Question:
Any reason why they shouldn't give anti-nausea meds with anasthesia routinely?

I was just wondering. I've been put to sleep only once and don't remember being nauseous;however that was a long time ago and my body has been through major changes since then. My daughter recently had surgery and was violently ill afterwards and I was wondering if there is any reason why they wouldn't give anti-nausea meds "just in case". Is there a danger? I would think it could be a little dangerous for post RNY patients to be vomitting. I also remember waking up extremely agitated and ripping out my oxygen tube. OOPS. Should I let them know to be on the lookout? Probably wouldn't be a bad idea, huh? Thanks in advance.    — denisel (posted on February 9, 2003)

February 9, 2003
Hi, I can only speak for my own surgical experiences. I have been under general anesthesia 4 times in the past 12 years, all at the same hospital. In all 4 cases, I was given some anti nausea pills at the pre-op testing with instructions as to how they were to be taken the night before and day of surgery. Since my RNY is to be done at a different hospital, I was concerned about their procedure with anti nausea meds. When I asked my surgeon, he said, not to worry, but I would definitely be given "good stuff" to assist in combating the nausea. I agree with you. I was panicked until he told me that. Vomiting after surgery can't be a good thing.
   — Fixnmyself

February 9, 2003
Make sure to discuss this with your anesthesiologist as well as your surgeon before surgery. He is the one who will be giving the drugs during surgery. I have had MANY surgeries and have always woke up wretching. That is the only thing I was afraid of. I told them both about this and they gave me meds right in my IV and then kept asking me how I felt as soon as I came out of it in recovery. I never had any nausea, thank God.
   — livnliter

February 9, 2003
hi there :) i had my open rny at delnor hospital in geneva il, they gave me some for "just in case" and im glad :) there was only once that i sorta felt a bit of nausea and they were very quick in getting me the med again, maybe its different per hospital.
   — carrie M.

February 9, 2003
Many times anti-nausea meds aren't given routinely because people can have adverse reactions to them. I can remember, after having my thyroid surgery, they must have been moving me from the OR table to the gurney, and I remember wretching once or twice, and someone saying, "She's getting sick, give her some....." and I was out again! Some more conservative hospitals probably don't give it unless they see a need for it. Sometimes the combativeness can be caused by medications, and it shouldn't get out of hand, because there are ususally orders in the recovery room for meds to calm people down. By the way, the only tubes I had in the recovery room were my IV and my catheter - everything else was out when I woke up. I would be sure to tell the anesthesiologist about your previous experience!
   — koogy

February 9, 2003
Denise, do tell them ANYTHING OF CONCERN TO YOU! Almost always they will have the anesthesiaologis (sp?) come in to talk to you just before you go to the OR. Do tell him or her EVERYTHING. As for me general ansthesia causes extreme puking and hives. I've found when I stress this VERY HIGHLY they give me something that prevents this! :) But they need to know whatever problems YOU have as they can't read your mind (thankfully-lol) or prehaps know all your history unless you tell them. They have your best interests in mind so tell them. I was happy that after (my WLS) I did'nt have ether problem. But I did have nausia and dry heaves "about 24 hours post op" and I called the nurse when the dry heaves would'nt stop. She came in a gave me a shot. It stopped the "trying to puke" reactions I was having. I don't know what it was but it worked. Anyway, I really liked all the anesthesiaoligts I've had and always take advantage of talking to them right before the OR. MAKE SURE YOU TALK TO YOURS BEFORE YOUR WLS. It's YOUR surgery and you have a right to talk to him/her! Your insurance (or you) are paying THEIR salary. ;)
   — Danmark

February 10, 2003
I can understand why they wouldn't give meds on a 'just in case' basis to everyone. That would be like taking Tylenol every day just in case you get a headache. But...DEFINITELY let them know if you are feeling the least bit anxious about getting sick. If you don't want to take something you don't need, keep in mind that the meds they can give you if you do feel sick work very FAST. I don't take a chance any more. I get sick EVERY time I go under and it gets worse each time. Two years ago they used the 'cocktail' they give chemo patients. It worked great. I have no idea what exactly is in it, but was told there was a mixture of 3 meds. They gave it to me before, during and after surgery. When the last iv bag containing it ran out, I did get mildly sick, but it was NOTHING compared to previous times. This time, I will ask what they can do as a precaution when the iv runs out. Good luck to you!
   — Diane S.

February 5, 2006
everytime i have surgery, i let them know that i WILL PUKE AND PUKE after surgery so PLEASE, PLEASE give me an antiemetic before waking me.i even put it on my registration papers when registering for the rny that i'm waiting for. the last surgery i had, they left me in the rm. w/o even an emesis pan. i had to yell and warn them. and i did not want to get sick there. it was the hospital that i worked on and on the floor that i worked on also.
   — MardiGras

February 5, 2006
Let them know about your concerns.... Both my wife and her dad try to get up and leave the room when coming out of the anthestic:( Both have to be restrained, and they gave instructions to ALWAYS inform others when getting surgery. needless to say it can be dangerous
   — bob-haller