Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 12/21/2009

Question
I'm supposed to be having abdominal surgery under general anesthesia, but I'm avoiding it because i don't want any paralytic drugs.  I'm allergic to bendo drugs but nothing else. I had one surgery where I was awake and paralyzed and it was terrible (couldn't breathe).  I recall the comment: "that's what you get when you refuse benzos)-heck, I'm really allergic to this stuff.... The surgery that I'm having does not requier being paralyzed, but one of the nurses said that if I get a certian anesthesiologist that "he paralyzes everyone" to make inserting the breathing tube easier".  Other providers evidently don't routinely tdo this.  Can I specify that if they can't get the tube in without paralytics that the surgery be cancelled?  This was terriflying and nobody will answer my questions.  thanks

Answer
Hi Lauri
Sorry to hear about you issues. In the UK we do try very hard to work with patients when they have issues like you describe. However I am uncertain of the system in the USA. I suspect that if you make your wishes clear and discuss this with the anaesthetists in the hospital then something can be arranged.
I wish you the best of luck and hope all goes well.
Dr Ian Jackson