Thanks for the quick response. I had a tumor removed from my carotid artery July 10 at Mayo. I was told earlier that they'd do a femoral vein catheter embolization beforehand, to reroute the blood supply away from my tumor yet still provide flow to my brain. So I asked half dozen friends their experience w femoral vein catheterization, and they all said, you will not remember a thing. We'll, that was not correct. I was 'gently sedated' barely drowsy and awake thru it all, so they could make sure they weren't affecting any brain functions, by having me answer various questions throughout the procedure. The 'little pinch' they said I'd feel for the deadening of the site was like vice grips yanking a chunk of skin out. Then immediately, they started the catheter sheath which felt like I was being impaled to the operating table w a piece of rebar. I went into shock afterward. But it was STILL outpatient, and had to return 0dark thirty next a.m. for the tumor removal. I don't understand why they didnt totally knock me out to put the catheter into my vein, then wake me up for the part going up through my heart, neck, etc. The reason I was given was 'Medicare...' If I had known in advance, I would have authorized cash payment. After this long, im still having horrid nightmares every 2-3 nights, waking up in a screaming sweat.
Still trying to find anyone who's been awake (or 'gently sedated') through a femoral catherization. They also went through my right wrist.