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If you have had surgery while living with T1D, were you able to choose the person who managed your T1D during the procedure?
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I’ve had two open-heart surgeries while a Type I (heart valve replacements) and both times it was essential that I and my wife both had input. It is ESSENTIAL to have a trusted advocate around during major surgery. The second time my wife actually had to point out to the folks attending me in the ICU after the operation that I even was a Type 1 diabetic! They were wondering why my blood sugar was so high and hadn’t bothered to consult my chart. Moreover, both times the food given me was inappropriate for a type I — they kept returning items (like sweet yogurt) that I rejected along with the next meal, perhaps because my rejection complicated their insulin calculations. The “nutritionist” actually claimed that carbohydrates were absolutely essential (apparently she did not know that proteins raise blood sugar — but of course protein is more expensive than carbs, something the airlines have known for decades). The hospital staff seemed far more attuned to Type II diabetics (the vast majority in the cardiac ward) than to Type Is. To the hospital’s credit, they actually allowed me to give a presentation to the doctors and staff after my particularly frustrating experience the second time around (which I documented in a scathing letter). I did find that my CGM did not function well in the hospital — apparently too much interference from other equipment.
I always INSIST I am the person in charge of my diabetes. If they want to do something involving the treatment, they ask me first and I decide. Period!
Other, as it depended on the dates of surgery.
More than a decade ago, I was not in charge of my T1D management during surgery and did not have the same trust in my devices to manage my BG that I do now.
Within the last 8yrs the devices have improved, all my doctors communicate with each other, and I have been able to say that I would like my devices to manage my BG, along with continual checking of my BG.
No but the person the puts you to sleep all 3 of them kept my sugers in check but also told the nurse that my sugers are high but really normal the nurses never listened and gave me so much insulin that I went very low I usually will check out eat tons of surgery snacks and eat felt much better I have to eat afterwards then everything goes normal .last surgery the nurse listened and fed me and my surgers came down to normal the nurse looked at me weird all I said my tummy was hugery still confused she released me
I had surgery 30 years ago, before I was on a pump. While I haven’t had surgery since then, I have been hospitalized and I insisted they allow me to handle my own blood sugars. I let them know I would allow the blood sugars to run a little higher than my normal so they didn’t have to be concerned about lows. I also shared my readings and allowed them to test my blood sugar.
Yes. There are almost always options. For the most part, I refuse sedation. I will be the one in control if at all possible. I don’t have medical anxiety after 50 years of T1. What I do fear is the inadequate knowledge of far too many medical professionals about T1.
For this year’s shoulder surgery, both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist were surprised that I refused general anesthesia, but went along with my wishes. Worked out great – and I actually liked seeing on the screen what my surgeon was seeing. I have found anesthesiologists to be very welcoming of my tech. It makes their job a little easier.
There are some procedures that could be damaging to the pump/CGM that would make it unsafe to have them in the OR. In those instances, I have allowed my pump to be taken off for short periods with the understanding that it will be returned as soon as the hazard (like fluoroscopy) is over.
Proper preparation prevents ppp. Advocate for yourself. Educate your providers. Be persistent and don’t let silly “protocols” go unchallenged.
I’ve been T1 for 62 years. For the last 42 years, whenever I have been admitted to the hospital for surgery or other procedures – about 10 times- I have notified Drs. & staff up front that i will be managing my diabetes. Only had one physician take issue with that, and the situation was very quickly resolved in my favor. living in a big urban area – Boston- probably helps.
I had an impacted parotid gland (salivary) and ended up in the hospital for a few days. Ultimately surgery was not needed. But after much discussion with the primary floor nurse and doctors I was allowed to manage my own insulin etc. However, the pharmacy “required” them to see my insulin pens in person and took them away for what they said would only be a half hour. 3 hours later I had still not gotten them back despite a need and many requests since the stress raised my glucose levels. Next time I will take an extra set and also tell them to come to me to look at them. I was quite horrified at little info the floor nurses and even the on-call doctor had about current Type 1 treatment and tech, ie: CGM, insulin pens, InPen, pumps, closed loop, etc. I did write letters after telling them they needed to train staff!