Failed anesthesia

[docICU]

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I`m an anesthesiology trainee. Several months ago I had my first child. There were serious complications and my labor ended with a crash c-section. Long story short, the epidural didn`t work and I basically had a laparotomy without anesthesia until the baby was out. It was a horrible experience that I wouldn`t wish on my worst enemy. I was screaming myself hoarse and had to be held down.

Now that I`m starting work again after maternity leave, it seems that I have PTSD, and the OR environment is a major trigger. I suffer from insomnia and horrible nightmares about the cesarean. Every working day is interrupted by intrusive flashbacks triggered by the mere sight of certain pieces of equipment or noticing a cesarean on the planner. It`s affecting my ability to function at home and on the job. I`m relying on self-prescribed benzodiazepines to be able to sleep and am worried about developing an addiction to them. At this point I`m starting to consider a career switch.

I don`t have time or insurance coverage for therapy. How can I finish my training and do my job under these circumstances? Does anyone have some good advice?

 

[NOTJOHN]

Does anyone have some good advice?

disability policy. exercise that til you re 65. as for the addiction to benzo thing. Yes you will become addicted to them, but you need them right.. You went through a horrific anesthetic experience. Why didnt they put you under general anesthesia? was there no anesthesiologist available?

 

[periopdoc]

I`m an anesthesiology trainee. I`m relying on self-prescribed benzodiazepines.

Username: docICU
Status: Attending
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 1

Sniff, sniff. Reported.

- pod

 

[pgg]

docICU, while we are sympathetic to your experiences, studentdoctor.net isn't a place for medical advice. Closing thread per the terms of service:

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