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The Use of Pre-Meds

foxglove

Well-Known Member
Having just posted a thread regarding the procedure of a pacemaker and my experience perhaps others would like to let me know of theirs especially regarding the use or lack of having a pre-med.
I had actually had to walk onto the table, have the sterile cloths placed around me and my skin was well and truly swabbed before they gave me the pre-med. By that time I was in absolute fear and trembling like a leaf.

That, in my honest opinion, is so totally unnecessary and akin to medieval torture...or am I just being a wuss!?!
 
Based on my many, many operations the treatment you had or hadn't is how it is now in local hospitals round here. Perhaps it may have been a better experience for you if they had explained, in detail, what the whole process involved.



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I was aware of what the procedure involved as far as the pacemaker being fitted but the pre-med I had always been given before ever entering into the op room.... but to leave it until the very last moment is not acceptable methinks. Also the fact that the anaesthetic in the wound area not being enough to mask the pain when placing or pushing in the pacemaker is not acceptable either.
 
It sounds to me as if there was a failure to communicate fully with you, so you didn't realise exactly what was going to happen and that, not surprisingly , caused you distress.
Here's a leaflet from Guys hospital (my father had open heart surgery here and they were, I have to say excellent)
From what you have said it seems to be a similar sequence of events to those you describe, have a look and see. A patient with this leaflet would know in advance what was to happen. They also include a statement about letting them know if you feel uncomfortable.
bottom of page 9 https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/...ar/having-a-permanent-pacemaker-implanted.pdf
 

As I have already stated .. I was well aware of what the procedure was and how long it would take etc...the point I was making is the lack of pre-med at the proper time! Surely it is far better to give this BEFORE EVER GOING INTO THE OP ROOM not wait until I was so frightened of everything and laying out on the table all prepared for the off!! I don't think I am on my own when I admit that just the thought of being sliced open is scary enough.
 
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