Largely it is going to depend on the anethetist on the day and also how you yourself are coping. You can ask for one when you see them (or if you're on the ward, start asking the nurses/midwives). You can also start talking about it with your caregivers now and gt them to make a notation in your history about your concerns and needs.
The problem with asking which anethetist will be on duty for then now is that rosters change, anethetists get moved from list to list depending on complexity of patients and surgeries happening in other theatres, also on sick leave. So it is very variable. But, like Bron said, anethetists do tend to be happy to dish out drugs
You should have a pre-surgical appt several days before your CS is booked. On that day you should expect to see someone from the obstetric team (probably a registrar) AND someone from the anaesthetists team. Ask them about it then (you can ask to see the consultant - who is the head anaesthetist doctor) and use this opportunity to discuss your fears as well as a plan on what can be done. They may also schedule you earlier on the list so you don't have to wait as long on the day. Good luck.
Hi Marydean, my hospy doesn't do a consult days before the c-section, but you do see the anaesthetist an hour or two before going in for the actual c/s.
I really want to find out before the actual day.. rather than stressing about it for the next month or finding out at the last minute that there's no possible option for anxiety relief and having a panic attack or freaking out. I don't have any further consults with anyone who is actually connected to the hospital, so I'm going to get in contact with the hospital advocate or social worker to see how I can find out what the hospital policy is or who I should ask.
Maybe try asking if you can see the registrar / consultant at your next antenatal appointment, and discuss it with them? If they order it, the anaesthetist (or the midwives if it is ordered preop) will give it.
I had an appointment with one of the anaesthetists prior to getting pregnant to assess my medications, medical history and how this would affect pregnancy and birth (either labour or CS). The person i spoke to was prob not the dude i will see on the day, but the plan talked about went in my file.
This was at a public hospital in Melbourne.
Is it possible to get an anaesthetic assessment at your hospital? A patient advocate or social worker may be able to help you get the info.
Hi everyone, I just spoke to a middy from the birth unit, and she called theatre and spoke to an anaesthetist, and he said there is definitely an option for a pre-op calmative before the c/s, I just have to ask for it when I first arrive. Thanks everyone for your advice.
Hi Skeetaboat
Sorry to hear that you have been so stressed. Although I havent had a CS I recently had surgery (in a private hospital) but fortunately managed to have a phone call consult with the anaesthetist and alerted him to my fears and he assured me of a calmative being administered. I was given an oral dose of valium and it was just truly amazing the difference it made to my demeanor. No stress and no anxiety AT ALL. My recovery was easy also.
This is NOT to say that this would be in any way similar to a CS but just the assurance of the treatment being available and then it actually being instigated made my 'process' a simple journey. No panic attack nor feelings that I may 'lose it' just prior to my procedure. I do suffer anxiety even under normal life situations but I did not want to be frightened in this situation.
Do you perhaps have a close friend or relative who has been through something similar that could perhaps be a mentor for you? Nothing worse also than feeling alone even if you have your husband nearby. They are a great support emotionally but sometimes they dont really understand those feelings of sheer panic and/or anxiety
Thinking of you ..
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