EGD & Work Question

I am scheduled for my EGD on July the 9th. I know that they will not release me unless I have someone with me to drive me. But here are my questions:

How long does this procedure take?

If I have a desk job, would I be capable of working after the procedure is done?

Any input would be GREATLY appreciated!

The procedure is not long - but many time sthe hospital require you have some one with you - waiting for you in the hospital - while they prepping you and the procedure itself.
My procedure wa sin the afternnon - and i could not drink or eat anything before. 
I also was nausead after the procedure - so there was no way I could have gone to work after.  I Ask the doc if you are allowed to drive or work after the procedure.

 The procedure itself takes all of 5 minutes, preparation depends on the facility.

No, you cannot legally work for 24 hours post procedure.  In the state of TX, and I assume most other states, you are considered legally intoxicated and cannot drive or sign legal documents.  You can be arrested for DWI legally.  I assume you would not come to work drunk, so I would take the 24 hours off for this procedure.

I did mine at the end of the day on a Friday.  Worked up to the time of the scope and then left with enough time to get there when they needed me.

There is a law that says you cannot work fr 24 hours after an EGD?  Regardless of what kind of job you have?  Is this a federal law or a state law in Texas?  Can you point me to the law that says that, please?

The law is you are considered legally intoxicated and cannot drive or sign legal documents for 24 hours.

I would assume that your employer would not allow you to come to work legally intoxicated, but then I don't know for sure.

OK, can you point me to the law that says you are legally intoxicated for 24 hours after an EGD?  Wouldn't that be based on how much of the medication is in your system?  Like, with alcohol, it's not a matter of being legally intoxicated for a certain length of time after you drink a beer, it's a matter of the amount of alcohol in your blood?  I'd like to read the law.  Is it a federal law?

 I don't know if it's a federal law.  I'll have to look for it and see what I can find for you.  I'm sure I can ask my PACU Manager, they probably know right where to find it.  :)  I, however do not.

I do know that as an OR and PACU nurse I am required by the State of Texas to inform patients that they are considered legally intoxicated.  And to instruct them not to drive, sign legal documents or return to work the same day.  Failure to do so is negligence on my part and I can be found responsible for any outcome related to that in a court of law.

Okay, just a quick search finds the Texas Penal Code defines legally intoxicated as:

not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance into the body; or (B) having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more.

Scope patients are considered legally intoxicated due to the introduction of anesthesia agents period.  Anesthesia agents are a controlled substance.  Whether they get a drop or a whole vial,   We do, rarely, have patients that decline anesthesia and are allowed to drive themselves home.

I wish I had more concrete information to give you, I'll still try to get it for you.  I just know that, as a nurse in any Texas facility, these are my legal duties toward anyone that was given anesthesia.

 You know, I'm a questioner.  I've always liked to know facts and reasons why behind things.  This has always been just a matter of fact in my world that I never thought to question it or look for the supporting documentation behind it.

You've given me a little mini mission and now I'm pretty much gonna have to find out to satisfy my OWN curiosity as well as yours.  :)

 my last EGD took about 30 minutes.

Going back to work? Ummmmmm yeah unless your job is sleeping and being Dopey at your desk (like a federal employee!) then probably not.

Thanks for the responses and the laughs!

Unfortunately, I do not get to pick the time. The hospital will call me the evening before the procedure with the time. I don't like that but hey, I cannot change that so I am not going to sweat it. I knew I needed someone to drive me to/from. I was just unclear as to whether or not I could have them drop me off/pick me up at work when the procedure was over.

I hate taking time off of work, but I guess I will ask my boss for the day off.