Endoscopy

Hi everyone - I will be having my endoscopy done on Tuesday the 15th at St Raphael's. I know I can call the surgeon's office tomorrow but I was wondering if any of you could tell me if they will knock me out when they do this. Thanks, Linda

Hi Linda, When I had my endoscopy, they put me in a light sleep. You are not completely knocked out, in fact I always hear everything. A lot of people don't hear anything. It is just a med in your IV and as soon as they stop the drip you are awake. You are never completely under like anestisia or anything - mine was like Demerol and another drug. I am drowsy when I get home but I never know if it is the stress release or the drugs! My mom went out for breakfast after her procedure! It was really no big deal but you can not drive yourself home. Hope this helps, Nancy K

Thanks Nancy, it does help. I need to arrange my transportation. hugs, Linda

Hi Linda, I opted to be "knocked out" for my endoscopy. I know typically patients are put in a "twilight" state- you are awake but you don't feel a thing. I was a scaredy cat that's why I chose the other option. It was no big deal- it was over very quickly. I know you'll do absolutley fine

Thank you too Christine. I forgot to ask Nancy how long is it between when you arrive and when you're allowed to leave? Again, because of my transportation. If I am given an option, I'm going to opt for knock me out too. The last time I had this procedure, I also had a colonoscopy. Great fun. Funny story for you and Nancy. Like Nancy, I can usually hear alot of what is going on. When I had my hysterectomy, they of course took my partial plate out. I was still very self concious of this and I let them know a few times. Anyway, when I heard the doctor say they were done, I kept yelling "I want my teeth" but I guess I was only yelling in my mind and all they could hear was a whisper and see that I was upset. Finally the gyn put her ear to my mouth and asked me what I was trying to say. I yelled again "I WANT MY TEETH". So I got them right away. Well, the doctor that was assisting her was my dil's ob/gyn. She went for her yearly a few days later. He said "hmmm Molnar. I assisted with a surgery the other day on a Molnar. All that lady kept saying was she wanted her teeth. My dil just laughed and laughed then said Yup, that was my mil! Thanks again Linda

Hi Linda, When I had my "Endoscopy" at St. Rays it took about couple of hours from the time I went in till I came out. Whoever comes with you can stay with you till they wheel you in and will be there when you get out. Most of it is just hanging around. It was a piece of cake. Good Luck!

Thanks Julio - I thought it would be around 4 hours. A couple is better. I am trying to do this with as little inconvenience for my family and friends as possible. I live alone most of the time and the burden of making sure I've been ok is always on the same son - Brian. He will be taking me. On my surgery day, my oldest son Joe has agreed to drop me off at the hospital on his way to work. I told them that I didn't want anyone hanging around for 4-6 hours. If I have a problem, they can all be reached by phone. Thanks for the info. Linda

Thanks Julio. My real issue is that I have to rely on a ride and how long they will have to hang around. I don't think anyone is going to be with me. I am doing this entire process alone. I am driving myself to the hospital for surgery. Hopefully, one oof my sons will come and get my car. Thanks for the input. hugs, linda

Linda~ I was totally freaked out before my first endoscopy. I found out that I had nothing to worry about. I told the doctor in true "schultz" fashion... that... "I WANT TO KNOW NOTHING!" they made sure I did not. And when I woke up in the mini recovery area I would have sworn they did not do the procedure. It was the best nap I have ever had. Just make sure you tell them you dont want to know anything, feel anything and they will make sure that happens. Good luck. Towanda

Thanks Towanda - that is exactly how I want it to be. I have no problem telling anyonne "in schultz" anything. This makes me feel a whole lot more comfortable. I can use a good nap. Linda