Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 4/30/2008

Question
Although I am only 19 years old I have had severe problems with my colon for a couple years. To rule out any kind of blockage or serious disease my gastro decided to do a colonoscopy. He explained to meet that the worst part about this would be the day before, but I would be asleep during the procedure. I have to say the day before prep was like heaven compared to the procedure. I went in with the thought that I wouldn't feel a thing and that I would be asleep like with an endoscopy. Well I was sedated at the beginning, I saw them put the meds in..it took me a while to fall out..but I felt them put the gel on me and I felt the whole entire procedure. It was the most painful feeling I have ever had in my life...and I am not a big complainer, I used to run on a broken growth plate. Anyhow...I wanted to know what you thought about this..I feel very angry at my doctor..and I feel like they could have made me more comfortable. I also feel lied to...He was also over 30 minutes late to my procedure and rushed me out of recovery because they were over booked and behind. I expected that they would have given me more medicine because I remember them saying my name and holding me down talking to me..but they did nothing..I felt drunk so I couldn't like scream or anything. I also have a bruised jaw..which I didn't have before the procedure which I thought was weird. I cried while I was in recovery and I assumed they knew that I felt everything and the DR. was acting nervous when he talked to my parents about my results. I just feel very uncomfortable going back to his office..It was the worst experience of my life!! Do you think I should go to a different DR? Do you think this was wrong?

Answer
Clearly they did not give you enough sedation although without seeing the chart, I can't know why. For this procedure they don't put you to sleep but they should heavily sedate you and more importantly, they should give you a medicine such as Midazolam (Versed) which is a sedative but also gives you amnesia. This way, even if you were uncomfortable, you wouldn't remember. Since you say your jaw is bruised I have to imagine that your breathing was very shallow and they had to do a jaw thrust to open your airway. This could explain why they didn't give you more medicine. As for whether you should see another doctor, I can't say. I would definitely tell you to tell the doctor your feelings and concerns and if his office or the hospital has a patient satisfaction survey you should fill it out honestly. I''m sorry that you had an unpleasant experience. Since you have colon problems, I imagine you'll have several more of these in the future. I hope those are more pleasant experiences.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston