Will I be unconscious?
No. When conscious sedation is used, you are aware of your surroundings but you don't care much about them. You may be sleepy, but can be easily awakened with touch or talking. You may feel like your speech is slurred. You may not remember the procedure after it is over because one of the medications given for conscious sedation usually causes amnesia (loss of memory of the event).
Will I be hooked up to a lot of equipment?
Dr. Schonfeld will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and how well you are breathing with a machine called a pulse oximiter. The medications will be administered via an IV.
Why do I need an IV?
Giving sedative medications by the intravenous route is safer and more predictable than giving them orally. It is far easier to get the dose “just right” by the intravenous route.
Will it take very long to recover from conscious sedation?
Depending on the medications used, you may feel sedated for one to a number of hours after the appointment. You will not be allowed to drive home. Judgment can be affected by medications and it is important for you to not drive, cook, operate dangerous equipment or sign any legal papers for 24 hours after receiving any medication for sedation.
What medications will be used?
Depending on the individual patient, this office uses midazolam (Versed), diazepam (Valium) and meperidine (Demerol) either singly or in combination. You may also be given ketorolac (Toradol) for post-operative pain relief. Please let us know if you have an allergy or have had a bad reaction to any of these medications.
What is the cost?
The cost is $150 per appointment for IV conscious sedation.