|
 GENERAL
ANESTHESIA
General anesthesia is done
by injecting medication into your vein that
will put you to sleep. The anesthesia is
given by a Certified Registered Nurse Anethstetist
(CRNA) specially trained in anesthesia.
If you have questions about anesthesia you
may discuss them with our anesthetist before
your procedure. General Anesthesia is not
available at all locations. If you choose
this option, we will refer you to a location
where general anesthesia is provided.
You MUST have someone to
escort you home. You cannot drive or take
a taxi home alone. You also must have had
nothing to eat or drink -- including water
-- for 8 hours before your appointment.
IV SEDATION
I.V. Sedation – Intravenous
(I.V.) sedation provides a tranquil effect
and helps to relieve the anxiety that women
who undergo an abortion sometimes experience.
We
recommend intravenous (I.V.) sedation to
our patients for the tranquil effect it
provides and to relieve the anxiety that
women who undergo an abortion sometimes
experience. I.V. sedation gives an almost
immediate calming effect without the pain
associated with an intramuscular injection
or the prolonged delay when given orally.
If
you request I.V. sedation, there are certain
conditions which must be met to insure your
safety both during and after your procedure:
| 1) |
You must have a person able to drive
you home from our center and we urge
you not to drive or operate any machinery
for at least eight (8) hours after receiving
I.V. sedation. |
| 2) |
As
with having an abortion, it is imperative
that you have not taken any narcotics,
barbiturates, tranquilizers or alcohol
for at least twelve (12) hours prior. Also included in this list are illicit
drugs such as cocaine, heroin or marijuana. |
| 3) |
You
should not have a known hypersensitivity
or allergy to Valium, Versed, Stadol,
Sublimaze and you should not have the
medical condition known as glaucoma. |
| Although
complications and side effects from
I.V. sedation are rare, we would like
to explain some possible adverse reactions
to adequately inform you. |
| 1)
|
Drowsiness
and fatigue are the most common side
effects. |
| 2) |
A
reddened, tender area where the medication
was given may occur. If it does, apply
hot compresses and contact our center. |
| 3) |
Bizarre,
serious side effects which could even
include cardiac arrest (death) must
also be mentioned although these rare
complications tend to be limited to
the elderly and to very ill patients
with lung disease. |
| We
trust that I.V. sedation will make
you less apprehensive and that the
entire procedure will be less traumatic
for you. The counselor will be sure
to discuss I.V. sedation with you
and answer any questions you may have.
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