I've had four cath procedures. Or is it five??? I can't exactly remember... I was only awake for one. The first two were when I was 3 days and 3 years old, so of course, I don't remember anything about them. I think that they must have "sacrificed" that vein, since I have no pulse in that groin anymore and they can't do caths over there anymore either. But no one has ever said that.
The other one (or two?) that I don't remember I was given versed. I LOVE that drug. It's nickname is "milk of amnisia" because once it kicks in you might still react to people and be able to follow their directions, but you won't remember one bit of it! I like that about it and ask for it by name now.
The one I was awake for and completely remember they had to keep giving me drugs because I would start to panic. I could feel the panic coming on and ask for the drugs. I think they expected me to be asleep (I recall asking to be asleep) but for some reason that drug just didn't do it for me. I could feel the cath snaking up through my veins and into my heart. It was somewhat neat seeing it on the screen, but only when I had enough drugs in me to not be in panic mode. And the numbing shots did HURT. I don't recall the cutting hurting though. I guess that's just a matter of how well they actually numb you...
If you have to have another cath, I fully encourage you to ask for versed. It's a wonder drug. I just hope I never build up a resistance to it. I won't go through another procedure without it!
Don't worry about the surgery, though. They'll make sure you're out! And they keep you pretty doped up for awhile after too. You'll be okay. Good luck.
The other one (or two?) that I don't remember I was given versed. I LOVE that drug. It's nickname is "milk of amnisia" because once it kicks in you might still react to people and be able to follow their directions, but you won't remember one bit of it! I like that about it and ask for it by name now.
The one I was awake for and completely remember they had to keep giving me drugs because I would start to panic. I could feel the panic coming on and ask for the drugs. I think they expected me to be asleep (I recall asking to be asleep) but for some reason that drug just didn't do it for me. I could feel the cath snaking up through my veins and into my heart. It was somewhat neat seeing it on the screen, but only when I had enough drugs in me to not be in panic mode. And the numbing shots did HURT. I don't recall the cutting hurting though. I guess that's just a matter of how well they actually numb you...
If you have to have another cath, I fully encourage you to ask for versed. It's a wonder drug. I just hope I never build up a resistance to it. I won't go through another procedure without it!
Don't worry about the surgery, though. They'll make sure you're out! And they keep you pretty doped up for awhile after too. You'll be okay. Good luck.
