Having hammertoe surgery 9/28 - Foot Problems Message Board

srosenblum · 09-25-2006, 07:55 PM

I am scheduled for hammertoe surgery on 9/28. I had bunion surgeries in 1991 and 2003. Nevertheless, I am very anxious.

Does anyone have suggestions about medications that are safe to take before surgery to relieve anxiety? I'm not sure what type of sedation I'm getting--but it's not general anesthesia.

I welcome any ideas. Thanks, Susan

gradhospcats · 09-25-2006, 08:21 PM

Hi Susan,

I think you might need to check with your doctor re: safe anti-anxiety meds.

What in particular are you feeling worried about? I just had hammertoe surgery (in addition to a 2nd metatarsal osteotomy) last Wednesday (9/20), and I am doing fine. I didn't have general anesthesia either (just local and some conscious sedation - what they call "twilight sleep" - it was much better than having general anesthesia - no after-surgery nausea and recovery from the anesthesia is really quick.

Good luck!
Debra

mkl · 09-26-2006, 04:17 PM

I was a nervous wreck before my two bunion/hammertoe surgeries in July and was having panic attacks all over the place. I took 5 mg. of Valium as needed and it caused no problems whatsoever. But as suggested above, check with your doctor to see what he/she feels would be appropriate for you. As for the twilight sleep anesthesia...it was a piece of cake. I had to have someone sign me out of the hospital after both surgeries for insurance and hospital liability issues, but it was totally unnecessary. I was alert and felt just great. No nausea....in fact I kept bugging the nurses for more ginger ale and graham crackers as I was HUNGRY!

Marianne

Beekermlady · 09-27-2006, 12:03 PM

Hello!! I am a very very nervous person when it comes to hospitals, doctors, needles, blood, and the likes, I discussed this with my doctor before my surgery because I knew they would not be able to give me an IV if I was not sedated. They gave me a Valium as soon as I got to the hospital the day of the surgery and my body fought it for a little while but within an hour after taking the Valium I was relaxed enough to get the IV. The best advice is ask your doctor.

-Britt

sorefootsophie · 09-27-2006, 04:47 PM

Hi Susan, I, too, had valium before my first surgery last November. I had a general for that. This last surgery in July...I was nervous but not quite as much so I didn't ask for the valium this time. There are so many things you need to stop taking before surgery that it is best to check with your doctor. You would also require a Rx for valium or some other relaxer. This last surgery I had a local with MAC (monitored anesthesia care). I found it much easier to recuperate and felt I slept through it as much as the general. In fact, I don't even remember going to the car or the ride home. Highly recommended!!

Good luck tomorrow!! Remember to ice and elevate! Sophie