What tips do you have for someone about to have general anesthesia ?

Relax: General anesthesia is done exceptionally frequently and has rare complications. Stay hydrated the day before surgery and drink a lot of water. Avoid alcohol the day before surgery. No food or drink within 8 hours of your surgery time. If you are a smoker and have time before an elective procedure, quit. Smokers have a higher likelihood of post anesthesia complications related to their lungs.

Get a . : Try to sleep the night before. Follow the pre-op instructions. Make sure there is a complete health history available in your chart or bring the information with you, including a list of medications. If you have any questions, be ready to ask them when you meet your anesthesiologist.

Read instructions: Follow the instructions given to you by either your surgeon or the pre-admission testing center. Do not eat a heavy meal the night before but feel free to drink fluids up to 8 hrs before. If you have had any special tests or seen a specialist for a serious problem (heart) bring the report with you have it sent to the surgeon's office or the hospital/surgicenter. The more info, the better.

Hydrate: I always suggest to my patients that they hydrate before an operation. I fell that this decreases their chance of nausea and vomiting after an anesthetic, as well as decrease their chances of major blood pressure swings. I would talk to your anesthesiologist and see if they have other suggestions to make your experience as good as possible.

Tips: Be forth coming with your anesthesiologist. Ask your anesthesiologist all your questions. Express all your fears.

Anesthesia tips: Follow your pre-op instructions to the letter. Take the medicines the day of surgery you are supposed to. Do not have anything to eat or drink, except a sip of water for your pills. Be honest when asked about your medical history, including alcohol and drug use. Have a family member with you who can hear the instructions you receive also. Remove jewelry, and piercings and leave them at home.