Better Living through Chemistry

[esvaja]

For my 1st surgery I was a mess as they wheeled me up, I could barely listen to the surgeons words. I've spoken with his nurse & I would like something like Ativan just prior to getting into the prep room. I had Ativan prior to my Lasik surgery & gosh darn didn't i have fun while they sliced my cornea & then did the laser, one of the best experiences in my life. My surgeon'
s nurse told me to ask for something RXed by my Dr. & to let the anesthesiologist know. Has anybody else felt the need for this? I believe that with a better attitude that the outcome later in ICU would benefit it. Pls & thx

 

[tom in MO]

If you have anxiety problems, tell them, they might want you premedicated. However, once they start medicating you for OHS, you don't feel anything much less anxiety. They give you a cocktail of several drugs, including fentanyl.

 

[Zoltania]

Definitely ask for something if you feel the need. I was given (without having to ask) Versed and fentanyl for several procedures, including my cardiac catheterization and two cataract surgeries, and I believe it helped a lot. I was able to cope easily even though I tend to get very anxious in these situations.

 

[esvaja]

If you have anxiety problems, tell them, they might want you premedicated. However, once they start medicating you for OHS, you don't feel anything much less anxiety. They give you a cocktail of several drugs, including fentanyl.

Well, I did ask my surgeons nurse this question re: some type of pre medication for anxiety, she told me to ask my primary or cardiology Dr here in AA for something & then make sure I report what & how much I'm taking to the anesthetist. Last time it was a wait in the pre-op section, nothing was offered with them seeing how anxious & jumpy, then the darn ride up in the elevator & then through some kind of encouragement speech in the operating room. I personally believe Dr Pettersson (swedish & probably a Viking) would be able to operate on himself without anesthesia. Just my opinion from what I remember in 2011