Why did I become uncooperative with conscious sedation?

Question

I was scheduled to have an upper endoscopy yesterday morning. I was very nervous. They gave me Demerol and Versed. When I woke up they had not done the procedure. They said I became uncooperative and the report they gave me said I became combatant. I have had this test done before and did not have that problem.

The doctor explained to me that somepeople do that that reaction to the medications but I want to know why. I also would like to know how often people have that problem.

Now I am going to have to go back to be put to sleep to have it done. I would appreciate any insight you could give me into this. Thank you.

Answer 1

you should be brave

Answer 2

If you were conscious, you should know this.

Obviously you only seemed conscious to them, your instincts took over.

Consciousness can be a matter of degree.

The medications are hypnotics, and may have triggered something in your sub-conscious.

Answer 3

Being given the sedatives was similar to being given a large amount of alcohol. It put you into a sort of dream state where you were not quite in touch with reality and maybe thought that the nurses were trying to hurt you in some way. You were having an experience similar to a nightmare. Different people react in different ways to sedatives and sometimes the same person can have an difficult reaction one time but be fine the next time. It was unfortunate for you but I think it will be easier for you to have a full anaesthetic to prevent the possibility of it happening again.  Good luck.