Please could you advise me with your wealth of knowledge! I am due to have a colonoscopy (due to genetic cancer problems) I have these approx every 5 years, but have never been on Pred before when having them. Is there any danger to me while on 17.5mg. It might be a silly question to ask, but it suddenly struck me that pred can thin the skin, so can it have any other affect on inner organs? Thank You.
No - I had a colonoscopy while on about 20mg medrol and after 3 years of pred overall. I am also on sintrom (very similar to warfarin) and had to stop that in order to have the colonoscopy but the pred wasn't a problem at all.
By the way - here they do colonoscopies without any anaesthetic and the patient is fully conscious so you can watch the screen while they do it ;-)
Thank you for your prompt reply....I must admit it`s the anaesthetic that I dread the most....it makes me quite ill, but I`m semi-conscious, looking at the screen, then seem to be back in the bed. I suppose they must give you a relaxant of some sort!
You could always ask to try a different sedative. Not a problem I had - and I didn't find it too uncomfortable! I know other people have been horrified! When it was really uncomfortable as they had to "get round corners" deep breathing did the job and there was a nurse offering her hand to squeeze!
yes, it`s the "corners" I dread....I think in the past at the dentist I have had a differnt anaesthetic, but can`t remember the name. 5 years ago, I had a hysterectomy, and they really didn`t like it when I asked for a different one, this has made me apprehensive...
Is this in the UK? The usual anaethetic used is cheap and not very cheerful! It commonly makes people ill and it is worth making it clear it makes you ill and you want an alternative. Tell the anaesthetist - and make it clear you know there is another option. Whether they like it not is immaterial - treatment is meant to be patient-centred these days.
At the dentist they may have used one without added noradrenaline (I think that was what my dentist said was added). I had always been so ill after injections at the dentist that I stopped having local anaesthetics until a lovely dentist asked why not and explained the differences. Since then I have had injections with no problems!
Yes, I think it was without added noradrenaline....will look it up somewhere if I can. In the Uk here, it seems no-one likes being questioned about anything anymore....but it`s our bodies.!.....
It's strange - I wonder if it is because of the persistent ripping up of the NHS by the media and they don't differentiate between that criticism and us asking for what is best for us and so become defensive. As a former NHS employee, married to a former NHS consultant medical scientist and parent to a nurse and a paramedic I expect to be involved in my care as a equal in a lot of senses - as you say, it's my body. I have a good relationship with the doctors I am most involved with here and have a great relationship with the rheumatologists I am involved with.
But really - telling them that the usual anaesthetic makes you ill and asking for one that doesn't seems perfectly fair to me. Mind you - I imagine it costs more...
this is so wrong. the best part of the colonoscopy in the US is the anesthesia. it's awesome. Of course, there's not much about a colonoscopy that's fun, but I have to say I really enjoyed the drugs. fabulous cocktail of dilaudid, fentanyl and who knows what else. I figure if they're going to shove a camera there, not to mention all the prep work we have to do to make it all clean, the least they can do is make it pleasant for us during the procedure.
You`ve hit the nail on the head I would think........cost........
It`s sad what`s happening to our NHS.....not cutting the budget (they say) but just giving the same, when they tell us there`s 10 million more people in our country, dosen`t take much working out does it!
Not sure Lisa, what your sysytem for health is in the US....but do you pay for the fabulous cocktail.....sounds good to me!
Hi Linda; I don't think it's a silly question at all....for as you know, yes the prednisone does affect the skin (causing it to become fragile and susceptible to easily tearing). The Gastroenterologist that performs your colonoscopy, ( do you have a certain specialist who always performs your colooscopies), does he know that you are taking prednisone....normally with drugs like prednisone they ask you not to take a few days prior to any surgery...and I know you can't JUST STOP taking same...perhaps it may be an idea to discuss this issue with him, as he may postpone the Colonoscopy until you have finished your course...??? What do you think about this idea? Please let me know what you decide/happens....Bron
Thanks for that, I had thought about it. The system here is, make an appointment by phone, they send what`s need ed to empty the bowel (oh er) then I turn up at the hospital, and go ahead (never seeing the same Gastroenterologist)....after talking to the nurse prior to procedure. That`s why I wondered about it, not wanting to be turned away on the day...after telling them I`m on steroids!.....so think I will ring the department and discuss this anyway. On too high a dose to just stop (17.5mg)...will keep you posted when know Iwhat I`m doing...Many thanks, Linda.
Think it may have been Lidocaine that I have had in the past and been ok with....what do you think?
HI...when I had my Colonoscopy, I don't remember a thing !!! I know what is used..it is called a Neurolept, a drug that allows you to respong to directions when required to move a position etc...but you will not remember a thing (that's how this procedure is performed here is Australia). Also the preping for the procedure is not that hard anymore either (no more taking of laxative liquids for the 24 hours etc)....I only had to take a High Fibre diet for previous 24 hours, 1 glass of mixture and 2 Durlax tablets...good luck
Usually Lidocaine is used for a local anaesthetic ...eg for sutures of a cut..it goes by various names...Xylocaine....regards
Ok, will have to look again at what it is called...thank you.
The problem I have is, I react to all meds (even steroids!) I have Fibromyalgia...so with heightened, noise, light, smell etc...and reactions to chemicals.... ANY....I have to be so careful, the affects can last for months, and some people don`t get back to where they wrere before, if that makes sense...I can`t even take natural remedies, not even low dose vit D. Like the idea for high fibre diet though. The procedure dosen`t worry me too much...I watched my mother suffer and die from bowel cancer, so will do prevention any day! Just trying to limit the after affects.......
Um - surely it is a LOW fibre diet?
Lisa - the best part of the procedure was getting to watch it all on TV! But then, I watch operations for interest too. Not really bizarre, just have worked in the medical field all my life.
I think it is unlikely it would be postponed until Linda is off pred - it isn't a "course" in that sense that is used for PMR, it is a chronic condition and asking how long you will need pred is like asking how long is a piece of string!
In most of Europe you don't have a private specialist of your choice unless you are privately insured - you get the person who is covering the endoscopy suite at the hospital the day you are scheduled. In the UK, if they are being repeated every 5 years then the guy who did the last one will probably be a senior registrar by now and above such joys ;-)
As I say, I was on 20mg when mine was done - no probs.