tkdmom96

Hi Lisa!

First thing we were told with the anesthesia is that it acts as a type of "anticonvulsant" during surgery. I would ask what type of anesthesia will be used and if it will also act like that. Katie had a seizure Sunday night at 9:45 pm, just before going to bed, 8 hours before surgery. I said, "GREAT!" I was feeling more nervous about that than the surgery. But I remembered what they had told me about the anesthesia.

Katie was fine and they operated on the brain, I'm sure you'll do well with your procedure. None the less, I "understand" how you might feel. Have you ever been put under general an. before? I haven't. Doctors are very good at what they do now, especially in this area. They monitor things constantly.

Try some soothing music (if your radio/stereo has a timer), read a relaxing book before bed, or talk to your doctor about using Melatonin. Katie uses Melatonin before bed. She has a very active mind and thinks things to pieces sometimes. The Epi said to use it as she/we prepared for surgery. She has used it since October 2003. There are days where she doesn't take it also. But does use it more often than not. It's not suppose to be addictive either.
Otherwise there is Tylenol PM which has the same type of ingredient as in Benadryl. Takes the edge off and makes you sleepy. My grandma (91) has used this for "sleepless" nights and has been fine with it. She lives on her own yet and had a heart attack at the age of 89 and takes many heart meds and the cardiologist said the Tylenol PM was ok. Check with your doc first though, AEDs could be different. But Katie has used Benedryl for allergies before.

Hang in there...if you want and know that this should be done, have faith in your doctors, then try to think as positively as possible...deep breathing and nice relaxing music...

I'll be praying for a quick and safe procedure...

Vicki

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Proud mom of Katie, the strongest and bravest person I have ever known! GBTG.