Surgery with Autism

There are many considerations in the operating room in patients with autism, for surgery and anesthesia. Overstimulation is a major concern, and that can be easily overcome with simple, thoughtful preparation of the patient before surgery. I always ask the OR to be cleared and peaceful before such a patient enters. The mindset and emotional status of a patient before surgery can influence how they wake up, hence why this is so important

[vickyalberts]

I wish they were all like you. Unfortunately, most anaesthesiologists (and doctors in general) don’t have a clue about autism. I always wake up hysterical after surgery (I don’t remember but the nurses tell me!) and when I warn the anaesthesiologist that I am autistic they just look at me bewildered and say ‘ok’ 🤨

[doublehelix]

I think most patients will tell you about ASD or anxiety disorders particularly if you ask them, “ Is there anything that you like or don’t like that I can do to make you more comfortable?” If you ask this question and are sincere and create a bond with the patient, they will tell you how to help.
Someone with an anxiety disorder or ASD, I would extubate deep if possible, and ask for a quiet area in the PACU to allow the patient to emerge undisturbed.

[kathyroux]

You are amazing. As someone with Autism, while I always tell the medical professionals I deal with, none of them have ever offered or suggested any accommodation.

[LKMNOP]

By the way, every time I've had surgery I've spoken to my anesthesiologist more than my surgeon. I learned long ago as a teenager from the surgical nurse mother of a friend of mine, that the person who keeps you alive during surgery is the anesthesiologist. She said they're actually the most important person in this operating theater.

[LKMNOP]

Sincerely, thank you for these types of tips. You're not only saving people's stress, which we know affects you medically, you might even be saving people's lives.

[jodiemillar]

I have ASD found out when I was 13 im 36 now still find appointments and meeting new people challenging 🇬🇧

[kr-soikie]

I tell them that I wake up within 5 minutes of the tube being taken out and that they need to watch for my BP while keeping out. Never fails when I wake up and ask "how did it go?" And the crew is still cleaning up and not expecting my question, then I go back to sleep until the rest of the meds have run their course. Been "under" 5 times, it happens every single time.

[playingindies]

My asd wouldn't need an empty room, maybe a few more minutes before the anesthetic is administered and keeping the amount of humans in the room to a minimum up to that moment.

I like knowing what is around me and why, so a few more minutes so someone can show would be more effective than someone cleaning out the room for me

Many of us also have a disturbed feeling of pain. Some of us feel pain more and some less.

I feel pain less, so I'm on my feet within 1 hour after surgery. The downside: I don't feel when I do too much.
But: I don't do well with painkillers, so I usually decline which makes doctors think I don't want treatment. While the overreaction on painkillers is also known for asd.

[h.s.dragon]

The lights in recovery were so so hard for me. I was on the end with a full row in front of me. I had a row of 6 lights ot took 6 hours to get me a room. I tried to cover my eyes and the docs would just remove my eye cover. They also moved my bag away from me. One person took my phone out of my hand..oh no no let's not drunk call anyone. I was going to listen to music. It helps ALOT. sometimes people just don't know any better. Thanks for the advice!

[jessicathomas]

As a mom of a child with asd I would have never thought about this part of it. Of course it’s in the medical paperwork but comforts and triggers are not. Thanks for easing this momma heart and giving me more knowledge!

[crickett]

For those on the spectrum w sensory issues it would be great if the room wasn't so bright before the anesthesia and when waking up.

[vanessalang]

As a person with asd who has had surgeries, i can relate to this. I was knocked out completely for 1 and consciously sedated for the other. Best sleep ever. Thank you for talking about asd. Most doctors dont really understand what a person with asd experiences

[andreagriffiths]

I have ASD and had to have two emergency surgeries this year due to 2 abscesses after a wisdom tooth removal. I told them but they still had to put the breathing tube in whilst I was conscious because I couldn’t open my mouth wide enough. It was horrendous but on the second surgery I had a different team of anaesthetists and we went via the nose (still horrendous). Took two attempts and one of the team was my hand holder. I squeezed her hand so hard but it really helped. I was positive I wasn’t going to make it through the surgery but I did and I’m extremely reluctant to have the rest of my wisdom teeth out. I’m 49 and never had a filling.

[hil]

My mom had a bone marrow transplant and was terrified of all the huge needles hanging on the wall. She is not autistic but it was very scary for her. I wish she would have had a bare room like this.

[jeanbeanie]

Yes yes and more yes. Less overwhelm before surgery really helps when it comes to waking up. (I have ASD)

[Hulachowdown]

Thank you for sharing this info. I have to have surgery on monday morning and I have ASD. I haven’t been under ever in my life or ever had major surgery so i feel better knowing i should just tell them up front instead of risking that they don’t notice since i tend to mask really well until it is too late.

[imogenoliver]

If I ever need surgery I’ll be sure to let them know, thankyou, I assumed they want much anyone could do about overstimulation in a setting like that.

[Vazic-.-]

I’ve only ever had 1 time where I felt like there was too many people in the room. I had just laid down before my endo, then a doctor comes in telling me I’m pregnant. There was a long pause and I heard the heart monitor go from normal to rapid beeping, which set me off, I was crying, very upset, I just wanted my stomach fixed, and 6-7 people were all just watching me break down and NO ONE CARED. Not a single fuck. So I don’t like hospitals anymore because they do not care about you.
I wasn’t even pregnant.

[julievoiceover]

I have PTSD with a tendency for panic attacks and the only surgery I’ve had was TERRIFYING.

The one person in the room who could calm me down was my sweet anesthesiologist. He was so incredibly kind and patient with me as I silently cried the whole way to the operating room. I still think about him to this day and hope he’s doing well.

[helenaj]

My husband isn't hysterical. He does have PTSD. Waking him up can bring on a violent reaction. He doesn't do it me anymore but in a strange place, with a stranger, he will absolutely swing. He nailed one Dr after I had begged them to wait on his body to wake him or let me do it. My husband is 6'1. 220lbs. That Dr only got a busted nose. He's lucky.
Wish more Dr's were like this. When patients or their spouses warn you, listen to us. ❣️