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Intravenous Sedation
We recommend intravenous (I.V.) sedation to our patients for the tranquil
effect it provides and to relieve the anxiety that women who undergo an
abortion sometimes experience. I.V. sedation gives an almost immediate
calming effect without the pain associated with an intramuscular injection
or the prolonged delay when given orally.
If you request I.V. sedation, there are certain conditions which must be
met to insure your safety both during and after your procedure:
| 1) |
You must have a person able to drive you home from our center and we
urge you not to drive or operate any machinery for at least eight (8) hours
after receiving I.V. sedation. |
| 2) | As with having an abortion, it is imperative that you have not taken any narcotics, barbiturates, tranquilizers or alcohol for at least twelve (12) hours prior. Also included in this list are illicit drugs such as
cocaine, heroin or marijuana. |
| 3) | You should not have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to Valium, Versed, Stadol, Sublimaze and you should not have the medical condition
known as glaucoma. |
Although complications and side effects from I.V. sedation are rare, we would like to explain some possible adverse reactions to adequately inform
you. |
| 1) | Drowsiness and fatigue are the most common side effects. |
| 2) | A reddened, tender area where the medication was given may occur. If it does, apply hot compresses and contact our center. |
| 3) | Bizarre, serious side effects which could even include cardiac arrest (death) must also be mentioned although these rare complications tend to be limited to the elderly and to very ill patients with lung disease. |
We trust that I.V. sedation will make you less apprehensive and that the
entire procedure will be less traumatic for you. The counselor will be
sure to discuss I.V. sedation with you and answer any questions you may
have.
Pre-Operative Instructions |
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