Question About Endoscopy...

[SaraKat]

I have my endoscopy next Tuesday at 7am, but I want to go to the Jimmy Buffett concert that evening. Do you think I would be able to do that the same day or should I plan to just rest that entire day?

They told me I will need to be at the center for 2 hours total, but I was thinking after that I'd go home and nap in the early afternoon. Just not sure how I will feel in the evening.

Thanks!

[AlysounRI]

That all depends on how your body handles anesthetic

When I was down for my endo, I asked the doc. not to shoot me up with so much of the opiates (fentenel, I think)

cause they really knock me out. There is also a valium as a muscle relaxant and possibly some benedryl in there as an anti-nausea agent. It was like elephant tranquilizer for me - and I really was not able to function until the enxt day after I had taken a LONG nap.

You may be different. One thing I would caution you not to do is to drive anywhere that day. It's a safe bet that your reactions won't be as quick as they normally are. But if you are a passenger and you feel okay, I don't see the harm

But it all depends on how the drugs will affect you ...

[Pheebers]

I was out of it for a few hours after mine, but totally fine by the afternoon. My daughter was groggy for about 5 minutes after she woke up from hers, then was fine on the car ride home and went to a friend's house that afternoon.

Your mileage may vary, and I'm sure they wouldn't want you operating heavy machinery or mountain climbing that day, but aside from possibly being a bit tired you're probably fine! Have a great time

[kareng]

I had to be at the hospital at 6:30 am and was outnof there by 10. They say no driving, operating machinery, "signing legal doc's, etc. I went home and slept for about 2 hours. Then got up and had some chicken rice soup. Shortly, after that, was doing good. I went to a kids 3:00 basketball game. I could have gone to an evening concert. But don't drive because it can take awhile to get it all the way out of your system.

[cassP]

i had Diprivan with my colonoscopy, as opposed to the Versed i had with my wisdom teeth. The Diprivan wears off a lot quicker- i still would suggest u DONT drive of course, and DONT drink alcohol- but as long as u feel ok, and someone takes u- u probably could go.

take it easy tho, and stay hydrated

[Kim27]

I think it depends on what they give you and how you react to it. I was given Versed and Fentanyl and was out of it for a long time. As soon as they injected it, I was out. Don't remember a thing at all. Apparently I was doing all kinds of crazy things and don't remember any of it. I also had memory issues for 2 days after. I repeatedly asked the same questions...I got to a point where I knew I was repeating the question, but couldn't remember what the answer was. I also the next day I had difficulty writing a check and signing my name. I would say that is probably a pretty extreme reaction. Beyond all that, I generally felt okay, did some grocery shopping that afternoon. But I wouldn't want to be making decisions, signing things, doing anything I needed to remember, etc.

[sb2178]

Ditto the no alcohol, but I've had two and been up to activity by late afternoon/evening. The second one they went overly light on the meds, though. I just took an hour long nap and was fine after that except for a sore throat. And the memories of waking up... No one seems to ever believe me that I have VERY good liver function. sigh.

[SaraKat]

Thanks everyone! This should be interesting to see how I react to it! The concert isn't sold out, so I am just going to wait till that day to see how I feel. My husband is taking me so I won't be driving at all that day.

[frieze]

I think it depends on what they give you and how you react to it. I was given Versed and Fentanyl and was out of it for a long time. As soon as they injected it, I was out. Don't remember a thing at all. Apparently I was doing all kinds of crazy things and don't remember any of it. I also had memory issues for 2 days after. I repeatedly asked the same questions...I got to a point where I knew I was repeating the question, but couldn't remember what the answer was. I also the next day I had difficulty writing a check and signing my name. I would say that is probably a pretty extreme reaction. Beyond all that, I generally felt okay, did some grocery shopping that afternoon. But I wouldn't want to be making decisions, signing things, doing anything I needed to remember, etc.

probably the versed.....perhaps a different hypnotic if you need a repeat exam...?

[chrisv]

I went for my endoscopy last week and requested no anaesthetic. They gave me a liquid to gargle, then sprayed a freezing solution in my throat to suppress the gag reflex. While it was completely unpleasant, it was manageable. Mind over matter largely. I was able to watch the procedure on the screen, and it was a weird sensation with the scope down in my belly...I thought I was a victim of the Alien. 15 minutes later, and three samples for biopsies (stomach, esophegeal and duodenal tissue), I got up and walked out of the room, got dressed and drove home. The only limitation was that I had to wait an hour before eating so the freezing was completely gone from my throat. One hour later I felt fine and no repercussions. For a Jimmy Buffett concert, I'd do it again. Good luck.

BTW, the specialist called today and confirmed that my biopsy was positive for celiac disease. A blessing and a curse.