Terrified of having general anaethestic tomorrow

[louisehamham]

This is my first post! I'm having a GA tomorrow (cystoscopy), & I'm absolutely terrified, seriously considering cancelling & carrying on with pain & hassle of constant cystitis. I suppose I just want to hear it will be ok! Just the thought of being 'out of it', plus fear of something sinister being discovered. My DH is so kind & supportive, coming with me, but his kindness makes me feel worse!

[FaithAgain]

It will be okay. Trust me, I'm a recovery nurse (who has had a cystoscopy in the past!). The first thing you'll know is waking up, hardly believing it could have started let alone finished! Anaesthetics are very safe these days. Just think how relieved you'll feel when it's done.

[PacificDogwod]

It will be ok, honest.

I quite enjoyed all my GAs
There was a recent thread about good GA experiences, I'll see if I can find it for you.

[Twopeapods]

I had my gallbladder removed so different operation but the GA was absolutely fine. I was scared but after it didn't worry me at all. When you wake up there will be a nurse with you talking to you and hand holding making sure your ok. You will prob feel quite sleepy afterwards and just go back to your room to rest. You will be fine. And feel so much better for having the procedure x

[PacificDogwod]

Here you go

For a cystoscopy you'll only need a very short anaesthetic and when you'll wake up you'll wonder when they are going to start if my experiences are anything to go by.

Good luck tomorrow

[SmellySphinx]

I've only ever had one GA, once you're all set on the bed they inject the anesthetic. To me it was about 3seconds of an icy cold feeling running down through my chest then...sleep.

Come on now, don't cancel!! Once it's done it's done and you can get to the root of the problem. The anticipation is awful I understand that x

[louisehamham]

I love the post about enjoying GAs! Maybe I'll look at it that way, put a positive spin on it, got to be better than what I'd usually be doing on a Monday morning...trying to teach English to 25 teenage boys...

[PacificDogwod]

Well, there you go, that's more helpful thinking!

[Waterfeature]

I felt really anxious before GA two weeks ago (miscarriage).

It was completely fine. The feeling just before dropping off was out of this world 😜

When I woke up, a nice nurse was looking after me and I had a lovely warm blower in the bed to keep me warm.

You'll be fine

[ALemonyPea]

I had a GA on Friday (hysterectomy). I was also worried, but it is worth going through if the end result will improve your health.

It's really weird being in the waiting room, getting injected then all of a sudden you're in recovery being told everything went well.

Don't cancel, and good luck.

[Blastandtroph]

Just wanted to reiterate what others have said OP. This time tomorrow it'll all be sorted and whenever else do you get the opportunity to have a doze on a Monday during the day?! Good luck

[champagneplanet]

I had one for each of my ERPCs and whilst not over the moon about being 'put to sleep' I was genuinely amazed by how painless and efficient the process was.

For my first one the anaesthetist was lovely (he reminded me of a friends dad), they talked as they got me ready on the trolley, in a room just off the main theatre, and he said 'won't be long until you can have a nice cuppa'. The next thing I knew a nurse was smiling at me, I was on a ward and all done. I was also fine, a little cold but otherwise fine. I also remembered nothing and let everyone run around after me for once. You'll be fine OP, good luck

[louisehamham]

Thanks for your kind posts, first time I've been on here, it's very comforting to get such nice instant reassurance.

[Hassled]

I was pretty hysterical with anxiety before mine last year. But a) I waited around so long for the op that in the end I was just relieved to be getting on with it and b) the actual process was lovely. I drifted off feeling calm and happy. The anesthetist said it would be like having a nice cold glass of white wine, and it was. But I really underestimated how tired it would make me feel afterwards - I was exhausted for days.

[maltesersarethedevil]

I had my first GA in July and was totally bricking it.

It was fine. The theatre staff were amazing and talk to you whole time and explain what's happening and what they doing, then the next thing you know your awake and wondering if it's done yet!

I had all 4 wisdom teeth out. Walking into theatre at 6pm in car on way home by 8.30pm. obviously I wasn't driving I hope!

[HumphreyCobblers]

I have had a lot of GA and I must say I really enjoy having them.

I have terrible trouble going to sleep normally, it is such a pleasure to have the effort taken out of my hands.

I do hope it goes well tomorrow OP and you are not too nervous.

[RozzlePops]

Can I slightly hijack and ask how Malteser was after having 4 wisdom teeth out? I have to have 3 out soon.

[monkeywithacowface]

I was the same when I had my tonsils out, even cried on the way to theatre they gave a rather lovely sedative and the rest is a blur!

[ReginaGeorgeinSheepsClothing]

I've had many GA- over 20 Prob and not really had any issues- can get a bit pukey after but all good otherwise!

[tobee]

Oh yes I totally sympathise op. I was the same as you before my ga a couple of years ago.

My tips would be to make sure you have distractions while you wait to be taken down, books, puzzles, tablet, phone whatever. It can be a long wait. But also to let the nurses, aneathetists etc know that you are nervous and they should be very helpful. I think they can read their patients well and know how to calm each individual.

Mine was all fine and, when I had to have another one 6 months later it was completely unscary.

[tobee]

Ps looking forward to reading your "what was I worried about?" update tomorrow.

[Waterfeature]

Rozzle I'm not Malteser but I had 2 wisdom teeth out under GA. Op itself was fine; recovery was quite tough bc I couldn't open my mouth very much and could only feed myself with a teaspoon for a few days. Hamster cheeks too! But fine and they don't cause me any trouble now

[sycamore54321]

If it helps bolster your resolve, appeal to your civic spirit and remember that if you cancel now, it will be far too late to fill your surgery slot with another patient! Best wishes

[Piehunter]

Off topic...How have you managed to get a GA for cystoscopy? Mine is going to be the totally crap numbing gel they use for catheters.. General anaesthetics are so perfectly OK (quite enjoy what feels like a hardcore nap!) that I'd rather sleep through them wiggling a tube in my bladder..!

You won't know anything about the GA, you'll go in and they'll insert cannula and probably put a mask over your face to breathe some oxygen in as you go off, count down from 10.. Usually get to 7/8! And off to sleep, next thing you know you're being woken in recovery. The wait is definitely the worst part and distractions are a good plan! Hope all goes well

[Mermaidinthesea]

You're kidding right, it's free drugs and you wake up feeling amazing because of even more free drugs AND you get your problem solved. It's a win win situation. I've had loads of ops, there is nothing to fear I promise you.

[newbie789]

Try not to worry
I really enjoyed my general anaesthetics
I was nervous before but found the actual anaesthetic very relaxing as I drifted off, like having the best sleep ever!!
If I had to have another of course I would be a little nervous but would actually look forward to it!!
You will be well looked after x