I work in the Operating Theatre. AMA

[1AnotherOne]

I’m an Operating Department Practitioner working in the private sector.

I work the majority the time in a senior speciality role as a scrub practitioner or surgical first assistant.

Sometimes I work alongside the anaesthetist.

ask me anything!

Yes, dildos, bottle of bio oil, deodorant bottles, mobile phone. Ahhh the good old NHS days

Giving fluids is pretty standard. Blood would be given later if needed once your HB is checked.

This is really interesting, thanks OP.

My question is - my son has cold urticaria which means he gets an allergic reaction to the cold (wind, rain, liquids etc). We were told that if he ever has an operation he needs to be kept warm and any IV liquids have to be warmed as well. I am an anxious sort (and have been faced with so much scepticism about the existence of it) that i wondered if this was a well known thing or common enough that medical staff working in an operating theatre would know about it and know what to do? He recently had a dental appointment and I was there and although I explained cold water was used on him and he had a bad reaction. So it got me a bit worried!

Thanks for your reply @1AnotherOne . I do have another question: how on earth could patients possibly babble/talk under GA when they have a breathing tube stuffed down their throat?
Or does that just happen afterwards, in the recovery room?

I had my first surgery (aged 54) on Tues to remove a brain tumour and the theatre staff were brilliant at being kind and reassuring. They put a mask on my face saying I'd feel a bit woozy, I wasn't feeling it at all, then was waking up and tearfully asking them to let DD know I was ok.
Thank you Op for a great thread.

Yes you will come to the anaesthetic room with him and once asleep the nurse will take you back. You will see him in recovery as soon as he’s awake. Hope all goes well!

Not every country no. I know we can in Australia and New Zealand

Why is this more common during laparoscopic surgery? I had gynae surgery last autumn, laparoscopic and the anaesthetic said my BP dropped. I’d not had surgery before so don’t know if it’s just me so was interesting to see your comment. 🙂

Good point, @Rebel2. I hadn't thought of it like that. And I definitely will tell them how terrified I am. When I was admitted to the hospital because of jaundice and possible infection a couple of years ago, I actually did get up, pack my stuff and leave!

I was sterilised a few years ago and in the recovery room the nurse told me that there was a problem with my breathing when they woke me so they put me back under, I had chewed through my lip so I presumed I was hyperventilating? Whatever they gave me to wake me up I was very, very awake for about 24 hours when I got home. Because they put me back under did I get an extra dose of wake up medicine (someone mentioned adrenaline earlier) which was why I was so hyper? I was meant to be resting but I couldn’t sit still! This thread is fascinating thank you so much.

I'm in my mid 40s and have never been hospitalised. I don't know my GP's name, or my blood type. I'm just never ill. Is this normal? I'm surprised by the number of people on the thread who have had multiple operations.

I've realised I'm increasingly fearful of medical situations, possibly because they're so unfamiliar. I'm not sure if reading threads like this actually helps!

I’ve not heard of this - we would certainly make sure someone who presented with this problem was kept warm

They don’t talk with an airway in, only once extubated and in recovery

We put gas into the abdomen to inflate it to be able to move our instruments and camera more easily and give us a better view.

the gas can affect heart and lung function

Being woken up then put back to sleep sounds like you may have had a laryngospasm

We have many many patients who are in for their first surgeries later in life

🙈🙈🙈

Ah ok. Thanks for you response. 🙂

No questions but just wanted to say, really interesting thread, thank you

@Beowulfa (love it!)- it has been my anecdata evidence that most people fall into two camps; barely ever been in hospital; and 'in' at least twice a year over the past 20 years. And 20 events per year during that time (out-patients, bloods, scans etc).

Had punch biopsies today, so very very minor but local anaesthetic didn't work. 2nd dose given, still no effect. Biopsies then done (fairly sore) & I could feel stitches being done. Could I ask for something different next time? I've had more major anaesthetic before (2x C Sec + 6 leg surgeries & never felt pain) but I'm guessing it's a different type of anaesthetic as well as a bigger dose?

was it painful or you could just feel it? Local anaesthetic cannot remove feeling completely so you will still have a sensation there so to speak

@11AnotherOne No, it really hurt! The punches were at least quick but the stitches took longer. I now have sympathy with my Ds' much darned Teddy bear ... 🧸

Thanks for this. :)

For the benefit of anyone reading this who is about to have surgery, can I just add that I did NOT expect to fall apart so spectacularly. I didn't expect to come out of the anaesthetic on Tuesday crying and to be bursting into tears regularly since.
I don't want to eat, and feel horribly constipated but they were operating on my brain!
I can only guess it's the drugs, lack of sleep, and some sort of delayed shock.