UNCATEGORIZED
In keeping with the trend of providers as patients - thanks to Jess Alves's recent 3 part post, I have a recent surgical experience to share with you as a patient. I have over 2000 cases as an attending orthopedic surgeon over my 7-8 year career. Last month was my first time as a patient. Without trying to overstate the fantastic points Jess made in her (shoulder) blog, let me give you some things to expect on "game day."
Unless you are having your procedure under straight local, you will need to be NPO after midnight. This means that you cannot eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. The reason for this is because anesthesia (even mild) can cause nausea and/or vomitting. This in turn can cause aspiration of vomitus which then can cause pneumonia. If your surgery is early, then not so bad. If your surgery is in the afternoon, then it is less than ideal. You will be hungry and perhaps even a little cranky. I actually was glad my surgery was later in the day because it allowed me to catch up on some things that i needed to get done. I promise you that you will not starve and despite being a little uncomfortable, you will be fine. If you are diabetic, be aware of this and treat accordingly. Most surgery centers and operating rooms try to schedule the diabetic patients early so their blood glucose doesn't go that out of control. Finally, important meds (high blood pressure meds, etc) can be taken in the morning - the OR will typically let you know what is allowed. Bottom line is NPO stinks but you will survive.
You will get to the facility and go through a standard registration process. Name, DOB, Insurance, etc. Basically make sure you are who you are supposed to be.
Then I changed into some really great clothes. I was quite uncomfortable in only a "johnnie" despite seeing 1000s of patients dressed like this since medical school (2001).
IV time. Fortunately, the IV process for me was easy. The nurse did use quite a bit of tape to secure it. No big deal though.
I was asked 6-7 times if I had any allergies.
I remember nothing - got some good anesthesia. I remember wheeling back to room and then waking up in the recovery room. I would say a pretty good experience. I was a little anxious at first but was certainly relieved that it was over. I found out later that I was talking in the OR even though I don't remember any of it. This short term amnesia is because of the medicine known as "Versed."
When I got home, I realized how sore I was. I also realized that my recovery will take months and I have to respect the healing process and not be as active as I typically am. This is probably the worst part....but worth it in the end (I hope!) to get me back to where I need to be.
Be sure to use lots of ice if appropriate!!!
