High Surgical Risk?
 

I am looking at a possible hysterectomy next month. When I contracted Viral Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy 20 years ago my throat was damaged also...as a consequence I cannot be intubated. My gyn Dr. states that this makes me high risk and even though it's been determined that a hysterectomy would be the best thing for me.....they will start with a D&C and if on the table I start bleeding heavily they will immediately proceed to a hysterectomy......so.....I'm having a lot of anxiety right now. I have a fibroid tumor that continues to grow, and at 61 I find myself bleeding reguarly, somedays light, other days very heavy.

My sister, a Nursing Supervisor at MG, Boston, is not happy with this plan and has told me that I should insist on seeing the anesthesiologist prior to the surgery, and not 2 hours before as presently planned. I'm also thinking I should see a neurologist as it's been a couple of years since my last neurological appt.

I have stenosis of the spine and cannot walk or stand for long without pain. I recently had a cortisone shot via an epidural and then started PT. Unfortunately the PT aggravated the tumor and I've had to put it all on hold until I have the tumor removed. In the interim the cortisone has worn off, and I'm in pain again.

All that said......it could be worse :). Any suggestions out there as to how I should proceed with the planned D&C/maybe hysterectoy? And is failure to intubate along rank one as high risk?

Thank you for any advise or sharing similar experiences?

Hi there

I would ask if they could do the procedure via epidural rather than a general anesthetic - if they can do a caesarean under epidural, surely they could do a hysterectomy? I know they can't do appendix under epidural, so I may be wrong about this, but it is certainly worth asking. My father had a leg amputated with an epidural rather then under general anesthetic, it's amazing what they can do.

I would definitely want an anesthesiologist consult prior to the surgery (rather than the run in with the forms before they shoot you off into surgery sort of routine). Who know, things have come a long way, maybe intubation could be possible? I have no clues, just thinking aloud.

best of luck with it all

raglet

have they considered embolization? If not, i suggest you explore that option, quickly!

Thank you
 

I asked if an epidural could be used....and told no. I had an epidural 2 years ago when having knee surgery. At that time they tried on 2 different ocassions to intubate me for general anesthesia and I failed both times. It took 18 years before I received any kind of treatment for my neuropathy, and I think the neuropathy had its' way for so long.....the damage is done.

I only started on garbapentin 2 years ago, and it has definitely helped, but has not eliminated my problems....no complaints...I'm glad for some relief, it's just that my throat continues to be extremely sensitive; witnessed by my continuing severe coughing spells.

I've reached a decision....no surgery until I consult with a neurologist and have a meeting with the anesthesiologist.....and not a meeting at 7:30 am, on the day of surgery, as currently planned!

Thank you for your responses. Much appreciated.