Handhold please? Operation tomorrow

[UpsyDaisy35]

Hi all!

I’m booked in for a laparoscopic surgery tomorrow and I’m really worried about it. I’ve been fine this whole time but now it’s actually around the corner, I’m feeling very anxious.

I’ve never had an operation before, especially not one where I’ve been put under anesthesia. I’m worried about potentially not waking up, I’m worried about the sensation of “falling asleep”, I’m worried about what they’ll find as it’s diagnostic surgery. Just a whole mess of emotions really.

I just want it to be over with now

this time tomorrow it all will be xx you will be fine

I had a laparoscopy to remove a cyst. Recovery was great. V little pain (I took the painkillers regularly for first couple of days. The scars are v small. The worst part for me was feeling nauseous after but if you do, tell the nurses and they can give you an injection My belly button stitches got a bit infected but easily sorted with antibiotics so keep an eye. Completely normal to be anxious but it’s such a routine op for them.

Good luck!

I haven't had the same op but been put to sleep once, I honestly can't remember it.
One deep breath and I was gone, can't remember the feeling of it.

Good luck x

Please don't worry. You will be well looked after. GA is really fast to take effect and before you know it, you'll be awake in recovery. Let them know that you are anxious and they will take this into account.

Below is more detail on what to expect before anaesthesia.

On the day of an op you will get gowned-up and given a wrist band. You usually talk to the surgeon (or one of their team) and sometimes the anaesthetist too. They will confirm the procedure, possible complications and give you a chance to ask questions. This is all standard stuff. Sometimes they ask you to sign or re-sign the consent form.

You will also find that multiple people check your wristband and ask your name and date of birth too as you move from ward to theatre. All standard protocols. Often you will walk the theatre (unless they give you a pre-med).

I've had a few GA s and each timer the teams have been lovely , chatty and kind, putting me at ease despite me being naturally a bit wary. It's an every day thing for them but a biggie for you. They get that.

Anaesthesia is so different these days and so routine. If you like a tipple, it can be considered the finest g&t youl'll ever have - and no hangover 😊

Relax, let the experts look after you and speedy recovery !

Think lovely thoughts as you go to sleep (the best, deepest and most satisfying sleep you'll ever have !)

The feeling of going to sleep is really quite lovely. They might give you a pre med (little syrup to drink) beforehand so you are really relaxed. Waking up is quite nice too, though you may be giggly and talk nonsense for a short while! Honestly nothing to worry about.

I've been put under a number of times. When going under, your eye lids start to feel very heavy and your head feels a bit fuzzy. It's relaxing, but quick. By the time you realise your eyes want to close, you're asleep. You may or may not have odd dreams. I hope that helps a little. Good luck!

PS I refer only to the 'possible complications' so that you know it's a standard thing they always discuss. Not suggesting you will get them !

A laparoscopic procedure is very bog standard these days. Seriously these medics are bloody amazing. Smart, skilled, clever and kind.

Good luck. I had my first op this time last year and was so nervous but it went well, I had a fabulous sleep - literally, it’s like you blink and you’re awake in recovery and someone gives you a cuppa and it’s ace.

Let us know how it goes!

Anaesthesia is effing brilliant - I'd have it every week if I could! It's just the best sleep you'll ever have, so absolutely nothing to worry about.

I had a laparoscopy almost 2 weeks ago - it was completely fine ☺️

Like pp said it’s like you blink and the nurses are with you in recovery. It’s so quick, there isn’t any feeling of falling asleep or anything! The anaesthetists will likely be having a chat with you while they do it or they might ask you to count backwards from 10.

You will feel woozy for the day of the op and just a bit sleepy for the next week or so while you get over it and recover. I haven’t had a lot of pain at all.

Hope it goes well for you 🤗

Had a laparoscopy a few years ago. Nothing much to it really. Ached a little bit afterwards in my lower pelvis but paracetamol took care of that. I'd recommend wearing something like comfy joggers because you might feel a bit bloated afterwards. I couldn't do my jeans up! The anaesthetic was fab and I was having a great dream just as they brought me back round. I felt really annoyed. 😆😆. Good luck OP - not that you'll need it.

Update: Had my operation at 1:30pm, and now finally back in my own bed at home. Mild pain, and the general anesthetic was horrible, but all done now. Had multiple cysts and stage 3 endometriosis removed.

Thanks everyone for the handhold and for sharing your own experiences. It definitely helped me relax a bit last night 💐

Glad to hear all went well and hope you have a speedy recovery ☺️

I've had anaesthesia multiple times. The nurses are very warm and good at putting you at ease. They literally say count back from 10, you get to 9 and you're gone. You will wake up maybe feeling groggy or sick but that passes. You'll be fine, best of luck.

Just seenni was late to the party! Glad it went well, Op.

Well done @UpsyDaisy35 All upwards from here.

Have a good weekend 😊