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Is it inappropriate to ask for a tranquilizer for surgery day?

I have one week to go and am getting really nervous. Is it inappropriate to ask for a xanax or something for the morning of surgery? I don't want to end up freaking out, or crying hard and freaking out my 7 yr old daughter. What do you think?

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I wouldn't say inappropriate. I just am not sure they'll give it to you when you're going under anesthesia for surgery. Talk to your md.

  • Author

I mean, something for on my way to the hospital to calm my nerves. Once I'm hooked up, I think I'll be ok.

They usually want you nothing by mouth 12 hours prior to surgery, but talk to your surgeon - they might let you take a small sip of water & some Xanax

Pura

Typically they will give it to you via IV once you are checked in and assessed prior to going into surgery. I know you want something beforehand, however, they are equally concerned that they assess you nonmedicated for your baseline as well as to get consent and do Q/A's while you are coherent.

But it never hurts to ask. You are by no means inappropriate nor the first person to be anxious for surgery. Just ask :) Let us know what they say

I have one week to go and am getting really nervous. Is it inappropriate to ask for a xanax or something for the morning of surgery? I don't want to end up freaking out, or crying hard and freaking out my 7 yr old daughter. What do you think?

Definitely discuss your concerns with your doctor. Though pre-op instructions advise nothing by mouth for usually 10-12 hours before surgery, I have been told in the past to take my hypertension medication in the morning with only a sip of Water.

This policy does vary by physician, so let your surgeon know of your concerns.

It helps to learn to be your own advocate, and ask questions and discuss your concerns. Remember, you are paying for the expertise of your surgeon.

Best wishes...

I was really nervous the morning of surgery. When I signed in, they scheduled my first fill and I thought " I guess I am not gonna die since I just scheduled a follow up." Logically I knew I would be fine but emotionally I was crazy. I sent my girls off to school with a happy smile and told them I would be home by dinner. I did not want them at the hospital worrying.

They did give me some type of sedation via IV before surgery. I don't remember a thing after rolling to the OR.

No. It would be inappropriate to ask for a cold beer, but xanax is what they gave me prior to surgery.

I was nervous but very ready. My 8 year old son spent the night before my surgery at his grandparents house (my surgery was last Tuesday) so that I could concentrate on myself. My best friend took me into the hospital and we talked and laughed and she helped me to feel calm.

If you have help and someone can take your child the night before so that you can have your moment in the morning then you should. Also have someone take you to the hospital that you feel can help you not just focus on the surgery but can help you pass the time before they give you a sedative.

Good luck!!!!

  • Author

Thanks, guys! Please tell me more about your time before the surgery. How did you feel emotionally? I am in for a busy week since the cardiologist didn't clear me yet and I have to do a stress test and ekg still (as well as pcp clearance and presurgical testing, of course). I'm hoping my busy week will keep me distracted enough so I don't get too many jitters. Also, I'm not looking forward to the "why did I do this to myself" feeling many described having after surgery, although i know it will be temporary.

I'm glad you're all here to hold my hand!!! LOL

Don't assume you will have buyer's remorse. Not once did I say to myslef, what did I do? I knew going in why I was doing this and understood the pain was temporary. Plus I stayed overnight and the pain meds they give you in the hospital are pretty darn good. Good luck Pura..you'll do great.

  • Author

Don't assume you will have buyer's remorse. Not once did I say to myslef, what did I do? I knew going in why I was doing this and understood the pain was temporary.

Glad to hear it! I hope this is the case with me too!! Thank you for your well wishes.

This was me to a T!! Id never had surgery before this and was freaking out! I asked the anesthesiologist for some relaxers but I couldn't have them because I had to be "me" when signing consents and such.

I was given some via IV as soon as I was wheeled into the OR. As soon as I got the relaxers they put the mask on me and I was out. I doubt I lasted a minute LOL.

I love that before drug they put in the IV; the one right before they put you under. I just wish they'd do it earlier, so I could enjoy the buzz for awhile :P

I had a great Anesthesiologist as she gave me drip that made me not really care but I know what was going on. Then after I got into the OR and in position she gave me the big stuff. Have no idea what happened then but woke up sometime in the afternoon.

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