I had an ERCP done two weeks ago. My GI said it would take between 1-2 hours, and since I'd had an acute pancreatitis attack after every EUS, I was addmitted directly after my procedure.

First, it's general anesthesia. I didn't know that, so just be prepared for your throat to hurt afterwards. Secondly, it's in a radiology room that resembles an OR. Be prepared for that. (Just filling you in as I was freaked the F out)

I looked at the clock before they anesthetized me, and it was 941, when I came to, it was 1040. It was a super quick procedure on my GI's end. I woke up with panc pain and nausea.

But the afternoon, I felt much better and was released from the hospital on Friday.

I feel so much better now that pre-ERCP. I haven't felt this good in awhile.

Best of luck, I hope this is the last procedure for you!!

I've had about 12 ERCP 's over the years. My best advise... Do your research and make sure the doc is experienced. A shitty doc will make this test bad. I've only ever had 2 that went wrong... I was way too awake during the procedure. You do not want to experience this test wide awake. Now I know to tell the doc i'm afraid and he gives me extra drugs... Demerol, Valium and versed and I don't remember anything... For almost 24 hours... Last time I found a bag of stuff I bought and have no memory of shopping.

It went like this... I had to wear a gowngown, they put me in a bed, started an IV, and gave me a preop type injection of probably Valium to calm down. Doc sprayed my throat to numb it. Maybe twice. I got one shot and they waited a minute or so and then gave another... The first one was definitely demerol, the second was versed. You shouldn't remember anything after that until you're back in the recovery room.

Every one's response is different and you yourself can react differently on different occasions. I usually wake up very nauseated so have learned to ask for a dose of zofran before they start. I have has ERCPs that only took 30 minutes, I have had others that took 4 hours. Your Dr should speak with you prior to the procedure and that is a chance to ask any questions you may have. It is also a good idea to have someone come back to the recovery room and wait with you. One effect from the meds is that I tend to not remember very well what the Dr has told me after the procedure. Another set of ears to listen to the Drs instructions and and findings he might share with you is really valuable

Be aware the procedure can give you Pancreatitis. ....