To ask you what general anaesthetic is actually like?

I have been under twice fairly recently. It was amazing. One.minute I am talking to the assistant saying I was scared and the next moment woke up in recovery! Incredible

I had my first surgery about 3yrs ago. Like you I was absolutely terrified. I struggle to sleep at the best of times and I’m needle phobic too.

But the nurse and the anethna… aneisnat…. Sleepy doctor were so kind. The Dr said he was going to put some fluids in the IV and I thought “ok so once he puts the real stuff in, just try to keep….” And then I woke up. I don’t know if it was actually the sleepy juice he put in then rather than just general fluids or if I’ve forgotten the next bit.

But I promise it is fine. I didn’t feel panicked at all whilst they put me under. It wasn’t scary, I didn’t fight it at all as I didn’t feel any sensation to fight against.

I did feel a bit sick when I woke up so they quickly gave me something to stop that and it worked extremely quickly.

Also I never once looked at the IV in my hand. I knew if I did it would freak me out and I would rip it out so I just made a very conscious effort not to look at my hand so I was fine.

Same. It’s dreamy, I always feel like I’ve had the best sleep ever

Anaesthetics specialty training is 7, 8, or even 9 years long. This is the longest for any doctor. They have to know what combination of drugs will suit the type of surgery a patient is having as well as staying with the patient at all times during an op.

I have had a few GAs. You lose all sense of time after the needle in the hand and you’re asleep in seconds. When you wake in recovery, you can’t believe you have even had the op because you’re still woozy.

You have absolutely nothing to worry about! They are amazing at what they do. I had day surgery last year and was so worried about being under GA I looked up how it is done on Dr Google. It is a real science. They are so good at making you feel at ease before you go under. It's the best sleep ever. Hope all goes well with your procedure. 🙂

It’s like a really really deep sleep. Quite relaxing!

Blimey, I laquered myself from head to toe with spray tan ahead of my last big op. I knew I was going to feel mighty ill afterwards, but I'm buggered if I was going to look it (and I kept my BIAB nails; my compromise was a clear french manicure finish - the anaesthetist was fine with it when I confessed they weren't completely natural). Oh - I dyed my naturally fair eyelashes too, which made a massive difference to how I felt.

Do what you gotta do (within reason), I say!

Edited to add that I had emergency surgery 19 years ago and went into theatre with black nail varnish on my fingers, bright pink on my toe nails, a belly bar and a tragus earring in place. Everything was still present and correct when I came round!

Personally, I love it 👀👀🫣😂😂

Actually being put under, I find completely blissful.
Like when you’re so tired, you’re fighting to keep your eyes open, then your head hits the pillow and it’s the most satisfying, blissful relief when you close your eyes.
Waking up from GA on the other hand?
Not a fan. I usually feel really nauseated

I’ve had 5. Love them!!!!

Had one this afternoon for a gynae op and it was absolutely lovely. Canula in the back of the hand, then a cold flow feeling down the body- next thing I knew I was waking up slowly in recovery. Lovely sleep! Don’t worry you’ll be absolutely fine.

just like a deep sleep couldnt remember anything felt instant

not sure you will have a tube down your throat but it differs depending on surgery

also not sure they let visitors in for day surgery

Also in recovery you may just chatter away like I do. They don’t mind and are used to it I’m sure. I remember talking to my nurse about holidays and my pets. You will be lovely and relaxed honestly. The worst bit is fasting and not being allowed a sip of water 2 hours before the op. Take lip balm for after as my lips were dry. You will be fine OP honestly. And won’t need to wee as haven’t drunk anything.

Wow! Thanks !

The nurses will hold your hand I’m sure if you say you are nervous. Plus anaesthetist is always lovely and has a little joke with you to put you at ease. I had to have my acrylics and gels off my fingers and toes which was annoying. Kept my lash extensions on luckily! Didn’t know about extensions not being allowed - wonder what they do in emergencies?! Don’t worry it will be nice having everything back beautywise after your procedure and having a little beautifying day.

Not pathetic at all. I promise they’ll understand. They’ll have seen it all before.

I had a GA last week for an endoscopy and colonoscopy. It was amazing. Nothing to worry about at all. No pain even when needle went in. I was just about to say to the surgeon and anaesthetist don’t start yet as I’m still awake, then next thing I was waking up all cosy and warm after a nice sleep in recovery. In recovery for about 30 mins then wheeled back up to my room job done. Was eating my lunch an hour later !

I've had about 5. All fine.

Sure beats being awake during the op.

I had my op fairly recently so I can tell you exactly what happened from when I went in if it helps

They always ask when you go in, when did you last eat and drink.I stop eating at the latest 10pm the night before and fluids, only have one glass of water a couple of hours before l go.Don’t worry about wetting yourself, you’ll be fine, just drink minimal water before you go in

I'm now beginning to think you are winding us up? Why would they say you can't have fake tan ? Or extensions ? Nails? It used to be that way with nails 🤷‍♀️

Why do you have to get your extensions out?