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Scared of trigger finger surgery without sedation - or cancellation.

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Posted 5/25/2010 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
I am scheduled for trigger finger surgery, 3 fingers, Thursday, if they don't cancel it. I'm scared the doctor will refuse to do it without sedation, or I won't be allowed to have any pain meds.

I was told at my appointment that I would have a call this week from a nurse, and I could ask to talk to the anesthesiologist.  (I am allergic to a whole list of meds.)  But the call didn't come, so I called the office, and the office person said they would call tomorrow.  She then said surgery wouldn't be until afternoon and I said that was a problem because my drop-off ride had to be at work by noon.   I said maybe I could not have a sedative and drive myself, and she said she'd tell the doctor I am refusing sedation. 

I am not refusing anything except allergies or amnesia, but I only have rides in the morning.  There are no taxis out here in the country.

Now I'm all upset that my surgery will be cancelled and I'll have to find another doctor. 

 

Posted 5/25/2010 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Alcie sorry your having problems getting a straight answer , is it possible an ambulance could transport you home , or stay in a hotel overnite maybe ? I live in NYC it is different in different locations I know , do you have a list of the meds your allergic to ? I'm just trying to suggest something for you , but be sure and be comfortable about what your doing or perhaps re-shedule .Good luck to you I hope it works out . Mikel
Posted 5/26/2010 12:10 AM (GMT 0)
Alcie, is there a reason you can't be driven to the hospital earlier and just stay there and rest until your surgery time?? I can't imagine that they would say no to that, if that's the only way you can be there and have the sedation.

Call the hospital and ask if they have a patient advocate you can speak with, to explain your situation. I hope you're able to work something out...it would be a shame to have to wait.

hugs,
Pam
Posted 5/26/2010 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the helpful replies.

Pam - I got a call today from someone who is actually nice and caring and relieved a lot of my anxiety. The procedure is cheduled for tomorrow at 1:30. I'm ging in early as that is when I can get my son to drive me. I can amuse myself with my cell phone - gets the web, TV. Since they called early and were able to find out the schedule (although the official call is later this afternoon), I was able to find a ride back, will have to call her and wait an hour for her to be able to get there. Better than driving myself! But I'm still refusing sedation unless I get to say what is used. I don't want amnesia! I lost 3 days the last time.

Mike - I have given everyone the lists of medication and food allergies and intolerances. I'm hoping to get a call from someone who can make sure anesthesia will check the "usual" meds beforehand. Most hospitals use cheap generics in multi-dose vials with preservatives. The stuff only costs a few cents more in single use doses, with no preservatives.
I think it might be possible to get the hospital to arrange transportation, but since I found a ride I'll remember that for next time.

Now all I have to do is wait and hope I get a call from at least a nurse, although my experience with them is they don't know anything about post-polio patients. I'm still concerned because the very nice lady I did get to talk with said sedation is the same as MAC, and I will refuse that! A little relaxation is one thing; sedation to the point of unconsciousness is another!
Posted 5/26/2010 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
I finally heard from a nice nurse from anesthesia (lots less grumpy than office person). I don't have to have sedation, taking diazepam and vicodin beforehand (to ward off fibro-flare) is fine, and I can actually have a light breakfast! She said people take all sorts of things before surgery and it's fine to be comfortable.

I'll have to sit around a couple of hours because my drop-off ride has to get to work, but who cares?

No amnesia! Yay!!
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