Expert: JM Starkman, MD - 5/19/2009

Question
Hello Dr.  I am wondering if you would answer a question for me.  If not I will understand.  I am having surgery tomorrow and just got upset thinking about how fragile my central nervous system is, in that I have gotten elevated blood pressure and elevated heart rate at times due to valium withdrawal (5 mg at night for sleep).
I have been struggling for 15 months and now I find out I need laproscopic surgery with general anesthesia.  Would you have any idea how someone in my fragile state would be able to handle anesthesia and get through it okay.  I am starting to panic and thought maybe you'd be able to help.

Answer
I am sorry I am just able to get to this question and provide a (late) answer.

It would have been preferable for your surgeon to arrange an earlier-than-usual meeting with your anesthesiologist to address and allay your preoperative fears/concerns.  If you should require surgery in the future I suggest you request just that.