/r/Anesthesia

Photograph via snooOG

Welcome to r/anesthesia!

This subreddit is for the discussion of all things anesthesia. You may post questions or relevant articles related to this topic.

Please read the rules and the sticky at the top of the sub, "Anxiety and Anesthesia", before making a new question post.

This is the Reddit for seriously discussing Anesthesia.

*If you are a patient and wondering about your cannabis use and its effect on anesthesia please just be honest with your provider. It generally has no effect. Refrain from smoking anything in the days leading up to your procedure. *

/r/Anesthesia

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1

Hello! I have a cosmetic surgery coming up on Wednesday which I am super excited about. Only thing I have a lot of concern for is the fact I am a daily weed smoker. I am wondering if anyone else with a very high tolerance would have any experiences with anesthesia to share with me? Thank you!

3 Comments
2024/11/03
05:42 UTC

2

Behaviour when waking up

I was hoping someone could educate me on what's going on

The last few times I've been put under for surgery iv woken up and I'm incredibly rude to staff , surgeon, nurses, my wife 😪

I say outlandish things for example : telling my spinal surgeon - "I should have just done the surgery myself"😵

Is something more specific happening? Is it a common thing? Am I having a reaction to the medication? dealing with something, or am I just a shitty person?

1 Comment
2024/11/03
00:44 UTC

1

ADN while doing a Bachelors (dual enrollment)?

Hi everyone, I have a unique issue. I want to work in anesthesia as either a CRNA or a CAA. I am an introvert/have a low social battery and I am interested in neuropharmacology, so I think something less patient-facing like anesthesia may be right for me. Problem is, I’m not sure which one I want to do. My plan was to pursue an ADN in my first two years of college (in addition with lots of shadowing to help me with my decision), then pursue a pre-med major or maybe major in statistics and minor in biochemistry (to meet my pre-med requirements, and I think stats is a very versatile degree and useful for research). Then I could come out of college with an ADN as an RN, and if I decided to go the nursing route I would work in the ICU for a few years while doing my online bridge RN-BSN program, and if for whatever reason I can’t get into CRNA school or I change my mind, I have the clinical experience and pre-requisites to go to CAA school

The thing is, most colleges in my area that offer an ADN seem to be community colleges, and I’d like to earn my BS from a university. I’d also like to be at the same school for four years so I can grow a stable social support system/consistent and more long-term group of friends as I feel that would be the most beneficial for my mental health. Could I do dual enrollment on my first two years with a local community college for my ADN while in university? Or are there any other options that could allow me the flexibility of choosing my own school for pre-med while allowing me to work towards my ADN? Sorry if this seems all over the place I just would like to explore strategies where I have the freedom to pick my own school and not be hampered by the fact a lot of universities don’t an ADN program

7 Comments
2024/11/03
00:19 UTC

0

Tummy Tuck/Breast Lift Wednesday

Hi all - I have a tummy tuck and breast lift with implant replacement Wednesday 11/6. I don’t do well with pain and have a high level of anxiety. The anxiety is made worse by having two little girls who need me. I’ve had past pretty aggressive knee surgeries and had a hard time getting my heart rate under control so I could go back to the operating room. I’ll tell the anesthesiologist all of this but can they just give you a higher dose of versed earlier vs. 20 min before you go back?

I am just 1. Extremely anxious and don’t want to lay there for an hour and have a panic attack and 2. Don’t want to say the wrong thing to the anesthesiologist who is the expert.

Any guidance?

6 Comments
2024/11/02
04:19 UTC

4

Quick Survey on MINS Management!

Dear Colleagues,

If you treat patients with myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS), we’d love your insights! This 18 questions survey explores physician management patterns for MINS, a serious yet often silent complication that can lead to long-term cardiovascular risks. Your input will be valuable for understanding and improving patient outcomes in this area.

Your expertise would make a real difference!
Physician Strategies for Myocardial Injury Management Following Non-Cardiac Surgeries - Google Forms

0 Comments
2024/11/01
23:00 UTC

0

Nerve block for RC repair, 2 fingers tingly

Had RC repair 14 hrs ago. Got a nerve block. Noticed my thumb and index fingers very tingly.

Fast forward to now. Can't sleep. Thumb is hot, tingly, can't bend tip of thumb. Index finger tingly, but can bend all joints. Other 3 fingers not tingly, can bend no problem. Nerve block has not worn off, but worried as to why only 2 finger are messed up. Can move wrist. Should this resolve. Also, wanted to take half a xanax .25 or valium to sleep, but not sure since i had general anesthesia. Not taking opioids, i know i can't take that combo.

Edit. Hour 30, very little tingling. Thanks.

2 Comments
2024/11/01
07:09 UTC

2

Quick Survey question for my fellow anesthesia providers

Physicians and CRNAs, concerning epidural pump keys, does your facility allow you to carry them on your person, or do you have to secure them when not in use? By secure, I mean in a double locked area such as a Pyxis/Omnicell in a locked med room.

We have traditionally carried the keys on our person, but our hospital is concerned about the risk of diversion.

Has anyone heard about persons diverting epidural infusions?

Thank you in advance E

15 Comments
2024/11/01
01:22 UTC

0

Respiratory Rate during Anesthesia with Oxygen Mask. Is this Normal?

Respiratory rates were notated every 3-5 minutes by the anesthesiologist and was uploaded to my patient portal. I couldn't help but see all the red on it, I was sedated during this time with an oxygen mask(says so on the op notes). Does it normally drop this low during surgeries while sedated?

https://preview.redd.it/hb32cnpsn1yd1.png?width=806&format=png&auto=webp&s=1a5fd5752f360080860c61a026cfd84420aa800f

24 Comments
2024/10/31
07:30 UTC

0

Anesthesia Risks

anesthesiologist answer preferred but if you have knowledge please feel free to respond.

So I’m anticipating a MAJOR surgery. Phalloplasty to be exact. I’ll be put to sleep for 8-10 hours. I have anxiety, therefor I MANY concerns.

  1. Does the amount of time you’re put to sleep for increase risks?

  2. Chances of waking up due to a long period of sedation.

8 Comments
2024/10/31
07:05 UTC

0

My body didn’t go to sleep under general anesthesia.

I had a endoscope so they gave me general anesthesia. However, I didn’t go to sleep. They gave me a bit more two times but still didn’t go to sleep therefore they didn’t treat me. I remember I was aware and talking but I was dizzy. Why somebody wouldn’t go to sleep with anesthesia? what could have happened ?

13 Comments
2024/10/30
01:39 UTC

0

I was asked very personal questions while under anesthesia and they were thrown in my face when I woke up!

Why? This just pissed me off! My husband was standing next to me at my bedside. If she wanted to talk with me why not one -on -one instead of calling me out in front of everyone. Is it standard practice to delve into people's deep personal minds during surgery? Do they ask questions to people when their most vulnerable and laugh at what's said. I'm just so fucking mad!!!

6 Comments
2024/10/29
15:58 UTC

2

what did you see before anesthesia?

i was on anesthesia recently but I’ve noticed that not many people talk about that one specific part right before getting knocked out, and my question is… if you ever had to undergo anesthesia, what did you see just before sedation?

because for me, when i was just about to drift off, the room was bouncing up and down like i could feel my eyes try to stay awake so it looked like my eyes were fluttering a bit, i saw two anaesthesiologists staring down at me knowing i was just about to be sedated. then it got incredibly blurry and that’s basically the last thing i remember…

7 Comments
2024/10/28
22:47 UTC

0

Is the intravenous anesthetic needed for the entire surgery (mainentance for general anesthesia)?

They also use a gas mask.

Is intravenous general anesthesia for induction only or… it is needed for mainentance?

General anesthesia.

(Intravenous is just the induction or it is needed for the entire mainentance? Because they ALSO give a mainentence anesthetic with a gas mask. I want to ask if the intravenous anesthetic is also needed for the entire surgery? Together with the gas mask anesthesia. They place a needle with an induction in the wrist, arm or hand (intravenous). My question is: one needs to be receiving this intravenous anesthesia for the entire procedure?)

13 Comments
2024/10/28
20:28 UTC

0

why do some clinics offer twilight and some general for the same procedure?

hi all,

I am researching endoscopic brow lifts / endotine brow lifts for aesthetic reasons in Korea and noticed that some clinics offer twilight sedation or mild sedation, and some offer geneal anesthesia with intubation. Why is this?

I thought that twilight would be less risky but now I am reading that it can be toxic and going under general means that they can control your breathing.

any advice is very welcome. I am a bit nervous and do not know which clinic option to choose!

4 Comments
2024/10/28
08:25 UTC

5

is sobbing after waking up from anesthesia normal?

hey:) not too sure this is the right place to ask but I figured it couldn't hurt so here I go

I had a cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) earlier this year and when I woke up from the surgery I just started crying uncontrollably. nothing hurt or anything like that I just came to already crying. the nurses/staff didn't seem alarmed they just assured me and let it pass and I calmed down after a few minutes.

later I was kinda embarrassed to ask the doctor if it was normal so obviously the next logical step is to ask the internet so I'm asking here:)

10 Comments
2024/10/27
17:33 UTC

0

Ketermine post op

I had a large breast reduction almost six full days ago. I felt as if it was large because 7 pounds were removed and I weigh 150 pounds pre surgery. The surgery itself was uneventful, only lasted 2 hours, excellent highly reputable surgeon, also removed a mass from right axila and did lateral chest lipo. I have felt odd ever since waking up. I couldn’t hold my head up for a few hours, which has never happened upon waking before. One of the nurses said it was probably because of the ketermine used. I have never had ketermine before this. That night when I got home I would fall asleep and then wake up with my heart beating very fast. I have followed post op instructions in regards to hydration, compression stockings, walking hourly… I have just felt odd with some confusion, feeling disoriented, and uncoordinated, and some nausea and anxiety. I also take 5 mg of lexapro daily, and 1.5 mg of low dose naltrexone for chronic pain. I’m just reaching out to see if the ketermine could be causing the problems. I asked my surgeon, however she wasn’t familiar with the anesthesiology practices, because the procedure was done in an outpatient surgery facility, instead of her private theater due to scheduling issues. Thank you for any input and insight.

24 Comments
2024/10/27
15:49 UTC

3

Will I continue to be able to get gas for my special needs son when he goes in for surgeries?

My son (16) is special needs (autism, intellectual and language impairment). He is a big dude now 5'10 200lbs, but ever since he was small it's been impossible for nurses to get IVs in him (and we've only gotten blood from him once in his life and it required a lot of restraints, he was like 7 or 8). Sedation does not work on him so he goes under for dental work beyond cleanings. I know that anesthesiologists would prefer him getting an IV before going back now that he's older and we try every time but it has never happened. So he goes back and they give him gas to go to sleep and then give him an IV.

I'm wondering if we will we be able to continue this as he gets older or is there a chance he starts getting denied surgery because of this? Is there something else we can do? He takes oral medication no problem. (I give him Ativan before procedures, but that doesn't help calm him enough for IV) Is there something orally he can take that will put him to sleep that's safer than gas? I assume that would take much longer though..

Primarily I want to know if most anesthesiologists will be okay with this as he gets older or if we'll start running into issues.

6 Comments
2024/10/25
15:00 UTC

1

Pre-Op Nurse said I would be woken up after the surgery in the operating room, however, I do not recall that at all, I only remember waking up in recovery, how come?

As the title reads, that's my question, I do not recall waking up after the surgery was done still in the operating room, they said they do it to make sure you can breathe on your own and make sure you're mentally alright but STILL in the operating room. I do not remember it at all lol. Why can't I remember that but can I remember the recovery room?

7 Comments
2024/10/25
03:36 UTC

2

Are there sleeping pills you can't take before general anesthesia?

Basically I have surgery with general soon. I'm born with a muscle condition and my body only relies on glycogen when active, restless, stressed out. A substantial part of my muscle fibers are atrophic and my muscle glycogen stores likely not very big. Yay!

Basically, before each surgery I can't sleep, because I know I have to sleep to be stable come next morning and to prevent hitting the wall, I don't sleep because I know I have to sleep, then really need to sleep, and then spent the whole night awake and restless, and hit the wall once at the hospital. In the past a surgery had to be rescheduled because I was not stable. And even if not, I'll be stuck in that bonk until I have food at my usual schedule, which is every 60-120 minutes when awake, which a hospital can't provide. The planed surgery will probably be a 3-4 day stay and is something I've been working towards for many years and rescheduling is not an option for me.

Thus are there options for me that don't interact with anesthesia? Melatonine and super tired making antihistamine don't work. Benzos are taboo for me because they make me restless and cause strong muscle weakness and breathing difficulties. Weed might make me tired enough to sleep but might also cause muscle weakness. Will only see the anesthesiolost a day before surgery, and they can't prescribe me something, plus without testing it in advance I'm not sure this is a good idea. No way of contacting them in advance. I will talk to my gp though.

9 Comments
2024/10/24
07:49 UTC

3

Pain after procedure with propofol?

I did a colonoscopy yesterday and they used propofol on my right arm. After several hours after the procedure, I started experiencing very intense pain in my elbow on my right arm, near the location of injection of the propofol. The nurse wasnt very experienced since she missed my vein once... Is it related to the anesthesia or something else? It hurts a lot when I do some movements with the arm. Its kind sharp/burning pain for just a few seconds. I am trying not to move much my arm so I dont feel the pain.

6 Comments
2024/10/24
07:13 UTC

6

General anesthesia was the best thing that happened to me in the last five months

Well maybe second best. Living hurts.

3 Comments
2024/10/23
19:35 UTC

1

TKA Spinal and HIP

Hi all, I need both knees done and left hip. Is it possible for the first knee to have a spinal and no sedation? Having multiple allergies, heart problems, diabetes and asthma it’s not great being sedated. Having had loss of airway and several other problems during 8 previous surgeries and 20 procedures I’d like to avoid it. Is it possible do you see it often? Thanks

24 Comments
2024/10/21
17:23 UTC

0

Hernia surgery with spinal anesthesia.

Hello everyone I have my right inguinal hernia surgery tommorow and it will be done under spinal anaesthesia.

I asked for local anesthesia but the surgeon said spinal anaesthesia is better at managing pain post surgery.

I've searched about spinal anaesthesia and there are complications such as Total Spinal Block and hypotension.

I'm worried should I cancel the surgery or ask them for local anaesthesia?

17 Comments
2024/10/21
15:46 UTC

2

What are sedative options for c section?

Hello I recently read a mom could get a sedative in addition to the spinal for a scheduled c section (breech baby). I am super uncomfortable with the idea of just a spinal and being able to feel everything but pain based on all the vivid descriptions of women sharing their weird stories about c sections.

I’ve had three other vaginal births with epidural and my last baby i hemorrhaged 3 hours post birth and needed a D and C and since I had the epidural at 8 cm, and pushed the baby out within an hour of getting the epidural, they were able to give me some kind of sedative that I couldn’t feel the surgery with minimal memories but i do remember being loopy and talking to the doctors/anesthesia/nurse.

I just don’t want to know anything about what’s going on as much as possible but obviously general anesthesia is not recommended.

24 Comments
2024/10/20
06:40 UTC

2

Abandoned the mission

I went to get a tooth extracted yesterday, but they didn’t proceed due to not responding to the anesthesia. It was a combination of Fentanyl and something else (can’t recall). They put the IV in and the next thing I know I’m in the car with my wife telling me the did nothing. Why would I not respond? I drink alcohol on Friday nights and occasionally a couple beers on Saturday. I don’t smoke weed. I have sporadic anxiety and take Propranolol very occasionally (once a month maybe). They blamed it on me being to anxious but my blood pressure was only slightly elevated according to them.

10 Comments
2024/10/19
18:05 UTC

0

2mg of versed IV put me to sleep but I woke up mid-procedure crying out in pain. Thoughts?

Procedure was 10 min, just routine epidural with cortisone into L5S1 for disc herniation/nerve flare up. Received 2mg versed IV, first timer, I’m a 140lb female, fell right asleep but short time later said “owwww” a few times I heard a little commotion & afterwards they told me they had to give me a little fent to put me back to sleep and said the site must be really inflamed. I was wondering how they could tell I was inflamed from an epidural. I’ve been thinking / out of curiosity— Do you think it was more likely inflammation / high pain that caused me to wake up mid-sedation or was the dose too small? Overall, procedure went really well… I am just a nurse myself and I am curious which is more likely.

8 Comments
2024/10/19
05:26 UTC

1

Scopolamine patch successes?

I'm having major surgery next month where I will be under general anesthesia.

I've had general anesthesia as a child and then also 12 years ago for wisdom teeth (yes really general anesthesia for my wisdom teeth). I had vomiting issues both times after.

I've raised this concern for my upcoming surgery and was told to ask for a scopolamine patch prior. Just was wondering if anyone on here had success with these patches before? And can I request they be used in combination with other medicines (such as Zofran)??

7 Comments
2024/10/19
03:13 UTC

1

regional or general for humerus surgery?

hey reddit, i'm going to have a surgery where they're going to put a titanium plate on my humerus, and the doctor said me it might be done using regional anesthesia. ive had in the past two surgeries with general anesthesia and it went well, it's the first time i will go with regional, should i ask the doctor to use general? im a bit concerned by the risks of limp numbness

6 Comments
2024/10/18
23:26 UTC

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