Shaunah: Question regarding pre-op

[Guest guest]

Hi Shaunah!

Prior to your myo, you should have had (or will have??) a pre-op evaluation

with a staff anesthesiologist who will review your entire medical history with

you. Of course, this interviewing doc may not turn out to be the same

anesthesiologist who will be in the OR the day of the surgery--but no matter.

The

exchange of info. will be made part of your record.

I'm puzzled as to why the NP told you to stop taking all meds before surgery.

Of course I don't know what meds you are currently taking. And it's true that

due to bleeding and other problems, some OTC meds like aspirin, and

supplements like Vitamin E, and certain herbs should be stopped prior to

surgery.

However, _in general_, most meds do NOT need to be discontinued prior to

surgery. In fact, patients are usually assured they may take their regular meds

the same morning of surgery with a teeny tiny sip of water.

And as you probably know, with certain meds, it's just not wise to abruptly

stop taking them--it's best to taper off them, if it were truly necessary to

stop taking them.

I notice that your surgery is the day after Memorial Day. If I were you, I'd

call TODAY and speak directly to a hospital anesthesiologist about any

concerns you have about your prednisone/cortisone. Or any medical

concern--including

the urinalysis.

NO QUESTION TOO UNIMPORTANT/ TOO SILLY TO ASK!!! And speak with an EXPERT. No

disrespect intended, but the NP is not the final authority.

For YOUR peace of mind over the weekend, prior to your surgery, you might

want to contact an anesthesiologist now, rather than waiting till the morning of

your myo.

As other LOL have said, it never hurts to repeat your

needs/allergies/sensitivites to all your medical personnel.

And as a final note, after discussing your ongoing meds with your

doctor/nurses, be sure to pack your own supply in your bag. Don't count on the

hospital

to have the exact brand in stock.

I assumed that the hospital had a wide array of PPI (proton pump inhibitor)

drugs available for patients, only to learn they didn't carry the brand that

works for me. :-( A substitute drug was ordered, but it did nothing for my GERD,

and even made me feel a bit worse. Not a tragedy, but an annoyance that I

could have easily avoided. In fact, the nurses asked me: " Oh,.....you didn't

bring any of your own? "

BTW, the results from your CBC (for your hgb level) should be available ASAP.

I would think if it was too low, you would have heard by now. I've had my

CBC done and my results available before the end of a hemotologist appointment.

But NEVER be afraid to ask questions--before and throughout your hospital

stay.

Best of luck to you on Tuesday!!!

-Roma

In a message dated 5/27/2004 7:35:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

myrtle9e6@... writes:

Hi all,

I just had pre-op yesterday for my myomectomy on June 1st. I just

have a few questions/concerns. The NP did the bloodwork, EKG and I

had my chest X-ray done, but she told me that she didn't need a

urinalysis. Has anyone else experienced this? My paperwork from my

RE's office said I needed my urine taken and I asked the NP twice but

she declined. All she asked me is if I was pregnant. (Obviously not

otherwise I wouldn't be able to have this surgery) She noted on the

paperwork as I did also that I have keloid skin and have undergone

plastic surgery for it in the past. How can I be sure that all this

information is reviewed prior to the procedure? If my iron count

isn't high enough, how soon does the hospital inform u of this?

There was no mention of hospital room preferences etc... when does

that occur? during same day admissions prior to the surgery? The NP

had me stop taking all my meds except for my inhalers,and iron. I

did notify her I will be on predisone prior to the procedure per my

pulmonary/family practice dr. Is it okay for me to be on predisone

and cortisone at the same time?

any feedback will be great!

Thanks,

Shaunah