Frequently asked questions
Do I need to complete the Pre-anaesthetic form?
Yes – It is in your best interest to do so. Dr Lim will need all the relevant information
available in order to plan the most appropriate anaesthetic for you. Completing the
pre-op health questionnaire enables Dr Lim to prepare special equipment
or speak to your other doctors to ensure your procedure is completed in the safest
possible fashion. Please fill in the online form in this website or download and
complete a copy and return it to our practice via fax or email attachment.
Is my information secure?
Yes. All information collected is held in the utmost confidentiality. The pre-anaesthetic forms are deleted once they are no longer required. We will never divulge any information to a third party who is not involved in your care and treatment. If you wish, you may read our privacy policy on this website.
Why do I have to come to the clinic?
Clinic appointments may be required if you are having major surgery or if you have complex medical problems. This will be a more comprehensive assessment. Proper prior preparation is required for the most appropriate and safe anaesthetic.
I need information about my anaesthetic..
We do not keep any clinical information. This information is kept in the hospital notes. If you require any anaesthetic information, Dr Lim will try his best to retrieve the information for you.
What do I do with my jewellery?
It is advisable to remove all jewellery. Jewellery can cause pressure points or become entangled with our equipment and cause you harm. In addition, you should keep expensive or items of sentimental value safe at home.
What do I do with my piercings?
It is advisable to remove all piercings if possible. Tongue studs and nose rings are major problems as they will get in the way of anaesthetic equipment such as oxygen masks.
What do I do with my dentures?
Dr Lim is happy for you to wear your dentures. If needed, he will remove them when you are asleep. If your dentures are very loose, it may be best to remove prior to the anaesthetic.
I have lots of expensive dental work!
Dr Lim knows that implants, crown, caps and veneers are very expensive. Please show Dr Lim your dental work and he will take measures to look after them.
What do I do with my contact lens?
Contact lenses can be dislodged and can result in a scratch on your eye. It can be very painful but will recover very quickly. Please remove your contact lenses before your anaesthetic.
What about my nails?
If possible, please remove your nail polish. You can always reapply them after the operation. Dr Lim understands that acrylic nails are expensive and difficult to remove. You can leave your acrylic nails in place. Dr Lim will work around them.
I have sleep apnoea!
You may have sleep apnoea if you tend to snore a lot when asleep. Please let Dr Lim know if you think you have sleep apnoea. If you use a CPAP machine, be sure to bring your CPAP machine with you.
I am scared of needles!
Dr Lim understands that having needles inserted can be very confronting. He is very experienced and will try his best to make this as easy for you as possible.
How long will the anaesthetic be?
If you are having a general anaesthetic, Dr Lim will wake you up as soon as the operation is completed and your vital systems are stabilized.
Will I wake up during the anaesthetic?
If you are only having a local or block technique, you may be lightly sedated and sometimes be aware of the situation. Often it is not distressing. Being aware during a general anaesthetic is extremely rare. Dr Lim will do his very best to avoid this happening.
My child is having an anaesthetic!
Most children and fit and well with very healthy body systems. The risk for your child is very minimal. The fasting period may be uncomfortable for your child. Dr Lim is happy for your child to have water up to 2 hours before surgery.
Please try to stay as calm as possible as children are very attuned to your stress. If you become visibly stressed, it will increase the anxiety of your child. Dr Lim is very experienced with children and will try to make it as easy as possible.
How much will my anaesthetic cost?
Dr Lim is a preferred provider with HBF and BUPA. The anaesthetic fee is also covered by most other health funds. If you are concern about the cost, please call us (0408 008 002) to discuss this issue.
