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How can Michigan patients prepare for anesthesia?

Michigan patients should know the right way to prepare for anesthesia and their surgery to improve their chances of success.

If you will soon undergo a medical or surgical procedure in Michigan, you might have to be anesthetized either as a personal preference or for your physical well-being. You will likely receive information from a doctor or surgeon about what you can do to prepare for anesthesia, but it never hurts to arm yourself with a bit of extra knowledge so you can be well-prepared, and so you can better avoid an anesthesia error.

Fasting

It might be recommended that patients fast before their procedure, mainly so there is less of a chance of them choking during the procedure or suffering from accidental contamination. You might have to fast for a number of hours before your procedure, or you may be instructed to stop eating and drinking at midnight the night before your surgery.

Not take regular medications

Depending on whether you are currently taking prescription medication, you may be told not to use them for a brief time before your surgery. Your medical care provider and anesthesiologist do not want to run the risk of your medication having a negative interaction with the anesthesia. There are also medications that have certain side effects that can complicate your surgery, such as medications that thin your blood. Know that some over-the-counter supplements can be a risk as well.

Inform your doctor of any sleeping disorders you might have

If you have sleep apnea or any other type of sleeping disorder, be sure to share this information with your doctor or surgeon. Such disorders can impact the amount or type of anesthesia you receive, and the anesthesiologist will want to keep an especially close eye on you as well.

Share your medical history

Be open and honest about your medical history, even if there are a few embarrassing moments or incidents in that history. For instance, share your allergies, whether you have a history of drug use, if you are asthmatic, if you are pregnant, drink alcohol, if you have suffered a medical mishap in the past or if you have had a bad reaction to anesthesia in the past. Even if something seems insignificant, be sure to share it.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are diabetic

Just in case your doctor forgets to cover it, be sure she or he knows whether you are diabetic. While you might not have to stop taking your medication, there is a chance you might have to reduce your insulin dose the day of your surgery.

While there is much Michigan patients can do to prepare for anesthesia, the above tips are no guarantee. If something went wrong with your anesthesia dosage or surgery, talk with an attorney to explore your legal options.

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