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First time with IV sedation... Very scared!

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Posted 4/15/2015 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
I'm having an upper GI endoscopy on Thursday. I have to have IV sedation (propofol) for the procedure. I'm really scared because I've never been put under before.

I've been driving myself crazy with worry... Especially with all the stories of propofol in the news (Michael Jackson). I even watched a video of propofol being administered and the patient stopped breathing. I'm not sure what level of anesthesia I would be under for an endoscopy, but I would assume I'd (hopefully) be able to breathe on my own.

Please help me to put my mind at ease. Any tips and advice would be greatly appreciated. I need positivity now. I'm a nervous wreck.

Has anyone undergone IV sedation, particularly with propofol? How was your experience? How scared were you before the procedure?
Posted 4/15/2015 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
You will be fine, I was put under yesterday with gallbladder surgery. It didn't scare me in the least because I know its very safe to do. Trust me :)
Posted 4/15/2015 4:37 AM (GMT 0)
Anesnoob,

Hello and welcome to the forum.

I am sorry you are dealing with such fear. I completely understand and would be feeling the same. Not because I think you have reason to worry...but because I simply share this same concern of going under.

Have you had the procedure explained to you...and been reassured by your doctor about everything?

If not, I would urge you to do so...and even ask about a pre-procedure anti-anxiety Rx.

Avoid watching videos and looking up things that can go wrong...and try to trust your doctor. Remembering that for every scary story...there are literally thousands upon thousands of positive outcomes that happen daily.:)

Best wishes with your upcoming appointment...and post with us anytime with anxiety concerns.

S.C.
Posted 4/15/2015 7:00 AM (GMT 0)
Please try not to worry! You will be closely monitored and they will take very good care of you. They put people under every day, many times, and have no problems.

Also, try not to worry about the whole Michael Jackson thing. That was an extreme, with way too much medication.

I have been under with IV and with general several times due to tests and surgeries. Although I think most people get frightened, it is really a very relaxing experience. One minute you are awake, the next it is all over. :)
Posted 4/15/2015 11:35 AM (GMT 0)
I've had it done a number of times. They give you something to calm you and then the next thing you know you are waking up on another room. The worst part is thinking about it.
Posted 4/15/2015 2:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the kind words, everyone. I'm going to try deep breathing and positive imagery. The worst parts about this are all the unknowns and anticipation.

My procedure is tomorrow at 9 AM. I'll finally get to talk to the anesthesiologist right before my procedure. Hopefully, it will help put me at ease enough to go through with it.
Posted 4/15/2015 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
Cindy hit the nail on the head....the Michael Jackson thing was an overdose. You will be fine. I've been through it with an endoscopy as well and it was a breeze.
Posted 4/15/2015 11:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! I know exactly what you are going through. One of my biggest fears is being put under anesthesia. 3 weeks ago I underwent an endoscopy and colonoscopy. I was most nervous about being put under with the Propofol! I was so nervous when I got there that they did have to give me an anti anxiety to calm down my racing heart. The anesthetist assured me that he would be there the entire procedure to monitor my breathing. When he administered the Propofol, I just felt a little burning in my hand and I was out in a second. I woke up and felt wonderful - almost a little drunk and silly, haha! I never felt sick or groggy afterwards and woke up right away. I don't remember a thing about the procedure. It was cake and you'll do great!
Posted 4/16/2015 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
Sedation went great. I was super nervous right before it. I think my pulse was 130 or so, but I tolerated it well after being put under. They did find gallstones and polyps, though.
Posted 4/16/2015 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Great job Anes!!

Wow, I am so impressed that you did so well, even in spite of how you were feeling.:)

Both of your findings are not unusual and treatable. Did you have a consult with your GI docter yet to find out about your treatment (in any) plan yet?

Again...high fives...and keep us posted on your journey...we will keep you in support!

S.C.
Posted 4/16/2015 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
Not yet. I have a follow up in 2-3 weeks. He didn't seem really concerned about the gallbladder when he talked to my boyfriend. He did say he wanted me on prilosec because there was stomach irritation.
Posted 4/16/2015 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
I'm also super happy and proud I went through with it :) at least now I know what the issues are and can work on getting them fixed :)

They said I got the hiccups after they gave me the propofol. Kinda funny :)
Posted 4/16/2015 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
Awesome Job, Good for you I'm so happy for you being able to get thru it regardless of the anxiety!!! Now take it easy and recover.
Posted 4/16/2015 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
Haa haa...you must have been very relaxed...at least the diaphram muscles, lol!

Very good...sounds like very manangable issues.:)

Keep us posted...

S.C.
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