Anesthesia

[graceunderfire]

I have my hydro/cysto scheduled for next Thursday. The doctor said I'll be put under a "twilight sleep". I know this isn't the same as general anesthesia (where they have to maintain my airway), but he said I'll likely be snoring away during the procedure.

Does twilight sleep mean that I may perhaps be somewhat conscious? I had a friend who had a colonoscopy done and was sort of in and out during the whole procedure. Is it like that? Also, in addition to the "twilight part", do they give you a local anesthetic too? I guess I should have asked all these things during my consultation appointment, but I was so overwhelmed with it all that I didn't think to ask!

Grace

[KarenAnne]

I've had IV sedation so many times, for my cysto, colonoscopies, upper endoscopies, hysteroscopies, sinus surgery, & other procedures. I never wake up to my knowledge. You are also given an amnesiac, Versad (spelled right?), so if you do wake up, you won't remember it. I always wake from this type of anesthesia quite comfortable. You can check with your dr., but most surgeons give you a local anesthetic when necessary. Please let us know how you make out next week.

[graceunderfire]

Thanks so much KarenAnne! After IV sedation, do you feel groggy for the day afterwards, or does it wear off pretty much immediately? Also, I know this is stupid, but I'm a bit self-conscious of this, did people say you said "goofy" stuff while on the anesthesia?

Grace

[KarenAnne]

Sometimes I'm a little sleepy, you can not drive afterwards. But these drugs are short acting. People sometimes repeat themselves in the recovery room, like they may ask a few times if the procedure is over, or ask what time it is a few times.

I also worked in the OR many years for an infertility doctor doing egg retrievals, & our patients had this type of anesthesia. No one ever said anything "goofy" or silly, so don't worry about that. I much prefer this anesthesia to general, because you wake up so nicely. You'll do fine Grace, don't worry.

[dg2901]

IV conscious sedation is the way to go if given the choice. The risks are extremely low compared to general anesthesia, and like mentioned, patients tend to wake up quickly without all the nasty sleepiness/disoriented feelings that general anesthesia causes.
While you're not aware of whats going on, you will be able to follow commands should the Dr need for you to move a certain way, etc.---you wont remember this, and should the off chance you do, you wont care! :)

I've had IV sedation for an MRI (due to extreme claustrophobia!), a colonoscopy and dental surgery-----a piece of cake! :)

Good luck to you--and try not to worry.
D

[ICNDonna]

I had versed for a colonoscopy and it wasn't a problem at all --- much easier than a general.

Donna