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I am extremely claustrophobic and needed IV valium for MRI today at UNC. As in the past I had planned to drive myself home when I felt like it.
But NO they said I had to have a "escort/driver" in person to sign some paper before they would let me go. Said I would be acting DRUNK for 5 or 6 hours, eat only clear liquids, etc.
After ther MRI i sat up, felt fine, was able to walk and embarrassed my husband had to leave work to come get me.
Was this just a CYA maneuver on the part of UNC or do some people really have such extreme reaction to a small dose of IV Valium? I had enough not to feel caged but I did not open my eyes. I only felt a bit sleepy and yawned a few times.
And I've been really DRUNK on half a glass of beer since I don't drink!
I think that's standard policy. If not, they'd be letting you drive home "under the influence". I had a procedure last year at Wake Med where I was told to take a valium beforehand and they also required me to have someone sign off on driving me home.
Was this just a CYA maneuver on the part of UNC or do some people really have such extreme reaction to a small dose of IV Valium? I had enough not to feel caged but I did not open my eyes. I only felt a bit sleepy and yawned a few times.
And I've been really DRUNK on half a glass of beer since I don't drink!
I think it is both a SOP *and* a CYA. Certainly, if someone was at fault in a wreck after getting a valium IV, it's a no-brainer that the attorneys involved would immediately blame it on the valium and go after the big hospital with the fat pockets. Pretty much anytime you get a med procedure with any kind of IV "calming" meds, they're ("they" meaning anyone, not just UNC) going to require someone to drive you.
I'm a nurse and I can say this is standard policy for any hospital. You cannot drive after taking pain medications, anti anxiety medications, or having any kind of anesthesia. You may feel fine but your coordination will be off. Its better to be safe than sorry isn't it? I'm shocked to hear that they have let you have IV valium and then drive afterwards. Thats scary.
I had to do the same thing at Rex. It was a good thing my husband was with me because I had a vasovagal response that wasn't very much fun. Talk about embarassing.
I had to do the same thing at Rex. It was a good thing my husband was with me because I had a vasovagal response that wasn't very much fun. Talk about embarassing.
Actually, I forgot about it until you mentioned it, but I did as well. I passed out, so I'm happy to say no one let me drive!
I had an out-patient procedure at Wake Med last month and they too required someone to drive said patient home.
Got the itemized statement yesterday and JUST for the 45 minutes in the "Recovery Room" I was charged nearly $1,800! NOW I need the sedation - I feel woozy!!!
Geesh. I had an MRI last year at Rex, and I am claustrophobic, and I didn't know valium was an option. I psyched myself into not screaming hysterically, kept my breathing moderated, and I kept thinking of everyone I knew who had gone through similar tests and how strong they were. It was a huge effort for me. When it stopped, I swore I'd never go through that again. I wish I knew valium was an option; I would have taken it and had my husband drive me home.
Thank you posting your question. If I ever need another MRI, I'll know to take the drugs!
Costa Rica doesn't sound so bad -- a little medicine, a little vacation, probably for less or the same as the little medicine here.
Quote:
Originally Posted by brooks2007
I had an out-patient procedure at Wake Med last month and they too required someone to drive said patient home.
Got the itemized statement yesterday and JUST for the 45 minutes in the "Recovery Room" I was charged nearly $1,800! NOW I need the sedation - I feel woozy!!!
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I feel DIZZY, and nauseous!
