general anesthetic and type 1

[willogs]

I have got to have all 4 wisdom teeth taken out, the dental hospital has referred me to the main hospital to work with the diabetes team so I can have a general anesthetic. How does it work with fasting etc? Anyone had a general anesthetic and can put my mind at rest. :? Thanks in advance.

 

[leggott]

Hi. My son is type 1 and he had a general anaesthetic when he was 5. He fasted from 7pm the previous night. We sent him to bed with a slightly higher blood reading than we would normally do just to make sure he wasn't too low in the morning and during the op. I think we aimed to get his blood to be about 7 - 9mmol on waking, although everyone is individual so I'm not suggesting that level would be ok for you.

The hospital made sure he was seen first and we were at the hospital at 7am. They didn't monitor his blood during the op as it was only a very quick procedure, but I'm sure it would be monitored if the op is going to be long. He is due to have another general in a few weeks time, so if I can pass on any more info, I'll update your post. Leggott.

 

[meisonlyme]

I had a general anasthetic and was under for about an hour having my operation and then woke up in recovery another hour and a half after that. I was starved from midnight the night before and went down for my operation 2pm in the afternoon. My blood sugars were ok during this time but they were checked a little bit more regularly than they normally do.

When I was being taken back to the ward I was aware I was attached to a glucose drip, so I'm guessing they felt it was necessary somewhere between going down to theatre and coming back that I should be attached to one. I only needed the one bag though.

Then after that I was able to eat and drink again so they werent so worried about checking my blood sugars so often again.

 

[sugar2]

In my case, they try and avoid general anesthetic...and I had my wisdom teeth out with (loads) of local. It was actually OK...and meant I got to go home straight away.

With me, my dentist referred me to the hospital...because he thought I needed a general, but the hospital said no, we try at all costs to treat T1 diabetis with local. I asked why...as being awake for the operation didn't sounds fun, and they told me that they could do a general, but it would mean a 24 hours stay in hospital...which was enough for me to go with the local! It could be, that your teeth are more "awkward" are will take more removing than mine, so it could be that general is the only option...but if you get a choice, I can say, that the local appraoch was absolutely fine.

 

[Hobs]

I am a T2 and for an operation I was admitted to the hospital's HDU (high dependency unit) where I met several diabetics (T1 & T2) amongst other patients needing closer supervision after their operations.
I could not fault the multi task monitoring and treatment during my 4 day stay after my op and I would think all T1 & T2's would be treated the same whatever the health authority region.

 

[cugila]

I am a T2 and for an operation I was admitted to the hospital's HDU (high dependency unit) where I met several diabetics (T1 & T2) amongst other patients needing closer supervision after their operations.
I could not fault the multi task monitoring and treatment during my 4 day stay after my op and I would think all T1 & T2's would be treated the same whatever the health authority region.

I quite agree Hobs.

I have had a few Ops under general anaesthetic, some fairly minor and others pretty major......

I was always treated with the utmost care and professionalism by the HCP's involved and was also given clear instructions prior to any procedure as to what I should do before the Op, fasting etc.

If you have not been told what you should do then get back in touch with the team looking after you and find out exactly what they want YOU to do before you go.

 

[hanadr]

T1 husband had an operation under Light general anaeshetic combined with local anaesthetic. It meant they could do it betweeen insulin doses. they took him after breakfast and he was back in his own routine by lunch.
Hana

 

[noblehead]

I have got to have all 4 wisdom teeth taken out, the dental hospital has referred me to the main hospital to work with the diabetes team so I can have a general anesthetic. How does it work with fasting etc? Anyone had a general anesthetic and can put my mind at rest. :? Thanks in advance.

I had a general anesthetic back in August, I fasted from 6am after a light breakfast and had the operation 2pm, I took my basal insulin the night before and this kept my bg stable up until the operation. Ask your dsn or at the pre-assessment clinic prior to the operation any concerns or questions you may have about insulin doses/fasting etc.

Good luck and hope all goes well!

Nigel

 

[SophiaW]

Willogs, makes sure that this procedure can't be done under a local anesthetic or sedation rather than the general. I'm not a diabetic, but I have had two wisdom teeth pulled and I didn't need a general for that to be done. It was at a dental clinic which specialises in treatment under heavy sedation. The procedure was very quick and I was out of there in probably around an hour.

 

[totsy]

luckily i havent had one since being diabetic so cant help but would like to wish u well, as for wisdom teeth i had them cut out and many stitches under local as at the time i was heavily pregnant and in a lot of pain from them, it wasnt too bad really

 

[willogs]

Thanks everyone. I am due to have another consultation with the team doing the extractions soon, so hopefully it will all become clear then, the first consultant did not know how it would be dealt with so I was just having a bit of a panic. He said that local anesthetic was not a good idea due to the "way" the teeth are in my jaw. I don't think I particularly want to be away during the procedure either, it did sound a bit gruesome. Have been on an insulin/glucose infusion when I was in labour and that worked well. Just have to see what happens at the next appointment!