The answer is YES! Any person who has received anesthesia for an endoscopic procedure, like a colonoscopy, gastroscopy or a bronchoscopy, MUST have someone drive them home. If for some reason a person is not able to find a driver, they need to talk with their doctor. The doctor's office may present an option like being admitted overnight in the hospital, so this way, the person can still have the procedure. Physicians and health facilities understand that some people may not have the luxury of having family or friends nearby to help, but at the same time, medical facilities follow state regulations and laws when it comes to post anesthesia care.
Additionally, a person CANNOT use an uber and most definitely CANNOT drive themselves home! Also, a person CANNOT have a family member/friend pick them up AFTER the procedure. The driver needs to be at the hospital or medical facility the ENTIRE TIME. These are simple instructions to avoid cancellation of the procedure. Who wants to redo a bowel prep all over again? No thanks!
But why do we really need a driver to take us home? The main reason is safety of oneself and safety for everyone else on the road. Immediately after the procedure, people are not back to their usual self. For example, a person's decision-making ability is slower, and they may feel unsteady. They may also feel too weak or sleepy to make any type of decision, let alone drive home. Legally, if a person was in an accident, they could be charged with being under the influence. So, just go home in the passenger seat and get some much-needed rest!
Most healthy people typically do not have any complications from anesthesia. However, some people can still experience lingering fatigue, sleepiness, nausea and or headaches for a few days or even longer. This is why the post procedure instructions also include no driving for 24 hours after having anesthesia. Additionally, people with increased morbidities remain at a higher risk for side effects or complications from anesthesia. Such as, people with obesity, limited mobility, diabetes and or heart disease.
So, in conclusion, make sure to have a designated driver to drive you home after your procedure, if this is a problem talk to your doctor for other options. This will prevent any additional problems on the day of your procedure.
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