[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2013\/11\/absent-from-pain\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2013\/11\/absent-from-pain\/","headline":"Absent From Pain","name":"Absent From Pain","description":"Most of us think of anesthesiology as the medical specialty that \u201cputs you to sleep,\u201d but it\u2019s really all about pain relief. Anesthesia makes possible some of modern medicine\u2019s greatest miracles. Can you imagine undergoing surgery without it? \u201cAnesthesiology uses medicine to eliminate your ability to feel pain or other sensations,\u201d explains John Williams, MD, […]","datePublished":"2013-11-10","dateModified":"2021-11-17","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.anesthesiology.pitt.edu\/","name":"Anesthesiology","url":"https:\/\/www.anesthesiology.pitt.edu\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/anesthesiology\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/man-receiving-anesthesia.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/man-receiving-anesthesia.png","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2013\/11\/absent-from-pain\/","about":["Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":310,"keywords":["anesthesiologist","anesthetist assistant","certified registered nurse anesthetist","general anesthesia","John Williams MD","local anesthesia","pain relief","regional anesthesia","resident physician","student nurse anesthetist","twilight anesthesia","University of Pittsburgh Department of Anesthesiology"],"articleBody":"Most of us think of anesthesiology as the medical specialty that \u201cputs you to sleep,\u201d but it\u2019s really all about pain relief.Anesthesia makes possible some of modern medicine\u2019s greatest miracles. Can you imagine undergoing surgery without it?\u201cAnesthesiology uses medicine to eliminate your ability to feel pain or other sensations,\u201d explains John Williams, MD, the Peter and Eva Safar Professor and chair of the University of Pittsburgh\u2019s Department of Anesthesiology. \u201cYour anesthesiologist partners with your surgeon to manage your vital functions before, during, and after surgery. Everything from breathing, heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, body temperature, blood clotting, and fluid loss is consistently monitored.\u201dA Team of ProfessionalsIn today\u2019s complex surgical suites, anesthesiologists lead an entire team of skilled professionals, which can include a certified registered nurse anesthetist, resident physician, student nurse anesthetist, and anesthetist assistant. \u201cIt\u2019s a true team effort, with each member playing a distinct role in delivering patient care,\u201d says Dr. Williams.Anesthesia\u2019s role in health care extends far beyond the operating room. Anesthesiologists offer pain management in a variety of settings, enhancing the daily lives of patients with chronic diseases or complex medical conditions.What to Tell Your AnesthesiologistPrior to surgery, you\u2019ll be asked to provide information about yourself. \u201cBe candid and comprehensive. What you share will be held in strict confidence,\u201d advises Dr. Williams. Be sure to include the following:Previous reactions you or other family members have had to anesthesiaAny food, medicine, or latex allergies you havePrescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medications you takeYour use of alcohol or recreational drugsDid You Know?There are four basic categories of anesthesia:Local: Numbs a small, specific part of your bodyRegional: Numbs a larger area of your body, usually below the waistTwilight: Sedates and provides pain reliefGeneral: Renders you unconscious"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2013","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2013\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"11","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2013\/\/11\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Absent From Pain","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2013\/11\/absent-from-pain\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]