Has anyone ever had a proceedure done with concious sedation? If so, what was it like?

Question

I think it also may be called twilight sedation?

Please, serious answers only. Thanks.

Answer 1

What kind of procedure , I had crown put in at the dentist with local anesthesia   .   It real uncomfortable , I guess it depends on you're pain tolerance, some people have learned to endure it

Answer 2

they give you a local anethsetic with it so you don't feel the pain but you do feel drousy  

Answer 3

First a definition of what it is and why it is done:

Twilight anesthesia is a type of anesthetic technique in which the patient is sedated, but not unconscious. It is used for a variety of surgical procedures, and for an assortment of reasons. Just like regular anesthesia, twilight anesthesia is designed to make a patient feel more comfortable, and to minimize pain associated with the procedure being performed. The technique carries fewer risks than general anesthesia, making it a popular choice among patients and surgeons alike for simple medical procedures. As with any anesthesia, twilight anesthesia should always be performed by a certified anesthesiologist, who will interview the patient before the procedure, and monitor the patient's health while he or she is under anesthesia.

IV sedation and is in a sedated state, but the patient may not be entirely asleep. The anesthesia relieves anxiety on the part of the patient, and also creates a state of amnesia, so that the patient will not remember the procedure later. Many of the drugs used to induce twilight anesthesia are the same as those used in general anesthesia, but the dosages are much lower.

A local or regional anesthetic is always applied to the area being operated on. This anesthetic ensures that the patient will not feel pain during the procedure. Depending on the level of sedation, the patient may be awake enough to talk with surgical staff, which can be extremely useful for some procedures. In other case, the patient remains in a state of light sleep while the surgery is performed. The drugs used in twilighttwilighttwilight anesthesiaanesthesiaanesthesia are fast acting, and also quick to reverse, so the patient can be woken up in a matter of minutes.

BRIEFLY:

I had this done like 7 different times,in the past 3 yrs  for a 4 spinal column stimulator trials and 2 implants., and then one revision because the leads migrated down causing the stim to not work right.

Here is what i remember:

I went into surgery and I was hooked up what seemed to be the normal way they do anesthesia

They kept on giving me medication and i just remember them asking me questions as to lead placement

You are totally numb in the area that they need to work on, but  awake so the Dr knows he has the leads placed in the back right, they ask you questions.

They did everything as if you were going to go to sleep. the anesthiologist gives you enough medication to the point of NO PAIN, but you are able to respond to questions.

The only problem that I found out afterwards was that when he did the actual implant, I didnt have enough sedation, either  that, I woke up too soon and I remembered everything and I know I felt everything, but could not say anything because of the muscle relaxor they gave me.

I remember feeling like I was trying to say something was in an extreme  amount of pain..  and swore I would NEVER EVER go thru this again.  This happened ONLY ONCE, I informed my Dr and the anesthesiologist and they made sure for the other stim trials and implants that I was out of it.

When I told my Dr this, he said he doubted that I was not sedated enough? BUT, I dont know  if it really is true.  I almost feel crazy, but I swear I remember it,  but the dr will not admit it, and no one will show  me the records from that surgery.

and I and have heard that this is called  'anesthesia awareness.'  where they didnt give you enough medication.   However, I do know that he was much more attentive the 2nd, 3rd and 4th and 5th, and 6th, 7th time he did it.

I had 4 stim trials and 2 implants and then a revision

Personally I rather be totally knocked out.  and  the Dr made sure that after he knew that the leads were in the right place that they really gave me alot of anesthesia and I did not experience what I did the first time. I was petrified after the first time, but each time after got easier~

Just keep in mind that it can happen and there is no way of knowing how you are going to react.. but this is rare.  I also was allergic to a couple of meds - and reacted in surgery

Answer 4

Yes, more than 25 years ago when I was in the military, I had a tubal ligation--tubes tied, they used to call it the band-aid surgery--and was only under mild IV sedation because I was terrified to go under anesthesia.  I was conscious and mostly aware, but would go to sleep and wake up from time to time.  They kept asking me questions and if I was all right, and I would go, "Mmm-hmm."  And I could feel the sensations of them pulling and tugging around inside my body, but no pain.

Also, I have had a colonoscopy which they did under twilight.  Same kind of a deal:  You are very sleepy but aware of pressure.

They have just about stopped doing this kind of sedation, as far as I know.  At least in military and VA hospitals, they are very reluctant to do it now.  And they have improved general anesthesia so much that I have had it now a couple of times without a problem.  Hope this helps.