First surgery and terrified!

[LKAO]

Hi everyone,

I have my first surgery on Tuesday relating to my liver I'll be out under general for it.

I've read through the material the hospital have given me but I have some questions.

I've been told to arrive at 7am, what happens upon my arrival?
I'm terrified of needles, will I need any?
Am I put onto a trolley upon arrival, or is there a waiting room?
What does general anaesthetic feel like?

Thanks in advance, if you're able to answer my questions.

The actual general anaesthetic bit is really nice, a deep sleep overwhelms you. The rest is waiting around. I had an operation recently where I had to be there at 7am but the surgery didn't happen until 1pm so I was pretty hungry and thirsty.

They'll help if you've got a needle phobia and probably offer a numbing cream etc.

You'll wait on a bed in a small room, not on a trolley.

My advice is to have some mild laxatives or even prunes for the days following the surgery. Constipation is very common. Fruit juice, prunes etc.

Don’t be frightened or embarrassed or shy to ask for pain relief, you need to be comfortable and resting to heal.