Chisue,

I am currently in the waiting room while DH has back surgery. Main symptom is sciatica in his hip caused by stenosis and bone spurs. That made me think of you and your recent post, but the reason I am posting is that I recall your conversations in the past regarding Versed and I thought you would be interested in the conversation we just had with the anesthesiologist regarding Versed. DH was given the option to have it or not. According to the anesthesiologist, Versed doesn't provide pain relief, but instead is used for surgical anxiety. DH is calm and not extraordinarily anxious (just the mild anxiety you would expect pre-surgery and his BP wasn't elevated at all -- just about perfect), so the anesthesiologist was fine with skipping the Versed. Based a lot on your previous posts, I was at least a bit educated (and had done some back-up research as well), so we were very comfortable requesting that no Versed be used. Just wanted to say thanks for bringing up the topic.

BTW, the anesthesiologist is the one that brought up the option of Versed or not.

We are hopeful that this surgery will go well and provide much needed relief. His quality of life has really suffered and he is just 61 and otherwise in great health so he needs to get back to an active lifestyle for his mental as well as physical health. I will report back on results. Obviously I am anxious right now while he is in the OR.

To others reading this who pray, your prayers would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!