colonoscopy pre meds

Last month I was in paroxysmal afib for about a day before I was to have a colonoscopy screening procedure. When I went in for the colonoscopy I was hooked up to an iv and given a low dose of fentanyl and a good dose of versed. Before I fell asleep I noted (and it was confirmed afterwards) that I had spontaneously converted to sinus rhythm right after receiving the fentanyl and versed. I am not sure they were even completely thru the iv and into my arm when I went into NSR. The 2 doctors I have asked about this since it happened have both acted like I was drugseeking just by mentioning it. Has anyone else ever heard of this? I don't find anything written about this being researched but has anyone else had a similar experience?

Lulu,

That is very interesting. I was talking to my EP at a recent follow up, and he told me that the those meds can actually make the ectopics stop during the procedure. He mentioned that is a reason why he will not ablate someone unless they have a certain amount of ectopics a day. If they are not frequent enough, by the time he goes in to ablate the source, he can't find it because of the meds.

Zach

Zach,
You had the Artic Front Ablation if I remember correctly? How's your progress?

Thanks for responding. It seems like if this is true for some people, it could be a gentle way to cardiovert. I can see the EPs point about being confusing for an ablation procedure though. Either way fentanyl and versed may supress ectopics to the point of restoring nsr. Wish I knew more about this but could find nothing til your input. Thanks again.

McHale,

Things are going well. I had the ablation in April, and so far so good. I got sick a couple of weeks ago and started getting PVC's, which I had never gotten before. Went to see the EP and he said my heart is just more sensitive now, and they should go away in a few weeks. Getting sick more than likely made me dehydrated and with my body trying to fight off the virus, I started getting some PVC's. I made sure to drink more water and supplement and they are starting to go away. They were not that bad, but going from having nothing, to all of a sudden having PVC's overnight was a little alarming.

I have been really happy with how things have gone so far. It helps having such an accessible doctor as well. When I started getting these PVC's, I called and got in with Dr. Su. He spent close to 30-35 minutes explaining why it more than likely happened, what to expect, and how I can try and make them go away quicker. Every time I go and see him I leave impressed and thinking not only what great doctor he is, but what a great guy he is as well. He seems to really care.

Hope all is well McHale!

Zach

Hi Lulu,

Same thing happened to me. The pre-colonoscopy meds through me into a-fib and the versed and fentanyl put me into NSR. It was short lived however until I got my electrolytes back into balance. The pre-colonoscopy meds through everything out of whack.

Read this topic with interest. Had a thought though about pre meds. If you are refering to the mag citrate enema, may be a cause since the mag balance in your gut may be shifted as well as the hydration rate of your body overall with the constant evacuation.

Glad I am not the only one. I was in afib before I started that bowel prep. Either way it is interesting that fentanyl and versed cardioverted it. Such a gentle method compared to a shock.