Husband Almost Died Due To A Terrible Colonoscopy Prep

Last week my husband was scheduled for a routine colonoscopy. His primary suggesteda general surgeon to do it as opposed to a GI or a colorectal surgeon because his primary works closely with this general surgeon. All my husband did was call and set up the appointment to have this procedure done. There was no appointment with this man prior.

My husband followed the prep to the letter. He drank fluids all day, including Gatorade. He did the clear diet. He did not take any medications a week prior (he isn’t on meds but he didn’t take any OTC stuff that week as instructed). The prep was 3 bottles of magnesium citrate. One at 4pm, 7pm and 10pm. Each bottle followed by 8oz of water. After the last bottle of magnesium he was to drink 40oz of water during the night. Unfortunately he never got to that part.

About 11pm I woke to a large bang. He fell off the toilet. He looked dead. His eyes were open he wasn’t moving or responding. He put his head through the wall when he fell. I screamed until he responded. He was out about 2 minutes. He had a huge gash on his head. If he fell the other way he would have hit the tile and porcelain tub and the outcome could have been much worse. He couldn’t focus.i called 911. The paramedics arrived and he passed out again. He was taken to the local hospital emergency room. They did test and ruled that the prep caused him to pass out. The entire staff there was blown away with the prep. They said it was far too much magnesium in that time frame. One nurse said that the prep did not given near enough electrolytes. (I had the prep on me to call the doctors office)

Throughout the week, he didn’t work, he had many CT scans, X-rays, and more blood work. Luckily, there is no brain bleed. We are now on the hook to pay for all of this after deductible and can’t (high deductible)

I spoke to the doctor and he said he was very upset the ER staff was told about this prep and had any comment on it. How else were to explain what happened? He said it’s rare but this reaction does happen. No where in this prep paperwork does it state this could happen and what to do when it does. I told this man this prep is dangerous and it is vague at best. I’ve done colonoscopies for myself and my preps had tons of electrolytes Incorporated in them. His did not. This prep could have killed him

We want to see if we have a case to cover our damages. He may need further care to sort out his neck

*I recorded the call I had with the doctor. It was initially for my husband to hear it because he was sleeping when he called, but now I’m glad I have it. I do live in a single party consent state, so I was within my right to record it

Thank you for your time.