Question:
Doesn't the doctor give you something to relax you post-op?

Did you get to meet with your anestheseologist before the surgery?    — Beverly V. (posted on October 10, 2001)

October 10, 2001
I have met with my anesthesiologist and they're really working with me to get ready for post-op pain... morphine rings a nice bell ..
   — Elizabeth D.

October 10, 2001
10/10/01 My doctor used a pca pump after surgery. That is a "patient controlled analgesia" pump. He can order the pump to have 2 types of adjustments: 1) continuous flow of pain medicine with an extra dose every set amount of minutes for more as needed by the patient pushing the button, or 2) he can set it for you to get medicine only when you push the button. The 2nd type is how my md ordered the pump done. I had morphine and I could get a dose every 6 mins as needed. The pain med kept me very comfortable and I had no anti-anxiety medicine at all. I think the main reason people are anxious is that they fear pain that doesn't get relieved. Many anti-anxiety drugs are addictive and most md's don't use them if they can keep you comfortable. Be sure to talk over with your md what type of post-op pain control he will be ordering, and if necessary, ask him for a pca pump. Best of luck to you.
   — Karen M.

October 11, 2001
They give you something to relax you "pre-op" before they sedate you. After the surgery they'll give you pain meds; the PCA pump is a god send because you can give yourself a "zap" of meds when you need it.....but you can't overdose. Yes, you will meet with the anestheseologist before your surgery. He/she will take a history and explain about anesthesia and post-op pain control. Don't be shy about asking questions. If you get nervous around white coats, write down all your questions now and read them when you meet with him/her.
   — [Anonymous]

May 14, 2003
I met my anesthesiologist right before the surgery. They can give you something for your nerves, but believe me once they start you on the "margaritas", you won't remember anything. The next thing you will see is the recovery room.
   — Melissa T.