upcoming surgery

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 5:39 am

I'm scheduled for day surgery in a week. They said that it would be done with something called mac local (gave me a choice of that or general)?? So, do I have anything that I should be concerned about with this kind of anesthetic? My pre-op's next week with my GP that knows that I have sleep apnea but doesn't really understand it. The surgeon isn't concerned.

KansasRT · Post by **KansasRT** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 7:48 am

It is always a good idea to tell the anesthesiologist that you will meet with the morning of your surgery that you have sleep apnea. Sometimes there are certain precautions they take with sleep apnea patients to keep their airway's open.

wahooker · Post by **wahooker** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 8:16 am

Also, be sure to bring your cpap with you. I'm hoping thast the doctor mentioned that, but generally any time you are going under anesthesia, you need to make sure you bring it.

Ms Piggy · Post by **Ms Piggy** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 1:43 pm

yes, take your machine, and mask and make sure whoever will put it on for you knows how to turn on and fit yr mask etc. also take a copy of your apnea test results for the Anesthesiologist, they like to know details of previous ops, BUT do not want to give you any details for you to pass on to the next anesthesiologist - "contact me when you need it" yea, good luck on that one.

Some hospitals want to test your machine prior to surgery so phone and check on that, sorry I forget what the test is called -memory not 100%

I found when I had an op not long ago that they didn't seem to think it (OSA) was a big deal. According to my sleep Dr. it is important to use the equipment immediately after surgery, and also BEFORE, if they give you sedatives in advance of the main anesthesia. I think hospitals require your cpap equipment to be in the op theatre during the procedure. However, I increasingly find that you really have to look out for yourself with the medical profession, you cannot just rely on them i am afraid, well some, or most, of them you can but we find it hard to tell which.
You may even need to stay the first night after op at the hospital so they can keep an eye on you re OSA. ask them. Good luck, and don't worry.