Question about medical procedure

[Nenetx2004]

I know I'll probably get information from my doctor but I thought I'd poll my fellow cpapers......I'm 99.999999% sure I'm going to be scheduled for a colonoscopy as well as an endoscopy. I know they give a mild sedative during the procedures. Since I'm very sensitive to sedatives (a benadryl tab will knock me out), will I need my machine? On the rare occasion I've dozed without it (yes, I know.....I shouldn't do that at all), I end up having dreams about being suffocated.......

anyway, just thought I'd ask........

Jeanne

[greyhound]

I didn't need mine for the colonoscopy I had two weeks ago. Just make sure the anesthesiologist is aware of your sleep apnea.

[debst99]

I'm having an endoscopy next week to have my esophagus stretched because of scar tissue (shotsky's ring). I told them about my sleep apnea and they didn't sound concerned since I won't be put under general anesthesia. The sedation does make me unaware of what is going on, so still concerned whether I will actually be sleeping or not. Good luck with everything.

[Slinky]

It is important that your gastro AND the nurse anesthetist or whoever will be administering the sedative and analgesia be aware that you have sleep apnea.

The sedative used is usually Versed (close relative of Valium, or sometimes Valium). For "just" an endoscopy the sedation will be so light I doubt that there is ANY cause for concern at all.

For both procedures the same day they have to keep you sedated longer and for the colonoscopy they usually have to sedate you a little deeper. However, it is actually conscious sedation which carries less risk than general anesthesia.

In our state all endoscopy units MUST have full resuscitation equipment on hand and in the room and the nurse administering the sedative is not allowed to take part in the scope at all except to monitor your vitals and administer the medication and must be fully trained in resuscitation.

Even tho I've advised my gastro of my use of CPAP and at what pressure plus my use of 2L of 02 supplementation w/the CPAP I have called the Endoscopy center and advised them as well. I'm scheduled for both an upper and lower scope this Thursday. They suggested that I bring my CPAP along just in case but doubted that it would be needed.

There is a short acting general anesthetic that is gaining in popularity for colonoscopies. Most states still require that only an anesthesiologist can administer it but more states are relaxing the rules and allowing nurse anesthetists to administer it. It is diprivan (propofol) and it works great! You wake up quicker w/it than you do from Versed or Valium and your mind is much clearer than w/Versed or Valium.

[Mile High Sleeper]

What Slinky said. I had both upper endoscopy (twice) and lower colonoscopy with propofol administered by an anesthesiologist. Make sure he/she knows you have sleep apnea IN ADVANCE. Propofol worked great. I brought my CPAP but it wasn't needed.