What does conscious sedation feel like?

[Blubell281]

I'm going in for a colonoscopy next week and just wondered what the sedation was like. Many thanks.

I had it for my wisdom teeth removal, and I remember everything and was definitely conscious of being awake and alert, but I felt like I wasn't bothered by what they were doing. I didn't feel any pain and I was mostly just curious about what they were doing. At one point, they must have broken the tooth out and I heard it crack, and I remember asking, 'oh, cool, was that my jaw breaking?' I think they were a bit freaked out! It was fine.

Amazing! I've had a few ranging from completely knocked out to groggily aware of what's going on but not caring. I've enjoyed them all. Big attack of munchies afterwards.

Don't know what it's like, as I can't remember.

That's not a sarky comment or one trying to be funny. I genuinely can't remember anything that was done at all. I had it for a colonoscopy.

I’ve had it twice both times don’t remember anything from the procedure.

As others have said, I think there are different extents depending on the procedure and how generous the doctor is with the meds 🤣

I’ve had egg collection twice for IVF and been highly anxious before hand. I said I would rather have a general anaesthetic as the thought of being awake at all was just too much.

The first time I remember being given something in the room before the operating theatre through a cannula which just made me feel incredibly relaxed, chatty and euphoric (I have a feeling this may have been fentanyl?) and then was wheeled into theatre and given another dose which wiped me out completely. Don’t remember a think or any pain.

The second time around I think it was a lighter sedation but I still don’t remember a thing

I had it for cataract surgery last year. I remember little about it, but I think I rambled to the surgeon.

I've had it several times for dental work.

Don't remember a thing and I only remember turning up for my appointment.

I had it for toith extraction. Honestly it was basically the same as a General. Knocked me out and then I woke up. Fewer side affects too. Good luck OP.

What medication is it? Do they inject it?

The first time I had a sedation I was aware of what was going on and had a little discomfort but not what I'd call pain. The second time was for dental work and I dont remember much until I felt a stinging sensation which I think was the actual moment the pulled the tooth free. Was like when you accidentally put your hand or arm on something irritating like something too hot and takes a few moments for you to realise what is causing the sensation. Would happily have other procedures under sedation based on my previous experiences.

Had it for a colonoscopy and it was fine. I don't think it had very much effect on me as I had a long conversation with the doc about St Petersburg. Or maybe that was a very lucid dream...

Also had it at 18 to have my wisdom teeth out. I came round walking down the corridor with my mum and the dentist. I told him he had lovely brown eyes...

I felt aware of everything, and able to respond, but just totally relaxed and happy and like I didn't have a care in the world!. The time went really quickly though!

I had light sedation for keyhole eye surgery and absolutely loved it. I was completely aware of everything going on and able to engage in conversation but just felt so blissfully content and unbothered by everything. Wonderful!

It's like when you are dreaming and you are not sure whether you are awake or dreaming.

Like a PP I heard my tooth crack but really didn't give a shit. I also remember bits of the conversation the dentists were having, they were only taking the news, nothing juicy unfortunately .

@HalfShrunkMoreToGo

I had light sedation for keyhole eye surgery and absolutely loved it. I was completely aware of everything going on and able to engage in conversation but just felt so blissfully content and unbothered by everything. Wonderful!

😵😵😵

I've had two operations on my eye and would have shit myself if I knew I was only going to be sedated!!

I had some for gastroscopy- I was aware of the procedure and the fact it was a bit unpleasant but didn't particularly care. Had a lovely nap on the sofa in the afternoon once I got home

Quite nice, really. I had it for a colonoscopy and it completely removed my fear and anxiety, I was relaxed, happy and very chatty.
The consultant was lovely, young and very hunky 😊 and he reassured me it wouldn't be nearly as bad as i feared. I didn't believe him but he was right.
I also had a pre-med once when i was miscarrying and bleeding heavily. That also relaxed me and removed pain and fear.

I had it for a colonoscopy, but it didn't work for me. I saw and felt eveything, and remember everything. I think the dose was too low.

I'm due to have light sedation and a spinal block for my forthcoming knee surgery.
Much, much better than a GA.

I had one last week for a colonoscopy and it was rubbish. Fully awake and felt everything. Which was okay, wasn’t too bad. Had it before for impacted wisdom teeth removal and it was like the best sleep ever. So maybe just luck of the draw?

Another one here who had it for a gastroscope.
I was chatting to the doctor and insisted that he wrote that my colon was sparkling.
I had no recollection of it and the nurse showed me after.

I’ve had it once for a wisdom tooth. Don’t remember a thing about it and just felt very sleepy/dozy afterwards. My DH had it for a root canal and he was more conscious and it seemed to make him a bit of a joyous gentle drunkard. I can to pick him up and he was treating the dr and nurses like his long lost friends! he really enjoyed the experience! 🤣

I remember sitting on the edge of the bed and having it and the next thing I was being woken up. I was extremely sleep deprived at the time so I probably took the opportunity to fall asleep, I have no other memories of it at all.

I’ve had it a couple of times and work somewhere where we give it. Personally I find I feel like I’ve had several glasses of wine and feel really chilled. I can remember the experience but feel like I float through it, it’s all a bit fuzzy! Most people seem the same. It’s conscious sedation so you should stay awake! It’s important to know you’d need someone at home afterward and can’t drive.

For pp that asked, where I work we use midazolam (relaxant) and fentanyl (painkiller).

Yep it is great as others have said. I had it for a colonoscopy and was very chatty apparently but I have no memory of the procedure after being wheeled in 😂