Fear of general anesthetic?

Ive had lots of operations and quite honestly one .minute you are awake, the next unconscious then 5 seconds later or so it seems you are awake again.
As a chronic insomniac its probably the only time my brain switches off. It really is nothing to worry about.

Ah I see. If it's not a health need I wouldn't risk it personally. I know the risk is absolutely tiny, but it is still there. If I didn't have dependant kids I might feel differently though.
Tricky call OP. Hope this thread helps you make a decision.

I've had a few and it's like you go to sleep for 10 seconds and then wake up again!

All the anaesthetists I've had have been absolutely lovely - so kind and really attentive. They'll likely have a chat with you before the op, so you'll know who you'll have and they'll be able to answer any questions and put your mind at ease. They're the heroes of the operating theatre, in my book! You'll be in great hands.

This is common with laparoscopic surgery or other types of abdominal surgery. Because they often fill your belly with air to complete the procedure. Nothing to do with GA or surgery in general. I’ve never had any abdominal discomfort, other than maybe a tiny bit of cramping after uterine surgery (not laparoscopic).

I’ve had lots of surgery (3 in the last year). Honestly, it’s great. I wish I could pay someone to knock me out more often! The whole point is that it’s very relaxing and you wake up feeling like you’ve had a nice little nap. Then they bring you tea and biscuits.

I was terrified, in reality it was absolutely lush, most rested I’ve ever felt

That would probably be more related to the type of surgery you are having. You can get a bit burpy after but I wouldn't expect more than a few big burps related to the anaesthetic.

I had one recently and was terrified. I’d had a few before but for minor ops (D&C for missed miscarriages) and I think the combo of now having kids and it being a much bigger op made me terrified of not waking up. The doctor was amazing, he saw how scared I was and really calmed me down and explained that waking me up was the bare minimum required from him 😂 he also came and visited me in recovery and was like see, told you I could wake you up!

It’s natural to be nervous but the chances are everything will be fine - especially with you being young and in good health. However, would I do it for cosmetic reasons, personally not. The risk just isn’t worth it for me.

You've just got to think they wouldn't do it if they didn't need to, so the benefit for you will outweigh it (I know some people have cosmetic or unnecessary, from a health point of view, surgery, but am guessing that's not you!) It is worrying-for health reasons I've had to have quite a few recently, but there's no way round it, if it is needed. Most younger people don't seem to get sick or groggy these days. Do listen to the advice and don't eat or drink before it as they'd have to cancel.

What surgery are you having and when?

I’m kind of hoping (just because I’m afraid they’ll make you more scared, not less!) you’re not just watching videos of people discussing if they had issues after surgery. Unfortunately, those are all relatively useless because it will 100% depend on the type of surgery. With my surgery and cardiac surgeries, it’s a lot of chest, shoulder, and back pain from surgery. With abdominal and laparoscopies (where they do the surgery by making just a few tiny holes in your abdomen - I had this for an ovarian cyst), you might feel that pain in your stomach. Without knowing the surgery, I think it’s difficult to say, OP.

But sometimes I think the science can help? Your chances of “not waking up” as a healthy 30 year old having non-emergency surgery, especially if it’s not cardiac or vascular, are almost nil, according to a study of over 55,000 people. And this was in the US, where they’re a LOT freer with the anesthesia than here. Is there anything specific you’re worried might make you high risk?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4718226/#:~:text=RESULTS,CI:%203.3–30.3).

I admit, it used to be a lot more dangerous, but as monitoring abilities increased, the danger has decreased exponentially.

I’ve actually had a GA today - for breast cancer surgery. I’m now sitting at home eating a hot cross bun!
The Anaesthetists are so lovely and supportive…they work quickly and make you feel very safe xxx

worked in hospitals for years and never heard of anyone have any complications with anaesthesia or not wake up . I had one myself before . I loved it the feeling of drifting off to sleep and when I woke up I felt all trippy and nice for a while after

I've managed to get to the ripe old age of 55 without ever having one! The thought of it does make me a bit nervous, I'm not sure why - I think it's the loss of control (maybe I'm a bit of a control freak?) I never had an epidural either with any of my 5 births - again, I didn't like the idea of being numb from the waist down and unable to move around. I would only have a general anaesthetic for surgery that was really needed - not for cosmetic reasons, I'm too much of a coward!

Try looking up anaesthesia videos on youtube, there are some good ones where they explain step by step what happens.

I’ve had GA under emergencies circumstances and under planned circumstances. Under emergency circumstances you aren’t really any the wiser. For me, they’d already given me pain meds and it’s all a bit woozy and you wake up on the other side and get filled in on the blanks.

For planned procedures, there are more nerves. I was really nervous both times I had GA under a planned procedure. The staff help put you at ease and they’ll distract you and before you know it you’re asleep. One of the procedures I had was when I was about 10 and I got quite worked up because my mum couldn’t go down with me, I think they gave me a sedative because I remember feeling suddenly calmer and then them talking to me about counting backwards from 10.

It doesn’t feel like the best sleep ever for me. When I’ve come round I’ve always needed another nap after to feel better and generally be nicer.

It's strange, when I had it I felt like there was no time at all between going to sleep and waking up. I had no sense that time had passed like when you wake up from normal sleep. No problems though!

It’s natural to feel nervous. 8 years ago I had a triple heart bypass, was under for over 8 hours, terrified I wouldn’t wake up. But these sorts of things are done day to day all across the country. I also had a tummy tuck in 2011. No bloating, was fine and the results were great. You will be fine.

It is normal to be worried- make a list of any specific worries and talk too the anaesthetist. I’ve had around 13 or so, lose count and am still a bit worried on some of them, but they are all needed.

Everyone there will be used to people that are nervous, maybe even more so because you can back out. I found the nursing and surgical staff great and calm.

Oh it’s brilliant!

I was terrified too, to the extent that when I broke my hand and needed it screwing back together I convinced them to do it while I was awake with a nerve block (got to see the inside of my hand which was weird and cool).

Then my gallbladder decided to get infected and start rotting and there was no choice but to have it out under a general.

The anaesthesiologist was this super chilled, calm and soothing woman who talked me through what she was doing and very nicely got me settled into the operating room. She told me to think of something that made me smile, and to count down from 5. I got to 3, blinked and then woke up feeling like I’d had the best sleep ever.

It wasn’t like a normal sleep, there was absolutely no sensation of time passing at all.

I had it for a simple procedure last year having not had it since I was a small child and I was also terrified (too much greys anatomy in my case)
It was fine, feels like you barely shut your eyes and you’re suddenly in recovery. My anaesthetist told me to think of a happy memory because apparently it makes you wake up happier.. can’t say if it worked or not but have one prepared just in case 😂

I've had it twice and I have to say I loved it!

First time I woke up and greatly amused the nurse by saying I can't breathe, I can't breathe! She said just breathe...oh yeah, it works 🤣

The second time I recognised instantly the pain I had was gone and the relief was pure bliss!

I’m doing this exact thing in a few weeks. Really worried. But better than keeping this horrible thing in anymore.

You will have the best sleep ever!!! One thing I love about GA. If I could have it just once a month, my life would be sooo much better.

I had cosmetic surgery in December so anaesthetic by choice. It’s very safe.

I’ve had quite a few in my life. It’s a lovely sleep and you’ll be fine. I always wake up starving!