Question:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -after exposure and the levels of Acetone, MEK, Benzene, Isobutyl methyl ketone, Toluene, Styrene and Xylenes would make your hair stand on end. Good thing he didn’t smoke, it would have been a cheap cremation!!! Presumably my levels would have been similar. Which leaves open the spectre of cancer, and then there’s the asbestos. SIGH. Stop the #$ world, I wanna get off now!!! If you ever want to know why anesthesiologists kill themselves-attend an operation. I’ll take you word for it. Fortunately, during all my surgeries I’ve remained blissfully unaware. Long may that continue!! 
It is the most God awfuly boring job to turn dials inject some drugs and watch monitors-its like the guy in the nuclear power station-ok just watch this dial if it goes to red push this button–ok–booom! I have had scads of these guys as patients-their jobs suck (sorry Mr. stubbs) My former GP was also one of the local hospital’s two anaesthetists and he must have found anaesthesia so fascinating he took it up full time, regrettably, on the other side of the country. Or maybe, he was just trying to get as far from me as possible. 
Ian they have to work in mamouth organizations to offset thier exorbanant liability insurance premiums-they are never reimbursed properly by the insurance companies-they hold the patients life in their hands and are never praised for the work they do-the motivation to go into this feild is another ball of wax-it isn’t an easy job-like dentists-shrinks and the rest of us weirded out folks-there are occupational risks-including self medicating. as for nurses-You couldn’t pay me enough to do what they do and take the abuse from the staff the doctors and the patients-no wonder there are many here that were nurses-if I were a nurse-well that’s another story (as I hide my uniform and nylons) it isn’t an easy road-they are underpaid overworked souls who deserve a medal. now look at the morbodity rate of lawyers–hey-now your on to something. ps many of the anesthetics are recovered in toto-so their absorption by cells is not even existant-what happens is they may impact chemical changes in the cells and then leave-the more toxic compounds like methylene chloride-don’t-they hang out like you trichlor did and do cause lots of nasties-its like comparing isopropol alcohol to benzene-two different species of solvent LM
what were you guys doing and how did this happen? That’s insane-no pun intended-but these groups of agents as you know are big time health threats—asbestos too? I would have anxiety even if I wasn’t predisposed to it-just get semi annual blood work done and have a full sma 22 done-an explosion in a chemical plant? Desert storm in a bottle? the cheap cremation may have been a better alternative to hat your friend may be dealing with in a few short years-the destruction of tissues caused by this stuff is staggering. LM
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what were you guys doing and how did this happen?
We had the misfortune to all sequentially use the same office, the airconditioning duct of which ran through an almost airtight solvent store. As it turned out, a very leaky airconditioning duct. The real wonder is that we didn’t blow ourselves up. I was a smoker then and I think some of the others were too. That’s insane-no pun intended-but these groups of agents as you know are big time health threats—asbestos too? I would have anxiety even if I wasn’t predisposed to it-just get semi annual blood work done and have a full sma 22 done-an explosion in a chemical plant? Desert storm in a bottle? the cheap cremation may have been a better alternative to hat your friend may be dealing with in a few short years-the destruction of tissues caused by this stuff is staggering. LM
Well so far, apart from PD and a few creaky joints, I’m in very good health. The only oddities are a continual very high white blood cell count, but its always been moderately high, and a low cholesterol count, which probably is no bad thing, although I understand statistically it makes you more prone to an accidental or violent death. I’ve been lucky in that regard, two of the others developed debilitating physical effects early on. I’ve lost touch with them so don’t know the current situation, though I do know they are still living. Good genes must count for something I guess. Those of my ancestors that didn’t drink themselves into an early grave mostly made it to the mid nineties. I only very occasionally drink, so plan to not only keep up the family tradition, but extend it by a huge margin. Ian
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The implication being that it was the anaesthesia rather than the stress of the surgery. although I am not Mr.Stubbs and not an anesthesiologist I have found in treating some that the drugs used these days are vastly different and the dosing so much more sophisticated as to not create any long term effects-the inhalation gasses being chlorinated hydrocarbons can cause minor and direct receptor damage to many brain amine systems similarly to solvent exposure since by structure these drugs are also solvent analogues-
Okay, my, and 3 colleagues, anxiety disorder was probably initiated by chronic solvent exposure, but it took an average 18 months before we "cracked." Even over a year later I still had much higher than normal amounts of Tetracloroethylene, 1,1,1 Trichloroethane and Dichloromethan keeping my blood cells company. but the degree they are used and the tiered type use of multimodal drugs reduces the side effects and they are short lived ie: 24 hours after long term deep induction procedures like 8 hour surgeries-the benzo analogues and barbs as well as nitrous and narcotic analogues all have temporary side effects that may lend a sensitive predisposed person to have anxiety but not develop a condition of anxiety-unless its seeds were planted long before this event just my opinion
While I can understand long term exposure triggering both depression and anxiety disorders, I too can’t see short term anaesthesia exposure doing so, but it is a subject that gets raised here about once a year. Given how stressful surgery is to some, its, IMO, no surprise that it too often becomes the final straw that leads to anx/pan onset. LM
Thanks Ian
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Margrove gave a fairly thorough answer, so as to not to repeat her, I might just add. The awakening during anesthesia is a completely different topic, and like you said, probably is not the situation to which you were asking. One point that Margrove made was good with the respect to the "seed already planted" comment. Day in and day out I see patients after their anesthetics. Anesthesia is able to bring out strong emotions of how people are feeling. The most prominent example is this one: I do numerous anesthetics for missed AB’s (abortions). The patients can be very happy and upbeat about what is going on before surgery, but when they wake up, many are crying uncontrollably and apologizing to me for no reason. This is a very common occurrence, as it can be with other conditions as well which may drive emotion. I do not really know of any literature that points directly to anesthesia causing anxiety (physically I mean).
I’ve looked and not been able to find any. Not even a veiled hint. There might be a Nobel Prize there!! Of course there are patients that are scared of being "put to sleep", but that again, is not your question. The ONLY reason we give pre-medication before surgery is to alleviate anxiety. As for the drugs and gases that we use, they have their side effects, but a long term anxiety disorder is simply, as far as I know, not one of them.
Yep, as per my reply to Margrove, I have great doubts about this, but it does get raised occasionally. However, I do believe from my own experience with long term exposure to similar chemicals, the volatile anaesthetics may put OR staff at greater risk of developing anx/pan. Of all the medical professions, anesthesiologists apparently have the highest suicide rates – even higher than psychiatrists!!! We also seem to get more than our fair share of OR nurses here at ASAP. All circumstantial, but there is that saying about smoke and fires. Ian – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The implication being that it was the anaesthesia rather than the stress of the surgery. although I am not Mr.Stubbs and not an anesthesiologist I have found in treating some that the drugs used these days are vastly different and the dosing so much more sophisticated as to not create any long term effects-the inhalation gasses being chlorinated hydrocarbons can cause minor and direct receptor damage to many brain amine systems similarly to solvent exposure since by structure these drugs are also solvent analogues-but the degree they are used and the tiered type use of multimodal drugs reduces the side effects and they are short lived ie: 24 hours after long term deep induction procedures like 8 hour surgeries-the benzo analogues and barbs as well as nitrous and narcotic analogues all have temporary side effects that may lend a sensitive predisposed person to have anxiety but not develop a condition of anxiety-unless its seeds were planted long before this event just my opinion LM
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If you ever want to know why anesthesiologists kill themselves-attend an operation. It is the most God awfuly boring job to turn dials inject some drugs and watch monitors-its like the guy in the nuclear power station-ok just watch this dial if it goes to red push this button–ok–booom! I have had scads of these guys as patients-their jobs suck (sorry Mr. stubbs)
No apology necessary. It *can* get awfully boring, but then sometimes it gets awfully scary. I’ve learned that "boring is good" as applied to anesthesia. My wife is also in anesthesia as well, and if I hadn’t gone to anesthesia school, I would have never met her. That is a plus to my anesthesia career right there. She has been the most patient and receptive person to help me overcome my panic/anxiety disorder. Also, I will add that anesthesia more than keeps our bills paid and food on the table John L
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Tetracloroethylene, 1,1,1 Trichloroethane and Dichloromethan keeping my blood cells company. if I could find a way to copy the organic structure of these compounds and then compounds like halothane fluroxene et al: I could show you the specific differences-years ago trichlorethylene was used as an anesthetic but was quickly aborted due to specific hepatotoxic effects and some other nasties-the remaining drugs are believe it or not relatively safe-their lipid soluability and metabolism as well as their distribution abilities are very well documented and safe methoxyflurane-fluroxene- have not shown the same serotonergic receptor damaging effects as thos coumpounds that aggresively destroy oils and grease like trichlor and mek etc… these industrial type solvents destroy fatty tissues fats and lipids-they dissolve them-the other more highly buffered type chlorinated chemicals do not-that is the biggest difference.
There were still higher than trace amounts of other solvents keeping my lipids thinned down. The 4th guy to succumb (I was #3) did so just after the solvents issue was first raised so he was tested just after exposure and the levels of Acetone, MEK, Benzene, Isobutyl methyl ketone, Toluene, Styrene and Xylenes would make your hair stand on end. Good thing he didn’t smoke, it would have been a cheap cremation!!! Presumably my levels would have been similar. Which leaves open the spectre of cancer, and then there’s the asbestos. SIGH. Stop the #$ world, I wanna get off now!!! If you ever want to know why anesthesiologists kill themselves-attend an operation.
I’ll take you word for it. Fortunately, during all my surgeries I’ve remained blissfully unaware. Long may that continue!! It is the most God awfuly boring job to turn dials inject some drugs and watch monitors-its like the guy in the nuclear power station-ok just watch this dial if it goes to red push this button–ok–booom! I have had scads of these guys as patients-their jobs suck (sorry Mr. stubbs)
My former GP was also one of the local hospital’s two anaesthetists and he must have found anaesthesia so fascinating he took it up full time, regrettably, on the other side of the country. Or maybe, he was just trying to get as far from me as possible. Ian – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -they have to work in mamouth organizations to offset thier exorbanant liability insurance premiums-they are never reimbursed properly by the insurance companies-they hold the patients life in their hands and are never praised for the work they do-the motivation to go into this feild is another ball of wax-it isn’t an easy job-like dentists-shrinks and the rest of us weirded out folks-there are occupational risks-including self medicating. as for nurses-You couldn’t pay me enough to do what they do and take the abuse from the staff the doctors and the patients-no wonder there are many here that were nurses-if I were a nurse-well that’s another story (as I hide my uniform and nylons) it isn’t an easy road-they are underpaid overworked souls who deserve a medal. now look at the morbodity rate of lawyers–hey-now your on to something. ps many of the anesthetics are recovered in toto-so their absorption by cells is not even existant-what happens is they may impact chemical changes in the cells and then leave-the more toxic compounds like methylene chloride-don’t-they hang out like you trichlor did and do cause lots of nasties-its like comparing isopropol alcohol to benzene-two different species of solvent LM
Response:
Tetracloroethylene, 1,1,1 Trichloroethane and Dichloromethan keeping my blood cells company.
if I could find a way to copy the organic structure of these compounds and then compounds like halothane fluroxene et al: I could show you the specific differences-years ago trichlorethylene was used as an anesthetic but was quickly aborted due to specific hepatotoxic effects and some other nasties-the remaining drugs are believe it or not relatively safe-their lipid soluability and metabolism as well as their distribution abilities are very well documented and safe methoxyflurane-fluroxene- have not shown the same serotonergic receptor damaging effects as thos coumpounds that aggresively destroy oils and grease like trichlor and mek etc… these industrial type solvents destroy fatty tissues fats and lipids-they dissolve them-the other more highly buffered type chlorinated chemicals do not-that is the biggest difference. If you ever want to know why anesthesiologists kill themselves-attend an operation. It is the most God awfuly boring job to turn dials inject some drugs and watch monitors-its like the guy in the nuclear power station-ok just watch this dial if it goes to red push this button–ok–booom! I have had scads of these guys as patients-their jobs suck (sorry Mr. stubbs) they have to work in mamouth organizations to offset thier exorbanant liability insurance premiums-they are never reimbursed properly by the insurance companies-they hold the patients life in their hands and are never praised for the work they do-the motivation to go into this feild is another ball of wax-it isn’t an easy job-like dentists-shrinks and the rest of us weirded out folks-there are occupational risks-including self medicating. as for nurses-You couldn’t pay me enough to do what they do and take the abuse from the staff the doctors and the patients-no wonder there are many here that were nurses-if I were a nurse-well that’s another story (as I hide my uniform and nylons) it isn’t an easy road-they are underpaid overworked souls who deserve a medal. now look at the morbodity rate of lawyers–hey-now your on to something. ps many of the anesthetics are recovered in toto-so their absorption by cells is not even existant-what happens is they may impact chemical changes in the cells and then leave-the more toxic compounds like methylene chloride-don’t-they hang out like you trichlor did and do cause lots of nasties-its like comparing isopropol alcohol to benzene-two different species of solvent LM
Response:
The implication being that it was the anaesthesia rather than the stress of the surgery.
although I am not Mr.Stubbs and not an anesthesiologist I have found in treating some that the drugs used these days are vastly different and the dosing so much more sophisticated as to not create any long term effects-the inhalation gasses being chlorinated hydrocarbons can cause minor and direct receptor damage to many brain amine systems similarly to solvent exposure since by structure these drugs are also solvent analogues-but the degree they are used and the tiered type use of multimodal drugs reduces the side effects and they are short lived ie: 24 hours after long term deep induction procedures like 8 hour surgeries-the benzo analogues and barbs as well as nitrous and narcotic analogues all have temporary side effects that may lend a sensitive predisposed person to have anxiety but not develop a condition of anxiety-unless its seeds were planted long before this event just my opinion LM
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Margrove gave a fairly thorough answer, so as to not to repeat her, I might just add. The awakening during anesthesia is a completely different topic, and like you said, probably is not the situation to which you were asking. One point that Margrove made was good with the respect to the "seed already planted" comment. Day in and day out I see patients after their anesthetics. Anesthesia is able to bring out strong emotions of how people are feeling. The most prominent example is this one: I do numerous anesthetics for missed AB’s (abortions). The patients can be very happy and upbeat about what is going on before surgery, but when they wake up, many are crying uncontrollably and apologizing to me for no reason. This is a very common occurrence, as it can be with other conditions as well which may drive emotion. I do not really know of any literature that points directly to anesthesia causing anxiety (physically I mean). Of course there are patients that are scared of being "put to sleep", but that again, is not your question. The ONLY reason we give pre-medication before surgery is to alleviate anxiety. As for the drugs and gases that we use, they have their side effects, but a long term anxiety disorder is simply, as far as I know, not one of them.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The implication being that it was the anaesthesia rather than the stress of the surgery. although I am not Mr.Stubbs and not an anesthesiologist I have found in treating some that the drugs used these days are vastly different and the dosing so much more sophisticated as to not create any long term effects-the inhalation gasses being chlorinated hydrocarbons can cause minor and direct receptor damage to many brain amine systems similarly to solvent exposure since by structure these drugs are also solvent analogues-but the degree they are used and the tiered type use of multimodal drugs reduces the side effects and they are short lived ie: 24 hours after long term deep induction procedures like 8 hour surgeries-the benzo analogues and barbs as well as nitrous and narcotic analogues all have temporary side effects that may lend a sensitive predisposed person to have anxiety but not develop a condition of anxiety-unless its seeds were planted long before this event just my opinion LM
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Well, Margrove said they don’t use fentanyl or Versed in the dentist’s office. I do not know since my practice is in the operating room. However, if you did have a choice, forget the fentanyl because it can cause nausea (I’m not saying that it would but if you are extremely sensitive, narcotics can cause nausea). I think Versed would work nice for you. However, if they won’t allow it, ask them what they think the next best thing is. Hope all goes well! John L.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thank you so much. After all the posts here I decided to call tomorrow (he’s a periodontist) and see what they can do for me for my anxiety. You’re right, the Valium by mouth didn’t do it last time. I’m in a non-stop panic today, and it’s four days away. I’ve been in a panic for weeks. The surgery is for gum disease – I believe they cut away the gum and clean up under it at every tooth (he used something that sounded like drill-lite); I also have bone loss so he is doing bone grafts (with synthetic bone) on some of the teeth; and then they stitch up the gums at each tooth, to make them closer to the teeth, in order to close these huge pockets I’ve got so the bacteria can’t get in there again. Apparently I’ve been walking around with this total mouth infection for years now without knowing it. I’m sure I could lose my teeth early if I don’t get this taken care of (I’m 34 years old now), and perhaps some of my fatigue will be cured after I do it all. So, you are saying that at your dentist’s office they were equipped to give you an IV sedative? Can you tell me which one is least likely to cause nausea or other side effects? I am inordinately sensitive to medication and have a terrible fear of being over medicated – I tend to require a fraction of the dose of a normal person (I’m petite, which may have something to do with that) but they always give me too much anyway. I’m also sorry to post so much today, but I’m going crazy. I’m also worried about the recovery period, which was hard last time, but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it; right now it’s the procedure itself that feels almost like I won’t even be able to endure going through with it. Again, I’d love to know what you feel is the best sedative for me by IV – least likely to cause nausea. Thanks so much for the reply. – Jen Well, I don’t really know what surgery you are having except that it is mouth surgery. I’m an anesthetist "also with panic disorder". I used to post a lot here and this is a great group. Back to the subject, I had my wisdom teeth pulled about 7 years ago and it was not in a hospital and also there was not an anesthetist around, only the nurse and the dentist/doctor. I don’t understand why they would not start an IV on you and give IV sedation (medicine through your veins) as has been suggested by some others in the group. A dentist (with a D.D.S degree) should be able to provide IV sedation. Do you have any alternatives, like another dentist or perhaps an oral surgeon? I would ask for some IV fentanyl (a narcotic) and some IV midazolam (a benzodiazepine in IV liquid form – trade name is Versed). Titrate to effect. If you could get that then I could almost assure you it would be smooth sailing. For any extreme anxiety provoking event, like this, Valium by mouth really won’t do the trick. Wishing you the best! John L. I’m having surgery on Monday, and I’m going to be awake during it. This is the second in a series of four and the first was a nightmare. I’m anxious already, and have been for a couple of weeks. My anxiety is mounting. Other than a Valium beforehand (which didn’t do all that much last time), any advice for coping mechanisms? Please help! I thought I might cancel, but that would only delay it…
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From time to time we get people saying that they developed anxiety/panic very soon after surgery and the attendant anaesthesia. The implication being that it was the anaesthesia rather than the stress of the surgery. There is very little in the medical literature about this, and what there is mostly about PTSD onset as a result of waking during surgery. I’d appreciate having your thoughts on this. Ian
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I had a small lump removed from my breast several year. When I went into surgery I was awake, with just a local anestetic. I preffered doing it that way because I don’t like being completely under. I was given an IV with ativan or valium I don’t remember which, and it took the edge off entirely. They began it about half an hour or fourty five minutes before taking me to the OR. I was actually relaxed enough to chat with the nurses and watch some of what my doctor was doing without being grossed out. Like Cheryl said, be sure to discuss your anxiety with the doctor, the anestesiologist and the nurses in the OR. If they know what the are dealing with, they are much better equipt to help you. Try to put the impending surgery out of your mind, read a book, buy yourself flowers, visit with friends, write a poem, anything to distract you when you might have time to dwell on it. Take Care, Jess – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’m having surgery on Monday, and I’m going to be awake during it. This is the second in a series of four and the first was a nightmare. I’m anxious already, and have been for a couple of weeks. My anxiety is mounting. Other than a Valium beforehand (which didn’t do all that much last time), any advice for coping mechanisms? Please help! I thought I might cancel, but that would only delay it…
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I’m having surgery on Monday, and I’m going to be awake during it. This is the second in a series of four and the first was a nightmare. I’m anxious already, and have been for a couple of weeks. My anxiety is mounting. Other than a Valium beforehand (which didn’t do all that much last time), any advice for coping mechanisms? Please help! I thought I might cancel, but that would only delay it…
Why will you be awake? If one Valium doesn’t cut it why not take 30 or 40 mg? Or more. It *will* help but even better would be a sedative IV. Philip
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Thank you for all the responses. I like the suggestions about distracting myself until then and the encouraging thoughts to go through with it. I’m in a state of total freaking out now though, and of course it’s making me worry about more freaking out and freaking out at the time of the surgery. I can’t wait until it’s over. It’s mouth surgery, and it will be at the doctor’s office – so, no anaesthesiologist as some suggested; just the doctor and nurses. I have told him about my anxiety problem and he was understanding and suggested I take Valium before the last surgery. I ended up being very anxious anyway, and then getting far sicker from the novocaine than I was told I would – I’d never had *any* before in my life, and this was a whole mouth full. Apparently, there is ephedrine in Novocaine which makes you jittery, and I ended up getting extremely nauseous and shakey and couldn’t walk on my own and was terribly sick for an hour. Next time he’s giving me something called Carbocaine instead of Novocaine which apparently doesn’t have the jittery making stuff in it, but of course I’m petrified of getting ill anyway (throwing up is my huge phobia in life). So in a way I’m more nervous this time, because last time I let everyone reassure me that it wouldn’t be that bad but now I know it was. So anyway, everyone’s suggestions of asking for sedatives or IV drips of sedative sound great, but it seems too late for that; the surgery is Monday. All I can do is take Valium on my own before I go. I’ve been taking more Vlaium lately than ever – anxious about this and also I’d tried to go on Zoloft a couple of weeks ago but had one of those horribly anxious responses to it, and then another to going off it, so now I’ve been in this constant anxiety state for a few weeks. I’ve told him to give me less numbing stuff (carbocaine) – that I’d rather more pain and less drugs, so I’m hoping that less drugs (he said he gave me more than he would normally to make sure I wasn’t in any pain because of my anxiety – even though I’d told him how sensitive I am to medication… they never listen!).. anyway, I’m hoping less drugs and the different drug will make me less sick. I also made this one in the afternoon, which is a better time for me than early morning when the first was. I’m also allowed to listen to music during it which did help – gave me something to focus on. I guess all I can do is all everyone suggested – try to distract myself, take Valium (he thought it added to my nausea, which of course also scares me now) and look forward to it being over (and not think about the two more that will follow). I’m totally panicked! I talked too much. Again, thank you for all the replies. (I’d love to hear more.) – Jen
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Why will you be awake? If one Valium doesn’t cut it why not take 30 or 40 mg? Or more. It *will* help but even better would be a sedative IV. Philip
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Why will you be awake? If one Valium doesn’t cut it why not take 30 or 40 mg? Or more. It *will* help but even better would be a sedative IV. Philip
What is sedative IV? I had the option of general anaesthesia but apparently only a few do that and most people don’t for what I’m having. I guess I’m scared of anaesthesia too, not to mention the cost (insurance doesn’t cover dental). I’m having bone grafts and stuff, every tooth being operated on. Very painful.
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Thank you so much. After all the posts here I decided to call tomorrow (he’s a periodontist) and see what they can do for me for my anxiety. You’re right, the Valium by mouth didn’t do it last time. I’m in a non-stop panic today, and it’s four days away. I’ve been in a panic for weeks. The surgery is for gum disease – I believe they cut away the gum and clean up under it at every tooth (he used something that sounded like drill-lite); I also have bone loss so he is doing bone grafts (with synthetic bone) on some of the teeth; and then they stitch up the gums at each tooth, to make them closer to the teeth, in order to close these huge pockets I’ve got so the bacteria can’t get in there again. Apparently I’ve been walking around with this total mouth infection for years now without knowing it. I’m sure I could lose my teeth early if I don’t get this taken care of (I’m 34 years old now), and perhaps some of my fatigue will be cured after I do it all. So, you are saying that at your dentist’s office they were equipped to give you an IV sedative? Can you tell me which one is least likely to cause nausea or other side effects? I am inordinately sensitive to medication and have a terrible fear of being over medicated – I tend to require a fraction of the dose of a normal person (I’m petite, which may have something to do with that) but they always give me too much anyway. I’m also sorry to post so much today, but I’m going crazy. I’m also worried about the recovery period, which was hard last time, but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it; right now it’s the procedure itself that feels almost like I won’t even be able to endure going through with it. Again, I’d love to know what you feel is the best sedative for me by IV – least likely to cause nausea. Thanks so much for the reply. – Jen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Well, I don’t really know what surgery you are having except that it is mouth surgery. I’m an anesthetist "also with panic disorder". I used to post a lot here and this is a great group. Back to the subject, I had my wisdom teeth pulled about 7 years ago and it was not in a hospital and also there was not an anesthetist around, only the nurse and the dentist/doctor. I don’t understand why they would not start an IV on you and give IV sedation (medicine through your veins) as has been suggested by some others in the group. A dentist (with a D.D.S degree) should be able to provide IV sedation. Do you have any alternatives, like another dentist or perhaps an oral surgeon? I would ask for some IV fentanyl (a narcotic) and some IV midazolam (a benzodiazepine in IV liquid form – trade name is Versed). Titrate to effect. If you could get that then I could almost assure you it would be smooth sailing. For any extreme anxiety provoking event, like this, Valium by mouth really won’t do the trick. Wishing you the best! John L. I’m having surgery on Monday, and I’m going to be awake during it. This is the second in a series of four and the first was a nightmare. I’m anxious already, and have been for a couple of weeks. My anxiety is mounting. Other than a Valium beforehand (which didn’t do all that much last time), any advice for coping mechanisms? Please help! I thought I might cancel, but that would only delay it…
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I’m having surgery on Monday, and I’m going to be awake during it. This is the second in a series of four and the first was a nightmare. I’m anxious already, and have been for a couple of weeks. My anxiety is mounting. Other than a Valium beforehand (which didn’t do all that much last time), any advice for coping mechanisms? Please help! I thought I might cancel, but that would only delay it…
Cheryl allready wrote this,but I will say the same Talk to the doctors stand up for yourself!! I have had surgery when I had cervix problems They gave me pills that really relaxed me and my best girlfriend was allowed to be in the operationroom I was still anxious but it helped a great deal that I told them what I need Wishing you all the best Anna
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Well, I don’t really know what surgery you are having except that it is mouth surgery. I’m an anesthetist "also with panic disorder". I used to post a lot here and this is a great group. Back to the subject, I had my wisdom teeth pulled about 7 years ago and it was not in a hospital and also there was not an anesthetist around, only the nurse and the dentist/doctor. I don’t understand why they would not start an IV on you and give IV sedation (medicine through your veins) as has been suggested by some others in the group. A dentist (with a D.D.S degree) should be able to provide IV sedation. Do you have any alternatives, like another dentist or perhaps an oral surgeon? I would ask for some IV fentanyl (a narcotic) and some IV midazolam (a benzodiazepine in IV liquid form – trade name is Versed). Titrate to effect. If you could get that then I could almost assure you it would be smooth sailing. For any extreme anxiety provoking event, like this, Valium by mouth really won’t do the trick. Wishing you the best! John L.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m having surgery on Monday, and I’m going to be awake during it. This is the second in a series of four and the first was a nightmare. I’m anxious already, and have been for a couple of weeks. My anxiety is mounting. Other than a Valium beforehand (which didn’t do all that much last time), any advice for coping mechanisms? Please help! I thought I might cancel, but that would only delay it…
Response:
First of all did you discuss your anxiety issues with the surgeon? I would. I would make damn sure him/her AND the anesthesiologist knows my history and how I felt about the first surgery. Putting it off is not the answer. Even if you have to just write it down and hand it to them(if you can’t find the words to tell them)…don’t cancel be proactive and assertive with them..in this day and age NO ONE should suffer with any anxiety during surgery…Being awake during it is stress enough for you to carry but they can alleviate that…please talk to the docs, the Anesthesiologist too! Don’t forget them! Cheryl — A blessed companion is a book–a book that is fitly chosen is a life-long friend. Douglas Jerrold 1808-1857 TC3
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m having surgery on Monday, and I’m going to be awake during it. This is the second in a series of four and the first was a nightmare. I’m anxious already, and have been for a couple of weeks. My anxiety is mounting. Other than a Valium beforehand (which didn’t do all that much last time), any advice for coping mechanisms? Please help! I thought I might cancel, but that would only delay it…
Response:
I’m having surgery on Monday, and I’m going to be awake during it. This is the second in a series of four and the first was a nightmare. I’m anxious already, and have been for a couple of weeks. My anxiety is mounting. Other than a Valium beforehand (which didn’t do all that much last time), any advice for coping mechanisms? Please help! I thought I might cancel, but that would only delay it…
Response:
I have never had surgery so I don’t know what to say. But you’ve been through it before. Even if it was hard. Just think, by doing it you are getting it out of the way. Sometimes as we all know anticipatory anxiety is the worst. Even if the surgery before wasn;t so great, all I can think of is when i had all my wisdom teeth out and i felt the most awful pain at first before i went under but once it was over, the pain was gone and i only could remember it was a bad pain. i couldn’t feel it. when it was over i just thought it’s over i never have to do that again. but even if i needed it again, i’d know i had been through it and that once it was over, things would be better. I know you can make it through this. You have a long weekend first. Try not to think about it as much as possible. Go on a walk, do a puzzle, play a game, post here, go shopping, plant a garden, rake the leaves, knit a sweater, write a story, rent some movies, anything you can think of doing. Just keep busy and think about the surgery as little as possible. When you do think of it tell yourself you can do it and by a week from now it will all be in the past and you will be okay. Just think, if you are gonna be awake during the surgery, well it’s been done many times before, it probably isn’t too horrible or they’d give you something. I know that’s not much of a comfort, but just tell yourself you will be okay, the drs know what they’re doing, and like i said DISTRACT yourself until then. Also, are you having a family member or good friend taking you there to wait with you. That will also help. And remember we are pulling for you. My thoughts will be with you let us know how you’re doing les
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m having surgery on Monday, and I’m going to be awake during it. This is the second in a series of four and the first was a nightmare. I’m anxious already, and have been for a couple of weeks. My anxiety is mounting. Other than a Valium beforehand (which didn’t do all that much last time), any advice for coping mechanisms? Please help! I thought I might cancel, but that would only delay it…
Response:
Thanks Philip… I do remember you mentioning that your wife had a hysty. I guess its kinda like getting your tonsils out these days. Amazing how routine it is. Thank you for the well wishes… They are very much appreciated Hugs, Stacy
|| I go in Monday morning for a total vaginal hysterectomy. || || Im scared!!!! | | It’s *routine* these days. You will have much relief if my wife’s | experience is anything to go by. | | Philip (who would be scared stiff himself – although a hysterectomy | seems a bit improbable
Response:
Thanks John Im actually very calm this AM.. I have heard many women get calm (strange as it sounds) the day or so before the procedure. I hope I stay that way. Your well wishes and thoughts mean lots to me Thanks so much Hugs, Stacy
| I would be scared too. Go with that feeling. Don’t try to do anything | with it, just recognize that you are scared. Accept it. | | Deep abdominal breathing. | | Keep distracted as much as possible. | | Remember that we will all be there in spirit. | | You can do this for you are an extremely brave and courageous prson. | | Peace, | | John
|| I go in Monday morning for a total vaginal hysterectomy. || || Im scared!!!! || || — || Stacy || || *Realize that if you have time to whine and complain about something || then you have the time to do something about it.*
Response:
Thank you!! I feel fortunate that so many people will be "with me" today. It honestly helps! I will post as soon as I can!! Hope you are also feeling great! Hugs Stacy
|| I go in Monday morning for a total vaginal hysterectomy. || || Im scared!!!! || || — || Stacy || || *Realize that if you have time to whine and complain about something || then you have the time to do something about it.* || | | Stacy, | | I see lotsa prayers and good wishes and sound advice has been offered | to you!! You’re gonna do just fine! Please read the email I sent to | you too. | | {{{STACY}}}!!! xo
Response:
Hi AD Thanks alot for your post. Your thoughts and well wishes are very much appreciated… they help alot! Hugs, Stacy
| || Im scared!!!! | | It is ok to be scared. Anything that requires a trip to the hospital | is understandably scary. I’m with you in my thoughts and will think | of you on Monday too. Be well. | | Always, | AD
Response:
Hi Elise, You are right, I know I will be glad I had it done once its over. Here I sit.. in NO pain… Im not bleeding and feel just fine.. yet I am still taking my seemingly healthy self to the hospital in a few short hours…. to not feel healhty… LOL.. Hugs Stacy
| Hi, Stacy, | Best wishes with your hysterectomy. Vaginal hysterectomies are a much | easier recovery. Don’t be scared, it will all be over before you | know it and you’ll be glad you had it done. | smiles, | Elise |
|| I go in Monday morning for a total vaginal hysterectomy. || || Im scared!!!! || || — || Stacy || || *Realize that if you have time to whine and complain about something || then you have the time to do something about it.*
Response:
Hiya Vic I know I will feel you all in spirit. I think I will be homesick for my pals here… I will post as soon as Im able.. Thanks for being there for me Hugs, Stacy
|| I go in Monday morning for a total vaginal hysterectomy. || || Im scared!!!! || || — || Stacy || || *Realize that if you have time to whine and complain about something || then you have the time to do something about it.* || || | | Sweety, don’t be scared. We will all be there with you in spirit, | ok? it is gong to make you feel so much better. Both of my sisters | have had the same surgery and they have really loved the results. I | wish I could be there to hold your hand, dear. | Love you, | | Vic
Response:
Hey Vanessa Thanks for the hugs and well wishes. They really help. I will post as soon as possible.. I dont think it will be before thursday unless I am lucky enough to be home before then and feeling good. Hugs Stacy
|| I go in Monday morning for a total vaginal hysterectomy. || || Im scared!!!! | | {{{{{Stacy}}}}} | Thinking of you and wishing you all the best – this will help you in | the long term. | | Vanessa
Response:
Hey Fig Im pretty sure my Dr is aware of the anxiety issue I have. I will remind them before they wheel me in. By that time I probably wont care as they give you something before hand that makes you feel so good they could do anything and you wouldnt care.. heh. Im actaully calm right now. Its 1am … just a few hours before I have to be at the hospital… I hope I stay calm from here on out. Thanks again Stacy
| || I go in Monday morning for a total vaginal hysterectomy. || || Im scared!!!! | | Stacy, | | Try to relax. Think about how the hysterectomy will give you relief | from the fear and anxiety that your condition has caused. That’s a | positive thought that could use to help to rationally reduce your | fear. | | I’ve been reading a book by Norman Cousins about how hospital patients | often succumb to fear and panic because of their sense of helpless, | feelings that even "normies" experience because of the somewhat | impersonal routines of the hospital which emphasize procedures, often | at the expense of communicating with and reassuring the patient. Us | folks with anxiety disorders feel this sense of helplessness and fear | more than others. | | Your doc probably knows that you suffer from anxiety, but ask him to | be sure that it is on your chart and that the nursing staff has | appropriate instructions on administering xanax or ativan or whatever | anxiolytic med is appropriate for you, without having to track him | down for permission. If nurses or technicians or doctors start | procedures or giving you meds and that fact aggravates your anxiety, | ask questions like "what is this procedure for, and why do you do | it?" They are there to help you, it’s just that sometimes they’re | overworked and forget that you may not know what’s going on. | | While no surgical procedure is ever truly risk-free, vaginal | hysterectomies are very common. You will be fine. Keep thinking | about the positive result and not about the procedure itself. | | Will think of you on Monday, | | Fig
Response:
Hi Meryl Thanks so much … I remember you telling me of yoru friends. It helps lots to hear success stories. Most are. I will post as soon as I feel good enough to. It wouuld be awesome to be able to the day I get home from the hospital Hugs to you, Stacy
| Dear Stacy, | Try and focus on the outcome. I have 2 friends who had hysterectomies | last year. Their symptoms were similar to yours. They now are fit and | well. | You will need some recovery time but all that worry about bleeding and | fainting will be a thing of the past. | love Meryl | | || I go in Monday morning for a total vaginal hysterectomy. || || Im scared!!!!
Response:
Thanks Sara, Your words are a comfort. You knowing first hand (on the medical side) is soothing to me In less than 12 hours.. I will be in recovery (if everything goes good Thanks Stacy
|| || I go in Monday morning for a total vaginal hysterectomy. || || Im scared!!!! | | Stacy, | | We will be thinking of you. I don’t blame you for being scared, I | would be too | – I worked several years in two different ob/gyn offices, and this is | a common procedure. In other words, the doctor doing yours has | probably a good amount of practice at doing so. Also, vaginal is | much better than an abdominal hyst. Your stay in the hospital will be | shorter, and your recovery time faster. It’s the preferred way of | doing a hysterectomy if it can be done that way. You’ll have pain, | but you’ll have a lot of medication for that, and again, it won’t be | nearly as much pain as it would be abdominally. You’ll need to take | hormones, if they’re taking your ovaries, but the meds will | eventually be adjusted to suit you, and you’ll be fine. Try and | watch your thoughts, don’t let them make you more anxious than you | have to be. If you only knew how many patients I have seen who had | an LAVH, it would probably make you feel better. Many women go | through what you’re about to go through, and they come out ok… so | try and remain calm, and let us know how you are doing when you get | back home. | | Sara
Response:
I go in Monday morning for a total vaginal hysterectomy. Im scared!!!! — Stacy *Realize that if you have time to whine and complain about something then you have the time to do something about it.*
Stacy, I see lotsa prayers and good wishes and sound advice has been offered to you!! You’re gonna do just fine! Please read the email I sent to you too. {{{STACY}}}!!! xo —
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