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Communication and cooperation between you and your doctor and/or anesthesiologist and/or CRNA (all three are anesthesia providers) is essential to the anesthesia process and its safety. Before surgery, a preoperative interview with your anesthesia provider provides valuable information that helps determine your care. The medications you have been given can remain in your body for 24 hours or more after they have been administered, and you won’t be “back to your old self” until the anesthetic has been totally eliminated.
Of course, you should never hesitate to ask your anesthesia provider any questions that you might have.
Before Anesthesia: Your Active Role Makes a Difference
Anesthesia is a major part of your surgery. during the procedure, anesthesia allows you to be free of pain. Allanesthesia care is provided with the highest degree of professionalism, including constant monitoring of every important body function. As changes occur in your reactions to anesthesia, the anesthesia providers respond with modifications of the anestehetic to ensure your safety and comfort.
In addition to their role in the procedure itself, anesthesia providers make many preparations for you before surgery. You can - and should - take an active role in these preparations by communicating and cooperating with your anesthesia providers whether they are your oral surgeon,an anesthesiologist or a CRNA.
There are several kinds of anesthesia. The one chose for you is based on factors such a your physical condition, the nature of the surgery, and your reactions to medications. Frank and open discussion with your oral surgeon, anesthesiologist or CRNA is key to the selection of the best anesthetic for you.
In particular, you must speak freely and follow instructions closely regarding your intake of medications, food, or beverages before anesthesia. Such subtanes can react negatively with anesthetic drugs and chemicals.
Remember: Speak frankly. Ask questions. Follow instructions. Inform the staff, your doctor and your anesthesia provider immediately of any change in your physical condition prior to surgery. Communication and cooperation are essential to the anesthesia process.
After Anesthesia: Your Active Role Assists your Recovery
After receiving anesthesia during a surgical a procedure, you can play an active role in your recovery by heeding the straightforward list of do’s and don’ts that follows.
“Do’s and Don’ts” After Anesthesia: A Quick Guide
- Don’t drive a car for at least 24 hours
- Don’t operate complex equipment for at least 24 hours
- Don’t make any important decisions or sign any legal documents for the day
- Don’t take any medications unless prescribed by or discussed with your physician
- Don’t drink alcohol for at least 24 hours.
- Do leave the center accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Do arrange for someone to care for your small children that day.
- Do take liquids first and slowly progress to a light meal.
Preparing for Your child’s Surgery and Anesthesia… A Parent Role
Surgery can be an emotional time. When the surgery is to be performed on your child, it is especially stressful. There are things you can do to reduce the chance that your fears and anxieties, as a parent, will be transferred to your child. Children who are lss anxious and less fearful have an easier time before and after surgery.
Remember your emotions and anxiety level influences your child. Keep calm and in control of your emotions to help your child do the same.
To Help You and Your Child Before Surgery and Anesthesia:
- Obtain accurate information about your child’s procedure and about what to expect.
- Allow your child to share fears and concerns with you. Do not interrupt, minimize, or belittle your child. Let your child know that it is okay to feel afraid.
- Answer your child’s questions honestly. If you don’t know the answer, find out.
- Discuss the separation procedure with your doctor or staff member. How will your child be transferred from you to the healthcare provider?
- Compare the time your child will be in surgery to the length of a favorite cartoon or video.
- Let your child know to expect some pain after the surgery by saying “when they wake you up, it will probably hurt.”
- It may or may not be possible to be present for the beginning of the anesthesia.
- Control your emotions and your behavior. Remember, although you may be very upset and anxious, display calm, soothing, trusting manner.
- Try to avoid crying in front of your child.
- Be honest!
Herbal Products and Your Anesthetic:
Herbal products are also known as dietary supplements, alternative therapies, complementary medicine, and homeopathic healthcare.
Some of the most common herbal products are ephedra, feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Kava, and St. John’s Wort.
While many herbal products may offer noticeable health benefits when used correctly, taking herbal products right up until the day of your procedure/surgery may have an impact on the success of your anesthetic and procedure.
Concerns may arise when herbal products interact with anesthetics.
Some of the potential side effects are increased surgical bleeding, heart and blood pressure effects, reaction with sedatives and changes in the body’s reactions to certain medications.
STOP taking the herbal product at least two weeks prior to the scheduled procedure or surgery to prevent side effects.
Inform your doctor that you are taking an herbal product.
Offer accurate information about any herbal products youa re taking.
When asked about your medication history, include ALL herbal products, over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements, minerals, and teas.
If you are not sure of the contents of an herbal product, then bring the product and the container it comes in with you for your consultation visit.
Realize that herbal products need to be treated as medicine. Even if the product is natural, it still may be harmful when combined with anesthetics.
Popular Herbal Products and Possible Side Effects when Interacting with Anesthetics.
Ephedra
Blood pressure changes; exaggerated response to high blood-pressure medications; risk of heart attack and stroke
Feverfew
Migraine, insomnia, anxiety and joint stiffness; risk of prolonged bleeding
Garlic
Blood pressure changes; risk of prolonged bleeding
Ginger
Sedative effects; risk of bleeding, especially if taken with aspirin and ginkgo
Ginseng
Insomnia and irritability; risk of cardiac effects
Kava
Sedative effects; potential liver toxicity; risk of additive effect to medications
St. John’s Wort
Sedation; blood pressure changes; risk of interaction with other medications that prolong effects of anesthesia
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