Possible surgery

[[Se...]]

I have been suffering with disc issues in my back for about 15 years now. Back in November, it flared up, and has been progressively getting worse the past few months. I have been going to physio, and nothing I do is helping. I am too scared to take anything for it as I had a really bad reaction to only half of a regular strength Tylenol. My nervous system is beyond sensitive at this point, so am at a loss and have lost hope that anything can help. I also tried acupuncture and that really set me off. My doctor is concerned and wants me to go into emergency because she is thinking I could possibly require emergency surgery. I don't know how I will react to having surgery being that they will most likely give me pain meds and antibiotics. If I can't handle a Tylenol, how am I supposed to handle other meds. I am kindled and not even close to being healed, The pain has been excruciating lately and it's really affecting every aspect of my life. I'm so scared I may not wake up if I do have to have emergency surgery with the way I reacted to the Tylenol. I am also unable to take CBD oil. I feel like I am going to be such a difficult case being that I'm in withdrawal and not many doctor's understand that, and also I don't want anymore meds. I still have to taper Gabapentin (540mg's) Amitriptyline (10mg's), and Trazodone (87.5mg's) at some point when I am well enough. Does anyone have any experience with having a surgery like this or any surgery during withdrawal who is also kindled? Thanks!

[[Ti...]]

Hi Seeking,

 

Somewhat similar - I’m having a colonoscopy in July and I’m nervous.  I’m 2 years overdue because of WD so I get it.  There was no way I was going to go under general anesthesia when anything, even ice cream, could make me dizzy.  However, I feel now like I will be ok. I heard that they might give me versed, a benzo, before the propofol, so I’m going to tell them I don’t want it.

 

I know this is a very difficult decision, but you need to decide what you can handle, and not the doctor. I believe WD makes muscle pain way worse because your whole CNS is under assault, so maybe it will ease a bit on its own if you wait.

 

As an example, I was convinced I had something permanently blocking my throat because it would be very stiff and hard to swallow. I had a barium swallow to check the passageway, and it was all good.  While that didn’t match my symptoms, over time the extreme tension in my throat has lessened.

 

Tiny

[[gu...]]

I had cataract surgery and was given very small doses of valium and a small dose of VERSED, that is what started this whole nightmare for me.  Before that I was taking very occasion, tiny doses of klonopin,, which evidently sensitized me to the VERSED.  My advice - and I can't state this strongly enough - is DO NOT LET THEM GIVE YOU VERSED.  No matter what they tell you.  Versed isn't necessary for surgery, it just makes things easier for them. IF I were you, I'd tell them you have neurotoxic reactions to all benzos, versed included.  Please don't let them talk you into being given a benzo of any kind in the hospital.  I know one person who just got through recover, had to go to the hospital and was given one dose of ativan - it threw her back into withdrawl for 2 years!

[[Se...]]

Hi Seeking,

 

Somewhat similar - I’m having a colonoscopy in July and I’m nervous.  I’m 2 years overdue because of WD so I get it.  There was no way I was going to go under general anesthesia when anything, even ice cream, could make me dizzy.  However, I feel now like I will be ok. I heard that they might give me versed, a benzo, before the propofol, so I’m going to tell them I don’t want it.

 

I know this is a very difficult decision, but you need to decide what you can handle, and not the doctor. I believe WD makes muscle pain way worse because your whole CNS is under assault, so maybe it will ease a bit on its own if you wait.

 

As an example, I was convinced I had something permanently blocking my throat because it would be very stiff and hard to swallow. I had a barium swallow to check the passageway, and it was all good.  While that didn’t match my symptoms, over time the extreme tension in my throat has lessened.

 

Tiny

 

I have waited eight months now in hopes that this issue would resolve on its own, and things have only gotten worse I was sent or an emergency MRI which resulted in me having an appointment with a Neurosurgeon a few days later. I have a severely herniated disc that is pinching my nerve. Generally, they do surgery if the problem persists any longer than three months and I have waited eight. I feel as though I am left with no choice but to go through with this surgery. I have been going to physio, but that doesn't seem to help, and I mentioned it to the surgeons and they have told me physio won't help my issue as the disc bulge is very large. I'm really upset because this is not the route I want to take as I'm still not healed from withdrawal, and they have scheduled me in two weeks for surgery. I can't put this off any longer as I can hardly walk, sleep, or do the simplest thing because of the pain. I really don't want this to throw me back into acute. I have already made it known that I have extreme sensitivities to medications, and have asked that I not be given a benzo. I hope everything goes well with your colonoscopy! Thank you for taking the time to respond! 

[[Se...]]

I had cataract surgery and was given very small doses of valium and a small dose of VERSED, that is what started this whole nightmare for me.  Before that I was taking very occasion, tiny doses of klonopin,, which evidently sensitized me to the VERSED.  My advice - and I can't state this strongly enough - is DO NOT LET THEM GIVE YOU VERSED.  No matter what they tell you.  Versed isn't necessary for surgery, it just makes things easier for them. IF I were you, I'd tell them you have neurotoxic reactions to all benzos, versed included.  Please don't let them talk you into being given a benzo of any kind in the hospital.  I know one person who just got through recover, had to go to the hospital and was given one dose of ativan - it threw her back into withdrawl for 2 years!

 

Thank you for the advice! I have made it clear with the surgeons that I do not want a benzo of any kind, but have a separated appointment with the anesthesiologist, and will make it clear to him/her. I'm just so afraid that I won't wake up because of how sensitive I am to every medication including a small dose of Tylenol. I don't know what antibiotics they will give me, but I mentioned I do not want any fluoroquinolone antibiotics prescribed, and would like to try without any pain killers. I can't believe this surgery is a necessity; especially right now. I really wish I could wait, but it's not possible to put it off anymore.

[[ed...]]

My warning on benzos for procedures:

Seven months ago I had a colonoscopy, and was given Versed benzo.

A serious setback continues since then.

I am 5.5 years since ending Klonopin and antidepressants (used for 20 years)

but I am still disabled with paws.

I assumed the time lapse of 5 years meant that a benzo "light sedation"

would not be a big deal.

I was wrong.

Some people seem to have little trouble after stopping, but I can never have a benzo.

[[Be...]]

I had to get 2 biopsies over the past 6 months.  I understand you concerns, I had them also.

 

The first biopsy, I was not put to sleep but given a very large amount of local pain killer lidocaine.

 

The 2nd time I asked to be put out because the 1st procedure was so painful.  I told them time and time again, no benzos, including no versed.  Also, no FQ antibiotics.  The nurse was very surprised the FQ antibiotics had any affect on the CNS, but she said she was going to research it later.  During the 2nd procedure, I was given Lidocaine again and also propanol.  NO antibiotics were used.

 

My reaction to both procedures was almost identical.  I recovered well, but I became very sick about 17-22 days afterward, for about 4 or 5 days.  High anxiety, dizzy, headache, nausea, the usual.  But, overall it was worth the pain and suffering to have the biopsies done. 

 

Anyway, we are all different I keep hearing, but that was my experience.  Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.

 

 

[[pi...]]

Hello Seekinghope,

 

I'm one who has had several surgeries at various points in my withdrawal/recovery timeline due to a very bad shoulder followed by a very bad surgery.

 

You really don't need a benzo for surgery. It's normally given to relax the patient before the procedure but not necessary for the procedure itself.  Benzos are listed as an allergy on my chart. Normally I do have to explain, either in detail or not depending on the doctor, to the anesthesiologist the reason benzos are listed as an allergy. In all cases (I've had 4 surgeries), no one argued with me or questioned my reasoning.  I was give propofol for all the surgeries and did just fine with it.

 

I did have one very negative experience at my last colonoscopy. The doctor was clearly full of himself and said he'd never heard of anyone have such difficult problems withdrawing from benzos. We had quite an argument but in the end he complied with my wishes. Needless to say I will make sure this doctor is not on my case the next time I have to have a colonoscopy.

 

Good luck with your surgery, I'm so sorry for your ongoing pain.

 

pianogirl 

[[Mb...]]

Unless you’re willing to go back into afire withdrawal and start all over again... I wouldn’t even consider surgery

[[pi...]]

Unless you’re willing to go back into afire withdrawal and start all over again... I wouldn’t even consider surgery

 

Sometimes people don't have a choice. It's dangerous to suggest that people should not consider surgery whilst going through withdrawal, there are some issues that need medical intervention for the well being of the person.

[[Se...]]

Unless you’re willing to go back into afire withdrawal and start all over again... I wouldn’t even consider surgery

 

Unfortunately, I have no other option but to have surgery. This is absolutely something I don’t want, but will do permanent damage if I don’t go ahead. I am beyond terrified especially after meeting with the anesthesiologist today. I mentioned how imperative it is to not be given a benzo and they will give me Propofol. The said the only time a benzo will be used is if I have a seizure. I’m so nervous about the other meds that they will use and am sadly expecting the worst, but hoping for the best. I just hope I am able to make it through ok being kindled and how highly sensitive I am to everything.

[[Se...]]

Unless you’re willing to go back into afire withdrawal and start all over again... I wouldn’t even consider surgery

 

Sometimes people don't have a choice. It's dangerous to suggest that people should not consider surgery whilst going through withdrawal, there are some issues that need medical intervention for the well being of the person.

 

Thanks pianogirl. Yes, this is certainly not the route I want to take, but unfortunately have no choice.