For me, Versed crossed the line. Colonoscopy is a kind of plumbing inspection with perhaps some minor repairs along the way. But blanking out memory is not plumbing or repair, it is messing with the patient’s mental faculties. I’m old enough that a drug to induce amnesia is about the last thing I’d want.

I recently had my first colonoscopy. I don’t usually write about personal stuff, but my wife died of colon cancer a year ago and I’ve become an advocate of colonoscopy simply because if she’d had one a few years earlier, she might still be with us.

A colonoscopy is pretty basic. The process starts with a consultation or a presentation about colonoscopy, how it works and what to expect. You fast for a day before the procedure, and take a laxative that cleans out the intestines. You may have to stop taking certain medications and there are other cautions you will receive from your doctor.

Polyp

A colon polyp which is removed during a colonoscopy.

During the procedure, the doctor inflates your intestines with air and runs a camera inside to look for abnormal growths such as polyps. Anything suspicious, is burned off or biopsied to see if it is dangerous. A few hours later you go home, eat a meal and get on with things. I had a $250 copay but if it is done as preventive care, many insurance companies require no copay.

In my consultation I discovered that I would receive three drugs during the procedure: Fentanyl, Versed and Propofol.

I’d heard of Propofol before, as Michael Jackson used this drug to sleep and an overdose might be what killed him.

Fentanyl, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse is: “a powerful synthetic opiate analgesic similar to but more potent than morphine. It is typically used to treat patients with severe pain, or to manage pain after surgery.” So that was a bit alarming. So far two heavy drugs for what was promoted as a minor outpatient procedure.

And finally, Versed, which – according to the materials my doctor gave me – blocks unpleasant memories and produces a type of amnesia.

I can understand painkillers if the procedure is going to be painful. Nobody wants to undergo surgery or dental work without anesthesia. But for me, Versed crossed the line. Colonoscopy is a kind of plumbing inspection with perhaps some minor repairs along the way. But blanking out memory is not plumbing or repair, it is messing with the patient’s mental faculties. I’m old enough that a drug to induce amnesia is about the last thing I’d want.

So there was no way in hell was I going to allow Versed, and I made sure the doctor, nurse and anesthesiologist knew that and would not administer it. They were quite amenable to what I asked.

I do remember parts of the procedure and do remember some cramp-type pains. The doctor cut off four polyps, but the pains were tolerable.

So as a result of my experience I would suggest: Get screened, especially if you are older than 50. The American Cancer Society  has an information page on various options. And when you talk to your doctor, make sure to discuss what will be done and what drugs will be used. Don’t put it off, as stage IV colon cancer can kill you. But get educated, ask questions and weigh your options.