benzo use for surgery...

[[va...]]

hey, so I'm at the end of my taper - just 2 more cuts and then one more dose and then I jump.  I have surgery scheduled for next Thursday.  I'll be down to my last two doses by then.  What is the protocol for benzo use during a surgery?  I know I probably shouldn't use the one I'm on now (xanax), but what about using a different one, like valium?  Is it wise to even tempt fate at all?

 

Also, should I go ahead and hold for an extra few days before I make my last cut before jumping?  I'm scheduled to cut to my last dose 2 days after my surgery, so I'm thinking holding for an extra few days might be in order.  Any advice?

 

I intend to go back and read what Ashton says about it, but I thought it would be nice to hear if anyone else has experience with this, and how it turned out.  Thanks bunches. 

 

Namaste.

 

~K 

[[mo...]]

Hi vangoghsear (LOVE the screen name, BTW!)

 

I had outpatient surgery toward the end of a substitution cross over taper from Lorazepam to Valium (I was to the point that I was on Valium only) and, after some discussion on the subject, (especially about actual dose amounts) they ended up giving me 3-4 of doses of Lorazepam before, during and after the surgery over a period of 2 days...I don't do well on Midazolam, a benzo commonly used in the US during surgical procedures and the Lorazepam is quick acting and has a very short half-life (unlike Valium, which has a longer half life) so I think that is why they chose it. I don't think it affected me over all (although I think it probably did make the surgery more comfortable for me and my docs!), but I did hold my Valium taper for an extra week at the dose I was on since even though it was outpatient surgery, my body and my mind were a bit more stressed than usual and I figured, what's another week?

 

I have heard some people say they can and do take different, or extra doses of their current, benzos on occasion if and when needed during their tapers without issue, but I have also heard some people say they think that is not a good idea and don't recommend it...although I am also aware that up-dosing is a way to deal with sxs if needed and I don't see a lot of difference in the two situations here. I think checking with Ashton is an excellent idea, but in the end I would go with what you and your doctor decide. I think sometimes we get really caught up in the details of doses and schedules and while we would never want to do anything that would set us back on our tapers, I think there is room for some flexibility in all this since, as we have all learned by now, this is not exactly and exact science!

 

Hopefully more people will add their experiences and thoughts. Good luck with everything!

 

Mo

[[Ch...]]

I had surgery a few months after my jump and saved the 'rescue dose' decision until I got there since I knew it would work fast if I wanted it.  I had given myself permission to take something if I needed it. 

 

But as with most things I've been anxious about in my life, the anticipation was far worse than the reality and once I was at the facility where the surgery was to be performed I was calm enough to make it without anything.  I felt like such a biggie girl... 

[[Sc...]]

When I had been on Klonopin for about 2 months, I had a colonoscopy, they gave me versid. I felt great the rest of the day. But over the next few days the K started not working and I was getting bad anxiety, I started moving up on the dosage and it sometimes helped other times didn't. After a month of this I decided I wanted off benzos and went to my psych with the ashton manual and he talked me out of it, but agreed that switching to Valium was probably a good idea.

Now after 9 months of tapering and wd sx I realize that I was in tolerance to the klonopin, and I can't help but wonder if the versid somehow started the whole process. 

[[Ch...]]

Most surgeries are done with Propofol these days, from what I've heard.  Surprisingly smooth in and out...no feelings of going under or coming out of the anesthesia.

[[mo...]]

ScaredinMA - Interestingly, Versed is the brand name for Midazolam, which is very commonly used in surgeries as it is a strong hypnotic (makes you SORT OF not remember things), however, it is also notorious among anesthesiologists for causing issues with many people. For some, it causes a strong paradoxical reaction and creates anxiety and combativeness rather than making them calm and tranquilized; for others, it makes them feel great and they love it — until it wears off and leaves them feeling worse than ever and this "worse than ever"  feeling can last for days or even weeks, depending on the dose and time using the drug, other drugs given along with the Midazolam and your individual physiology. While some people like the feeling of Midazolam or are happy to receive an "anti-anxiety" drug, I have been told by several medical professionals that the real job of Midazolam is to "block" memories of the procedure, which is not a necessarily a bad thing! It is often given with Fentanyl since Midazolam does nothing to block pain, while Fentanyl is a pain med. There is also some suggestion that the two used together may be especially difficult for those who do not do well with Midazolam.

 

Challis99  - I have had propofol on two different occasions and was very glad that it did not leave me feeling nauseous, hung over, combative, or frantic when I "came out" of it so I am definitely glad to have discovered it as an option. However, I have seen some interesting studies that suggest it does have some affect on GABA receptors and that being under it for a prolonged period (6 hour heart surgery versus a 30 minute colonoscopy) can affect some people who have issues with benzo w/d. Since I have not had to have any surgeries for awhile I have not done any further research, but it is certainly an interesting and widely used drug that appears to be very effective for the majority of people when administered correctly.

[[be...]]

Hi:

 

Here where I live the docs always ask me if I want Versed before my surgery. I know it's a short acting but very powerful drug. In fact, many states use Versed to kill prisoners on death row rather than another benzo. I always decline it. They use propofol with me and that works out just fine. fwiw, my surgeries didn't take long. I always wonder who they say they want to give it to you to forget your surgical experience. That simply doesn't make any sense to me. After all, you are knocked out anyway so how can you remember something when you are asleep? 

[[va...]]

Thanks everyone, and ScaredinMA, wow, I'm so sorry that happened to you.  That's scary!  Did you know about benzos and benzo wd at the time?  I think if my symptoms flared up, I would just try to hold my dose for awhile and hopefully stabilize, but if it worsened and continued after 4 or 5 days and my symptoms became unbearable, I might go up in dose just a little to stabilize (maybe go back to where I am now, or possibly back up one more dose to .25mg) and then start tapering again.

 

Challis, Propofol, eh?  I will write that down and specifically ask for it, if it works that well.

 

mosart, thanks.    Not everyone catches my forum name.  hehe  Anyway...  I had a very bad reaction to the anesthesia after my last surgery a few years ago, and now I'm wondering if they possibly used versad, by your description.  I woke up in recovery in a panic and felt like I was having a heart attack.  They put me back out.  For about 3 months I kept feeling a tightness in my chest.  I really thought I was going to die.  I saw a cardiologist and had a full work up done on my heart, and everything was OK, and after about 3 months it went away.  I've already informed my doctor to find out what they used, and to NOT give it me this time.  It's so weird too, because the first time I had surgery, everything was so smooth.  I came out, the pain was GONE, and I had no recovery time.  It was amazing.

 

OK, so now another question...  what about antibiotics?  I know doctors will also give antibiotics in case of infection, and I've read that, specifically, the quinolone and fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics should not be used, along with Doxycycline because they cause the benzos in the body to be rapidly released and can cause and extreme uptick in symptoms.  Does anyone know which antibiotics are OK to take?  I read somewhere that amoxin (is that amoxicillin?) and augmentin (?) were OK.  I'm searching the forums for information.  Anyway...

 

Thanks bunches!

 

Namaste.

 

~K   

[[be...]]

Thanks everyone, and ScaredinMA, wow, I'm so sorry that happened to you.  That's scary!  Did you know about benzos and benzo wd at the time?  I think if my symptoms flared up, I would just try to hold my dose for awhile and hopefully stabilize, but if it worsened and continued after 4 or 5 days and my symptoms became unbearable, I might go up in dose just a little to stabilize (maybe go back to where I am now, or possibly back up one more dose to .25mg) and then start tapering again.

 

Challis, Propofol, eh?  I will write that down and specifically ask for it, if it works that well.

 

mosart, thanks.    Not everyone catches my forum name.  hehe Anyway...  I had a very bad reaction to the anesthesia after my last surgery a few years ago, and now I'm wondering if they possibly used versad, by your description.  I woke up in recovery in a panic and felt like I was having a heart attack.  They put me back out.  For about 3 months I kept feeling a tightness in my chest.  I really thought I was going to die.  I saw a cardiologist and had a full work up done on my heart, and everything was OK, and after about 3 months it went away.  I've already informed my doctor to find out what they used, and to NOT give it me this time.  It's so weird too, because the first time I had surgery, everything was so smooth.  I came out, the pain was GONE, and I had no recovery time.  It was amazing.

 

OK, so now another question...  what about antibiotics?  I know doctors will also give antibiotics in case of infection, and I've read that, specifically, the quinolone and fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics should not be used, along with Doxycycline because they cause the benzos in the body to be rapidly released and can cause and extreme uptick in symptoms.  Does anyone know which antibiotics are OK to take?  I read somewhere that amoxin (is that amoxicillin?) and augmentin (?) were OK.  I'm searching the forums for information.  Anyway...

 

Thanks bunches!

 

Namaste.

 

~K   

 

I caught it the first time I saw it. lol! Did they ever find his ear? Bets

[[mo...]]

benzogirl - I did NOT know they included Versed in the capital punishment cocktail! Here is a link that explains a bit about Versed/Midazolam and how and why it is used so commonly in surgery. Not everyone is aware of it's use and in the past patients might not even be told what drugs they would be receiving. Like so much in life, Versed is not necessarily bad or good, just worth knowing about I think...especially if you have a history with benzos.

 

http://surgery.about.com/od/beforesurgery/qt/VersedMidazolamVersed.htm

 

[[va...]]

So eek! on the versad!  Thanks benzogirl for that bit of information.  And since you've tried the propofol and it worked for you, I'm def going to ask for that.  (and good on you for catching my name.  )

 

mosart, thanks for the link.  I'll check it out.

 

Still wondering about the antibiotic issue, but I think I'll just start a new thread for that.

 

Thanks bunches everyone.    :smitten:

[[Ch...]]

I've taken Amoxicillin since my taper ended... no problem.  The doc will probably only have a limited amount of choices of an antibiotic, depending on what he's giving it for...prevention?

 

Anyway, good you already know about the quinolones. 

[[be...]]

benzogirl - I did NOT know they included Versed in the capital punishment cocktail! Here is a link that explains a bit about Versed/Midazolam and how and why it is used so commonly in surgery. Not everyone is aware of it's use and in the past patients might not even be told what drugs they would be receiving. Like so much in life, Versed is not necessarily bad or good, just worth knowing about I think...especially if you have a history with benzos.

 

http://surgery.about.com/od/beforesurgery/qt/VersedMidazolamVersed.htm

 

I read the link and I have read it before, but thanks. I knew about Versed to kill prisoners just yesterday. I am a big news hound as I am a journalist. I also read yesterday that the makers of pheno now refuse to give the drug anymore to kill prisoners because they feel that it is inhumane. At least one good thing to say about pharmas. Just one, mind you. 

[[va...]]

Challis, yes, probably preventative.  But you know doctors and hospitals, they like to use the newest, most potent drugs they can, when many times older, proven ones are better, but frankly, I rarely take antibiotics, so I know very little about them.  I think I've taken them (Erythromycin) a couple of times for strep throat and tonsillitis, but not much else that I remember.  I started a new thread to deal specifically with the antibiotic issue.  At least I know there are two classes I should stay away from.  That should at least limit some of their choices. 

 

~K   

[[va...]]

 

I caught it the first time I saw it. lol! Did they ever find his ear? Bets

 

LMAO.  ummmm, I don't think they know I have it. 

[[Sc...]]

Vangoghsear, i did not not realize I was in tolerance when the K stopped working, but I think now that the versed may have caused it, or at least expedited the process. I was aware of benzo addiction at the time but had not started to taper yet, knew nothing about BB and really thought it would not be anywhere near the horror show I have had to live for the past 10 months.

[[mo...]]

Hi again,

 

Seems like you have gotten plenty of info on this subject, but I was thinking about it last night and wanted to add that I think it is helpful to talk with your doctor and/or anesthesiologist BEFORE the day of surgery if possible. Although it is common for the anesthesiologist to visit just prior to surgery, the best practices I have seen (such as at Mayo Clinic Hospital) involve a phone call or a visit PRIOR to the day of surgery, which gives everyone time to figure out the best strategies in advance without being rushed or pressured — and, studies show that this approach avoids complications with medications and anesthesia, most of them minor, by as much as 30% in some hospitals. I have called and requested such an appointment or phone conversation myself when it was not part of the hospital protocol.

 

You should be told WHAT medications they plan to give you and WHY. Many people, as Challis99 reported, may not need or want a drug to "relax" them prior to surgery — or just knowing it's available if they DO need it makes all the difference and they have the choice at any point to use that med, or not, with the prior knowledge and support of their medical team. I was given Lorazepam before, during and after my surgery not for "relaxation", but to help avoid problems I have with seizures. Due to my heart condition, there was no really good way to get around using a benzo of some sort — I had to take something and I thought they worked very responsibly with me on the choice of Lorazepam. I told them about my benzo w/d situation and they worked with me to find the right choice.

 

If your docs suggest you need "sedation" (as versus "relaxation") ask them what type of sedation ("twilight", where you come in and out of consciousness or are partially aware of things) or complete sedation (where you are out the whole time and then come out of it when everything is over) and what drugs will be used and what the side effects of those drugs might be and how you can expect to feel in recovery after the use of these drugs.

 

Sometimes patients may not even need to be sedated, but this is a very personal decision. Although it is standard procedure to sedate patients receiving implantable cardiac monitoring devices (that are surgically implanted under the skin but not into  the heart) I was able to work with my cardio to have only a local for both the implantation of the device as well as the removal of it some 3 years later. It was the first time he had done the procedure without using sedation or relaxation medications, but since I was not concerned about the procedure it went well and was really a piece of cake. He now does more and more like that because it's safer, cheaper and faster — but some people still do better with sedation or relaxation because they are genuinely terrified and why put yourself through that if you don't have to? Compare that to a 6 hour long cardiac catheterization procedure where lying still for some parts is critical and the need for sedation for all, or at least for part of the procedure, is obvious and this where the need for open lines of communication with your doctor and anesthesiologist come in. With their help and knowledge, and your concerns and expectations, you should be able to work out a plan that best meets YOUR needs for YOUR individual situation rather than being put on the "surgery express" line where one size fits all just because it's easier or "standard" for the hospital and medical staff.

 

As discussed, I am not a fan of Versed and many others have had terrible experiences with it, so I have it listed on my medical record as a drug to be avoided — it states clearly on my record (and on my arm band) that I have adverse reactions to Versed and NOT to give it to me, so I don't have to worry about it anymore! You should be able to work out something similar if you are concerned about this.

 

I would also ask about how they plan to deal with any pain you may have. Having a plan in place, along with a back up plan if needed can be a huge help, especially to benzo patients. I had great support with my pain management for my last surgery and was off the meds and feeling better quite quickly because we discussed options before the procedure.

 

Finally, I'm sure it will all go smoothly. You are doing your "due diligence" by checking out information about use of benzos for surgery during w/d as well as concerns about anti-biotics and other meds, so it sounds like you have it all well in hand. Good luck and let us now how you are doing when you get the chance!

 

Best,

 

Mo

[[be...]]

Hi again,

 

Seems like you have gotten plenty of info on this subject, but I was thinking about it last night and wanted to add that I think it is helpful to talk with your doctor and/or anesthesiologist BEFORE the day of surgery if possible. Although it is common for the anesthesiologist to visit just prior to surgery, the best practices I have seen (such as at Mayo Clinic Hospital) involve a phone call or a visit PRIOR to the day of surgery, which gives everyone time to figure out the best strategies in advance without being rushed or pressured — and, studies show that this approach avoids complications with medications and anesthesia, most of them minor, by as much as 30% in some hospitals. I have called and requested such an appointment or phone conversation myself when it was not part of the hospital protocol.

 

You should be told WHAT medications they plan to give you and WHY. Many people, as Challis99 reported, may not need or want a drug to "relax" them prior to surgery — or just knowing it's available if they DO need it makes all the difference and they have the choice at any point to use that med, or not, with the prior knowledge and support of their medical team. I was given Lorazepam before, during and after my surgery not for "relaxation", but to help avoid problems I have with seizures. Due to my heart condition, there was no really good way to get around using a benzo of some sort — I had to take something and I thought they worked very responsibly with me on the choice of Lorazepam. I told them about my benzo w/d situation and they worked with me to find the right choice.

 

If your docs suggest you need "sedation" (as versus "relaxation") ask them what type of sedation ("twilight", where you come in and out of consciousness or are partially aware of things) or complete sedation (where you are out the whole time and then come out of it when everything is over) and what drugs will be used and what the side effects of those drugs might be and how you can expect to feel in recovery after the use of these drugs.

 

Sometimes patients may not even need to be sedated, but this is a very personal decision. Although it is standard procedure to sedate patients receiving implantable cardiac monitoring devices (that are surgically implanted under the skin but not into  the heart) I was able to work with my cardio to have only a local for both the implantation of the device as well as the removal of it some 3 years later. It was the first time he had done the procedure without using sedation or relaxation medications, but since I was not concerned about the procedure it went well and was really a piece of cake. He now does more and more like that because it's safer, cheaper and faster — but some people still do better with sedation or relaxation because they are genuinely terrified and why put yourself through that if you don't have to? Compare that to a 6 hour long cardiac catheterization procedure where lying still for some parts is critical and the need for sedation for all, or at least for part of the procedure, is obvious and this where the need for open lines of communication with your doctor and anesthesiologist come in. With their help and knowledge, and your concerns and expectations, you should be able to work out a plan that best meets YOUR needs for YOUR individual situation rather than being put on the "surgery express" line where one size fits all just because it's easier or "standard" for the hospital and medical staff.

 

As discussed, I am not a fan of Versed and many others have had terrible experiences with it, so I have it listed on my medical record as a drug to be avoided — it states clearly on my record (and on my arm band) that I have adverse reactions to Versed and NOT to give it to me, so I don't have to worry about it anymore! You should be able to work out something similar if you are concerned about this.

 

I would also ask about how they plan to deal with any pain you may have. Having a plan in place, along with a back up plan if needed can be a huge help, especially to benzo patients. I had great support with my pain management for my last surgery and was off the meds and feeling better quite quickly because we discussed options before the procedure.

 

Finally, I'm sure it will all go smoothly. You are doing your "due diligence" by checking out information about use of benzos for surgery during w/d as well as concerns about anti-biotics and other meds, so it sounds like you have it all well in hand. Good luck and let us now how you are doing when you get the chance!

 

Best,

 

Mo

 

Great post! Sorry to go off topic here, but every time I see your online name I am dying to replace the "s" with a "z." Bets

[[va...]]

Mo, thanks for that well thought out post.  You've made some good points.  I'm hoping my pain doctor will also be my anesthesiologist (he's the head one at the hospital where my surgery is scheduled and I'm planning on requesting him, but he's out of the country right now so I can't talk to him about it).  I have an appointment with him the night before so we can go over everything then.  My pre-op appt is Monday and I'll request him then, and also leave a message for him asking him to call me and requesting him.  (I know he's working that day so it really shouldn't be a problem.)  I'm trying to find out what they used in my 2 previous surgeries with regard to anesthesia because once it was fine and the 2nd time it was a nightmare.  Hopefully I'll be able to find out.

 

So you said you only had a local during surgery.  Does that mean you were conscious and aware of what was going on?  I don't think I could handle that.  lol.  I think I'd rather not know, frankly.  At any rate, I want to take as few drugs as possible, just to be safe.  I was thinking of asking for propofol, even though I'm painfully aware that is the drug that killed both Michael Jackson and Joan Rivers.  Joan was ancient though and Michael wan't in a hospital, so there's that.  Do they give something for pain when they're working on you?  Because I would think that would also be important.  At any rate, if I must take a benzo, maybe valium would be best.  I don't know.  I wish I didn't have to go through this again but there is simply no other choice.  I have two cysts and they must be removed.

 

(btw, I always think that about the s in your name as well, and it makes me think of my favorite classical composer.  )

 

 

 

ScaredinMA, I'll bet it was the versed, from everything I've read about it.  It really sucks what happened to you.  I hope you start feeling better soon. 

 

Namaste.

 

~K   

 

[[mo...]]

BG and VGsE -  I now realize that not having the Z in there trips everyone up, but at the time I chose it, it made perfectly good sense to me since my nick name is Mo and I not only love Mozart, but I also love art and art history. Plus, at my age I have to have screen names and passwords I can actually remember!

 

VGsE - Sounds like things for your surgery are lined up really well! In re the questions you raised:

 

Propofol is a rather unique substance as it can be a sedative or an anesthesia and is used as both. It has many good qualities, one of which is that, unlike so many other sedatives and anesthesias, it does not tend to cause nausea and people can be brought out of it very quickly, often feeling "fresh" rather than "groggy". However, like any drug, there are side effects and cautions and special training in using propofol is critical since some of the cautions are very specific to this drug — and it is a fairly recent drug approved only since 1989 for use in the USA so it may take some time to get really strong stats on it's use. From what I have read, Michael Jackson was abusing propofol and had a quack administering it to him outside of a hospital environment and Joan Rivers also received it outside a hospital environment and both suffered respiratory arrest, which is one of the main concerns with this drug when it is being administered by untrained personnel. And, it should NEVER be used outside of a hospital setting!!! Because it is used for both sedation and anesthesia, the critical dose difference that takes one from heavy sedation to actual anesthesia unconsciousness is said to be a particularly fine line with propofol making it particularly important to have a trained, knowledgeable professional administering it and monitoring the patient — and there are the rare patients who have bad reactions to it, as is the case with any drug or anesthesia. Again, a discussion with your anesthesiologist should be helpful here since as popular as propofol is, it's not appropriate for every surgery or every person.

 

My two experiences with propofol were each quite a bit different: First experience I had a 30 minute endoscopy and colonoscopy and could not believe how great I felt when I came out of it. No pain, no nausea, no grogginess, no memories and in a great, relaxed and refreshed mood! Totally surprised me given problems I have had with anesthesia in the past. Second experience was a 6 hour heart procedure and I woke up feeling not so great, had some nausea and felt yucky for several days. I have always wondered if this had to do with the longer amount of time I was out or with other meds they might have given me, BUT I also had a couple of unusual complications during the procedure (and they were working inside my heart so that's an added body and mental stressor!) so that might account for why I wasn't so chipper after my second propofol experience. Overall, I think people who have propofol administered by the right person at the right dosage for the right circumstances have a pretty good experience with it. Just be aware that it does act on GABA receptors, although I have yet to understand how this might or might not affect someone with a history of benzo use.

 

Yes, I was conscious and chatting with my doctor about surfing...everyone was in masks and the sterile field had to be maintained, which might make some people uncomfortable, but other than the unique experience of smelling my own skin "cooking" when they cauterized the incision (standard for that procedure to limit small vessel bleeding) it was no big deal. I felt no pain, no fear and no grogginess. And, since there was no anesthesia and no sedation there was very little prep time and no recovery room time. It all was done quickly, especially since rather than suturing my incision, they just "super glued" it! Afterwards I immediately got dressed and then went shopping since, having had no drugs, I could drive. After the "local" wore off, I did have some pain so I took a couple of Aleve. In my experience, having a "local" for a simple implant, or a simple arthroscopic joint repair, is no big deal IF you are comfortable with it, (it is actually pretty interesting to be "part" of the process), but I don't think I would have just a "local" for something where they have to go deep inside my body and need me to lie perfectly still!

 

Yes, they should absolutely give you something for pain and I'm sure they will! Even if you are completely "under" they should be managing your pain and that's another reason why a good conversation with your anesthesiologist is so important — it can be reassuring to YOU. The best practices already KNOW how to manage anesthesia and pain control and will already have taken this into account before they even get started. The goal is to make sure you don't feel pain during the procedure and that any pain you might have after the procedure is also managed so they should be able to work with you and help you feel comfortable since this is their job and their area of expertise.

 

No one wants to have surgery, but if you have to have it, it sounds like you've got the best possible situation you can have going for you! Soon it will all be over, but in the meantime, I am a big believer in the concept of getting lots of care and extra attention from family and friends, as well as spoiling yourself a little both before, during and after the procedure as I think it helps in the healing!

 

Best,

 

Mo

[[be...]]

benzogirl - I did NOT know they included Versed in the capital punishment cocktail! Here is a link that explains a bit about Versed/Midazolam and how and why it is used so commonly in surgery. Not everyone is aware of it's use and in the past patients might not even be told what drugs they would be receiving. Like so much in life, Versed is not necessarily bad or good, just worth knowing about I think...especially if you have a history with benzos.

 

http://surgery.about.com/od/beforesurgery/qt/VersedMidazolamVersed.htm

 

Thanks for the link. I've know for years and years that they use it for surgery. I've had three of them and each time they asked me, do you want some Versed? I always say no. Even pre benzo days. For some reason, I am not scared of having surgery. I look at it that having it will eventually get rid of my pain. Doctor's daughter, ya know. Bets

[[va...]]

So I found out today they used versed during my 2nd surgery.  I had a feeling they did and that's probably what caused me to have problems afterwards.  They also used fentanyl.  I'm still not sure what they used during my 1st surgery as I didn't have time to go by the other hospital.  I didn't expect my pre-surgery appt to last so long.  I'll pick up those records tomorrow.

 

Apparently the antibiotic possibly being used will be vancomycin.  Anyone know anything about this?  I looked it up in wikipedia, but I don't see what class it belongs in.  It is an older one, but also very powerful. 

 

Namaste.

 

~K   

[[va...]]

So tomorrow is surgery day.  I'm a little freaked out about it, but I'm trying to keep it under control.  I now know they used versed during my 2nd surgery along with fentanyl, so I'm pretty sure the versed is what caused me to have complications afterwards.  I found out that during my 1st surgery they gave me clindamycin for an antibiotic, and my doctor has said he doesn't think it will be a problem to request it this time.  The other 2 they said they might use freaked me out a little, so it's good I have a choice there.  (I also found out I was taking xanax back then as well, although I had forgotten about it.  It's no wonder I guess, because I quit taking it CT with no problems, not like this time.)  While I haven't been able to find out what kind of general anesthesia they used on me the first time, I did talk to the anesthesia team that the Dr used, and I learned that back then it was common to use sodium pentathol or propofol, so I probably got one of those.  I'm seeing my doctor in a little while and will request him to be my anesthesiologist and talk to him about my choices.  I know one thing for certain, no way in hell will they be giving me versed again!

 

Wish me luck! 

 

Brightest blessings.

Namaste.

 

~K   

[[mo...]]

Hi VGsE,

 

I have been thinking about you today and sending positive thoughts your way. So good you found out about the Versed and know now to avoid it. Sounds like you are in good hands and by now I hope you are resting comfortably and being well taken care of. Get well soon and take good care of yourself. Let us know how you are and how it went when you are up for it.

 

Healing thoughts,

 

Mo

[[Ch...]]

Also thinking of you!