pre-med prior to breast surgery

[Jaquta]

I am feeling anxious about breast surgery and have been prescribed 20 mg of diazepam prior to surgery.
(The anaesthetist said this was twice the amount he would normally prescribe).
I was wondering how much of the pre-surgery I would remember if I were to take this dose.

J

[katarina777]

Are you supposed to take that amount of valium in pill form before going to the hospital? If so, I think it is too much and I would definitely not take more than ten mg. That is plenty and you'll me medicated further before surgery.

I took all of my regular medications on the day of my surgery and also a tranquilizer even though it was not prescribed. I told the nurse though and it was fine.

But 20 mg for you to take before you go there I think is double too much. You won't care about anything with 10 mg unless you take this medicine on a regular basis and have developed a tolerance.

[nannotnancy]

I had my first surgery ever recently, and although I was nervous, I was told not to take ANYTHING after midnight the night before, so I didn't.  I would talk to the anes. ahead of time, because he keeps track of all drugs you are given, as far as I know.  I'm having more surgery next week, but I'm not as worried this time.  For the last one, the nurse started an IV, and soon thereafter the anes. put a drug in the IV, and the next thing I knew I was awake.  I never even saw the actual operating room.

My last one was an ordeal because I had the wires inserted, then went to another location for the surgery, filled out forms all along the way, and the whole thing dragged on for hours--all BEFORE surgery.  If I have to do that again, I'm going to ask for something "calming"--just make sure that the anes. knows what's going on.  Good luck to you!

[japdip]

Usually the Anesthesiologist is 100% in charge of any medication that is taken the day of surgery ... you are always given some sedation by IV before you ever go to the operating room. I must admit I'm a bit suprised that the Anesthesiologist would approve of pre-medicating by another Physician. In any event you will definitely be asleep before they begin the surgery .... I know, that was said in jest .... Good Luck .....

[Jaquta]

Thanks very much for your feedback.
My concern was not being able to remember which I felt would leave me feeling too vulnerable.
This has given me something to think about.  Just not sure which would be best option for me at this point.
The anaesthetist said to trust the doctor and follow their instructions. :(
Either way, I would hope to be asleep before they start operating.  :)

J

[Dennis MD]

Hi J.
Diazepam 20 mg can be given as a pre-op medication for anxious or tense patients.  This drug also has a sedating effect.  So there is a possibility that you will be asleep before the surgery is started and will not remember the events after the drug is given.
Good luck on your breast surgery.