I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.
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Dementia and Your Loved One
A Vital Role: Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists
Vickie Armstrong
Every staff member at a heart center has an important job that is unique and vital to the operation of the facility. One particular doctor with a vital job that many people have very little interaction with is the cardiovascular (cardiac) anesthesiologist. This doctor is with you from the beginning to the end of your entire cardiac procedure, whether it is actual surgery, or just a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure.
Education of a Cardiac Anesthesiologist
Your anesthesiologist is extremely well-educated. It takes 13 years of education in science and medicine to become a cardiac anesthesiologist. They must first attend 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, 4 years of graduate level training (including an internship and anesthetic residency) and at least one year of a cardiac anesthesiologist fellowship. Once all of this has occurred and they are officially an anesthesiologist, they must continue their education throughout their career.
Role of a Cardiac Anesthesiologist
Prior to your procedure, you will have a detailed examination, which your anesthesiologist will be a part of. Based on information gathered from your exam, the anesthesiologist will develop a plan of anesthetics tailored specifically to you.
Your anesthesiologist will be there at the beginning of your procedure in order to administer the anesthetics, and they stay the entire time in order to monitor different vital functions throughout the procedure. They also stick around to monitor your vitals after the procedure.
Post procedure, the anesthesiologist will keep you comfortable by managing your pain. Overall, they are an expert on many different issues pertaining to your care during your cardiac procedure, and they are an important part of the process.
Risks of Anesthesia
Anesthesia is necessary during a cardiac procedure, regardless of the type. General anesthesia is likely what you will have during a surgery. This type of anesthesia will leave you completely unconscious throughout the surgery, and when you wake up, you will have no memory of what happened. For less invasive procedures, you may just receive a local anesthesia or a sedative, which could numb you, relax you, or put you in a light sleep.
Anesthesia has come a long way. Serious side effects and risks are very rare in this day and age, though each situation is different. Your procedure may come with risks of its own, but serious problems due to the anesthesia given are rare. However, many people may experience side effects such as back pain and headaches prior to surgery. These side effects, while uncomfortable, aren't serious and won't last long.
If you have any questions or concerns, your cardiac anesthesiologist is well equipped to help you. They are an important part of your experience in a heart center like Martin Medical Center.
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