Anesthesia, or Valium, or nothing pre surgery, what did you choose (or was chosen for you)
Posted , 6 users are following.
I read in a recent post that some people have IV anaesthesia or at least valium (or similar) prior to their cataract surgery. One poster said that his preference would be full anaesthesia, which I don't think is offered (at least in the US) because they want you awake during the procedure.
I was offered 5mg of Valium for both of my surgeries but I turned it down because I was not at all anxious about it—quite the opposite, I was excited to finally get decent vision back. I also did not want to feel sleepy or loopy after the operation.
They prepped me for IV sedation by putting in a needle with some dangling tubes for rapid IV sedation, but they said that they would only use the IV if the surgeon or anesthesiologist thought I needed it (based on heart rate and blood pressure, I presume.)
They did numb my eyes with some drops which must have worked really well because for both surgeries I felt zero pain and perhaps just a bit of pressure.
I saw all kinds of bright lights during the operation and rather enjoyed the light show. One of the machines also made some really strange and eerie bleeps that combined with the light show to make me think of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." The surgeon said that the sounds were feedback from the micro pump that was irrigating and sucking out the fragments of cataract.
I am curious to know what other people received (or were offered) in terms of anaesthesia, so feel free to share with us your experience.
0 likes, 6 replies
Bookwoman RandallG
Posted
I had mild IV sedation. For my first eye I was aware of what was going on, and the only sensation I had was the cold eye drops they occasionally dropped in to keep my eye moist. I could hear the surgeon talking, but was blissfully unconcerned about what was going on.
For my second eye I had the same kind of sedation, but they must have given me a bit more, or I just reacted differently, because I was out cold. I was pretty groggy afterwards, and preferred the way they did the first eye. But I had no complications either way, which is the important thing!
RandallG Bookwoman
Posted
You got that right! I agree.
RonAKA RandallG
Posted
I has an IV sedation for my first eye, but I was still somewhat aware of what was going on. The surgeon recommended it. For my second eye which was done in a clinic, and I presume they did not have an anesthesiologist so other than the numbing drops all I got was an Ativan. There as a choice to take nothing other than the numbing drops. Both methods were fine. I can't say either one was painful.
tim20514 RandallG
Edited
Just the eyedrops before surgery...surgeon said he liked feedback from the patient so that he was aware of any odd sensations as they occurred. No pain, just a pressure sensation and flashing lights. I had both done on the same day....was out of the theatre after 40 minutes. Wife drove me home shortly after a rest period. I am very happy with the results even after 18 months.
jo61855 RandallG
Posted
A PVIC was inserted into my left arm, and given eye drops, a pill and small cup of water. First eye surgery I saw the laser starbursts but nothing else. Second time 12 days later saw the surgeon cutting or inserting into my left eye. From the surgery center we went directly to the doctor's office to be checked by the optometrist. I was groggy for most of the morning.
lucy24197 RandallG
Posted
Just Valium and eye drops, no needle. I don't even get drowsy with valium, so I was wide awake for the whole thing.