When they put in my first sp catheter, apparantly i was sedated, no shots, just a little thing clipped to my nose. then i knew nothing. how does that differ from being "out" when during an operation?

You likely had sedation but no paralytic was used and you did not have a breathing tube. You still would have no memory of the procedure if certain sedation meds were used that result in amnesia for the event, even though you were somewhat awake. The sleep is much lighter than with anesthesia but you have no memory of it due to the medicine. It is very different from general anesthesia. Good luck!