Why do some Doc's keep you awake?

I'm just wondering why some doctors seem to keep their patients concious.

When I went in for my initial EP study and ICD implantation, I Was out cold, which is what I prefer. I'm going in for an ablation in a week and a half and I need to let my new Doc know that expect to be out cold.

I know that general anesthesia is more dangerous than milder drugs, but I'm not interested in being aware of someone tugging, slicing, or exciting a 300+ bpm vtach in me.......

8 Comments

Ask & let them know

by ElectricFrank - 2008-03-16 04:03:58

If you don't ask and then make a decision they will do what ever they think would fit you or be the most convenient for them.

In my case I choose to be fully conscious anytime I can. I want to know what is happening. It is also a way to keep them honest. When they are dealing with unaware patient they can put your body in positions that leave you sore or even injured. With my implant I asked the anesthesiologist to hold even anti anxiety meds unless I asked for them. It wasn't all that uncomfortable and I was able to ask to have a chance to move a bit to be more comfortable. I also asked questions about the procedure a couple of times. The nice thing is I got to experience the great feeling of having the pacer turned on for the first time. I also didn't need to spend any time in recovery afterwards.

The bottom line though is that either way or in between is a valid decision on our part and we need to express it.

frank

Conscious or out cold

by VonnieVern - 2008-03-16 05:03:35

I HATE THE THOUGHT of being under general anesthesia, and refused a laparoscopy a while ago for that reason. Sometimes instead of general anesthesia, they give people stuff that doesn't actually put them out -so that they can respond to instructions during the surgery, but they don't remember it afterwards - HATE THAT THOUGHT TOO! I was fully awake for my pacemaker surgery. I had what I believe was fentanyl for pain and a local anesthtic to numb the area. I didn't want any anti-anxiety meds or other drugs that would make me drowsy, unconscious, or unable to remember what went on during the procedure. When I told the anesthesiologist what I did and didn't want, he said, "Tonight for your anesthesia, this is Burger King, have it your way." And I did. So as long as there's no medical reason to do otherwise, perhaps you can have it your way too. Just be sure to let the doctors involved know what you want.
Vonnie

Out cold vs. twilight

by NH - 2008-03-16 05:03:39

During my first PM surgery in 2002 I was in twilight sleep. I felt no pain, but I could feel the Dr. putting in the PM. It was like the NFL was body slamming my shoulder, but I felt no pain, just pressure.

I then had a 4 hour ablation procedure in 2004 and I was out cold.

In Nov. 2007 I had a second PM surgery when my first one was removed and a replacement put in. My battery died. I was out cold.

I prefer being out cold, but twilight is not too bad and was pain free for me.

Hope this info. helps,

Take care,
NH

i had the twilight sleep and don't remeber anything. i think i had versed.

by jessie - 2008-03-16 06:03:46

hi yes i was asleep but not with a general anaesthetic. i slept the day away and day 2 i was good to go home. i remember the nurese helping me get up to the b.r. and then back sleeping till morning. i am nort a brave sould but sure did not want tobe under a general anesthetic jessie

Doubt I Could handle that...

by turboz24 - 2008-03-16 06:03:53

I really doubt I could have handled my ICD implantation, from the EP study, the 350 bpm or so induced Vtachs, then the cutting, removal of flesh to make the pocket, all that.

The biggest thing for me during the EP study will not be the ablation, but the 350 bpm or so induced vtach, then the subsequent cardioversion to stop it.

I talked to him

by turboz24 - 2008-03-17 04:03:51

I did find out that I will be under General for the procedure, so that's fine. She said that they rarely ever do this kind of Vtach EP study with anyone aware.

Oh I am hoping....

by gmnordy - 2008-03-17 12:03:12

To be out or almost out during my ep study coming up. when I had my pm put in, i was supposed to be in twilight, and didnt feel pain but was so cold and scared, i wish i would have not been able to hear them. and the worst part is the sheet over my face. i am claustrophobic so that was really disturbing. then the next day, my lead came off so off i went to the card cath again. i told them they had to have someone hold the sheet off my face or i wasnt going to have it done. i will have to admit the rn was very nice and he did a good job of keeping if off my face but again i was too aware of what was going on. I agree w turbo, i dont think i will be able to handle the induced v-tach during the procedure.

Amazed

by cottontop - 2008-03-18 06:03:06

It truly amazing to me that when getting a PM or ICD that I would think that standard procedure would be a general but not. I was awake during mine and was a nervous wreck. I have a problem with sedatives. They always for my procedures give me more but I never seem to fall asleep. I so totally agree with they put this like clear thing over or around my face and I am claustrophobic also and that had me thinking I could not breathe. Lucky for me at the time I was on oxygen 24 hrs. a day so that helped. I had a procedure called pericadial effusion done in 2006. They stick a long needle right in the middle of your chest to draw the excess fluid built up around the heart and I was wide awake for that. People with heart problems don't need to be stressed out in the first place. Why do they add to it? I have only had my PM for 8 months and I am so dreading getting a next one. I won't be if I new I was going to get a general.

AMy

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