cataract operation phobia and concern

Retrogamer

confusion21 said:

Hi
I am having a cataract operation soon, but i have some concerns. i will be given sedation in the form of tablets, because of claustrophobia, but i do not know how strong that will be, i also suffer from various medical conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, and Ulcerative colitis, which make it difficult for me to lie still and i can not lie flat on my back. Hope somebody can answer some questions of concern to me.
Do you have to lie flat on your back?
do you have to lie still?
how well do these medications for sedation work?
At the dentist, i get gas and air so more or less out of it, which i am looking for.
How soon can you drive afterward?
Thanks

I've had eye surgery before a few times and 2 times it was cataract removal.
I had to lay on my back and remain still for the surgeries i was awake, but my first few surgeries i explained i was anxious and they put me to sleep instead.

Pollycat

Retrogamer said:

I've had eye surgery before a few times and 2 times it was cataract removal.
I had to lay on my back and remain still for the surgeries i was awake, but my first few surgeries i explained i was anxious and they put me to sleep instead.

I think that is what the OP wants but it seems the consultant has said 'no':

confusion21 said:

As i said above I did meaning ask, but it always is best to get opinions from people who have had it done, the medical team does not answer how well a sedation tablet works, only people who took it can say oh gosh it worked for me very well, I can not remember anything etc, I have had many iv sedations which knock you out and told the surgeon that is what I need but was told all they do is give tablet sedation, I am asking here for specific info of experiences, not a medical opinion, so find it a shame people can not bother to read or ask for clarification and as I see people on here are very self-centered by the looks of it.

powerful_Rogue

I had a cataract removal 5 years ago. Apparently I had to be put to sleep due to my age. The younger you are, the more sensitive and painful the operation is I was told. As such, I don't remember anything apart from waking up and having good eyesight again!

kirtondm

Consultant will have the final say on anasethisa.  it is not normally done on the basis of anxiety as that can mostly be controlled with medication. We tend to do it for those with severe learning disabilities / severe demanture or for some younger cataracts which are a diffrent mechanis,
it is putting the patient through the greater risk of a general anasethtiic. Also it will use up far more clinic and ward time so have to look at the whole picutre.
We tend to save them up and do a list of generals but can only do 6ish compared to 14 under local in the same clinic.

Ibrahim5

Not really. The operating team will try and persuade the patient that local anaesthesia is the best choice but if the patient refuses and demands a general anaesthetic they will normally get one. So the consultant doesn't really have the final say.

kirtondm

Not in my experince the consultant always has the final say  they carry the can for the op - this will not be decided on the day of the surgery normally. If the px declines on the day the surgery will be cancelled and then a descion made.

Retrogamer

kirtondm said:

Consultant will have the final say on anasethisa.  it is not normally done on the basis of anxiety as that can mostly be controlled with medication. We tend to do it for those with severe learning disabilities / severe demanture or for some younger cataracts which are a diffrent mechanis,
it is putting the patient through the greater risk of a general anasethtiic. Also it will use up far more clinic and ward time so have to look at the whole picutre.
We tend to save them up and do a list of generals but can only do 6ish compared to 14 under local in the same clinic.

I was in my 30's when i had mines, but they were congenital and complex and i was offered to be put to sleep for the first 2. Surgeries in my first ey.
Due to complications i needed more surgeries and still to do my other eye and when i asked if i would be put to sleep the surgeon said i could be if i wanted to be but he said that it presents a greater risk and the drugs they use to put me to sleep can build up in the body so although it was up to me, he recommended i stay awake.

I took the advise and i much preferred it awake. Sure, the bed was soaking wet from sweat with my anxiety but i was in and out much quicker, and i didn't feel so groggy when i woke up. The pain from getting the injection when going to sleep was extremily painful for me personally as well the first time. It was in my hand, and it felt like an elephant was slowly standing on my hand.
I mentioned that for my second surgery and they put some kind of other injection in to make my muscles relax, or something and there was no pain, but the next day my muscles in my whole body were sore and i learned it was a side effect.

Ibrahim5

kirtondm said:

Not in my experince the consultant always has the final say  they carry the can for the op - this will not be decided on the day of the surgery normally. If the px declines on the day the surgery will be cancelled and then a descion made.

If the consultant does something that the patient doesn't want he (or she) will be committing a criminal offence. They can't have the 'final say'.

elsien

Ibrahim5 said:

Not really. The operating team will try and persuade the patient that local anaesthesia is the best choice but if the patient refuses and demands a general anaesthetic they will normally get one. So the consultant doesn't really have the final say.

The patient cannot demand anything if the consultant decides it’s not clinically appropriate. In that context then the consultant or anaesthesist would have the final say. 

If the patient doesn’t want sedation and that’s all that’s on offer then they would refuse consent and the procedure would be cancelled. No-one has suggested doing anything against anyone’s will so really not sure where your criminal offence bit comes into it. 

McKneff

confusion21 said:

MalMonroe said:

Hi, we're not supposed to give any kind of medical advice on this site so I proceed here with caution! I understand you're not asking for any medical advice but really you're wanting some reassurance. As olgadapolga said above (but in quite a brusque way), you could ask the consultant or a member of his or her team. I recently had a minor procedure at hospital and a few days before, a nurse phoned me and went through what would be happening. It does help if you know what to expect and you are allowed to ask questions beforehand. You can contact your GP too. You just want some more detailed information and that is absolutely fine. You should also be given some printed information but if you need more, please don't be afraid to ask. That's what the medical staff are there for and they know that patients want to be reassured. 

As i said above I did meaning ask, but it always is best to get opinions from people who have had it done, the medical team does not answer how well a sedation tablet works, only people who took it can say oh gosh it worked for me very well, I can not remember anything etc, I have had many iv sedations which knock you out and told the surgeon that is what I need but was told all they do is give tablet sedation, I am asking here for specific info of experiences, not a medical opinion, so find it a shame people can not bother to read or ask for clarification and as I see people on here are very self-centered by the looks of it.

It's may be time someone told you that you are being extremely rude to people who are are trying to help you.