Re: Thyroid Biopsy

[Guest guest]

Becca, I understand fear, especially regarding medical procedures. I will

being praying for you before, during and after....in all regards!

On another note---Bethann is right about this---please stand up for

yourself. It's important to do!!

Thanks,

~Jennie

Jenniesattic is not a business. I simply like the name.

[Guest guest]

1) Tell them you refuse to have the procedure if your face is covered.

Tell them you want a standing drape. This is a drape that stands up

vertically, protecting your face, blocking your view, but not covering

it. Tell them you have nightmares from the last one and need to do it

differently. Just refuse- tell them you will not be able to keep still

if your face is covered and that you know there is an alternative

because a senior surgical nurse told you about it.

2) Tell them you need something to relax you or again, you will refuse

to have the procedure. Once they have you there, they don't want to be

messing about with consenting again. Versed/ midazolam shouldn't prevent

you from following commands like " swallow " if it's given in the correct

dose- after all, it's used at the dentist and the dentist can still tell

you to keep your mouth open! But, they could use valium, or something

else just to minimise your anxiety and make the procedure a little more

bearable. It's not the most terrible procedure,. but its not the easiest

one either. They should be a little more sensitive to your needs.

Often there are things that can be done but its easier to do things one

way- when you meet with the anesthetist, tell them outright about your

fears, worries and the degree of anxiety. Overplay the anxiety if

necessary, and one thing that will freak them out is if you ask them to

put in your notes that you expressly told them you were upset about the

drape and the lack of sedation- write it on the form they ask you to

sign to show that you have given consent. If they give you what you feel

is unacceptable grief, tell them you will complain- and your writing on

the consent is evidence that you DID expressly make your wishes known.

Just remember: you are the patient. This is all about you, your needs,

your health. You have the right to make your feelings known. You have

pain and misery all the time- if there are small things that can be done

to make things easier, you have every right in the world to have those

things. Don't let their position and authority intimidate you- in the

end, its you that has to face this and you that has to sleep at night.

They will not treat you any differently if you stand up for yourself or

if you don't... well... actually... they might treat you a lot better if

you do.

Good luck-

Bethann