[ripply]

I'm scheduled to have an O.G.D. on Tuesday as I've had ongoing stomach problems and bleeding. They decided to do it under general anaesthetic as they previously tried using just i.v. midazolam but it had no effect at all. I was gagging and panicking so much they couldn't do it.

When I was speaking to the consultant, she mentioned they will use propofol this time. I'm worried about this as I am not good with needles in my veins, especially for propofol as it hurts (no problem with injections, just i.v.'s). Most other surgery's have been done using gas induction for this reason. Also, I know propofol wears off fast and I'm really concerned I'll wake up in the middle and freak out.

Does anyone know if they'll be able to keep me asleep for long enough? Also, is it even possible to ask for gas induction with this?

[Lara]

Hi ripply,
Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups.

I've had a couple of gastroscopies many years ago but I am not sure of the procedure these days.

I recall I was given a sedative. I am actually not sure what it was but think it was valium ?? Not sure. Then what I found was the worst part was the local anaesthetic that was sprayed on the back of my throat. I only remembered that for a few seconds and then I was totally unaware of anything that happened afterwards. I spent a very short time in recovery and that was it. I had someone to drive me home. I certainly couldn't have travelled home on my own.

I don't know any more than my experience, I'm sorry.

Hopefully someone else will read your post here and have some suggestions or information to help you.

[ripply]

Thanks Lara. I'm glad that your procedure went ok for you. I agree that the throat spray isn't very nice! It's unfortunate that the sedation had no effect on me as I know it works well for many people. I just hope this time it's quick and they give me enough general anaesthetic to last until it's over. The worst part is that I can't speak to the anaesthetist about this until just before he does the procedure.

[Lara]

I hope it goes well for you.

It's awful not being able to talk with the anaesthetist until you're about to have the procedure.
Unfortunately that seems to be what they do now. Hopefully she/he will have been made aware of the previous attempt.

In the meantime try not to stress too much. Easier said than done, I know.