5 Things You Must Tell Your Anesthesiologist Before Going To Sleep | Ask An Anesthesiologist

[@bakinglady1009]

So I went in for glaucoma surgery...and of course went over all those questions...I loudly and specifically told him that I can NOT tolerate ANY kind of opioid...NONE....I will vomit for hours. Can't even take a vicodin. So just as I am coming to on the table, I hear my surgeon tell the anesthesiologist "well, I am almost finished here".....and I feel like I am going to get sick...they wheel me out and the nurse is looking at me shaking her head...and the vomiting started and I couldn't stop...he had given me FENTYANAL! I vomited that entire day....I was LIVID. AND.....on another occasion, getting ready for that procedure we all hate....the nurse says that the anesthesiologist wants the IV in my right arm....I told her she is not gonna get anything into that vein...she pokes and says she found a tiny vein and tapes it all up. Anesthesiologist comes in and I tell her the IV is extremely painful and I do not think it is in right....she shoot lidocaine into it, which of course numbs it from the pain.....in the middle of the procedure, I WAKE UP....the IV had failed. We know our bodies, why can't they listen to what we say? I am not stupid but that is how I perceived they felt. Hard to trust after some situations!

[@BrooklynAlien]

So annoying! Thats why we get crankier and more demanding as we age and assume everyone around us is an idiot. I hate opioids, I will throw up but not as bad as you. And I actually hate being high. When I tell them this they blow it off and say oh just an intolerance but you're not allergic. I was super pressured to take some when I was passing a big kidney stone and i hated it. That was the last time I will ever go to the ER with a stone. Useless. Now I get a prescription if pain meds to have them ready but i take about a quarter and I get in bed and expect to be knocked out. I wake up eventually in pain, eat, drink etc. then take a bit more that knocks me out again. Now I know passing a kidney stone means 3 days of being knocked out lol.

[@cynthiadebeau4230]

Similar things happened to BOTH my parents when they were alive. My mom was banded for “nothing in the aspirin/nsaid family”…When she was about to be released, she was given a Toradol…very soon after, she passed out; blood coming from her mouth…she was bleeding to death; in emergency surgery she was transfused 7 units, and paddles brought her back. I went through agony watching her go through this. There are SO many stories I have regarding medical mistakes. If the truth became known, I think it would actually be in the top three causes of death. So sorry to hear what you went through.😢. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@BrooklynAlien]

@@cynthiadebeau4230 I'm so sorry you and your mother went through that. I didn't know Toridol was in the aspirin/nsaid family. I think that helped me once when I had a kidney stone and I hate anything opioid. I hate all meds now, they have such terrible possible side effects. I don't even take anything for my migraines anymore.

[@jacksoncitytravels6841]

Baking Lady, I agree with you. Some of these doctors and nurses do what are convenient for them, or they think they know better than you.

[@Victoria-tc5cm]

I hope you sued the pants off of them doctors?!?😮

[@ladyofthecreek279]

I was prepped for back surgery, on the gurney and all pre-op stuff was done. However, the anesthesiologist cancelled it because of a cardiac issue of mine. I was very grateful that he did.

[@TheAgentAssassin]

He probably saw your cardiac numbers weren't good just before surgery.

[@kateburk2168]

Have had several surgeries since the 2nd half of my life. Feel blessed to have had no complications. Such a sweet feeling to drift off and believing the problem at hand will be resolved when I awaken. L5-S1 was the worse pain. Great results! L Knee was easier. Carpal tunnel. Rods fused in foot with another knee is in the future. Plus, other more minor ones. Every anesthesiologist has listened to my concerns. They put me under just enough that I don't struggle to wake up. That being said...I am a firm believer in the power of prayer. In the weeks ahead, once the date is set, I begin to pray for the surgeon and the whole operating room team.😊

[@TheSmallninjavicki]

I have become 'aware' during two different procedures under anesthesia. I repeated back to both teams their conversations during the procedures...they were shocked. I felt the scalple cut into me, but was unable to cry out. The idea of going under anesthesia for tongue and throat cancer Terrifies(!) me, most especially if it will include cutting my neck open and cutting through my jaw! Can the Anesthesiologist guarantee me that I won't become aware during this surgery, and that I will be kept in deep enough to not be aware of such drastic cutting??? Terrified...

[@StevenBradleyMD]

Oh no! that sounds so horrible. Awareness is definitely one of the rare things we try to avoid! Keep letting the surgical teams know and it should definitely be in your medical record.

[@TheSmallninjavicki]

@@StevenBradleyMD Thank You for your response, I greatly appreciate it.

[@AlexEs63]

@@StevenBradleyMD 🚑 Which meds are increased or added? (I'm a newly retired OR Nurse and hate to admit, have the same fear ) Appreciate your time!

[@shananagans5]

I had a similar thing happen. I could hear, and understand, them talking, I could feel them moving me around and I could feel pressure. I never felt any real pain but I was pretty freaked out. I don't think the surgeon believed me until I said "Your sons are visiting this weekend and they want to rent a boat" That went into my record and I have been put under two times after that with no issues. I know it's no guarantee but my experience seems to have been a one time thing. Hope that helps calm your nerves. Good luck.

[@tonieamannministries]

You need to mention this for any further procedure which calls for anesthesia, and mention that you may need a double bolus of whatever the anesthesiologist has proposed to give you during your procedure. They will determined the amounts and monitor your stats as the procedure goes. Every single thing is monitored and logged.

[@fonda7760]

After cervical spine fusion (C4-5-6), I was told after awakening they had a difficult time waking me up! Talk about frightening! It took hours for me to be considered stable enough to transfer from Post Anesthesia to my room over the next 3 days. The Anesthesiologist visited me the following morning to evaluate how I was doing- possibly evaluating whether defending a lawsuit was in his future or other cause for concern filed against him. No such actions were taken on my part as I progressively continued to improve. Prayerfully, there will be no future need for surgery!🙏

[@jacksoncitytravels6841]

God is good!🤗

[@nannyfufu]

This happened to my also.

[@alixena9340]

It amazes me that a law suit was even in your mind. You must be American. Everybody is different and people react differently to drugs. Why would you assume that the anaethetist had done something wrong just because it took you a long time to wake up?

[@msgottaneedtoknow]

@@alixena9340 You’re obviously NOT American. If you were to experience some of the negligence and malpractice that so many, many of us have, you would definitely understand. We are supposed to be so great here in the U.S. but everyone knows that our medical system is horrible, and there isn’t any reason except they are often careless and negligent. When you lose a loved one or end up having a condition that causes suffering for the rest of your life. It’s hard to be understanding.

[@sandyhall237]

Did you get a reply of why it took them so long to wake you up this happened to me also and both lungs collapsed. I didn’t get to find out why. I hope to never need another operation because of this unknown reaction. I’m in Melbourne Australia.

[@DylanMadd]

Unique case: family member has chronic pain and though many treatments have been tried, they wind up taking pain killers. So they went in for foot surgery for some related chronic issues. And the anesthesiologist on the day of surgery swore up and down a “team” of people would monitor their pain and would give them what they needed (including very specifically a morphine drip they could administer themselves when the pain was intolerable.) Anesthesiologist promised the pain wouldn’t be bad after surgery. I sat and listened with my family member and we felt pretty good about it. However, after surgery, that person vanished and there was no pain management team. And in fact, no medications to help pain. There was tylenol and like 15mg of morphine 2x day. FAR less than this chronic pain patient has on a regular normal day for their nerve damage and spinal trauma. So what’s the deal? This is the Q: do anesthesiologists simply tell patients whatever they need to hear to be calm for surgery? Or are they just saying whatever to get through the number of patients they have, then not caring to follow up? This was a major (MAJOR) Los Angeles surgery center.

[@sevenmilewhite1407]

7 months and no answer.....I guess that's your answer! $$$$$ is there God not your wellbeing. Truly sad. Hope u r doing okay!!!!

[@DylanMadd]

@@sevenmilewhite1407 yeah. I figured. When I wrote that I was actually really looking for answers. But know what? Nobody’s coming to help and we’d better wrap our heads around that. Things have gotten better in many ways. Thanks for the reply. Don’t get discouraged!!

[@pamelacarina1298]

Decent drs will create a pain management approach for the patient. This dr was a jerk

[@maryhoward4219]

Any doctor is your employee so take charge and COMMUNICATE! As a relative etc - get ahold of the top person like medical director!! The specialists seem to be pushed out and Hospitalists take over post procedure! It is all about money disguised as “better care”! I was in the medical field. Fraud is fraud so watch that you get the hands on care you are billed for! Accredited institutions must listen!

[@mbv0223]

I worked in a PACU( Recovery Room) for 40 years. Very likely the first anesthesiologist left for the day and did not pass this conversation on to the physician relieving him. Or, he/she did report off and the doc coming on couldn’t bother, couldn’t care less, or was against the first docs plan. The anesthesiologist only usually is responsible for treating pain in the immediate post op period, before the patient is signed out of the PACU. then it is the responsibility of the surgeon to order analgesia and they are often inexperienced in ordering pain meds, don’t worry about dealing with the pts pain, or are hesitant to order higher than usual dose of narcotics because of the liability if pt gets too much when they are up in their room and don’t have the constant monitoring that they receive in PACU. There could have many one ir more of many explanations.

[@bobbates7343]

My reactions to the drugs used to put me under are so bad that twice doctors told me I had such a severe asthma attack that they brought in a respiratory therapist to save me during the op. Then when I wake up at first all may seem normal but it sure is not. The first time was day op. sent home with my mother driving right after having wisdom teeth out. My muscles became so tight and I had so much energy that I had to make her stop the car on the side of a big highway so I could do push ups and jumping jacks. The other time I was so bad after being sent home that I went back to the hosp for help . The doctor in the ER said I was drug seeking which I was not. Then I went back again and they sent a psychiatrist to see me who admitted me claiming I was crazy . He gave me a med. combo that I later found out was never ever to be given . The result of those meds made me much worse I finally told a nurse the meds were making me worse and one nurse took me to another doctor who it turns out was there in that hosp. because the horrible doctor I had was so bad that he had to be watched . That doctor told me flat out I never should have been given that med. combo and I was suffering ill affects from the drugs used during the op. So bad was all of this that my living will forbids the use of a general under any circumstance. Doctors told me they never heard of such a reaction but my sister in law who is a nurse knew about it and it turns out her adult son has had the same reaction . My mother that was a nurse knew all about from her training way back in about 1940 . She said patients often were normal before ops. then ended up in the psychiatry hosp or ward for the rest of their lives. So clearly either the doctors now lie about it or know about it . The other case is just as bad because if they do not know about it then they should as nurses do know .

[@susangilpin5286]

Patients should be able to watch videos from each doctor involved with his or her upcoming surgery before they undergo surgery. Being aware of the surgical process and post-surgery procedures are very helpful. The patient needs to know what to expect before and after. so they will be better prepared for what to expect. Thank you so much for this video.

[@marneebeckman4881]

I wish more doctors were aware of this. I've had PTSD my whole life and have had a bad experience with nearly every surgery, 7 major so far. Spinals never work, I have had to have fentonyl, I coded during my c-section. The physical reactions of PTSD are real!

[@bethpaluzzi1380]

I have major (off the charts) PTSD of having surgery when I was a kid. I am petrified of masks including oxygen. I can relate

[@bakinglady1009]

I am so sorry...that must be horrific.

[@karenvonbargen4472]

Only ever had one anesthesiologist address my PTSD as an issue, everyone else just blew me off

[@bakinglady1009]

@@karenvonbargen4472 That is so sad and unconscionable....so sorry.

[@itzAurora_Xoxo]

Sorry to hear that Marnee, well wishes to you from 🇮🇪 🌸

[@notimportant914]

Several family members, including me, have problems with anesthesia taking in our systems. I and a few other family members have gone through surgery and felt what was happening without being able to alert the medical team. It's terrifying to be trapped in your body, consciously aware, and not able to communicate that to doctors. "Twilight" sedation is a big NO for us. It makes us incoherent while trapped in it or (like me) we've woken up mid procedure while still on the table. How would someone convey this info in a way that communicates how painful and scary this is? Is there a fix for it? I've told doctors many times. Some listen, others don't. The ones who didn't have left horrible memories.

[@billiebluesheepie2907]

That same thing has happened to my mum and sisters, (we all have EDS, which I think is linked too) I have always asked for a spinal block and been given one, except for my last surgery - where I explained that I was really scared of having a general anaesthetic, but the spinal block didn’t work as I was due to go in for a six hour surgery. They told me that they would use a brain wave receptor to check how deeply sedated I was, and would use a lot of medication - which worked as I didn’t realise that I had been through recovery and woke up on the ward about five hours later :-)

[@sheilahenn8549]

Hello Dr Bradley, I have a very difficult time with Anesthesia. A few years back I needed knee replacement. I explained this to my surgeon and the Anesthesiologist. Long story short, I threw up daily for 28 days nonstop. I was being given injection every 4 hours to stop the vomiting. Nothing worked I finally could hold down Ginger ale then some mild chicken soup or broth. I could feel every organ in my chest, was extremely weak and reeked of chemicals that stained my sheets so bad I had to throw them out. My surgeons office would not tell me the Anesthesia that was used, nothing on my record showed any problems with surgery or recovery. I just pray I will never need surgery again I have completely lost trust in the medical system.

[@Tk-iz2ws]

They use medical terminology in your records. For mine they used the term "movement" to describe my reaction

[@sheilahenn8549]

@@Tk-iz2ws Thanks that is interesting. I woke up in so much pain, I was swearing not at anyone, just "Oh F..." I hope I wasn't combative but who knows,, I will look over my record again.. I was very embarrassed and apologized to surgeon and asked if he could let the recovery room know I was very sorry. Recently I watched the video by Dr Bradley about Fibromyalgia, which I have been diagnosed with,, that explanation on the effects on anesthesia explains a lot, and was very helpful. Thank you to all the people who share their experiences. It truly helps.

[@SD45-ET44AC]

You have a very relaxed and easy going approach towards getting your patients to let their guards down and allow for an honest conversation between two (+) people. 👍🏼👍🏼OR RN (Ret.) CNOR (E)

[@Maggie-tr2kd]

Dr. Bradley, the questions you ask patients prior to surgery where anesthesia will be utilized are very thorough which I think is excellent and has the best interests of the patient in mind. I only recall the anesthesiologist for my surgery asking about the last time I had something to eat or drink and whether I had any allergies. That was it.

[@gregorydamienmech]

After receiving General Anesthesia with Succinylcholine and breathing tube for an upper endoscopy, I was perfectly fine the FIRST day. The very NEXT day ALL my muscles were stiff as a rock and I literally couldn't bend to get out of bed or to sit down. I was stiff as a board. I went to the ER and was told I had a reaction to Succinylcholine and that it should resolve within 4-5 days. The doctor called it "severe myalgia." I was stiff as a rock for 4 days! I'm glad my heart (muscle) didn't stop. Now I'm afraid the next time I have general anesthesia because of Succinylcholine.

[@robertkimmel5416]

I have never been given the gas version. Mine has always been given through an IV. I've had a full liver transplant and going on 5 years strong.😊❤ However, due to the transplant, I am constantly getting massive abdominal hernias and keep getting them surgically repaired as the mesh doesn't work. I've had 3 really big abdominal surgeries already, and I am having another one, my 4th, here in about a month. I tolerate the anesthesia well, it's just the downside of waking up and seeing/ feeling the 50 or so staples they use to close me up. Yay. Good times.😜lol

[@07Convertable]

All of your questions seem reasonable to me, Doctor Bradley. I had L5/S1 fusion 11/21/22 and these were the same questions that I was asked. Thank you for this video.

[@rachelcastaneda1381]

I had my C5-C7 fused 09/28/22 and I still hurt but my pain is a bit less. My ortho doc wanted to do the surgery. Before that day I had a second opinion that concurred it was the best decision as I’d tried every non-invasive option. My anesthesiologist was wonderful. I felt nothing once they put me under and woke up still wanting to sleep. 😴😴😴😵‍💫

[@helenwilson8228]

@@rachelcastaneda1381 B in NJ app

[@izzaduck8896]

Thank you. This was really helpful in understanding the need for fasting and what sort of information is necessary for the anesthesiologist.

[@qwertyqwerty1955]

Dr. Bradley: I must say that you presented your video in a very professional matter. I am impressed.

[@StevenBradleyMD]

Wow, thank you so much! I have been too busy to make more, but stay tuned!

[@queenh4073]

That's because he is a professional 🤔

[@Brazj1]

QUESTION FOR STEVEN BRADLEY: IF YOU HAVE HEART OR LUNG PROBLEMS, HOW DO THOSE GET FIXED BEFORE ANASTHESIA WITH REQUIRING ANASTHESIA TO FIX THEM?????

[@LynnDeatherage-q3k]

The one surgery i had done my blood pressure went very low. And they gave me a medication for my BP meds because of my blood pressure of my heart and the one who made a real honest person.

[@virgoleocapricorn9609]

Dr. Bradley, I have a 4.9 cm ascending aortic aneurysm that will need surgery soon due to rate of growth. I'm in a very rural area with a travelling cardiologist whom I've only seen twice since he diagnosed me last June. I asked him about pseudocholinesterase deficiency that runs in our family and he said anesthesia is not his forte. I'm terrified that a long open heart surgery could be disastrous for me due to the length of time I'd be under. I was supposed to be anesthetized for approximately 45 minutes for a minor surgery in 1974 and finally woke up over 4 hours later. My father and siblings shared similar issues with surgeries. Thank you for any input.

[@yupitsme9713]

I've had 21 surgical procedures with anesthesia. The last one, took me 2.5 hours to wake up when it's usually 30 minutes. The RN seemed concerned. I have no idea why. I may have to have another one, and I plan on advising the anesthesiologist days before the procedure.

[@katy3115]

Wow! You sound so caring! My experience with hospitals has been that once you are in the patient warehouse, they just throw you around like a piece of meat & do their jobs. Makes them mad if you ask questions or otherwise get in their way. The day might be life altering for you, but to them it's just another day on the assembly line.

[@carolyndignam3592]

Dear Dr. Bradley, I love these videos, I want to thank you for taking the time to inform the public of these important facts! I hate to complain, the piano in the beginning and end of your video drowned out your voice a bit and I am hard of hearing with background noises also, I do however love the music but was close to not watching when I thought it would be played through the whole video. When it stopped I subscribed and liked. Maybe just a few decibels lower might be better for some people!! Thank you

[@StevenBradleyMD]

Thanks so much for the feedback. I created this video wayyyy back when I was first learning audio and video production. I will likely be updating all of those prior videos.

[@Seimonster27]

I also had this issue and had to turn on captions to be able to comprehend what was being said under the music.

[@tracymw]

I recently had carpal tunnel surgery and propofol was used. I don't want to go into detail but will say that I will refuse propofol from being used for surgery the rest of my life. I need to be completely out. I had to get the same surgery on my other hand and gas was used. The procedure and my recovery couldn't be more different and I'm so grateful to the 2nd anesthesiologist who LISTENED TO ME and heard my experience under propofol and thankfully didn't use it for the 2nd surgery.

[@cynhanrahan4012]

You are awesome, I've never been questioned by an anesthesiologist. Since I'm having a series of minor but sedated surgeries, I go in with a list and hand it to the anesthesiologist. With a history of hyper emesis after sedated dental work, and my current mental health status and medications I cannot go 12 hours without unless you want a combative patient, it's nice to hear you ask for details.

[@sylviaolney-qj8jd]

Very informative. I never had an anesthesiologist ask me extensive questions like these. 🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤯

[@halsd5857]

I have severe apnea and was getting surgery for the inspire transplant, which is been a game changer, and I told the anesthesiologist I'm very sensitive to anesthesia. I have problems with nausea vomiting when I'm done and Shernoff I was overdosed they do it based on your weight, but they also have to listen to the patient. It was awful I almost back on the ER.

[@pjaccountname]

Dr. Bradley, I have been under general anesthesia for around 10 major surgeries, plus various scopes and tests, plus cataract surgery. I have needle phobia. Ages ago, I had four rounds of IVF and I used hypnosis to send myself to a tropical beach while the doctors jabbed a hollow knitting needle into my abdomen. (I knew where I was and what they were doing, but I was totally relaxed on my beach and I didn't care!). Other than that, I self-medicate with valium to tolerate anything more than a quickie flu or COVID vaccine. IVs and dental shots are the worst, and unless I start with 30-40mg valium I turn into a kicking screaming four-year-old for either (I am in my 70s). Prior to surgery, I ask the anesthesiologist to put me under with gas, then they can do the IV without me pitching a fit. It's so easy.......they put on the mask, I start breathing the stuff and count down slowly 3...2..1...everything goes black, and in what seems like an instant later I wake up in recovery with whatever was operated on hurting like H*** and kind nurses putting warm blankets on me and telling me I did well. Heck, I didn't do anything - I just slept and I sure hope the Drs and Nurses did well! However, I was told that anesthesiologists don't like to use gas first. I honestly doubt that I could hold still for an IV , and I didn't think it was a good idea for me to add valium to the mix of whatever the anesthesiologist is using, so I called the hospital's anesthesiology department the day before my most recent operation (total knee replacement) and talked to a very helpful doctor. He said the problem with using gas is if something starts to go wrong before they have an IV in they would really have to scramble because normally I would be O.U.T. and they would have that IV port available for a quick intervention, but not if it's just gas. I mentioned Valium and he said that was just fine, it wasn't going to interact with anything, and he didn't think 40mg was too much. So, Dr. Bradley, what do you think? What do you see as a good solution for getting someone who is terrified of IVs anesthetized? gas, hypnosis, valium, or ?? thank you.

[@ryany4326]

You kind of answered your own question. If getting an IV is worse than dealing with your bad knee you should elect to not have surgery. Personally I would start with therapy for your IV fear and try and get to the underlying cause of that THEN talk about sedatives and elective surgeries.

[@tiazadobbs7475]

I had two pulmonary embolism that nearly took me home to Jesus. After that I had trigger thumb surgery developed pneumonia after. I knew I would. I could tell my lungs were still weak. Battled low sats and oxygen dependant again for months. Now I'm facing a knee replacement and I'm more worried about my lungs than pain.

[@susanurban4371]

Thank you, doctor. So glad I came across this a week before surgery.

[@revcounselor]

Thanks for this, Dr. Bradley. A few years ago, I had abdominal surgery and came out of anesthesia in such a ridiculous amount of pain that I was almost jumping off the table. The post-op nurse was injecting pain meds as quickly as allowed, but it seemed to take forever to get this under control. I have had surgery before, and never experienced this immediate post-operative pain. I fully expect some pain to be normal, but to me, this was off the charts. I am now scheduled for lower back surgery in a few weeks and am so anxiety ridden, not because of the surgery and the subsequent healing, but because of the immediate post-op pain. Not asking you to "arm-chair quarterback" my experience, but can you offer some insight into how anesthesiologists mitigate and lessen post-operative pain? What do you do as an anesthesiologist to discern patient needs from surgery to surgery? Thank you again for these posts, it does help with my anxiety.

[@mcrchickenluvr]

From my experience, any surgery involving any part of your torso is more painful than the rest of your body. I’m not sure if it’s because of the close proximity to the spine and all of your nerve endings or what it is. I’m a redhead and generally have a high pain threshold. I’ve been able to tolerate uterine and cervical biopsies with no pain meds on board. I’ve had a skin graft with only local anesthetic. Those things didn’t hurt. But having a lipoma removed from my upper chest sure did.

[@ForeverChanged7]

I like your approach. It isn't filled with psycho delia. Just the facts to be best of your knowledge to be told to your anesthesiologist. Could be the difference in you being here or not.

[@cynthiaprzytulski8095]

I have had a total of 11 hip surgeries due to complications from infection. It is ok to be under anesthesia all those times. I am 66 years old and this went on since 2019.

[@jpshipwash6240]

For the life of me, I cannot understand why the background music is often so loud in one of the videos. Fortunately, on this video, the music interfered with what was being said only at the beginning.

[@martagardner9954]

Thank you for your informative video. I have had numerous surgeries and am allergic to contrast dye. But what is most frightening is feel as if I am suffocating with gas anesthesia and even experienced difficulty breathing in recovery room which was very scary. Is it safe to take inhaler prior to surgery? Thank you for your commendable ethics in pre-anesthesia communication preparation with patients undergoing surgery.

[@ellenbertke]

I love the anesthesia team . I learned so much from them when I worked in perioperative.

[@kklassie100]

Thank You Dr Bradley ! When a pt. I used to wonder Why all of the qusetions. Refreshing, to know , that Drs do care..the reason that they ask these questions.!

[@stormipaulk]

I’m terrified of anesthesia!

[@smith3329]

Thank you very much, Dr. Steve. When I donate blood, I have to be careful to drink a lot of water in advance or they can't find my veins. Is it the same with general anesthesia?

[@ccoop3774]

No. The protocol is usually nothing by mouth after midnight. They may ok some of your routine meds with a sip of water, but that's individualized.

[@perrismcknight3067]

Good to see you FAMILY!

[@YT4Me57]

I always make sure my anesthesiologist and surgeon know that I have Sickle Cell Trait. I've was told that it is important to monitor oxygen blood levels. I was kept on oxygen a little longer after awaking in recovery the last time I had a major surgery.

[@sapodilla25]

In India they do a PAC - a pre-anaesthesia check-up. Every surgical procedure I've had has included a very detailed medical history and check-up including ECG and X-ray.

[@uniqua71]

Dr. How do anesthesiologists prepare for patients with functional neurological disorder (With involuntary limb movements, seizure-like shakes, and speech interruptions)?

[@rugger1009]

A paralytic agent -

[@JoJoGranum]

I usually mention I have sleep apnea and that my MP mallampati score is 3 . Also that I’m diabetic type 2 and I’m on an ACE inhibitor for the fifth question. And that I have anxiety to the point that I’m on an SSRI.

[@ordellrobbie2460]

Thanks, doc. You addressed something that worries me whenever I have to be put out. That is laying flat on my back. I can't sleep that way. My sleep gets interrupted. I adjust my bed to a slight angle but still only sleep on either side. I have mentioned it in the past before going under but never got a clear response. I may be getting anesthesia in a couple of months and wanted to get clarity. What are your thoughts?

[@jvmiller1995]

I recently watched another video that explained the reasoning behind no food or drinks after mid night or 8 hours prior. But My question is as a patient with moderate to often extreme Gastroparesis Should I be fasting longer or making sure I have no food retained. I have thrown up food I ate 3 days prior and I have failed 3 gastric empty studies dramatically like 4 hours later none had left the stomach and I still had food in my esophagus. I have had many surgeries since diagnosed and no one has ever questioned me to ask if I felt empty or took extra time. I had hip replacement in Nov. & hindsite I would of skipped the surgery for a week or two but I did not and I was in a bad flare of nausea going into surgery. Well I did not asperate food into my lungs but I did wake up 3 times sicker and it snowballed. They sent me home the next day and 2 days later I ended up in the hospital 10 days due to non-retractable vomiting. Not saying it was all from the surgery as I have this disease this badly. Mine is non Idiopathic as well. My question is should I with my history maybe only have clear liquids the entire day before surgery and then cut them off 8 hours prior? I had never thought about it before and like I said no one has really seamed all that concerned for me either when I tell them I have GP. Thanks.... great video

[@oldcroan]

I hate that i dont get to speak to the anesthesiologist until i am already in a preop room. I have so much anxiety related to and made worse by this situation. I would even go reschedule and go home after a consult, feeling at ease, except you never know who is on your team until the day of. More medicine run like a factory with the human factor seeming to be of little consequence.

[@talkback6094]

so nice and honest of you to be telling all these factors i live in asia and i would love that these " medical " practioners" here would hear me once and for all,and they know it,because i ve been awarded 5 days with sepsis,that i m allergic to medications,and 3 members of my immediate family died as result of intubation and yet,,they are discard my claims and taking it all too lightly,so far was called three times for pre op,,preparation,and i did not showed up..because the last one i had a bad reaction..with burn skins,rash breathlessness,high fever and convulsion and sepsis,i told them ,they know ,and yet they are insisting for me to go for a trial,and go for npcnl and ureterecospia,but the problem are the medications,all these variants included in anesthesia first time i got anesthesized,was when i was 7 and i stayed in coma and nearly died and yet,,they are brushing it all over,because the operation will cost them 15 grand

[@kristinvickstrom1878]

I know this post is old but hopefully you will still answer. I’m having hip replacement in a month. I had gallbladder removal about 20 years ago and woke up from the anesthesia panicked, scared and delusional. I already suffer from health anxiety and anxiety in general. All I can think about now is this happening again and never going away. Can you give me some reassurance or insight on how to quell this fear ? Thanks.

[@chittalkstudio]

Im a 30 year old black mom of 3 and i have a hysterectomy voming up and i am terrified becase of the anesthesia and post op pain. Idk what to really discuss because i dont really know what to expect. Surgery is on the 28th keep mein ur prayers

[@vanessac7111]

I had a general anaesthetic yesterday, when I was in the recovery room I remeber my body jolting as I was coming back around. It felt like when you are about to drift into a deep sleep and then your body jerks so you wake up. It kept doing this for what felt like a long time. I asked the nurse whilst I was semi conscious why my body was doing this and she replied "I don't know" I was also freezing and shivering with my teeth chattering, they had to get a blanket which blew hot air inside it to warm me up. Can you offer any information into why this may have happened? This is my 4th general anaesthetic and the other 3 I didn't have any issues like this when I was brought into recovery

[@FashionSense518]

Thank you! This video was very clear and informative!

[@christietanner8216]

I could hear my team talking to each other during my c- sections! My son was born Jan 10th, and they were discussing the superbowl! Happened again when having second son. Thought it was normal until I mentioned it to friends.

[@chanel2018-k3z]

I had a spinal. I heard everything. Only surgery, I’ve ever had and I’m 70. I’m scared of hospitals. Good luck to you.

[@danm575]

Great content and excellent information. Thank you!

[@deborahgoslin5858]

Can I get you for when I have surgery ? You are a good and caring man and your good at your job !

[@LilRed65]

I'm having problems with my TMJ Arthritis has flared up and I'm having a lot of popping and pain as well as a worsening of the inability to open more than 3 fingerbreadth s AND have severe osteoporosis with a dentist telling me after my panoramic x-ray to NEVER GET HIT IN THE FACE as the bones in my face are so thin. I now need surgery for prolapsed bladder and pelvic floor r/t a Forceps Delivery and I've put the surgery off for 4 years now. Worried about anesthesia with COPD; on O2@3Lpm 24/7 and fear something terrible will happen as they force my mouth open to intubate me. Or something r/t my respiratory problems... TERRIFIED IN TENNESSEE

[@m.m.m.c.a.k.e]

Thanks, My Doc! Hey, quick Q: As a patient, what considerations should be observed between multiple required surgeries? Is there a standard time period to wait between general anesthesia? Ty!

[@StevenBradleyMD]

Unfortunately, that question is too vague for me to provide any actionable information. Discuss with your surgeons and physicians. They will look out for your best interests.

[@m.m.m.c.a.k.e]

@@StevenBradleyMD for instance if I had a colo scope and needed an endo scope. The clinic is making me wait 90 days before they feel it’s safe to use general anesthesia again.

[@emmel4fun]

@@m.m.m.c.a.k.e Sometimes they will perform both at the same time.

[@AlexEs63]

@@m.m.m.c.a.k.e 🚑 Former GI/Endo nurse here. Hopefully, you've been scoped by now. Is the Facility, Insurance or Clinic/Doctor making you wait and what is reason for Anesthesia ?

[@ccoop3774]

@@m.m.m.c.a.k.e OR RN here. Are you sure you had general anesthesia? Around 95% of these scopes are done together and don't require GA.That said, there are situations when GA is warranted. There's no written rule of a definite time period between GA surgeries.

[@lovepet4565]

I also tell them im Opiate tolerant Ive been in Pain management for years It is the best result for patients like myself

[@nathbruno2888]

Nothing. Except that I am freaking out every time!

[@sherrykuznetz3375]

I had an abscess from compacted wisdom teeth. It ruptured n I went septic. They did emergency surgery n I woke up three days later in ICU. I remember the nurse trying to wake me. She was very frustrated because nobody had mentioned I had sleep apnea. I'm going to have to have my knee reconstructed. I had it done once before in 2007. What precautions do they make for sleep apnea patients?

[@ritadyer9295]

I’m very sensitive to medications. Even just the twilight sleep for a colonoscopy knocks me out for 3 days! Last time I had one I have ZERO memory of waking from it, getting dressed, going to the car or anything! The first thing I remember is when my sister pulled up to my house she said something about Daddy. I was still so out of it (and my parents were a half hour away) she had to call our dad to come and get me inside! They should not send someone out of the hospital that still passed out! That was dangerous. It doesn’t take a lot of anesthesia for me. I used to think the anesthesia was what made me vomit after surgery until I got hurt once. When I got to the ER the first thing they did was shoot me full of morphine for pain. I was sick for 3 days! So the last few surgeries I’ve had I’ve asked to not be given morphine and I haven’t been sick.

[@itzAurora_Xoxo]

Morphine !!! Yes good to know

[@margaretbutton7058]

Thank you, my dad passed away from anesthetic, I have had operations, 2 years ago malanoma tumor, developed a Hernia three months after op, need to have it repaired, iam afraid, I have been short of breath maybe due to chemo treatments, just cannot get my mind to do the operation, will it be safe for me to have this op please help

[@mbv0223]

It all depends on what your dad passed away from. There are a few inherited conditions that could make it more dangerous for you. However, if that were the case your family would be officially notified and recommended for testing. Otherwise it will be perfectly safe. Always mention any concerns to the anesthesia team before you go in to the OR.

[@mjc5852]

Why do others say midnight even for water. Then dehydrated and they can't get iv in.

[@BeautifulAwakening]

Does sleep apnea (diagnose via sleep study), dysfunctional breathing (diagnosed through vocal cord and respiratory specialist), and narcolepsy effect anaesthesia?

[@soonersciencenerd383]

ask your pcp to print out a list of recent meds, allergies, previous procedures. (i have an online chart from my clinic that lists my meds, allergies, doctors, their phone #, text #, fax #, levels, procedures, and it is very handy for my specialists...saves time, don't have to worry about forgetting anything!)

[@soonersciencenerd383]

@@annasbandit nowadays, meds can cause problems, and may not be needed anymore. (it prevented me from taking bp med because of too much of another drug.)

[@maureengreen8240]

At am 73 & I am uber cell sodden with with flouride. I was an dental assistant for a summer before entering hygiene school. It would be 9+ years before gloves/masks/automated amalgamaters, any known precautions were taken and OSHA appeared. I bare hand , sans-serif mask squeezed excess mercury from amalgam mixes. I made flouride dilutions from 1 inch glass bottled high concrntrate. Vision would cross as soon as lid wss. th screw lid, sometimes getting dizzy & nauseous. I was right handed hygienist working from patient left SO Right hand & fingers were alway in mouth/ & fluids, while Left always held mouth mirror for lip retraction. Right hand was main mode of direct fluid contact absorbtion with fourine off gassing inhalation). Right leg dropped & snce right hand was wick, fluoride crossed the BBB making later development of seizures localized from left brain. They happened always 1st night of menses when estrogen/progesterone hormone shift, causing profound left eye stoke and perfect circle of missing vision in upper right quadrant of left eye. Acute symptoms of flouride exposures misdiagnosed by endocrinologist as a chronic sinus infections to which I was scripted 17 rounds of Cipro & Diflucan during 2001-2004. These heavy antibiotic use nessitated many more rounds then 17 of flouride containing anti yeast medications. Droctor, this so far is to see if you monitor this old site and if you still are active in reading/responding. I will add other relevant info from several flouride caused advserse, including OTB during minor surgety which needed >4 hours to warm core afterward. Maureen Massey Salazar Green...aka Mo Green. Oh please respond I have future impending minor GI testing & am needed to even know the questions which I should asked or the information needing to be ptovided...like the not laying flat I found in your video.

[@sharmitoboylos7585]

Thank you, sir. Very helpful and informative.

[@eleanorsky1]

Dr. Bradley, I can't hear you well because the music is too loud. Going elsewhere for advice before spinal surgery. 😢

[@StevenBradleyMD]

Yes! So sorry! the audio is quite horrible. I'll be re-doing these videos shortly!

[@bankerssilvermoon]

My allergies, oh yeah I have Alpha-Gal. Anything that contains any kink of mammalian ingredients is what I’m allergic to and that’s in many medications.

[@bevvaor2320]

Thank you so much for the information.

[@jenterrasa]

This is very helpful but the background music at the beginning and end make it hard to hear you.

[@Ivy5the6dragon4]

Hi, my epidural went wrong caused my heart rate to drop. I now need a panni plastic surgery done. I am afraid of my heart stopping now 😢

[@xfaster66.6]

thanks Dr. Bradley.

[@bonnieketterman6542]

This video was very informative I really learned alot from this

[@StevenBradleyMD]

Glad it helped!

[@maryzupo7176]

Wow, makes more sense now why it took a lot out of me after my last surgery, I had general anesthesia. I can't walk up ONE flight of stairs without being short of breath.

[@alicereed1894]

I take longer than most to recover from anesthesia and when I had my last surgery with a spinal it took me 4 hours to recover from numbness . I was a natural redhead and I’ve read that may be a reason. What do I need to tell my next anesthesiologist?

[@kathyyoung1774]

Thank you! Good info.

[@breemacdonald7053]

Can you do a video on GA for bariatric surgery in particular gastric sleeve and patients. Thank you.

[@roseh8910]

What do I need to know as a person with Primary Aldosteronism before any surgery or what should my anesthesiologist know in advance

[@charden2037]

I thank you for sharing but you have not responded to the people that has posted. Being sedated is transiting to each individual.

[@allthingsbee5143]

How doctor. I’m having surgery next week and have moderate sleep Apnea. What does this do with general anesthesia?

[@melissabrill8367]

You find out

[@allthingsbee5143]

@@melissabrill8367 I did LOL

[@melissabrill8367]

@@allthingsbee5143 and

[@melissabrill8367]

@@allthingsbee5143what happened

[@bazilbatlledragon]

Sorry I hit thumb down by mistake. It was a great video. It provides excellent info . Thank you for making this video.

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

Does having sustained multiple concussions (we're talking 14 of varying severity) bring with it any special considerations when getting general anesthesia? The only times I've ever had GA were once when I was a baby and once about a year prior to the first concussion, but haven't had it since. Reason I ask is I might need it later this year.

[@pmarie2003]

Thank you for this helpful video. I never knew who my anesthesiologist was. The CRNA basically told me to shut up, because she was reading the chart. Anyone in healthcare ever seen the wrong information on a chart? I have! No one asked me anything. Then she slammed some versed in, and I was unconscious before I got into the o.r.. I wonder if I was breathing at that point? I'm an o.r. nurse, and this is the hospital where I work. Never again. Don't worry though, U.S. News and World Report says we are one of the top hospitals! 🤣

[@bonniegottschalk2978]

I have been. Hit in the head a few times causing a concussions and now suffer heads migraines and depression is this a problem for you?

[@tomm856]

I have to have a inguinal hernia operation and really want open surgery with local anaesthesia because I have COPD but I might not have a choice because I'm able to walk up two flights of stairs, but doing so drops my oxygen levels down to 93%. I also fear the general anaesthesia will exacerbate the COPD and severe coughing ruin the surgery - it was severe coughing that gave me the hernia in the first place.

[@carolwilson2713]

Great information!

[@maggieobrien7280]

i just had my very first surgery. im 71 and the anesthesiolgist didnt ask me anything! he just told me what he was going to do! he did say that i may be nauseous afterwards! when i woke up i asked if it was all done and the nurse said yes! then asked if i was nauseous? i wasnt then asked when i last ate i said at around 1 to 2 the previous day and a drink of water at 10 the night before!

[@mariekatherine5238]

Here are two questions. I’ve had two surgeries under general anesthesia, both times regarding a strangulated hernia beside my umbilicus. The first was an emergency repair in which they started out laparoscopically and ended up having to open me. They put in a mesh. Eight months later I needed to have the mesh reinforced. It was either that or have it removed. There was an edge of the mesh that wasn’t well incorporated into my body so it felt like a lobster or crab was continually pinching my inside my belly. The slightest move at times would cause so much pain I couldn’t stand, like, I’d have to sit or lie down. This was done laparoscopically and with success. Both times I had difficulty upon waking up. First, was that I woke up sobbing loudly and continued doing so for over an hour. I was not in great pain and had no reason to be crying, but I had no control over it. I annoyed fellow patients and my roommates cursed me out. Both times, I was given something to calm me down, or to turn me into a zombie. Why? The second questions concerns my “water works.” I had to urinate in the worst way but simply couldn’t go. I had to have a catheter for two days. It was like the anesthesia put my urinary track to sleep and it wouldn’t wake up. Why? And how do I avoid this? I’m female, overweight, (always working on it😮), have a heart murmur, arthritis, hypertension for which I take medication. Im age 67. I do not have diabetes although was possibly prediabetic at time of first surgery. Don’t/have never smoked, taken street drugs, maybe two alcoholic drinks per year, do not normally have urinary problems.

[@MEnright-f4q]

Thank you so much

[@NURSEPAULINERN]

Thanks for sharing this interesting video 🙏🙏🙏👍

[@maobfh]

I don’t know if you will see this 2 years late but, what causes some people to be delayed coming out of anesthesia? I have this problem but they always shrug it off. I tell my husband to expect it but every time it happens, they come tell him that there is a problem so he is frantic by the time I check back in. How can you effectively communicate to recovery that you need your cpap? The last 2 or 3 times I had surgery, I would bring it in, placed at my feet ready to just plug it in and put the mask on. Then they will nudge me awake in recovery saying “if you don’t stop that, I am going to have to put that on you”. But I go back under before I can say what I would like to say. I believe that they are putting my life in danger by ignoring my request. But no matter how many meetings and discussions I arrange pre-op, it happens again every time. I bring my equipment and not once have they used my machine on me. That sounded like a rant but it is a serious concern. I have 7 herniated discs, 1 disc is gone completely and I have 3 compression fractures. I am afraid to undergo surgery to stabilize or repair any of them.

[@michaelshelley1289]

you didn't mention drugs or alcohol....i'm ALWAYS truthful about it....(not drugs, but drinking) it takes more anesthesia to put someone out that is a heavy drinker than a normal person....just letting you know for future use.....i didn't think i was ever going to go out with my 2nd surgery!!! (i've had 4) but i guess they figured it out......

[@loredanadiklic8228]

Thank you

[@danielmcmindes5112]

after many surgeries i have only ever had one bad experience. i tried to tell the anesthesiologist before hand to use a small intubation tube. he told me "we dont do it that way anymore" after the surgery i could not talk. they had to intubate me..... i tried.

[@Strongboy1770]

Back in 1980 I had an appendectomy. I was 28 at the time and had already run two or three marathons. One of the doctors asked me if I can climb a flight of stairs. What an insult!

[@lindamoses3697]

I had respiratory arrest to anesthesia during a Csection. I was told if I had it again it would kill me. I can't remember what it was. Medical records are illegable and Dr. had no record when I called him later.

[@lindamoses3697]

They insisted on two IV fully hydrated before Csection which saved my life.

[@brega6286]

Good presentation.

[@twominuteanaesthesia]

Very interesting !