CHAPTER 11
AAESTHESIA
Before you come into hospital
Here are some things that you can do to prepare yourself and reduce the like-
lihood of difficulties with the anaesthetic. If you have asthma, emphysema,
any heart condition or other chronic disease, you will be evaluated by an
anaesthetist or specialist prior to surgery.
If you have loose or broken teeth, or crowns that are not secure, you may want
to visit your dentist for treatment. The anaesthetist may need to put a tube in
your throat to help you breathe, and if your teeth are not secure, they may be
damaged.
Pills, medicines, herbal remedies and allergies
If you are taking any pills, medicines, herbal remedies or supplements, it is
important to bring these with you. A written list of everything you are taking,
whether they have been prescribed or whether you have bought them over the
counter, would be helpful. If you have any allergies, a note of these will also
be helpful.
Please note that the use of blood-thinning medication is dangerous if not
stopped in time before surgery due to the decreased clotting that blood-thin-
ning medication causes.
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