Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Medical People Speak Out Against Versed

These posts are excerpted from this web site. Would You Rather Be Out for Your Colonoscopy? - On Health and Money (usnews.com) There are many more... Green is my color for this one. I have used it for emphasis... Any italics in green are mine as well.

refuse colonoscopy "sedation" if you want your brain intact

"I'm a pharmacist with 30 years expreience; I always laughed when patients told me about the horrible experiences that they had with Versed; after all, it's only "like valium" isn't it? wrong! I'm sick of talking to patients who have long-term memory loss and nightmares from this garbage..............if your gastro "INSISTS" ON sedation, find another gastro who trats you like a person, most if not all, health-care professionals have colonoscopy done unsedated....why not you and me?? because the unsedated exam takes a few minutes longer.......they don;t want to waste time...just got an unsedated colonoscopy; the "secret" option, it was great!! but you won't have this option unless you are an insider...drug you up, you lie impobe and in pain then go home to nightmares adn they don;t care.........glad I'm an insider." from Jerry of MO

Sedation free is better-get it in writing

"I told the doc "no sedation" because of personal preference and because of all of the Versed horror stories that I have heard from nurses in the hospital where I work. He agreed to no sedation, but when I reported for the test, out popped a chatty CRNA who tried to get me to sign a consent for propofol, which I refused; she said "I though that you only objected to Versed sedation?" i again told her no sedation. Then she tried to sell me on fentanyl, again I said no. This continued until I finally told her "honey, you don't have anything that I want" and she tried to start an IV! I told her to get lost. Then the GI doc came in and had a hissy fit because I wasn't drugged up; he said that the unsedated patients slow him down too much. So I said I guess my wishes and the fact that you agreed to no sedation is meaningless? Again no meaningful answer until the CRNA asked point blank if he promised to do the exam unsedated and he said that he did but that sedation was a better idea. The CRNA then told me to wait and wheeled me into the waiting room, then she returned with another GI doc who apologized for the first GI jerk and she asid that she would do the exam unsedated. The CRNA again asked if she could start an IV just in case so I agreed (she was now my only advocate). The CRNA said that she would have painkiller ready to go, only if I asked for it during the exam. The unsedated exam was easy, painfree and it was great to watch the CRNA berate the first GI doc for lying to me." From Joe of Ohio.

Versed is a terrible drug; you may regret getting it!

As a nurse practitioner, I often recommend colonoscopy to patients who need one. But, most are done with the amnesia drug Versed and way too many patients report very traumatic experiences with this drug, permanent memory loss and depression. Fully 10% of our patients who receive Versed report a permanent decline in memory or cognitive function. 10% is HUGE!!! I would never recommend that anyone get a colonoscopy with Versed, nor would I ever consent to this drug bein used on any member of my family. Check out versedbusters ofr honest patient reviews of this drug; also askapatient. The comments will curl your hair. The use of this drug makes me sick." From Nursenancy of PA

Colonoscopy sedation with Versed is often traumatic

"Colonoscopy is often done with Versed, which is a date-rape benzodiazepine; so-called because it renders the victim imoble, and amnesic. Versed is an invatation to patient abuse. We recently studied 100 of our patients who had colonoscopy with Versed and fentanyl; fully 10% reported long-term memory loss and severe depression, several are actually disabled and in the process of suing or settling a lawsuit over the use of Versed. I would never recomment colonoscopy or any other procedure if this drug was used. It's just not worth it. When 10% of the patients have an awful experience, it's time to stop using the drug. Sadly, the endo centers just want to get the patient out the door. It makes me mad and sick." From nurspractitioner of Ca.

colonoscopy-sedation is entirely optional

"Colonoscopy sedation is optional; it's often insisted upon by uncaring gastro docs who want to do the exam quickly (to make more money) and they like to use amnesia drugs such as Versed so that the poor patient has temporary amnesia of a painful, roughly done exam. Most colonoscopies can be done without drugs if the gastro just takes a little care and time to be gentle. If the scope "loops" or if they have to use a lot of air to inflate the colon, it can be a little uncomfortable, but it's not bad. Two options are propofol (need to habve an anesthesia nurse, and you think that you are asleep) or just painkiller (fentanyl). Personally, I coose nothing but a caring gastro who takes her time and I have had 3 without drugs. The "sedation" is the most dangerous part of the exam and is for the gastros benefit not yours. Amnesia drugs such as Versed are terrible; they do nothing for pain; I'm a nurse and have seen a lot of people moaning and some screaming with Versed and the small amounts of painkiller given while the doc and nurses literally laugh "they won't remember this"...trouble is: most people do remember the horrible experience in time and have nightmares.....all because the gastro is in a rush and treats patients like amnesic pieces of meat, not human beings." From Sue of PA.

As you can see, our complaints about Versed, the unethical sneaky administration of Versed, the treatment we receive after getting it, the long term side effects and the real reason we are getting poisoned with Versed are not merely the feverish imaginings of an insane mind. Medical people who actually care about their patients are not liking what they see either.

39 comments:

  1. I wish that I had read this 2 years ago. Thanks for telling the truth about Versed.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are welcome, and sorry something bad happened to you to bring you to this blog. If you want me to publish your story, e-mail me at nomidazolam@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. PS I never tell anything you don't want me to. Your e-mail address is safe with me alone and I won't try to contact you all the time either.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I was not told that what I was given caused amnesia but cooperation, I was told it relaxed you. I read about the drugs effects after my procedure and told my husband that it sounded like a date rape drug to me!! And now I find out that that is what it really is. I keep having panic attacks and cant stop obsessing about my lost memory of the colonoscopy and endoscopy. I have asthma and if I was aware of something being put down my throat I would certainly have panicked. I'll keep trying but I'm sure the doctor and nurses will not be willing to give me an account of my procedure since they had a real fast assembly line going.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous you are correct in every detail. Most of us have had Versed injected into our bodies by using lies and subterfuge. Hang in there it does get better. It took me about 3 months before the really bad reaction left me. It took a few more years to come to terms with the attack by the very people I trusted with my life. Don't let anybody tell you that what you experienced is untrue or rare.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am going in for my 1st colonoscopy & endoscopy. Now I am not sure what to do. I know I don't want Versed.... don't think I can go it with nothing. What to do?

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am 60 yrs old & going in for my 1st colonoscopy & endoscopy. I already knew I did not want Versed. I am not sure I can do both with no medication. Feeling very insecure.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  9. My Dad was given this drug at 79 for Hip Surgery since he was not a candidate for general anesthesia. He went into surgery mentally sharp and after surgery had complete memory loss of most of his life and was labeled as having dementia by the doctors. They dismissed my claims he did NOT have dementia before the surgery. Speaking with him he had only traumatic memories of the surgery and only moments of clarity of where he was and who I was. He was never the same after taking this drug, marked depression and anxiety/nightmares of people cutting his leg off. He eventually stopped eating and died. If I had only have known the side effects of this drug he might be alive today. He was not the only one, many of the families i talked with at the nursing home had the same experience. Some seems to get "dementia" after having something as simple as an endoscopy. Versed was the common thread to all our stories of how our loved ones ended up in the nursing home and ultimately lost their minds.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My dad also lost most of his memories- he forgot his wedding and the birth of his children etc. he could only remember things from when he was a young man in the Korean War. He had to stop his medical practice. So- my memories are what make me....me. I have done one unsedated/drug free colonoscopy and have another one next week. It hurts for about a minute at each turn. I am sorry to hear about your father. People should be warned about this. I’ve had anesthesiologist tell me I was making it up.

      Delete
  10. Lisa I'm so sorry. This IS one of the secret problems with Versed that medical people don't want to reveal. I have other posts about this very thing. You lost your dad for the convenience of the staff. This is a horror that must be stopped. I just don't know how to do it. The irrefutable evidence is in, Versed destroys brain function on a permanent basis and causes dementia on a permanent basis. It's far too dangerous to use on people, especially older people and yet...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Versed may be an evil drug but I'm pretty sure the patient not being aware while being cut open and the head of a bone sawed off was not entirely for the "staffs convenience"

      Delete
    2. that is just plain silly to say. If you understood VERSED you would realize they ARE aware of the procedures under that toxic substance. They just don't have a cognitive memory of the event. Bits and pieces of the event still sneak through, and they still felt the pain.

      Delete
  11. My grandma had Alzheimer. I had read something on Verced after i had it for my first colonoscopy 10 yrs ago and then was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Its taken me many years to get off the prescriptions including pain meds. I'm on a natural regiment that has helped me lift the fibro fog. I still have moments of pain but at least i have my brain back... to remember simple words that were once lost. I used to have a larger vocabulary but that still gives me trouble. I am scheduled for another colonoscopy at the end of the month. I mentioned that i didn't want verced. But they pretty much poo pooed me..[ sorry just realized the pun] lol. the other option is the provosol? --the thing is i think a dentist gave me this versed without consent, i don't remember to this day a procedure -root canal. Anyhow i don't see why i need it at all. I usually sleep in the day- and best time from 6-11 i'm in a deep sleep...even my husband can't wake me. Not that is ideal but i plan to stay awake all night long and i'm sure i'll be out of it. If they give me something like this -i think it could be even more dangerous for this very reason. I take flexeril for a muscle relaxant for my spine, and i have spina bifida... i can't afford them to shake me around. Besides even more serious having two bone spurs in my neck. Plus i can't lay on my left side at all due to a major fibromyalgia tender point. Do i just refuse and tell them in a letter before the scheduled appt that i have great concerns, this is not some "just because i heard it was bad'' but real concerns. I can't afford to have anything contribute to me having Alzheimer. If i refuse and fall asleep - what recourse do i have if they do this behind my back and i don't know it. Any suggestions? Flexeril gives me a migraine but does knock me out. One reason i usually cut it in half. This is not just a routine exam thou, its because i've had some digestive issues. Interested in any links and info on alternatives. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Here's a suggestion, if you have some extra money. I take Prevagen extra strength daily and have started using Lumonol and Lumonol Nova daily as well. All three are nootropics. The Lumonol comes highly recommended by MENSA. They should know. My brain function is very close to what it was before Versed.

      Delete
  12. My grandma had Alzheimer. I had read something on Verced after i had it for my first colonoscopy 10 yrs ago and then was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Its taken me many years to get off the prescriptions including pain meds. I'm on a natural regiment that has helped me lift the fibro fog. I still have moments of pain but at least i have my brain back... to remember simple words that were once lost. I used to have a larger vocabulary but that still gives me trouble. I am scheduled for another colonoscopy at the end of the month. I mentioned that i didn't want verced. But they pretty much poo pooed me..[ sorry just realized the pun] lol. the other option is the provosol? --the thing is i think a dentist gave me this versed without consent, i don't remember to this day a procedure -root canal. Anyhow i don't see why i need it at all. I usually sleep in the day- and best time from 6-11 i'm in a deep sleep...even my husband can't wake me. Not that is ideal but i plan to stay awake all night long and i'm sure i'll be out of it. If they give me something like this -i think it could be even more dangerous for this very reason. I take flexeril for a muscle relaxant for my spine, and i have spina bifida... i can't afford them to shake me around. Besides even more serious having two bone spurs in my neck. Plus i can't lay on my left side at all due to a major fibromyalgia tender point. Do i just refuse and tell them in a letter before the scheduled appt that i have great concerns, this is not some "just because i heard it was bad'' but real concerns. I can't afford to have anything contribute to me having Alzheimer. If i refuse and fall asleep - what recourse do i have if they do this behind my back and i don't know it. Any suggestions? Flexeril gives me a migraine but does knock me out. One reason i usually cut it in half. This is not just a routine exam thou, its because i've had some digestive issues. Interested in any links and info on alternatives. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I need as much info on this and have an appt for a colonoscopy at the end of the month. I had read something on verced a long time ago and mentioned the doctor about losing brain cells, he poo pooed me ...but i'm seriously considering canceling this cause i know he's going to push this on me. I can't afford to go back to the brain fog i've worked so hard to improve....as i have fibromyalgia. Not to mention that w/ a bad spine and bone spurs in my neck i can't afford to be tossed around on a table either. please send me links to print out and send him with a letter that if he can't do this without putting me to sleep or behind my back if i fall asleep...as i usually am asleep during this particular time -once i'm asleep it's hard to wake me anyway.... i don't see how they can make me do this. I do need this test as i'm having some problems. Are there any alternatives? meds' and or procedures that are not as evasive ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You do not have to have any medication. Given your painful medical condition with your neck and spine, *I* recommend going with a pain medication along with an anti-nausea med ONLY. In my city they have specialists who only work with those of us who refuse the Versed and other sedation meds. As far as alternatives, I do the poop test. It's very easy and it will tell you whether you need something more invasive as a precaution. I haven't needed a colonoscopy at 60, but I haven't had any problems either. Hope this helps.

      Delete
  14. I am going for my first lens replacement Monday. I had told Doc only local that's it and he said, Ok, since you're taking public transport. But then Nurse Rachet calls and says she has a twilight medication. No, I think not. If he can't do it with a local then I guess I don't need that surgery as urgently as he said. Well, see, but trust doctors No way. Its all about MONEY.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I do not clear opioids and decline demerol and versed for colonoscopy. I have had colonoscopy without medication and while it was a little uncomfortable for about 5 minutes, I was awake and drinking tea, munching on cookie just after the procedure--while others who had demerol/verced were sleeping off the effects. I was out the door within 30 minutes of the procedure and driving myself home. However, the endoscopic procedure required me to be sedated--did endoscopic with small child scope but this time they needed to put down a larger scope. They seriously recommended used propofol and it worked just fine. Propofol is quick acting and short acting. Once procedure was over, I was awake and ready to be discharged.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Propofol is in the same class of drugs as Versed. It has the same precautions and can cause the same problems.

      Delete
    2. Um. No propofol is not a benzodiazepine.

      Delete
    3. Um. No, propofol is not a benzodiazepine.

      Delete
  16. Cataract surgery - declined 'conscious sedation' and had no problem with the procedure. Was able to drive myself home related to no medication given. Problem is one just keep the eye still during the procedure and many are unable to do this, which requires sedation.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I had a very different experience with Versed, but it was equally horrific. In my case, I remember everything that happened during my procedures. Everything! I, too, have fibromyalgia. In fact, I have very severe fibromyalgia, and had been treated with high-dose narcotic pain medication for years. Despite this, the gastroenterologist attempted to "sedate" me with Demerol and Versed. I had asked him to put me as deep as he could, and he said he would "max" me out. I watched someone who I assumed was the anesthesiologist or an anesthesia RN inject something into my IV port. I'd always heard that IV narcotics took effect very, very quickly, so I was waiting to see what happened. Nothing happened. I told myself that the injection had probably been just a saline flush, and waited while s/he injected a second substance into the IV. Again, nothing happened. Just as I was about to speak up, and tell the doctor that I was absolutely wide awake and clear headed, he flipped me onto my left side and put the endoscopy brace in my mouth, and in went the scope. It was horrible. I was extremely ill at the time. The endoscopy and colonoscopy had been scheduled following tests in the hospital. I'd been admitted 4 days earlier, and felt dreadful. With the endoscope in my throat, I felt like I was choking and suffocating, but I couldn't say anything because of the scope. I banged my head against the table, over and over, and moaned and groaned, but the doctor would not stop. The nurse stood by my head, and she would stroke me and tell me I was doing fine, which I certainly wasn't. She never asked the doctor to pause. When they took the scope out of my throat, I was almost in shock. All I could do was pant and try to cope with the screaming in my head. Once again, before I could say anything, I was flipped onto my stomach and the colonoscope was introduced. They removed a polyp during that procedure. Even with my throat now open, I simply couldn't say a word. I couldn't tell him to stop. When it was over, I was a rape victim as far as the psychological effect went. I had already decided not to tell my husband about it when I was still in recovery. The PTSD was crippling for years until I found EMDR therapy. It seems obvious, and has since it occurred, that this gastroenterologist never looked at my medication history. If he had, he would have known about the long-term narcotics use, and would never have tried to sedate me with the small amount of medication indicated for a healthy woman of my size. I'm tiny, so they couldn't have given me very much, as made obvious by my lack of reaction. But I wasn't an average, healthy, 114-lb. woman. I'd been sick and medicated for ten years. Every single doctor I have seen since has stated that it is obvious that someone with my medication history must be given real anesthesia when it is desired that I be out for a procedure. Not one of them would ever attempt to sedate me slightly, and they would never do it with more narcotics. I cannot even estimate the amount of damage this event did to my life and my husband's. What it cost us financially was epic, and the personal stress was horrible and went on for years. I wish it were not so difficult to hold to account medical personnel who malpractice.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Any one know somthing about Non iv conscious sedation? dentist recomended this fo0r my 4 years old child. need info ASAP please

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi anonymous, they have an oral Versed that dentists use. A friend of mine had his little boy sneakily given liquid Versed in a little cup. I have the story up on this blog. I think if you search for "dentist" on nomidazolam it will come up.

      Delete
  19. I had versed for upper eyelid surgery 5 days ago. I was told that I would be awake and responsive but would not remember anything. I had tried to find out what type of anesthesia I would be having the day before I went into surgery and was told that everyhing would be told to me by the anethesologist meeting (which was right before I was to get the conscious anesthesia. Prior to that I wasnt told the name of the drug or drugs I would be getting. It was like they didnt want me to have info about it too soon. Not like I could google it 5 minutes before my procedure. Anyway, I had versed via IV and was sleeping or so I thought because I remember still dreaming about white horses. I remember nothing else. I didnt see my doctor, or any nurses at all. And I don't remember a thing and no pain. But I am awake at night now unable to sleep trying to remember something and why could I dream and vividly remember the dream but forget everything else? I feel a bit invaded because I really dont know why they built in that amnesia feature if they didnt want to take advantage of a patient -- I want to remember what was said about me or how the procedure went, if my modesty was protected or not etc. I keep trying to remember something but can't and its frustrating. I should stop trying.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "I really dont know why they built in that amnesia feature if they didnt want to take advantage of a patient" It is not intended as a means of taking advantage of you in some perverted sense. The drug is intended for two reasons: (1) to allow for faster procedure, since the patient cannot physically resist (2) to prevent the patient passing along bad news of what happened. It usually results in the patient saying "It was painless. I was asleep" to anyone who asks how it went.

      Delete
    2. Patti I wonder the same thing. “I want to remember what was said about me or how the procedure went, if my modesty was protected or not etc." Below are several examples of what I witnessed & what was done to me when I was the patient. I worked in a hospital, I saw the disgusting things said & done to patients.

      After seeing what some nurses have done to unconscious male patients, I refuse females being anywhere near me. They HATE this; I have been called every name you can imagine. Sadly it is easier for them to call me those names than to explain, & hear how "We are not like that” then I tell them I have witnessed it... they hate that as well.

      The first time I said no females, they told me I did not have a right to keep women out of my care. I told them that if female patients can have female only care, male patients can have male only care. They refused, I told them to cancel all of the testing. I called my insurance company to make sure they do not payout since it was canceled. The lady asked me why I canceled it, I explained everything, & she asked me to wait on hold for a minute, when she got back on my call, the entire procedure was still scheduled & all male providers. She said I have every right to my modesty.

      The day of the procedure, I spoke with the head RN, he was nice, & he thanked me for standing up for myself, as he saw men walk out, & delay care.

      The next colonoscopy I went through the same BS, I was promised all male care. The male nurse brought me back, took 10 attempts to get an IV placed. Looking back it could have been payback, as I have very good veins...

      I am a chronic pain patient, 10 years to date, so with not being allowed to have my normal pain medications, I was hurting bad, annoyed & my blood pressure was very high. I get a bit sleepy, two women came to get me, this had happened before, they wheel me in, & leave... not this time, the only male was my DR., ALL female staff, I wanted to scream, but knew if I opened my mouth, it would have been on the news...& before I could even finish the thought of don’t scream, I was out... Woke up with female nurses... My blood was boiling.

      Because of family history, (My dad survived 2 cancers, the 3rd rectal cancer took him at 41, I am 38) I am having my 5th colonoscopy in a few weeks, I called the center to make sure male staff only, this lady was rude, said it would be in my chart (the code phrase to say the nurse who does the scheduling wouldn't be told) So I emailed my DR. Told him I would walk out. The office says they called the center & everything is taken care of, & not to worry, like that is going to happen, I was told that same line when I had groin surgery.... All female care, I went to walk out, suddenly they had male staff.

      Let’s hope this time I will not have the "misogynist" comments... or the bait and switch... I will reply after the test…

      They WANT you to have these drugs so it can be used against you if you file a complaint etc. You had amnesia inducing drugs, no matter what you claim, it is unreliable. A man unknowingly had his cell record audio, in his clothes under the gurney. He sued them and won… All that disrespect cost them a LOT.

      NOTE: ALL of the shady and unethical BS I witnessed was reported. NOTHING happened as the nurses continued this BS still reported still ignored every time.

      Delete
  20. I had a total knee replacement several months ago.I was out of it for a week.I don't remember a thing before or after my surgery for one week.i became forgetful and was very nervous for over a month.Dont let your doc give it for sergury.Or for anything for that reason!!I could not drive for atleast 2 months.I even got lost a few miles from my home.Please do not take this drug for anything!!It is not safe.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I appreciate all of your posts. I too have had a very bad experience with Versed . I am appalled that this is not known and it took me 6 mos. to figure out what the drugs did to my life. Depression, loss of appetite , anxiety like I have not had in years and memory loss and exhaustion to boot. NEVER AGAIN!

    ReplyDelete
  22. My memory has been twice as bad and I have been depressed to tears almost daily since my eye doctor made me take the versed to get the second lens out of my eye that had caused glaucoma. I refused but he said he would not take it out if I did not take the versed. (he told me a week before that I did NOT have to take the versed, but just before the surgery he told me I HAD to take versed)

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am an injury lawyer who had a terrible experience with Versed. It caused a car accident 3 days after surgery when on no medication. Please email me with information. pelusolaw@gmail.com.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Was given propofol for a colonoscopy almost 2 weeks ago. Never again. It's as bad or worse than versed. Have been angry and feeling anxiety ever since. Have had plenty of surgical procedures and never felt like this afterward.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Having had a very bad and prolonged experience with Versed from previous procedures (long term amnesia effects that took months to resolve - as well as frequent nightmares....walking into a room and having no idea of why or what I went into that room to do....and remembering parts of my colonoscopy - but in a distorted and fragmented way...bits and pieces...even though they told me in recovery I wouldn't remember ANY of it )for all future gastro procedures...I told them NO Versed or I can't have this done if you can't [ or won't] substitute...and I'll get re-dressed and walk out of here....well - they did substitute and I had NO issues like I did on the times they used Versed. Years later - I was scheduled for open heart surgery to replace a failing aortic valve - again in pre-Op - I told the anesthetist - knowing it is standard procedure to use Versed - that IF he can't substitute ...then I'm going to get dressed and walk out of here...despite how bad I need this heart valve replaced. Per my medical records (I pulled ALL my medical files...had to sign releases to do it...but SO worth it !) he kept his promise....NO Versed was used....surgery was a long day - but all went fine...and I was moved to CCU for cardiac recovery. Vitals and labs were as expected for one just having such invasive surgery....all things considered - all was well. BUT....because on the 2nd day of recovery - the nurses kept telling my visitors that I Needed some rest - they changed around my IV's after most of them left (except my wife)....Yep...one was a drip IV...with dosing of xxmg's of midazolam every 15 minutes - as needed to maintain sedation....my wife was leaving about 1/2 hour later.....and my last words to her were " wow...I feel so tired...feel like I could sleep forever....goodnight Honey...Love you" - not knowing I had already gotten dosings of Versed...a drug I am HIGHLY allergic to !) that was at 8 pm......7 hours later...at3:02 am - I had received some ~ 28 doses of Versed (to maintain sedation) ALL my cardiac alarms started going off....nurses were already in my room - then Crash team responded to Code Blue (flat-line)...my CPR log shows my condition following the WARNING on the pharmaceutical papers for Midazolam...for a small percentage of patients....and it's all in Caps...to be brief "Some sensitive patients may experience difficulty breathing.....very low blood pressure....and cardiac arrest" and as you go down thru my CPR log...it is as if they were writing the Pharma company's Warning...to the letter. It was an extended cardiac arrest....over 15 minutes of CPR/ defab pads / epinephrine push meds / Narcan given ...pacer used...finally got heart restarted..lost it...got it ...with A-fib and V-fib...42 minutes later I was transported back to ICU/CCU section in a Deep Coma....multiple organ failures....no response to light or pain stimuli....developed severe Sepsis (immune system shut down) and Severe D.I.C...as nurses and Doctors tell me....A Very Rough Go...they called me a "miracle man"....they didn't think I'd make it thru...left me permanently disabled....now 6 years later...so do I have issues with the Dangers of Versed..?? You Bet....Big Time !!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I recently had two surgeries at a local hospital in Stillwater MN. Incidentally, they grouped the Anesthesia consent in the surgeon's sheet under a bunch of stuff about medical students and assistants....but they aren't a teaching hospital and I knew that so skipped the small print as I reviewed that form, expecting the Anesthesiologist to carefully go over it all with me. He answered some questions but never told me that i'd be under the care of a CRNA, and NOT HIM....so there was no informed consent for any anesthesia, but that's what Minnesota allows). I told the Anesthesiologist I would have NO VERSED. The Doc agreed to my refusal of VERSED without a problem and noted iot in my record (which the CRNA is supposed to read before treatment starts but did NOT!) Before the Anesthesiologist came into the op room, the CRNA (failing to read the doctors notes that had been added to my care info) gave me a dose of VERSED, THEN told me he was "going to give me something to relax me". I said "NO! I refused that to Dr. S. and he said it would not be given"!. Well, it was too late! The CRNA said "Well, He didn't tell me (yeah, read the notes!!) and I only gave you a half-dose (?) so that will be okay". My thoughts were, what part of ANY DOSE id okay after I refused it??
    The CRNA had me prepped and a mask on my face so when the Doctor came in, he dumped the drugs and put me out before I could talk to the Anesthesiologist.
    THEN, he never mentioned it to the Anesthesiologist, an attempt to cover it up....but the refusal AND the dose given are noted in my record. Finally got in touch with Doctor (patient services was worthless helping!) 6 weeks post op and he said he was sorry it happened and should never have happened BUT he had no idea how it happened.....
    THE CRNA's are supposed to be under the Doc's supervision.....and Minnesota allows one doc up to three CRNA's so they can do six surgeries with only two Anesthesiologists. What could possibly go wrong here?
    If there's ever a next time, I will be fully prepared, but it probably won't ever be at this place again!

    ReplyDelete