Suboxone and Subutex: Can You Be Anesthetized?

Much concern surrounds the use of Suboxone or Subutex during surgery, particularly for those individuals who are on these medications for managing opioid withdrawal symptoms or addiction. This article aims to clarify whether anesthesia is feasible when on Suboxone or Subutex and to share the experiences of a patient who encountered complications during her surgery.

The Experience of a Suboxone User During Surgery

My recent surgery was a harrowing experience that has left me wary of the use of postoperative pain management techniques, especially given my current condition of taking Suboxone or Subutex for opioid dependency management.

Shortly before surgery, I was weaned off Suboxone, which left me in agony after the procedure. The pain management plan was suboptimal, and despite being prescribed opiates to mitigate withdrawal symptoms, the regimen was ineffective. Suboxone, being between 25 to 150 times stronger than opiates, would have required an exceedingly high dose to achieve even a tolerable level of pain relief, resulting in a myriad of side effects including rhinorrhea, bodily aches, and an uncomfortable overall situation. It was during my stay in Australia that I personally educated the medical staff, with the assistance of my doctor in the United States, on the best practices for handling such cases.

Post-Surgical Pain Management

Immediately following surgery, the pain medications began to wear off, and I was in excruciating pain. The intensity of the pain, with an abusing of the pain threshold, felt as if an elephant were stomping on my leg. The sensation was so severe that it felt as if my leg was about to explode from pressure. The radiating pain down my leg further intensified the agony, forcing me to experience multiple near heart attacks as my heart raced in response to the unbearable pain. This experience was the most painful of my life, and the fear, and near-death experience only heightened the intensity of the pain.

Eventually, a doctor came with a massive syringe containing a concoction that included ketamine to cleanse my opiate receptors. The injection provided brief respite, during which the effects were so intense that I almost didn't care if I was still alive. The experience was so memorable as to make it my worst memory.

Since then, I have successfully weaned myself off Suboxone, and recovery has been uneventful so far. However, the harrowing experience with pain management has instilled a deep apprehension about undergoing further surgeries while using these medications. I highly advise anyone in a similar situation to discuss their options thoroughly with their healthcare providers and ensure that meticulous planning is in place to manage postoperative pain effectively.

Personal Reflections and Questions

Now that I have navigated through the initial challenges, I am considering my next steps to avoid a repeat of this traumatic experience. I strongly hope that I do not experience a near heart attack during a more intense pain episode, such as a car accident. If you have had a surgery, I would be grateful to hear your experience. Did the anesthesia work effectively? How did the pain post-surgery compare to the pre-surgical experience?

Feel free to share any insights, questions, or concerns in the comments section. Your experiences can be incredibly valuable and may offer comfort and insights to others facing similar challenges.

Conclusion

While the use of anesthesia with Suboxone or Subutex presents unique challenges, it is not impossible. However, it requires careful planning and precise management to ensure effective pain control and patient safety. Personal experiences such as mine should serve as a cautionary tale, prompting a thorough discussion with healthcare providers before undergoing any surgical procedures.