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6 years ago I had a routine colonoscopy and it was the most upsetting medical procedure of my life. Even though it was done in a hospital under Demerol and Versed, I had excruciating pain, was thrashing about, totally awake, and in such agony that I was begging and screaming at the doctor to stop. Instead, he had me restrained in a Tyvek restraint jacket on the surgical table and I was held down while he proceeded with the colonoscopy. It was traumatic beyond belief. Afterwards, he admitted to nothing and would only say my colonoscopy was "totally routine." I had violent flashbacks for weeks afterwards, and even had to get a bite plate due to damage I did to my jaw biting in agony from pain during the procedure. Though I tried, I got nowhere when I tried to go against him legally. I determined I would never have a colonoscopy again. I was severely traumatized by my doctor's actions during the procedure, and even more afterwards, when he denied what I said had happened (even though I had physical evidence). I was told that under these drugs "people imagine things." That re-traumatized me even more.
Now it turns out I have some rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids. Because of the bleeding, my primary care physician wants me to have another colonoscopy (the one 6 years ago showed no polyps or anything, though the previous doctor did admit my colon had many turns and was longer than the endoscope tube he used). Even after some sessions with a therapist, I still cannot submit to a colonoscopy again.
Now it turns out I have some rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids. Because of the bleeding, my primary care physician wants me to have another colonoscopy (the one 6 years ago showed no polyps or anything, though the previous doctor did admit my colon had many turns and was longer than the endoscope tube he used). Even after some sessions with a therapist, I still cannot submit to a colonoscopy again.
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