Diazepam or similar sedative for eye procedure?

[beech]

Wondering if anyone has been given a sedative for a procedure where a local anaesthetic is being used for the procedure, but you were feeling strong anxiety? I have asthma/COPD overlap.

I had a cataract removal operation yesterday afternoon, and I was anxious about the unknown for the anticipated 20 minute procedure. You have a paper cover over your face down to your chest - whilst not tight to your face, it does rest lightly on it. I was pursed lip breathing to try to calm myself and stay still as required.

Unfortunately, things went a bit wrong. One of those few times in life when you really didn’t want to be ‘special’.

So op was extended by an additional 50 mins to tidy things up.

I now have another appointment on Tuesday with another ophthalmic surgeon to sort out the problem, and place the new lens. This part is about 30 minutes (not necessarily all operating time.) but the same lying flat etc.

So I’m wondering if I can be given a sedative to calm my anxiety, which I can already feel building after yesterday’s disappointment. I’m hoping to find out experiences from anyone who might have been through anything similar - or equally, been refused it.

I’m not an anxious person normally, but of course with this you are laid flat and head tipped lower, you have to stay still, and NO COUGHING - and what do I always want to do when I have to be silent is cough!, 🤦‍♀️

Thanks to anyone who has read this far!,

.

[NieceByMarriage]

I'm sorry you had that experience and that you have to have another procedure. I have not had that done but I had to have an endoscopy at the start of this year and they used sedative for that. Can't remember exactly what sedative they used. I didn't have any breathing issues with it. I'd have thought they would give it to you, especially if you explain to them why you want it. You will have to be collected from the hospital by somebody and not be alone in the house for 24 hours after the procedure if you have any sort of sedative. I don't personally tend to have a cough issue and you lie on your side for endoscopy so it's all very different. But I'm telling you this in case it is of any help. I hope it all goes well.

[beech in reply to NieceByMarriage]

Thank you, that is all helpful information, especially as I don’t know the sedative protocols and parameters to their use.

[Coughingalltheway in reply to beech]

I also had an endoscopy and they gave me gas and air through a tube in my nose rather than the old masks that they used when I gave birth. A nurse controls how much you have which is a little frustrating. Maybe call the helpline to see if they have any advice? Good luck with your second procedure.

[beech in reply to Coughingalltheway]

Thank you, a good idea 👍

[strongmouse in reply to NieceByMarriage]

I've also been given a sedative for an endoscopy but they had to refer me to a different hospital - with longer waiting list - rather than the private one which was doing them for the local NHS. You could try some visual relaxation techniques, practising before hand, if you can't have the sedative. There are videos about it on You Tube.

[6538]

Hi beech, funny enough I was refused an eye operation on Wednesday as I couldn't lie flat for 45 mins anaesthetist deemed it too risky, I have COPD, in fact I only managed a few seconds, I usually sleep with two pillows, the op was to put a stent in one eye and remove cataract in the other this was with a general anaesthetic as I didn't think I could do 45 mins without some movement a local meant eyedrops to freeze the eye with an injection in the eye, so now no idea what's going to happen .

[beech]

I’m so sorry things didn’t work out for you on Wednesday, what a disappointment after the anticipation and actually being there.

Obviously I’ll find out more on Tuesday, but of course there’s lots of medics who don’t really understand how us lungies have our peculiarities for getting through our days and nights.

I too sleep propped up on pillows and very rarely lie flat, and can’t bear my face being covered. That probably didn’t help my anxiety on discovering it!

What a pity the anaesthetist didn’t research your particular needs a little more in depth in advance of the day 🙄

I hope a workable answer is found for your sight problems, thanks for replying 💐

[Ern007]

Hi, I have a procedure called a Flexy Cystoscopy that is don;e with a LA and if I wished, I could be sedated. myself I would rather be with it to get home faster.

I you are anxious for this eye procedure I guess it would make sense to sedate you with a drug like Diazopam or whichev they use. it would be easier for you and probably be easier the the doctore performing the op, your gP would probablt know or ring the eye deprtment at the hospital. Or just request a sedative and see what happens..

Good luck.

[beech in reply to Ern007]

Thanks Ern - I’ll follow up your suggestions. 😊

[2013mayo]

I had both eyes done for cataracts, not at the same time, I asked my doctor for diazepam before the op and she gave me some, I took them before I went for the op, I’m sure it helped. The second op took longer but it was okish, she said I had an odd eye shape ? My sight is not perfect in that eye, I’m not sure if it’s the lens she put in or GCA, it’s ok but not perfect. Hope all goes well for you.

[beech in reply to 2013mayo]

Thanks Mayo, that’s good to hear it worked out for you.

I did wonder if perhaps my eye just isn’t made in a standard way which is why this membrane unexpectedly split. It can happen, they warn you, but of course you don’t think you’ll be the “1 in xxx”.

I did also wonder after all these years of using a daily inhaled steroid that may have affected my eyes also. The skin on my forearms and shins is thin and fragile, and tears easily and also bruises and bleeds easily.

This ophthalmologist I’m seeing on Tuesday specialises in complicated eye surgeries and repairs of complications. If there’s one person who might know from experience it should be him! 🤞🤗

[Ergendl in reply to beech]

Hope that Tuesday's appointment goes better for you, and the experienced ophthalmologist is able to put everything right.

[kev60]

hi, you can always ask for sedation tell them about your issue they should accommodate you or explain why you cannot have one .good luck. Kevin

[beech in reply to kev60]

Yes Kev, you’re right. They’re the experts 👍

[Alberta56]

I'm sorry the first op didn't work out and hope all goes well on Tuesday. It sounds as if you are getting the top man. I have a feeling that some people on this forum have had cataract ops while slightly elevated, having explained their breathing difficulties to the surgeon. Best of luck. xxx

[beech in reply to Alberta56]

Thanks Alberta, another idea to ask about 👍

[deejames]

I suggest discussing the issue with your GP. They may prescribe a low dose of valium which will calm and relax you. The GP will obviously have to discuss it with the eye hospital as well.Full sedation as is given with colonoscopy for instance is more complicated and requires and anaesthetist to be present and much more after care

[beech in reply to deejames]

I’m a bit short of time of course - I did raise it with the surgeon’s secretary, so he is probably aware. Perhaps! I’ll phone on Monday 👍

[Pebble23]

Morning BeechI had eye surgery back in the summer.

I was offered sedation.

It required an anaesthetist to administer,via a cannula in the back of my hand.

They then remained present throughout.

I don't think it's uncommon.

Best to give them as much notice ahead of time to discuss/arrange.

I wasn't offered oral medication.

[beech in reply to Pebble23]

Hi Peege 🤗 The anaesthetist bit might be the hiccup! I’ll call on Monday 👍 Thanks 👍

[PaulineHM]

Hello Beech,

Ah so sorry you had this experience with removal of the cataract ! What a nuisance. I can well understand your anxiety about the next stage.

Have you contacted the hospital dept or clinic where you had the surgery to discuss with them about possible sedation. I am certain they will have come across similar situations before.

Go well

Pauline

[beech in reply to PaulineHM]

I’ve mentioned it, but I will follow up with them - thanks 😊

[PaulineHM in reply to beech]

Great, well worth following up with them well ahead of the appointment if you can.

[Bronchi1]

That doesn't sound like a ny. Fun at all! Dentists often offer sedation with value for implants . I wasn't offered any for a hand op by local. I know someone offered it for a endoscopy. Just ring up and ask?;Good luck.

[beech in reply to Bronchi1]

Aha - I’m seeing my dentist on Monday - I’ll throw that sedative question his way when I’m in there, good tip! I’ve got a week of heavy appointments, it’s got to start looking up soon?! Thanks 👏🤗

[Izb1]

So sorry to hear you had problems beech. I can relate to what you went through. I had to have a temporal biopsy in August and had local anaesthetic, as its on the side of my head I had to lie flat with paper all over my face and not move. Like you I normally cough as soon as I lie down,,for some strange reason I didn't this time. It took an hour which is a long time to keep still and calm but luckily I managed it. I did speak with the surgeon beforehand and he said any problems just put my hand up and he will stop and deal with any issues I had. As others have said it may be as well to discuss this with them beforehand and my ease your anxiety. Let us know how you get on x

[beech in reply to Izb1]

Well done you, that’s certainly a situation that would have me thinking too much! Big girl pants will be the order of the day 👍🤞😊

[Izb1 in reply to beech]

Lol, yes I have my big girl pants for those times x

[Troilus]

Hi beech. My husband was sedated for his second cataract operation. The surgeon was putting in a lens to correct his ? (Rugby ball shaped something) and he didn’t want my husband squirming like he did on his first op, so it is fairly common.

[beech in reply to Troilus]

Hi Troilus - I’m with him on that. Unfortunately I think my first experience will set me off for the second, so I’d rather avoid unnecessary anxiety and make it simpler from the start. And given it really will be necessary for improved vision into the future there’s no choice about having to get it done. Therefore, for me it’s a necessary. Hey ho, know your enemies! 🫣👍🍀

[Jack70]

I find diazepam improves my breathing greatly due to the muscle relaxing effect.. my muscles have been stiffened and wasted from all the antibiotics I have been given. I think many of us have this without realising it.

I would personally insist on it.

[beech in reply to Jack70]

Thank you Jack, I think myself into a bit of a tizzy over breathing at times. Here’s hoping! 🤞

[Maximonkey]

Hi beech, my husband who has an eye phobia needed his cataracts done and was very nervous. Whilst waiting he told the nurse how nervous he was and was given a diazepam whilst waiting. He felt really calm and the surgery went ahead without any hitches. Please do not worry, just ask and I am sure the staff will give you something to calm you down. We all know that feeling when you do not want to cough but it happens anyway. Good luck and take care, Maximonkey

[beech]

yes, getting wound up can become a real issue if not addressed. I’m hoping they’re listening to me!🤞💐

[Germantara]

Ooo sorry to hear that I think the stress off coughing is worrying for you I've not had that procedure but to be honest I m always coughing I will probly face the same as you're self and I would feel the same as you I hope things get resolved

[beech]

Tanks, Germantara. I’ll be reporting back when the ordeal is over! 😆