AF and Colonoscopy Sedation

[5195]

Hi

I have paroxysmal AF and I am due to have a colonoscopy but concerned as the information from the hospital says the sedation can cause irregular heart beats, Your thoughts please?

[CDreamer]

My husband didn’t have the sedation for colonoscopy-it was optional & he didn’t find it that uncomfortable that he needed it. Ask your cardiologist if you are worried but ‘may’ doesn’t mean it will.

[5195 in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you x

[bantam12]

I wouldn't recommend having a colonoscopy without sedation !! As long as the Gastro team doing the procedure know and are prepared for any event then I wouldn't worry.

[Tako2009]

Hi. I had a colonoscopy with sedation last year with no problems- the gastric team were aware of my AF and medication, have to say I didn’t think to check this with the cardiologist at the time.

I thought the anxiety about the procedure was more likely to trigger AF than the mild sedation they gave me!! But hospital always brings out my inner wimp.

Good luck with this and as CD says you could check with your cardiologist to set your mind at rest.

[5195 in reply to Tako2009]

Thanks that’s really reassuring x

[pottypete1]

I have had sedation a number of times including ablations, the dentist and a colonoscopy.

It didn’t cause me any problems at all.

Pete

[5195]

Thank you x

[Mrsvemb]

I had the same sedation for an endoscopy in February. I did make them aware and requested that I wasn’t kept waiting for ages once I had stopped drinking water to avoid dehydration. I was fine.

[Hidden]

There are many different sorts of sedative and it seems very unlikely that all of them are a potential cause of an irregular heartbeat. I would state this concern to the secretary of the consultant who is to carry out the procedure. Ask to be referred to another hospital if they only offer one sort of sedative. They should have discussed this matter with you when you had your initial consultation.

[Profound15]

I had a colonoscopy in January this year and was given midazolam. I’ve had a fair number of colonoscopies over the years and always had the sedation. However this year I was given a lower dose than previously as I was still conscious of the procedure throughout. I was told that this dose is what they administer now. I think it’s because of my afib that I was given the lower dose but that’s my assumption. They also give you an analgesic which might have been fentanyl. I remember watching it on the screen when they found some polyps and removed them accordingly. It really is nothing to be concerned about so don’t worry.

[MS444]

You don’t need to be unconscious for a colonoscopy. Had one over 20 years ago while fully awake. Don’t remember what, if any, anaesthetic was used. It was easy. Insert the camera, remove the camera. Job done.

[Patsywoo]

I didn't have any sedation when I had my colonoscopy lady year, no problems.

[Maggimunro]

Hi 5195

I have had 2 colonoscopies with sedation and pain relief and not a single blip With my heart.

I wouldn’t recommend the procedure without sedation to be honest .

[stoneyrosed]

I have paf and recently had a sigmoidoscopy which is very similar, whilst i was waiting to have the procedure in the waiting room i was nervous and had a few missed beats and palps but as soon as the procedure starts they all stopped as my mind was focused on the procedure. Albeit i wasn't sedated for it. Stay calm and i am sure you will be fine.

[Diamondcat]

Morning, I am in exactly the same position with PAF. I had a colonoscopy last week with sedation and it was absolutely fine. The sedation just calms you a little you are completely awake and can function normally. I had no adverse effects at all. Please don’t worry

[Morzine]

Thanks for asking that I am due one in October I was dreading it as I want to be sedated big time ....I had one years ago and had some gas and air supposed relief but it wasn’t any help.

[Ducky2003]

I was sedated with Midazolam last week for a cardioversion..........enough to knock me out cold for 3 hours and I've been ok, pulse wise since.😊

[Nannysue1]

Ive had 2 colonoscopies and 2 endoscopies with sedation , where I was aware but out of it enough. I wouldn't have either without sedation and none put me back into AF, however I had sedation for a spinal injection and went into AF. Not sure if it was a different sedative.

[Crystalbowl]

I had a colonoscopy in early March. I had to stop my anticoagulant a day or so beforehand and ask someone to drive me home in case I needed sedation which I thought I would as, apart from AF and HF, I am in a lot of pain due to post herpetic neuralgia following shingles in January 2019 and I thought the procedure might affect that. However, I decided to start off without sedation and they had gas and air there too which I was offered once but refused more as I didn’t find the procedure at all painful. I was absolutely fascinated to watch the whole process on the screen and even noticed one of the 4 polyps they removed before the surgeon. Hope your procedure goes as well.

[Hidden]

My own experience of colonoscopies is that having one without sedation may be more likely to bring on AF. I've had 3 with sedation while on flecainide and have never had any episodes of AF as a result.

[Hidden]

Also, they always ask now in the NHS if you want sedation as it saves quite a lot of money if you don't

[5195]

Thanks everyone for your reassurance it really does help, I really can’t see me tolerating the Gas and Air as I suffer from dreadful vertigo and I avoid feeling dizzy at any cost! (Why does your body feel like it’s falling apart after 60!)

I’ll let you know how it goes But thanks again x

[quanglewangle]

I was offered the choice between sedation and NO. Went with the gas - a few puffs now and then - no probs.

[Shcldavies]

I have had a colonoscopy and without doubt you need pain relief. From memory you normally get 2 drugs, one for pain relief and one for sedation. They just gave me the pain relief drug and it was an interesting experience, given the choice I think I would go for no sedation again.

[queseyo]

I'm on a few meds for AF and I had colonoscopy a few months ago without knowing any irregular heart beats as I was sedated. To be safe, please, ask your cardiologist for info.

[Thomas45]

I had two colonoscopies last year, the first while taking an anticoagulant was diagnostic. It showed 4 polyps, so I had another, once I'd stopped my anticoagulant, for them to be removed. Because I have side effects to many prescribed drugs I opted for no sedation and no gas and air. Neither colonoscopy hurt at all. I am due to have another colonoscopy in another two years and I shall have that without sedation and without gas and air. I am currently 75.

[FLINGFLANG]

i had it done myself a few times, nothing happened and they will not go thru with it if your out of rhythm, they check right before the sedation is given....

[A4fan]

You might want to consider a cologuard test - a noninvasive, no sedation alternative.

cologuardtest.com/

[C66t]

I've had many colonoscopies over the years pre and post afib, all with sedation(wouldn't have one without)and no problems. Just make sure you are WELL hydrated I took sport drink(not dark coloured)to balance electorates. Best of luck.

[Adasian]

I have been sedated several times for different surgeries as well as colonoscopies. No problem. These doctors know how much sedation to give you when. Just last year was put out for a laparoscopic hysterectomy. Last week went to emergency thinking it was heart related as I was referred by a doctor from a walk in clinic. Turned out to be a large liver cyst that had to be drained and diagnosed and had to be admitted. Was given a mild sedative then too. To allay your fears I suggest you speak to the physician before the procedure. They will have your history. Incidentally I have to get another colonoscopy soon even though I was not slated for another one for 8 years. This has been quite the year for me visiting emergency 3 times after my hysterectomy last Fall. two unrelated emergencies. Age brings on everything😩😩