How To Skip Preoperative Sedation

They said it couldn’t be done. They said I was insane for even wanting to try it. They said I would regret it.

Then I did it. And shocked them into complete silence.

Because believe it or not, preoperative sedation can be skipped. And if you skip it, you will wake up quicker, be more alert and have a few extra dollars in your pocket after surgery. Score!

You will also amaze all the surgical and medical staff. Bonus!

Know what the drug does

Myth: Everything the anesthesiologist gives you is part of your sedation.

False! That little shot they give you in your iv, that “stiff drink”, is really an anti-anxiety medication. It is NOT sedation.

Most people sign off on anesthesia release forms without ever really reading them. Most people sign off on all medical forms without ever really reading them. You figure the doctor knows best (he is the one who went to medical school) and if he is ordering it, you must need it.

Erm, not quite. 99% of people who go under the knife are nervous before surgery. Even routine, minor, I’ll-be-in-and-out-in-30-minutes surgery. So all anesthetists automatically give you a shot of a drug called versed (or some similar anti-anxiety med) right before your procedure so you don’t have scary memories of the operating room. You instead feel relaxed and calm. And drugged. And you will continue to feel that way for days afterward.

But you can indicate on the anesthesia release form that you don’t want that “stiff drink”. You can tell the doctor something he does not know. You can tell him you’re going to calm yourself down using hypnosis.  A technique he may not have studied and might not believe in. And that’s ok.

Replace anti-anxiety medication with an anti-anxiety procedure

(Yes, I know I go back to hypnosis again and again. Two reasons why. First, most people don’t know a lot about what hypnosis can do for you. Second, this is my space to promote what and whom I want. If you don’t agree, you are free to debate with me in the comment section. )

If you keep in mind that you have chosen a hospital/surgery center you feel at ease in, are with doctors you know well and will be comfortable when you wake up, you can relax yourself  before surgery using the method described here. (aff link)

As a result, you will feel alert and comfortable as soon as you wake up in the recovery room.  You will be steady in your mind and on your feet and will have an easier recovery. Those are things any medical professional would be all for.

You can’t blame them for recommending drugs, as that is all most of them know and believe in. But if you’re willing to try self hypnosis, you can bypass those drugs and give yourself a better outcome after surgery.

The Fine Print: While there is scientific evidence to back up my claims, (not an aff  link) remember that everyone’s mind reacts slightly differently to hypnosis.

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