Questions About The Biopsy-anaesthetic Needed?

[Helena]

As some of you might know from reading my other posts, I'm considering getting a biopsy done after inconclusive test results. (one test was positive and one negative). The doctor also wants to do a flexible sigmoidoscopy for other reasons.

From reading some info. on this site, though, I'm getting the sense that the biopsy is not usually that involved--so I'm guessing that the anaesthetic and opiate and the magnesium citrate and the enema are all for the other test?

What all was involved with the biopsy? What over the counter meds did you have to take? Were you sedated?

The reason why this is becoming a major issue for me is I can't take the one anaesthetic because it contains egg and soy-derived ingredients (to which I am allergic). The doctor will have to find another option. And the magnesium citrate contains corn-derived sorbitol (I have a corn allergy too) and my allergist doesn't want me to take it outside of a hospital setting.

I'm not convinced that the flexible sigmoidoscopy is even necessary. If I can just do the celiac test without all the drugs then that might be the better option.

[floridanative]

For my biopsy, I requested to be put out completely and my jerk (now ex) doctor gave me something called conscious sedation. That meant it paralyzed me so that I could not move but I could see/hear. It was awful though not painful in the least. Everyone else I've met that had the biopsy was put all the way out for the 15 minute procedure. There is no prep except no food (or even water) after midnight the day of the test.

[jerseyangel]

I had a colonoscopy and the endo/biopsy the same day.

I remember nothing after they injected the sedative into my IV.

Woke up feeling fine--definately have them put you all the way out

[Helena]

Thanks so much! Okay, so I guess I'd better be sedated . . . and I won't interrogate my GI doc about whether the other test is needed (since I'll be sedated anyways).

Floridanative, that sounds awful! I can see why you switched doctors. I was awake when i got my wisdom teeth extracted (had to go to a dental surgeon . . . they were growing in sideways) because the anaesthetic contained stuff i'm allergic to . . . that wasn't bad at all though. I had a local anaesthetic and laughing gas (which made me feel really great ). . . might have been sedated too. . . don't remember much of it!