Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Posted by: filmy

Date:2/1/2005 6:20:16 AM

Well lets see - oral eh. I had all 4 wisdom teeth pulled out about 6 years ago. They asked if I wanted to be "awake" and I said "Please just put me under". So they did, last thing I remember was counting backwards and hearing a loud crack - than they woke me up. It seemed like hours but my wife insists I was only in the chair for maybe 5 minutes. They walked me to a waiting room and brought her in, which is how I found out I had only been gone for 5 minutes, and I was groggy. On the way out I guess I was smiling and saying "hi" to people in the waiting room and my wife kept telling me not to do it. She told me in the car it was because I was bleeding and it was freaking people out. So in my case I felt no pain and don't remember anything. But they did give me Tylenol with codeine in it for later - however I never used it, just dumped iot down the tolit. I didn't have any sort of pain after.

On the other hand I had a root canal done and they just used local on me. When they hit a nerve I sort of nicely said "Um...ouch, I felt that" so they shot more novicane or whatever into the tooth. Yeah, I like being under, not awake.

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: Jay Gladwell

Date:2/1/2005 6:26:22 AM

Patrick, I've had oral surgery, and, like Filmy, I had wound up on Mars. It was great! No pain at all. No recollection of it whatsoever. Just a couple of weeks ago I had a different procedure altogether done--same thing. The last thing I remember was the coolness of the "drugs" flowing up my arm as soon as they were delivered (8:30 am). Then next thing I remember was waking up in my bed at home, it was 3:30 pm. What a way to fly!

You'll be just fine. Don't hestitate to share your concerns with your doctor, he'll fix ya right up... and it's all legal, too!!!

Jay

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: farss

Date:2/1/2005 6:35:34 AM

I've never experienced this but I do a lot of work in day surgeries. Modern anaesthetics are amazing, sure you're awake, no you don't feel anything and you have no memory of the event.
But here's the really wierd part, I was in a hospital one day when a patient came in to pay his bill. He'd taken a taxi home, made meal, called all his mates etc and gone to bed. When he woke up the next morning he had no recollection of it whatsoever. Needless to say all his mates got a bit peeved having to listen to his story a second time!
So don't worry, people regularly have gall bladders removed under twilight sedation and yes, if you are concerned do discuss it with the doctor. They really should have given you the opportunity to go over all aspects of what's going to happen at the same time they told you you needed the procedure.
Bob.

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: Jay Gladwell

Date:2/1/2005 6:40:22 AM

From what they told me the last time, they are gonna put me under a twilight sleep and that I would be concious...

That's what they told me. This last go 'round my wife had to dress me 'cause I was so "relaxed" (I kept slumping over on the gurney). She said we talked, I answered questions and asked some of my own (over and over), but I have no memory of it whatsoever. It's like there is 7 hours missing from my life that day. If I did experience any pain, I didn't feel it and I don't remember it.

You can ask them for some nitrous oxide to help calm you down. When they put the mask on you, take a real deeeeeep breath. They should bottle that stuff and sell it at Walgreen's!

Jay

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: BillyBoy

Date:2/1/2005 6:49:21 AM

I had oral surguery a couple times, but the surgeon didn't put me under. I didn't want that. Instead he just numbed the area. After awhile he starts, then he says don't worry, you'll hear a sound, that's me dislocating your jaw... got to, but it won't hurt. It didn't. The guy even called me that night to see how I was doing. He says he calls all his patients. A rare fine. A doctor that really cares.

Contrast that with this:

Not to scare you, but my dear mother had "twlight sleep" when she had carpal tunnel surgey. She needed it for both hands. The first procedure went fine. The second about a year later in the middle of the procedure, you guessed it, she woke up. Not fully, but enough to feel the most intense pain she ever had. The bad part is the surgeon and other doctors were so ingrossed in the procecure, she remaind semi-awake, couldn't speak and suffered horrible pain for about 30 seconds before they noticed and put her under again.

If you are concerned, talk it over with your doctor. There are other methods. I myself would never want "twlight" sleep. The dosage is critical. Too much, its like a general, too little, you CAN semi wake up in the middle of things.

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: rs170a

Date:2/1/2005 7:02:10 AM

Im starting to think this isnt such a good idea.

Yes it is. Good dental health is critical to good health overall. Like BillyBoy, I had 3 or 4 wisdom teeth removed in one session a number of years ago and just had the usual freezing. Due to stubborn teeth, I swear that at one point the surgeon was using a pipe wrench to get the things out :-)
I was in the chair for close to 2 hrs. and, other than a sore jaw for a few days, I was fine.
Take a deep breath, say a prayer and you'll be fine.

Mike

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: Arks

Date:2/1/2005 7:22:36 AM

Yes, you may not be knocked out, but you wont feel any pain and most likely wont even remember anything....which is kind of scary; whatever druge they use to block the memory of the operation is dangerous. Hope it stays winthin hospital boundries. lol

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: Coursedesign

Date:2/1/2005 7:36:19 AM

I'm surprised some people here said they were allowed to go home on their own after the "twilight treatment.".

At many hospitals they don't even let you take a taxi home afterwards.

They don't even let you walk out to the parking lot to be picked up by a friend or family member. For very good reason, IMHO.

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: BillyBoy

Date:2/1/2005 7:44:10 AM

Of course it depends on the patient, procedure and doctor, but for typical oral surgery to remove impacted teeth and similar stuff, if you have the option go for simple freezing or numbing up, take it. You're totally awake, so you're aware of what's going on, so if you biggest fear isn't being in control or knowing what's happening, I would suggest this if its a option.

Pain wise there isn't any, except for the injections, three or four probably and really, trust me, I've got lousy teeth and have been "stuck" dozens of times. The actual numbing up part is over in seconds and really its not bad at all then aside from the numbness which is just weird feeling. There's no pain and the doctor will ask you and also poke around to be sure you feel no pain before starting the procedure.

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: RCourtney

Date:2/1/2005 8:51:20 AM

No sweat man.... The only pain I felt was from my rump sitting in hose
uncomfortable chairs for over an hour.

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: DavidMcKnight

Date:2/1/2005 9:04:30 AM

I had three impacted wisdom teeth removed only after I practically begged my dentist to do it. He wouldn't at first, because he's not an oral "surgeon", meaning he could not use an IV or completely put me under. But, he's a GREAT dentist, and I wanted him to do it. After having the local numbness I heard some amazing sounds, creaks, and cracks. Didn't hurt a bit. I had all three removed in about an hour with just local numbness and took the rest of the day off work. Advil over the weekend, no sweat after that.

Nothing to it. Dentistry has come a LONG way, in my opinion.

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: Stonefield

Date:2/1/2005 6:50:06 PM

Ok, I'll add a couple of my dentist stories....all good.

Had 3 wisdom teeth taken out in one sitting. Local shot or two to numb the pain and presto...two of em almost jumped out themselves...and one impacted one, just a gentle clip and out it came. I was awake thru the whole thing...went home...and called a couple friends while I was still under...it was quite funny. But I remember it all and not a problem.

Before that, was visiting my parents in their small town home about 17 years ago and had broken one of my "fang" teeth. So we called the "small town visiting dentist" and dad took me over. He gave me a couple shots on either side of the tooth...we waited a bit and he pulled it. Heard a crack during that one cause it was very tough to get out. No pain at all and I actually started to laugh cause of the position the dentist had to get into to pull the tooth. He chuckled as well.

As a kid we had an opportunity to be patients of the university's dental program for free. Not near as scary as it sounded. Young ladies in their white outfits, very cute, very friendly all gushing over my blonde hair and blue eyes. Course, I was 8 years old at the time. They did fillings and an exctraction and even an old stainless steel cap or two. All without a hitch.

Dentists and oral surgeons know that it can be a very frightening experience for many people to sit in that chair. So they are very open to you sharing your concerns. Rest easy in that big chair. Remember, your in MUCH MUCH more danger sitting behind the wheel of your car....puts that in perspective doesn't it ?

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: vicmilt

Date:2/1/2005 7:11:30 PM

don't sweat it...
First of all, I doubt they will dislocate your jaw.
Tooth extraction is a common procedure and not too much to fear.

But listen - my wife (remember the Princess and the Pea??) - well she just had 5 teeth extracted - 6 more ground down to stumps. Then the following week got 4 implants and a bone graft.
The major pain??? only to my pocketbook.
Not to say she wasn't uncomfortable, somewhat, but even she didn't feel REALLY bad.
Go for it, without fear. You need dental work done. Bacterial infection in your mouth can lead to really bad things in the rest of your body.

best,
v

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: BillyBoy

Date:2/1/2005 7:29:26 PM

Now for a dentist horror story... Sadly again it happened to my mother.
Don't read beyond this point if you're already afraid of the dentist this may freak you out.

OK, for the brave:

My mom had gone for a routine filling. Not a big deal you would think. The procedure was half way through and the phone rang. This was a small little office and the dentist himself went to answer the phone leaving my mom with her mouth open and the drain/suction tube in her mouth telling her don't touch it, I'll be right back... several minutes later he hears muffled sounds from the next room. He returns to find my mom very upset and somehow the tissues from under her tongue being sucked into the drain suction device, already a quarter sized mass behind the opening with lots of bleeding. My mom didn't freak, but the dentiist sure did. He was running around the chair saying over and over what should I do? MY mom just kept pointing at the suction, trying to say turn it off. Finally the dentist did. Next day my mom had a walnut sized mass of very sore tissue under her tongue that took weeks to finally go away.

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: p@mast3rs

Date:2/1/2005 7:54:12 PM

I made it through. Wierd feeling having a mouth of gums and stitches. I stressed and worried and almost pulled out. Then I remembered God will carry me through it, and took the IV and once they put the breathing tube in, I was out in like 10 seconds flat. I woke up in recovery for a few moments and remember them walking me down to the car and slept all the way to my moms house.


Cant eat any solids or soft foods yet, only soups and jellos. Hada lot of bleeding but that has seem to finally subside.

I have to get some rest but thanks to everyone for prayers and words of support. I dont think I could have had the courage to follow through without it.

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: farss

Date:2/1/2005 7:59:20 PM

When do we get to see the video?
You did get the dentist to video it, right?

No laughing please, all the day surgeries down here offer you a video of your colonoscopy (yes, from the endoscope), wierd, guess it's something to show at your next party.
Bob.

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: riredale

Date:2/1/2005 8:10:34 PM

I'm hoping you'll be using an HDV camera to do the taping, for full impact and all...

Just as an aside, I've had a couple of laser operations recently on the back of my throat (the "uvula") in order to cut down on the intensity of my snoring at night. The doc said I would be moderately sore for a few days, but then, a week later, I would feel the world's worst sore throat--probably something to do with the scab coming off and the nerves getting back into operation back there.

Anyway, he was right. Fortunately, he perscribed some "hydrocodone" elixr--kind of like cough syrup. Man, I can see how people get hooked on narcotics. Once I had a shot of that syrup, life was very VERY good for about 12 hours.

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: BillyBoy

Date:2/1/2005 8:11:54 PM

The good news is you're done with it. Take is easy for a few days and soon you'll feel better. Good excuse to have a couple big shakes over the next couple days from the local fast food or something...

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: Coursedesign

Date:2/1/2005 8:43:03 PM

You want a dentist horror story?

No: Stop Here. Don't Even Think of Reading The Rest of This Post! That Means You!

Yes: Now Hear This.

A few years ago I was at the dentist for routine work. The dentist prepared a syringe and gave me a jab, slowly injecting the stuff into my lower jaw while his attention drifted off into never-never-land. Absentmindedly, he jiggled the syringe around as it was emptying.

Suddenly I felt a very sharp pain. He stopped working, because my mouth had closed. And it wouldn't open more than 1/4" max.

I couldn't feel my tongue anymore, but thought this was perhaps from the jab.
What I could feel was something like when you lick the poles of a 9V battery, a continuous "bzzzzt" from the electrolysis of your saliva.

Went home, got a major jaw pain. Couldn't do anything at all with this pain. Couldn't read, couldn't even watch TV, this was an all-encompassing pain.

Dentist prescribed mega painkillers, far far beyond Vicodin ES and Darvocet. I forgot what it was but I got major major warnings from the pharmacist.
With this painkiller I was so zonked couldn't do anything either, but at least I wasn't in pain.

Still couldn't open my mouth, so I had to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner through a straw that barely fit in the opening of my mouth.

It didn't take that long before I got so tired of liquid food that I made a big sandwich and tossed it in a blender with some water and drank it. Blessed that was! Even though it didn't taste anything, because I had lost all taste.

Well, after a month there was no improvement whatsoever. Massive pain, massive painkillers, unable to open my mouth, no taste, 9V battery zapping my tongue around the clock, tongue bleeding continuously from biting because I had no feel in my tongue either.

Got referred to a top specialist oral surgeon. "Sorry, the major nerve that runs along the side of your jaw got severed. There is nothing we can do. There is no procedure for it. You will never get your taste back. Good news though is that you should be able to open your mouth again within a year."

Second opinion. "Sorry."

Hmmm. I didn't have so much trouble with losing my taste. I spent a few decades training my palate in wine appreciation, but what the heck. Sold my wine cellar, why bother when water tasted just as good, i.e.nothing?

Worse was the damn tongue buzzing around the clock, really a world class distraction. Severed nerve apparently liked making noise. Really had to do something about that. But the best doctors I could find in L.A. said they could do nothing.

After two months of daily exercise I was able to open my mouth half an inch. Great, now I could eat solid food again. Glad I couldn't taste the blood from my tongue, as I chewed that as much as the food. Still, even with no taste, there was definitely something to be said for solid food.

Then I heard about a motorcyclist friend who was in a traffic accident and had his leg run over by a Metro bus. Ambulance to the hospital, they wanted to amputate his leg immediately, because there were too many nerves severed. His wife was there immediately, she said "absolutely not." She was a practitioner of "Jin Shin Jyutsu", a physiological technique that has a long history of working well for even severe tissue and nerve damage.

90 days later he was walking again. On the leg they said had to be amputated. Nothing mystical, no prayers, no herbs, no needles.

I really didn't know what to to think of this. Never heard of it, probably hooey.

But then what did I have to lose? I went to see this lady, and got treated every other day for a month, then she taught me how to do this on my own, three times a day (for 20-30 minutes every 8 hours).

How did it work? After 90 days of this, I got 50% of my taste back and the bzzztt was reduced quite a bit. After 9 months I had 80% of my taste back and absolutely no bzzt anymore. Finally after 15 months of doing this 3x/day, I had 100% of my taste back and no problems.

I went back to the oral surgeon and just asked him to do a checkup on my jaw. He did his usual tests, dropped his own jaw and looked at me like I was from outer space. "This is absolutely not possible," he said. "What happened?" I said it must have been spontaneous..., because I didn't want to get into a pissing contest about other medical systems.

So that was my worst dental experience...

I'll spare you my next worst experience, the one where I lost 1 1/2 pints of blood in the middle of the night after a wisdom tooth extraction. I knew it was 24 fl.oz. because it was nearly to the top of the 28 oz. stainless steel bowl I had next to my bed. But, like I said, I'll spare you that one... :O[!]

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: Coursedesign

Date:2/1/2005 8:46:03 PM

Pmasters, congrats on getting over that ordeal!

If you get tired of liquid food, make a regular meal and put it through a blender (with some water) and drink it through a straw. It works!

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: Coursedesign

Date:2/1/2005 8:48:35 PM

"No laughing please, all the day surgeries down here offer you a video of your colonoscopy (yes, from the endoscope), wierd, guess it's something to show at your next party."

Bob, it seems it would take some intestinal fortitude to watch that footage... :O)

Are you really serious about this? Not just a staff gag?

Subject:RE: Way OT: Surgery today

Reply by: farss

Date:2/1/2005 11:17:43 PM

Believe me this no gag, in fact I was at one stage thinking of selling these hospitals a RT mpeg-2 capture system that could handle feeds from 4 theatres. Man though, think of the gags you could play on the poor patients, how about compositing some little guy in scuba gear walking around in there.
Bob.