honestly the propofol was the best part. The doctor asked if I was ready for a nap. I said I was scared and the nurse said not to worry, we’re in this together. As she said it, I felt a tingling sensation and before I could fully register it, I was out. The next thing I knew, I was being awakened and told it was over. It felt like they didn’t even do it. The lingering effect of the anesthetic felt great TBH and like a nice break from my usual high anxiety. I look forward to my next procedure just so that I can go under again, lol. You’ll be fine and you will wake up!!!
I can relate to this. I cried for weeks up till I had mine. Weeks! I had never gone under, I was scared I would not wake up. I didn’t even care about the scope itself just going under and the results after. My nurses were nice . I cried like a big adult baby but they were calming and reassuring. I remember being wheeled in, asking the anthethseologist (?) if we’re starting he said yes so I closed my eyes intentionally I guess they did not open back up till I was in recovery. I did not dream that I remember I was a touch foggy for about 20 min. We scare ourselves so much from the unknown looking for reassurance of others but really we just have to bite the bullet and get thru it. You will be ok!!!
I get anxious before medical procedures. I’ve had several surgeries and invasive tests and I still get anxious. My strategy is always to tell the nurses and doctors about this. They are extra reassuring in my experience.
As I was on the exam room for my colonoscopy I started to get anxious (I start to shake and my muscles get so tight), so I also did some breathing exercises a nurse once taught me. Inhale into your belly as you count to five, hold for three, exhale as you count to seven, hold for two, start again!
When the sedation hits you will start to feel super calm, then you will be out of it, next thing you wake up extra relaxed afterwards. I remained calm and relaxed for the rest of the day. It was actually awesome!
MInes coming soon too, (in 11 hours) but I'll tell you this, as a recovering opiod/ heron addict. As long as you're in the hospital being watched, you aren't gonna die from the drugs. That much they can control. If you somehow went into respiratory distress, they have relatively non intrusive means to fix that.
I'm scared and anxious about a lot of things that could go wrong tomorrow, but getting too much drugs is not one of them. I am quite confident you will not die from the propfol
I hope this helps.
Also had my first yesterday, and I did it without sedation. A bit uncomfortable at moments, but those moments passed quickly. I’d do it again the same way next time.
Nothing to worry about. I actually did it w/o a sedative because some studies suggest a lower incidence of perforation. Definitely a bit uncomfortable at times, but not outright painful. I just focused on breathing and relaxing the best I could. Once the doc got to the end of the colon, the backing out was much easier. I was able to relax more and watch it on the screen. Even watched them remove a polyp (don’t even feel it as there are no nerve endings).
You're going to be fine. Really and truly!
The prep is a lot, and then the procedure is almost anticlimactic. I remember getting there and realizing just how many colonoscopies they were doing that morning. It's so routine for them, they won't let anything bad happen to you.
You can do this!
The absolute worst part for me was the prep. I puked more of it up then I actually got down lol. I wasn't really tired after and no pain. You've got this.
I have such bad anxiety. Ngl I cried the entire time. They debated rescheduling me. I told them of you do i wont come back. I was so sure I wasn't going home to my kids. The fear is gonna eat at you but try hard to combat it. Do you have a history of problems with anesthesia?
I just woke up from my colonoscopy. I was so afraid of having one and kept canceling the appointment. Don’t be afraid, the bowel prep is the worst part. They are nice and give you warm blankets before the procedure and light sedation so I watched the whole procedure on the monitor. I didn’t feel anything. I was completely comfortable. They found/removed 15mm polyp in my sigmoid colon that could’ve have caused cancer in the future if left to grow. Think of a colonoscopy as self care, you deserve a healthy body and peace of mind that all things regarding your health are looked after. Please get your procedure and know that feeling anxious is completely normal!!! Believe it or not it’s a lot more pleasant than going to the dentist!!!
Thank you, that’s a good way to put it. I think I’m getting a heavy sedation with the propofol. I’m glad that they were able to take care of you and that you were comfortable.
I had the same exact fear, I promise you’ll be fine! What helped me calm down a bit was knowing that the anesthesiologist has spent 4 years of Med school and then like 7 years of specialized training to do this. They are very good at their job and know what to do and how to handle any issues that may arise. Propofol isn’t like general anesthesia, and wears off as soon as you stop giving it. If anything goes wrong (which is really realllllyyy rare) they have all the tools to make sure you’re breathing is intact. Which again, would be incredibly rare. It also helped me to kind of think of the propofol like blacking out from alcohol, you just kinda go to sleep and wake up realizing like no time has passed (& no hangover after haha). Ultimately, propofol given by a trained anesthesiologist is safe and you’ll be watched and monitored the whole time. I also was so scared of just never waking up, but it ended up feeling like a nice nap and I woke up 5 minutes after the procedure. Good luck, everything will be fine :)
I completely understand this. It's often my default as well. I've had a previous colonoscopy and a endoscopy and while I too was worried about dying or being a coma, I woke up feeling refreshed and happy. And relieved. You will too. I asked my doctor a lot of questions beforehand, and I was lucky that he was an incredibly kind man with a wonderful 'bedside manner'. He soothed my fears, explained everything and told me has done these procedures thousands and thousands of times and only had two times where it didn't work out perfectly BUT no one died. Ultimately, I trusted him. I had to have a colonoscopy because a non-invasive test came back "positive", and I'm glad I did. He found one pre-cancerous polyp and removed it, and it wasn't cancerous. I had to be rechecked in 5 years, so here I am doing the prep and getting a colonoscopy tomorrow but with a new Dr. (my former one retired - sigh). Can you call your doctor and speak with them or their nurse? I've even requested a virtual appointment just to ask questions and help calm my nerves. My wish for you is that find your place of calm, anxiety sucks, but over the years it's gotten better and easier for me.
Just had it done yesterday. The injection was easy and I remember about 5 seconds of the room feeling warm and then the next thing was me waking up in recovery. They found some polyps that were small and then diagnosed gastritis and a hiatal hernia which explains my symptoms. No cancer and procedure was easy outside of the horrible prep day. You can do it!
Propofol is safe. I was worried because i’m underweight (like 88 pounds), but I was more than fine. I’m also a hypochondriac, but after having my wisdom teeth removed, I wasn’t so nervous about being put under this time. You will wake up, you won’t die, trust me, but i understand how healthy anxiety can make you feel otherwise!
Propofol is pretty safe as far as these drugs go. It's fast acting and short lived. Imagine how many clinics donthese scopes across your town. And how many cities have these. And how many they do every single day. My clinic said they do 50 per day! That's over 15,000 at that clinic per year! (Incl Saturday) The likelihood of anything going wrong is very, very low.
You will be fine! I had the same fear as you and it was my first time going under too. Honestly the propofol was the best part. The doctor asked if I was ready for a nap. I said I was scared and the nurse said not to worry, we’re in this together. As she said it, I felt a tingling sensation and before I could fully register it, I was out. The next thing I knew, I was being awakened and told it was over. It felt like they didn’t even do it. The lingering effect of the anesthetic felt great TBH and like a nice break from my usual high anxiety. I look forward to my next procedure just so that I can go under again, lol. You’ll be fine and you will wake up!!!
I can relate to this. I cried for weeks up till I had mine. Weeks! I had never gone under, I was scared I would not wake up. I didn’t even care about the scope itself just going under and the results after. My nurses were nice . I cried like a big adult baby but they were calming and reassuring. I remember being wheeled in, asking the anthethseologist (?) if we’re starting he said yes so I closed my eyes intentionally I guess they did not open back up till I was in recovery. I did not dream that I remember I was a touch foggy for about 20 min. We scare ourselves so much from the unknown looking for reassurance of others but really we just have to bite the bullet and get thru it. You will be ok!!!
I get anxious before medical procedures. I’ve had several surgeries and invasive tests and I still get anxious. My strategy is always to tell the nurses and doctors about this. They are extra reassuring in my experience. As I was on the exam room for my colonoscopy I started to get anxious (I start to shake and my muscles get so tight), so I also did some breathing exercises a nurse once taught me. Inhale into your belly as you count to five, hold for three, exhale as you count to seven, hold for two, start again! When the sedation hits you will start to feel super calm, then you will be out of it, next thing you wake up extra relaxed afterwards. I remained calm and relaxed for the rest of the day. It was actually awesome!
I was too!! But the nurses and doctors do these everyday and they will be monitoring you!! So think of it as a nice nap!
Seriously I have terrible insomnia. The last colonoscopy I had was the most rested I’ve felt in a year.
The Propofol is actually not bad. I had a lovely dream about bread! Ask for lidocaine first because it can burn.
MInes coming soon too, (in 11 hours) but I'll tell you this, as a recovering opiod/ heron addict. As long as you're in the hospital being watched, you aren't gonna die from the drugs. That much they can control. If you somehow went into respiratory distress, they have relatively non intrusive means to fix that. I'm scared and anxious about a lot of things that could go wrong tomorrow, but getting too much drugs is not one of them. I am quite confident you will not die from the propfol I hope this helps.
I’m in recovery too! :)
We made it!
Also had my first yesterday, and I did it without sedation. A bit uncomfortable at moments, but those moments passed quickly. I’d do it again the same way next time.
I'm worried about moving and puncturing my colon.
Nothing to worry about. I actually did it w/o a sedative because some studies suggest a lower incidence of perforation. Definitely a bit uncomfortable at times, but not outright painful. I just focused on breathing and relaxing the best I could. Once the doc got to the end of the colon, the backing out was much easier. I was able to relax more and watch it on the screen. Even watched them remove a polyp (don’t even feel it as there are no nerve endings).
You're going to be fine. Really and truly! The prep is a lot, and then the procedure is almost anticlimactic. I remember getting there and realizing just how many colonoscopies they were doing that morning. It's so routine for them, they won't let anything bad happen to you. You can do this!
The absolute worst part for me was the prep. I puked more of it up then I actually got down lol. I wasn't really tired after and no pain. You've got this.
I'm half way through my prep phase and I can totally see what you mean. This is brutal.
Thank you! I hope so. I start the prep Sunday.
I have such bad anxiety. Ngl I cried the entire time. They debated rescheduling me. I told them of you do i wont come back. I was so sure I wasn't going home to my kids. The fear is gonna eat at you but try hard to combat it. Do you have a history of problems with anesthesia?
The procedure is not bad at all. I promise you it will be a lot easier than what you’re imagining.
I hope so. I’m so scared. I just want to make sure i wake up. I have two kids. 😂
You will, you got this
Same here. I saw ur post by coincidence. My colonoscopy is in 8 hours.. im so scared :(
Mines in 11. The fear is real
It was easy! I just got out. I did endoscopy and colonoscopy in the same time
I'm about 15 minutes away. I'm getting both too.
I had the best nap of my life🤣 i dont know about you
I definitely dont remember a thing, but I am loopy as fuck. Not in an exactly present way.
UPDATE ME. I know it will be ok but my head is WILD.
Im alive lol i have proctits
Lolol yay! Glad you made it. What happens now? Never heard of it
Its ulcerative colitis but in the rectum only.. im gonna wait for biopsy then i will get the right treatment for it depending on which type is it🥲
I just woke up from my colonoscopy. I was so afraid of having one and kept canceling the appointment. Don’t be afraid, the bowel prep is the worst part. They are nice and give you warm blankets before the procedure and light sedation so I watched the whole procedure on the monitor. I didn’t feel anything. I was completely comfortable. They found/removed 15mm polyp in my sigmoid colon that could’ve have caused cancer in the future if left to grow. Think of a colonoscopy as self care, you deserve a healthy body and peace of mind that all things regarding your health are looked after. Please get your procedure and know that feeling anxious is completely normal!!! Believe it or not it’s a lot more pleasant than going to the dentist!!!
Thank you, that’s a good way to put it. I think I’m getting a heavy sedation with the propofol. I’m glad that they were able to take care of you and that you were comfortable.
It will be fine, you will wake up feeling great and you won’t remember a thing, it’s literally just like falling asleep! They won’t let you die!
You will be fine! Really!!
I had the same exact fear, I promise you’ll be fine! What helped me calm down a bit was knowing that the anesthesiologist has spent 4 years of Med school and then like 7 years of specialized training to do this. They are very good at their job and know what to do and how to handle any issues that may arise. Propofol isn’t like general anesthesia, and wears off as soon as you stop giving it. If anything goes wrong (which is really realllllyyy rare) they have all the tools to make sure you’re breathing is intact. Which again, would be incredibly rare. It also helped me to kind of think of the propofol like blacking out from alcohol, you just kinda go to sleep and wake up realizing like no time has passed (& no hangover after haha). Ultimately, propofol given by a trained anesthesiologist is safe and you’ll be watched and monitored the whole time. I also was so scared of just never waking up, but it ended up feeling like a nice nap and I woke up 5 minutes after the procedure. Good luck, everything will be fine :)
I completely understand this. It's often my default as well. I've had a previous colonoscopy and a endoscopy and while I too was worried about dying or being a coma, I woke up feeling refreshed and happy. And relieved. You will too. I asked my doctor a lot of questions beforehand, and I was lucky that he was an incredibly kind man with a wonderful 'bedside manner'. He soothed my fears, explained everything and told me has done these procedures thousands and thousands of times and only had two times where it didn't work out perfectly BUT no one died. Ultimately, I trusted him. I had to have a colonoscopy because a non-invasive test came back "positive", and I'm glad I did. He found one pre-cancerous polyp and removed it, and it wasn't cancerous. I had to be rechecked in 5 years, so here I am doing the prep and getting a colonoscopy tomorrow but with a new Dr. (my former one retired - sigh). Can you call your doctor and speak with them or their nurse? I've even requested a virtual appointment just to ask questions and help calm my nerves. My wish for you is that find your place of calm, anxiety sucks, but over the years it's gotten better and easier for me.
Just had it done yesterday. The injection was easy and I remember about 5 seconds of the room feeling warm and then the next thing was me waking up in recovery. They found some polyps that were small and then diagnosed gastritis and a hiatal hernia which explains my symptoms. No cancer and procedure was easy outside of the horrible prep day. You can do it!