Has anyone had any problems with a colonoscopy or drug midazolam?

[gordie1]

Hi there I am scheduled for a colonoscopy 14th December and I am a bit worried about it. I spoke to a locum at my GPs and asked her about the risks of sedation and asked them what they were and she stupidly told me that sometimes the drug they give can stop people breathing and a tube has to be put down so that they can breathe for you. This has freaked me out. I had the same sedation with a gastroscopy 3 years ago and I was fine. I wish she hadnt told me that. They never told me with the gastroscopy. Has anyone encountered any problems before with this drug or the procedure I need to get this done because I am having bleeding and weight loss as well as stomach pain. But I am really anxious now.

[RATTER15]

I had the same procedure not long ago, I was awake through the whole event and no problems, if you are concerned talk to your GP. I think you will find it is a very light sedation.

[albaqwerty]

Mr Alba has had a yearly one for about the past 5 years with no effects whatsoever.
The worst part was taking the stuff to clear you out.

[slaney]

This complication ( depression of breathing) is very rare especially with the small amount of Midazolam given for this procedure.
You had no problems with the drug when given for the gastroscopy, so it is very unlikely that you will have any trouble with it now. I wouldn't worry about this particular side effect.

[beso]

Specialists are monitoring all your vital signs and you are in a hospital. The doc just tells you the worst for "informed consent".

My colonoscopy was the best sleep I have had in years even though it was supposed to be a "twilight".

[McMouse]

When I had a colonoscopy it was a very routine and painless procedure. The bit I didn't like was the stuff I had to drink to 'clear me out' prior to the procedure.........to this day the smell of vanilla ......yuk.

[rowanwitch]

They will have a drug on standby that reverses the effect ofthe midazomlam almost instantaneously but as you were fine before you will probably be fine again

[Ann]

Not sure it this drug you mention is the same as they give you for an endoscopy (throat end) think it's called the rape drug as you don't remember anything afterwards. I had this for an endoscopy and they didn't give me enough and I had to tell them I was still awake and in distress. If this happens to you please tell them and they will immediately double the dose. Hope all goes well for you.

[Eve]

I had it with no problems and had a camera up and down in the same session. There were people all round me and I had a nurse by my head at all times - no shortage of people to help if anything happened.

They have to explain the risks because of the increasingly defensive medical practice in that, even though often very unlikely, it helps protect them for potential claims if anything did go wrong.

If there is any potential risk to you personally then this would be looked into and if you tell the staff of your concerns I'm sure they will put your mind at rest and make sure you know you're being looked after.

I was given the choice of with or without sedation with mine and quite a few people going in for them opted for going without.