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Original poster

Terrified of upcoming surgery

33 replies

JobGloves · 15/05/2021 13:14

I'm so scared. I can't sleep or eat. I just keep thinking it might go wrong and I might not wake up. It's the being asleep and not in control of what's happening that's getting to me I think. It will be the first operation I've ever had and I'm really struggling. Any words of wisdom? I'm really close to cancelling but it will be life changing.

OP posts:

Babyroobs · 15/05/2021 13:23

I think it is quit normal to feel like this, I certainly did when I had to have a minor operation. You just have to keep telling yourself that complications are very rare and that thousands and thousands of people undergo surgery every day. In my experience ( it was only a small op ), the staff were great, they are used to people being anxious.

starrynight21 · 15/05/2021 13:28

I've had a lot of surgeries . I know it's frightening to think that you will be asleep and not in control.....but do remember that the surgeon and anaesthetist have done this many, many times before and they do know what they are doing. They wouldn't recommend this surgery if it wasn't safe and in your best interests. My only "words of wisdom" are to trust the doctor's judgement and don't over-think it. You say this will be life changing - I'd say go for it. And do let us know how it all goes ! Best wishes to you.

ThePontiacBandit · 15/05/2021 13:30

I used to work in theatres. Problems are extremely rare. It’s normal to be nervous. You can tell the anaesthetist that you’re very apprehensive, they will do a lot to reassure you.
You have no concept of time under anaesthetic (unlike when you’re in a natural sleep). My last anaesthetic I didn’t even really feel I’d gone under..they said “You’ll be getting sleepy”, about 1 second later they were calling my name and waking me up, all done! Loads of my patients couldn’t believe the surgery was done because they felt so little time had passed.

What specifically worries you?

Original poster

JobGloves · 15/05/2021 14:00

@ThePontiacBandit I'm scared of ridiculous things really. Like what if they fail to intubate me? (I have a small mouth), or if they can't wake me up afterwards (I have sleep paralysis) or if I'm allergic to the anaesthesia? (No one in my family has ever been put "under"). Just silly worried swirling round and round.

OP posts:

Wolfiefan · 15/05/2021 14:04

They are professionals. They undergo extensive training to ensure your safety. I have only ever had one general anaesthetic. The only bad side was I couldn’t find my glasses when I came round. I’m blind as a bat!
Is it a long procedure?

Aquamarine1029 · 15/05/2021 14:07

I've had 14 major surgeries, and I promise you will be perfectly fine. The doctors know what they're doing.

Original poster

JobGloves · 15/05/2021 14:07

It will be around 2 hours which feels like a lifetime to me but I appreciate isn't that long really.

OP posts:

Wolfiefan · 15/05/2021 14:09

It’s not all that long at all OP. Think how relieved you’ll be when it’s over.

MyFloorIsLava · 15/05/2021 14:09

They can intubate tiny babies, so they can definitely intubate you if needed.

Maybe look into some sort of hypnosis to calm your anxiety a bit? I did prenatal hypnosis and the techniques really helped going into some surgeries later on.

Cuntryhouse · 15/05/2021 14:11

You have to focus on afterwards. How your life will change for the better, some things to look forward to. Good luck.

Toilenstripes · 15/05/2021 14:15

Anaesthetists are some of the cleverest doctors out there! You will be fine!

romdowa · 15/05/2021 14:18

Ive a very complex medical history and I had surgery last year and I was really nervous. The staff totally put my mind at ease on the day and at my pre op appointment. They are used to people being nervous and unless you have serious underlying issues , I think the risks of dying from from anaesthesia are really low.

Namechange600 · 15/05/2021 14:19

I’ve had four surgeries two major ones one of which was 3ish hours... all fine, tell the anaesthetist you are worried, they should be fine and reassure you (one didn’t though and was quite blunt and actually not very good (long story) but they should be fine
I was very worried before all surgeries including last one which included bowel surgery but it was fine
Try to keep busy to keep your mind off it and it will happen and you will be fine and it will be a huge relief to have it done.
Best of luck xxx

Whingey · 15/05/2021 14:23

Best wishes. I broke 2 ankle bones and grandchildren drew on plaster cast. Unicorns! Also had fun when I got out telling 🐶 owners it's a laster cast no p in it keep it that way

SummerInSun · 15/05/2021 14:24

Understandable, and I get edgy before general anaesthetics for myself and my children (they have had a lot - first at 6 weeks old and the tubes they use for infants are tiny - your anaesthetist will have the right size for your small adult mouth). I think everyone does to a greater or lesser degree. But truly, you are in the hands of highly trained professionals for whom this is all in a day's work and in the very unlikely event thatany of the things you are worried about were to go wrong, they would calmly deal with it. Nothing, absolutely nothing, could come up that they aren't trained to deal with.

This is not like being rushed to hospital after a major accident when your body is in trauma and the damage from the accident may or may not be reparable. It's planned surgery that carries only the risks that your doctor will have explained to you.

As PP have said, explain how edgy you are to the staff and they will be happy to address your concerns. The anaesthetist will come by before the surgery to chat to you (do you have allergies, have you eaten, etc), so you can talk to him her about your concerns then too. In the meantime, focus on how good you'll feel when it's over.

Good luck!

MintyCedric · 15/05/2021 14:25

I had my first surgery under GA in my thirties and I was terrified. I'd never had an anaesthetic before...the only person I knew who had was dad and there had been issues (although he was fine and I heard the story from my mum is probe to be a drama llama!)

I let them know I was anxious about it and they were great. The whole team were really kind and reassuring. I was given a pre med (which I don't think always happens) - it made me feel like I'd necked a pint of gin!

My biggest fear was that I'd somehow 'fight' the anaesthesia but I went out like a light. I had no pain on waking up and felt very chilled out from the drugs.

I suffer with terrible insomnia these days and sometimes I dream of someone coming along and knocking me out with a GA .

StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes · 15/05/2021 14:27

I was the same before my surgery, even asked a friend if he would speak at-my funeral and say nice things about me, 😁 i was fine

ittakes2 · 15/05/2021 14:27

Its normal to be nervous - but remember they work on new born babies I think they will be OK with your mouth.
I enjoy having anesthetic. I don't even drink alcohol and have never had drugs - its because since being a mum I have been so busy and having a bit of GA means I am allowed to sleep!
You'll be fine. My mum is alleregic to GA but it just means she vomits - and they can give you anti-sickness drugs which help with that.

Original poster

JobGloves · 15/05/2021 14:52

Yes, I have written letters to my children in case I die whilst under.

OP posts:

starrynight21 · 15/05/2021 14:55

@JobGloves

It will be around 2 hours which feels like a lifetime to me but I appreciate isn't that long really.

It will seem like 2 seconds to you ! You'll hear the anaesthetist saying "count backwards from 20", you'll get to about 18, then bingo ! You'll wake up . Time means nothing when you have surgery.

ThePontiacBandit · 15/05/2021 15:28

Okay so yes, 2 hours is relatively short. As I said, reactions to a GA or drugs are rare. However they will monitor you closely and they have medicines to reverse the drugs if you do react. I worked in theatres for 2 years, only saw two reactions and both patients were okay afterwards.

Small mouths aren’t an issue for intubation, they do operations on children, they have small sizes! Most people are nervous but they come through it okay.

Oblomov21 · 15/05/2021 15:40

I completely disagree with Babyroobs : "I think it is quite normal to feel like this".

No. It's not. The anaesthetist is highly trained and skilled. Errors are very rare. Please discuss your concerns at the pre-op appointment to get your anxiety alleviated.

2bazookas · 15/05/2021 15:52

When you arrive at hospital you will be "booked in"; (details confirmed, op explained, consents signed etc). TEL:L THEM you are a first time patient and very nervous. They'll take extra care to reassure you.

They will probably give you a pre-op sedative to help you relax before going to theatre. In theatre a nurse will hold your hand while the anaesthetist tells you to count backwards. You just zonk out.
You won't be masked or intubated until after you're asleep so don't worry what that will feel like; you'll never know.

What seems like seconds later, you'll wake up hearing someone saying "Jobgloves name, , open your eyes, well done, it's all over".

MournfulTromboneNoise · 15/05/2021 16:07

Honestly, they're so good at looking after you. They'll hold your hand if you need it, they'll answer all your questions, and like a previous poster said before you know it they'll be waking you up.

I see you have kids, you'll probably wake up the most well rested you've felt in years! I know I did. I felt like I'd slept a week, in a good way.

Wishing you a speedy recovery x

NoWordForFluffy · 15/05/2021 16:57

@Oblomov21

I completely disagree with Babyroobs : "I think it is quite normal to feel like this".

No. It's not. The anaesthetist is highly trained and skilled. Errors are very rare. Please discuss your concerns at the pre-op appointment to get your anxiety alleviated.

I think it's totally normal to be concerned. What's not totally normal, due to the anaesthetists being highly-trained, is any issues whilst under.

I was really apprehensive about my GA, but it was absolutely fine. I did feel like my mouth would never be wet again afterwards, but that passed in a day or so.

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