SURGERY: Has anyone had surgery post-withdrawal?

[[Ki...]]

I am having major surgery in 3 weeks (hysterectomy) and will be 1 week shy of 2 years benzo free. I'm understandably nervous, and was wondering if anyone on the forum has had surgery post-withdrawal?

 

I'd love to know how your fared, what you experienced, what type of surgery you had and any tips you might have to help. I'd also love to know what meds you were given in the hospital and how you tolerated them.

 

Thank you 

[[Ch...]]

I had foot surgery about 18 months out.  I refused the pre-surgical med, figured it was a benzodiazepine of some sort.  The anesthetic was propofol and it worked fine.  I didn't notice any residual effects or amped symptoms post surgery.

 

Have you discussed what type of HRT (if any) they will start you on afterwards?  When I had a hysterectomy many years ago I woke up with a patch on my hip.  Hormones could amp things a bit, so I'd ask what the plan was for post surgery.

 

 

[[Ki...]]

Thanks Chal  The plan is to keep my ovaries so I won't need HRT.

[[Ca...]]

Hi Dear Kiddo,

  I had general anesthesia 6 weeks ago at nearly two years free for cardiac surgery to treat atrial fibrillation. I was much more concerned about the drug exposure than the mechanics of surgery. I interviewed the anesthesiologist, carefully sharing my history with benzodiazepines. He said he has never seen someone with protracted benzo withdrawal (hard to believe) and agreed to avoid all benzos and go easy with the anesthetic drugs. He used propofol, fentanyl and zofran for nausea post op. I did well during surgery and one week post op with my "ordinary" symptoms. I had an increase in withdrawal symptoms lasting four weeks starting 1 week post op. I settled into my previous baseline of symptoms about week 5 post op. I concluded the stress of surgery and exposure to drugs were hard on my CNS and it took some time to settle.

 

I understand reservations you may have about exposure to drugs....you've suffered from a drug injury already, of course you are concerned! It was frightening for me too. Go into this well informed. Consult with the anesthesiologist beforehand. Let everyone on staff know NO BENZOS. It was written in big letters on my chart!

 

Good luck dear one. Let me know when you choose to do this so I can hold you in my thoughts.

 

Love,

Carita

[[so...]]

Kiddo,

 

You will be fine.  Carita's post was wise and calm.  There is no reason to fear.  My SIL is an anesthesiologist and, after what happened to me, he no longer administers benzos pre-op, unless it is absolutely necessary to calm down a frightened patient who wants the pre-op "cocktail."  You will not be frightened.  You and your doctors and nurses will ALL be well informed.  You will sail through this surgery and jump right back on the healing rails. 

 

Breathe.  Meditate.  Stay quiet.  Pray.  Then repeat.  It's your only job. 

 

Sofa

[[li...]]

I've had two surgeries since I came off of benzos. I didn't do the benzo beforehand either time and recovery from surgery was pretty much just like it would be any other time.

 

Also, I don't think it would harm you to take the pre-surgery benzo if you needed. I don't think one time before something like that is going to really set you back.

[[Ki...]]

Thank you Carita, Sofa and Lila. I appreciate you sharing your experiences. 

 

Anyone else have surgery while in recovery?