Panic Attack

I have a terrible time undergoing certain procedures and go into panic mode!

Twice I have had MRI procedures halted or stopped before the imaging was complete because I started going into a panic attack and felt like I was going to have cardiac failure!

For those of you that have had the implant done, do they administer sedatives prior and during the procedure? Is it similar to the sedatives you get when you undergo a colonoscopy or heart cath? I can handle that!

I'm just terrified of confined, enclosed spaces or having to lay completely flat on a table if I am awake.

Appreciate your input.

6 Comments

No sweat

by Gotrhythm - 2014-10-01 01:10:02

In my experience the meds are exactly like those for colonscopy.

My dr came in before the procedure and asked me what I wanted/needed, including exactly how conscious I wanted to be. I don't have panic attacks but I don't believe in being brave when meds exist to make the procedure less traumatic.

They gave me a tranquilizer about an hour before, then versed during the procedure.

As Don said, if nobody asks, you ask to see the doctor and tell him/her about the panic attack problem and what meds usually work for you.

sedation

by AnaLena - 2014-10-01 01:10:14

I had my PM inserted at the end of January. They used Propofol. I only remember being moved onto the table (with a warming pad :) and meeting the anesthesiologist. Woke up in the recovering room feeling just fine. Like I was waking from a good night's sleep.
Just as donr said-- be sure to tell them your history.
Good luck.

Not to worry...

by donr - 2014-10-01 01:10:38

...about panic attack.

They will sedate you first. GENERAL procedure is to sedate you to a point where you are just under so they can communicate w/ you if necessary. They then use a local at the site so you feel no pain.

Most US hospitals use Propofol or Versed - the same stuff they use for heart caths.

There are variations on this - some places use only a local - they expect you to gut it out otherwise. Ask them before hand & TELL them what you want. It is not necessary to suffer.

Don

Thank you!

by njp - 2014-10-02 01:10:56

A BIG thank you to those of you who posted for making me feel more at ease with my future procedure.

I will make sure to let the doctors know of my previous experiences with the panic attacks I've had in the past.

Thank you!

stillwater3r

by stillwater3r - 2014-10-02 11:10:12

Mine was a little different. I called 911. I was very dizzy. The ambulance transmitted my ekg to the hospital so when I got there I was taken to the cath lab where a temp PM was put in my groin using a sedative and propofol and taken to ICU. The next day a permanet PM was put in and it was back to ICU. There the rep checked it out and then went back to the cath lab where the temp PM in the groin was removed, Bottom line is they will use their judgement what is appropiate for you. Just inform them of your panic history beforehand. Good luck and don't worry. You will be fine.

Good meds

by yukon - 2014-10-26 02:10:14

I just had an ICD implanted 4 days ago and the BEST part of it were the meds during the procedure. I was conscious and remember telling them to stop pulling so much but really it was like the best semi sleep I have ever experienced. I remember telling them this afterwards as well. There was no nausea and no after effects of the sedation that I can recall. I was in quite a bit of pain afterwards and the nurse gave me T3's which helped a lot. I too was nervous going in, very nervous, but it went by quickly and I can't say enough about how wonderful the drugs during the procedure made me feel. Good luck!

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