heart cath under gen. anesthesia??

[surfsparky]

Hi Debbie,
Thinking of you and praying for you...it sounds like you have alot going on right before your surgery...that must be so hard. I'm sure it will all work out perfectly though and I look forward to your post-surgery posts!
Yolanda

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Debbie-

I've had ALL my cardiac caths done under general anesthesia. I have never been awake. I've also never heard of someone being awake during a cath. I don't know if that's because I was a kid or what. I'm 21 now and I just had a cath in December for an EP study and I was put under. I'm having another one to close 3 VSDs on Tuesday and I'm getting put under again. And personally I would never want to be awake, maybe that's weird, but I like it better that way. I hope this helps!

-Clare

Interesting revelations Clare. I wonder if 'being a kid' is why they put you under for some of your caths.

It is my understanding that general anesthesia is the usual protocol for ElectroPhysiology (EP) Studies. My 'guess' is that they could be rather "uncomfortable" for the patient if you were conscious when they 'shocked' your heart.

Does anyone have any more insight they can share?

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Karlynn]

It is my understanding that general anesthesia is the usual protocol for ElectroPhysiology (EP) Studies. My 'guess' is that they could be rather "uncomfortable" for the patient if you were conscious when they 'shocked' your heart.

'AL Capshaw'

I was not put under for my EP study, but that was over 17 years ago. Hopefully they're more humane now. I was given a sedative and was told I could ask for more if I needed it. I kept asking for more and finally the nurse said "Honey - with all I've given you,you should be out like a light by now." I was still fully awake. I am not easily sedated.

 

[Curtsmum]

My son always gets put under for his caths, probably because he is a child but he always does well,the last cath took well over a hour. Wishing you the best of luck, im sure you will be fine.

 

[Debbie]

heart cath

heart cath

Hey everyone, I did have one heart cath when i was 15yr. old and at the time I thought it was fun, they did'nt give me anything and I really did thinks it was fun, well i was a kid then now 30 yrs. later it does'nt seem quite as fun! I'll let you know how everything goes. Debbie