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Avatar universal

Next eye surgery.

I am scheduled for my 3rd eye surgery after an eye injury. This surgery is to repair my iris with a prosthetic and to be performed by a completely different doctor and practice. My first two surgeries I was put under general anesthesia. They informed me for this 3rd surgery I would be under twilight or conscious sedation. They informed me that I would be able to talk with the doctor, but feel no pain. Well, like most folks that gives me some pose. I believe I have a more  reasons than the average eye patient for this uncertainty of sedation. First, the drug Versed does not effect my memory. I have received this preoperatively for my last two surgeries. Both of my surgeries were delayed (one was delayed for 9 hours) and I can recall both preoperative procedures entirely, including who was in and out of my room, complete conversations, everything until they roll you into the surgery room. My first surgery they put me under with medication in the vein, and the last surgery with the mask.

Secondly, my second surgery was a complete fiasco, and many things went wrong. The office scheduled me for early morning surgery, but failed to scheduled the surgeon at the same time and not until the afternoon, then my chart was mixed up with another patient. During surgery I experienced a deep eye hemorrhage, and there was a surgical error in the procedure. Luckily, I came through with vision.

I have the upmost confidence in the surgeon that will be doing this next surgery, and I know too well the risks involved. But I don't want to be awake and aware during this next surgery. I don't trust that the Versed will disengage my brain at a level that I will not be able to think clearly. I have never had Versed be able to do this before. I don't want to be lying there wondering if my eye will hemorrhage again. I know what the result of this can be.
How do I approach my doctors and staff about my concerns? What would you be your advice in how I should be sedated?

Thanks!


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Avatar universal
During my pre-operative period of my last surgery, the nurse was giving me 2mg/ml of Versed about every two hours. As I stated it never effected my thinking ability or memory. It never even made me sleepy, only slightly relaxing. I am in good health, within the normal weight limits for my height. I know that this sedation is safer on many levels, but I don't want to be aware  and engaged during this next surgery. All the comforting words that things will go well and we will take good care I have heard before, and they don't give me much comfort anymore. Unfortunately, bad experiences really can shake a person's confidence. I need to see competent action.
Thank you for your suggestions, this helps my mind. I will do as you recommended.
Helpful - 0
1731421 tn?1358823371
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Ask for more versed...enough which is sedating. If you are healthy and of average weight, you may tolerate easily 3 or 4 mg of Versed. Furthermore, this may be combined with Fentanyl. The combination of these drugs are sedating and relaxing, plus they far (FAR!) outweigh the risks and time of general anesthesia. Deep eye hemorrhage is rare and usually not related to the type of anesthesia which you may receive. It sounds like the first 2 surgeries were performed at a hospital. If you will be having your 3rd surgery at a well run surgery center (ambulatory surgery center), expect a much smoother experience (and much less costly). I hope this helps.

Sincerely,
Timothy D. McGarity, M.D.
Helpful - 0

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