Is local anesthesia an option for d&c surgery?

I think I have made up my mind to go with d&c surgery.  I just dont like going under and I'm going to ask my doctor today if they allow local anesthesia.  I would like to stay awake during the surgery.  Has anyone ever had local anesthesia for d&c before?

[deanne11]

I think they can do local but heard it's a nightmare.

I was scared to death about my d&e and being put under but it really was nothing.  I was so scared and felt like within minutes I was awake....

[mslkpage]

I believe they can do a local and use a valium-type sedative in your IV. That way, you're relaxed but still awake.

[ctsmom]

with my DC I was in a twilight sleep, not completely under but I dont remember it, it was a morphine, scopolamine I believe, I honestly dont remember anything but my dh said I wasnt too cooperative and cried a lot, so I guess I would talk to your dr about all options

[groves]

Thanks deanne11.  I also heard that local anesthesia can be a pain b/c of the cramping that occurs during the surgery w/ that type of anesthesia.  I am hoping that general anesthesia will only feel like a few minutes, that would be good.  Do you know how long the surgical procedure takes?

[mslkpage]

It doesn't take long. I was knocked out for both of mine, but I remember dh saying from the time they wheeled me out until the time they called him back in, maybe 30 minutes had passed.

[deanne11]

I believe it was about 30 minutes as well.  My dh and dd ran downstairs and got a snack and flowers/card for me and then when they came back I was already back in the room.

[mslkpage]

Forgot to say one thing- it DOES feel like just a few minutes to you. Even with my laparoscopy, which was almost 4 hours long, I had no idea how long I'd been out. When dh told me what time it was, I didn't believe him!!

[DrakeDamian]

the 1st d&c i had was about 12 years ago i was wide awake with just a local!! i had another d&c last year and the Drs told me no and they put me to sleep, i think it just depends on who is doing it!!

alos have a question for you!! is Groves your last name???  Groves is my maiden name!  

[groves]

yea, i just talked to my doctor and they do general anesthesia.  they said i would not be completely knocked out.  i would be conscious, but wont remember anything.  i asked them if it was considered twilight sleep and they said no.  but they also told me that the surgery itself should only take 10-15 mins!  and that i should be awake and aware right after it was done.  so all in all, it sounds to be ok.  thanks to all of you for your input, much appreciated!  and DrakeDamian, no, my last name is not groves, just happen to pick it as a nickname =)

[peekawho]

It's called conscious sedation.   You will feel like you slept through the whole thing.  You may remember tiny bits and pieces, but usually it just feels like going to sleep and waking up in recovery.  As Lisa said, it feels like only a minute has gone by, from the time they tell you you're going to sleep to waking up, it's like the blink of an eye.  

A local alone would be very uncomfortable.