Surgery while in 1st trimester?

doknow

Has anyone here had surgery in the 1st trimester? I accidentally cut my hand yesterday I have surgery planned for later this week. The surgeon or anesthesiologist will talk with my OB about what my anesthesia options are, but those who are not pregnant would get general anesthesia for this type of operation, primarily because a tourniquet (on the arm) would be used for about ~1.5 hours. I find that even having a tourniquet for just a quick blood draw is pretty uncomfortable, and I'm worried that I won't be able to bear it (I'm really bad with pain). I'm assuming that if I'm not under general anesthesia then I don't have to fast beforehand, but I'm worried that if I do have to fast (especially not drink) for so many hours it will be horrible. Any advice or words of wisdom for from anyone who has been through this kind of thing before?

BookitBoo

How far along will you be next week? I'm mobile so if you have it in your siggy I'm sorry.

I have not had surgery during the first tri but I was scheduled for surgery at the beginning of second tri with my last pregnancy (miscarried before the surgery).

I'm sure they have some alternative, or an adjusted allotment of anesthetic for first tri surgery. We have a few doctors/nurses who may provide more insight.

Good luck and I hope your hand heals up quickly and completely!

thumper7912

I've not personally been through surgery while pregnant but did an internship at a dental office and a women came in with a terrible tooth ache in her 1st almost 2nd trimester and she didn't undergo any anesthesia or pain medication.  They just took her tooth out (but it was very infected and was pretty easily removed).

Sorry you are going through this!  I hope it's not as painful as you are envisioning! 

doknow

Thanks, guys. Right now I'm at 12 or 13 weeks (12 weeks based on last ovulation date, probably 13 weeks based on fetus measurement), so right on the cusp of 2nd trimester. I know that at least I can have local anesthesia (had that last night in the ER when I got temporarily stitched up). I asked the surgeon whether it's worth waiting until I'm definitely in the 2nd trimester, and he said he would not recommend waiting.

BookitBoo

The start of the second tri is ~13 weeks, and if your surgery is schedule for next week you should be fine. With my surgery they were definitely going to use anesthetic and I would have been 12 weeks on the day.

doknow

Surgery is scheduled for this week (in 2 days).

BookitBoo

My b, totally misread that.

It should still be fine, anesthesia wise. I would just make sure to mention to everyone you are pregnant and 12 weeks, even though they have it in your info. Like I said, I was scheduled for my surgery at 12 weeks and they were going to use anesthesia.

doknow

Good to know. Thanks!