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 ..
i would say 99% yes, im an RN and have worked as an anaesthetic nurse, just last week to be exact! and where i work its routine to give everyone a calming agent before any operation big or small, sedated or epi. there are quite a few different drugs but they all have the same effect.
I too am thinking about the same thing. I really am not sure I'd cope if I need a C-section. I'd love to know if anyone has had any luck in being asked to be put under for the entire thing?
My sister had a C-section and it was okay until the baby was out but she hated some of the sensations afterwards and started to freak out. They offered to put her under then, but I'd prefer to just miss the whole experience. To me the option of seeing the baby first pulled out isn't enough for me to be able to stay awake for it! I'm terrified.
Tecopa, I believe that if you don't consent to the spinal or epidural, they have to put you under. There are risks that your bub will need resuccitating if you have a general, which is why they don't advertise general as an option. What I had (small amount of sedative and a spinal - see previous post) worked out really well for me with much less risk to baby. I wasn't freaked out at all and coped really well during the op. HTH.
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