To be bloody terrified..

[MrsPatrickDempsey]

.. of having surgery under GA in a couple of weeks? I have been waiting for just over 18 weeks for septoplasty (straightening of the nasal cartilage) and endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic sinusitus and blocked drainage. I had a GA 7 years ago but it was for a very quick surgery (d&c) and I wasn't intubated; I will need to be this time. I am really scared - mainly about how I will feel afterwards. I know I will have pain in my nose/sinuses but it's the after effects of the GA that worry me. Would welcome a realistic view.

I had a ga a couple of years ago after I broke my arm and it all had to be pinned back as a day case.

It was a walk in the park. No side effects whatsoever. Im a midwife and used to be a ITU nurse so have seen a few ga's. Please dont worry.

Itll be great to have your nose sorted.

Honestly, you'll be fine.
I've lost count of the number of ops I've had under GA (I think 12 or 13) and they're definately better now. The most recent ones, I've gone under just chatting.
I had a septoplasty a number of years ago and it was surprisingly pain-free. The sinus bit might leave you a bit sore, but no more than you have experienced anyway.
I loved having my nose sorted - no more sleeping with my mouth open or waking up with headaches!

I had a GA to have 4 teeth taken out when I was 13. In hindsight I felt hungover after , with headache and sick feeling. But after a day on the sofa I was fine .

I haven't had GA, but I have had sinusitis - am struggling with recurring bouts and have been for the past year.

If this gives you a realistic chance of being clear of sinusitis, it is so going to be worth it - focus on that. It is miserable, soul-destroying pain and if it can be taken away you should take that shot.

I wish you strength and a good outcome.

Most people are fine, I'm always really disoriented and freak out unless it's handled really well (lets hear it for ICU nurses!)...my friend's went really badly wrong but that was a long time ago.

I had GA almost two years ago for surgery on my hand. I was absolutely terrified and ended up in tears when they were prepping for surgery, they had to get the nurse to come in and calm me down! (was only ligament surgery on my hand) it really was nothing to worry about! The only after affect I had was a really dry throat and a nasty plasticy taste in the back of my throat and in my mouth. I felt like a right numpty afterwards

I have had this exact operation, please be aware you will come round with a sanitary towel bandaged under your nose! It's really really gross :) but the good news is it the nasel drippage won't last for long. And I came round really rather well considering GA usually makes me vomit. I felt fine after a nights sleep. Hoping you recover in the style of me :)

Oh, and if it's the GA you are not keen on, ask for a pre med, this will settle your nerves. You will be fine, the thought of t all is worse than the reality.

I recently had an awake craniotomy. So GA, then they wake you enough to test parts of the brain (speaking, moving limbs etc), then back under GA. It was a weird experience but testament to how advanced anaesthetic procedures are. I eventually came round feeling groggy, thirsty, freezing cold (also had heated air blanket) and slightly concerned about what I said to my (very attractive) neurosurgeon during the awake part! GA is a scary prospect but just remember why you're doing it and focus on the end result. Sending you a big hug

Hope all goes well for you OP. Your anaesthetist will reassure you before the operation and anaesthetic and anti sickness meds are so much better these days. Ask for a pre-med if you are really nervous, they're not routinely given now but they will if you're exceptionally anxious. You will feel tired but mainly relieved it's over. Don't be afraid to ask for pain relief if you need it. Have you got someone who can be with you until you go to theatre - that's always a good distraction.

Make sure you get plenty of rest when you get home. I had surgery last year and, like you, was terrified. I told them this when I went for pre-OP and on the day the doctors and nurses were so kind and reassuring.

Good luck! [sorry]

OP that was meant to be this!

I was nervous before I had a GA for foot surgery but it was absolutely fine. I was just pleasantly sleepy when I came round with a bit of a scratchy throat. The pain killers I was taking for my foot also more than took care of the throat. I do have a phobia of vomiting so I asked the anesthetist to give me some anti-sickness medicine which he did and I didn't feel sick at all.

Oh and before they gave me the medicine to send me to sleep they gave me one to totally relax me - that was nice!

It's ok to be scared, it's a very normal reaction if you think about it rationally. You just need to be able to put the risks into perspective.

Deep breaths and every time you catch yourself descending into panic remind yourself of the rational reasons you should calm down. Write a list or read this thread. I like to tick off time i.e this time next week it'll be over, this time tomorrow it'll be over, when I see that clock reach 2.30pm it'll all be done etc. focussing on 'after the event' can help. Have you planned your recuperation time? Get a couple if films or books lined up to look forward to and some nice drinks and food for when you're ready.

Please be honest with the staff when you get there, there's no point in putting on a brave face, nerves are just as much something they're there to help you with as the surgery itself.

I've had GA twice and it freaks me out something chronic. The last one I walked in physically shaking like I was about to perform karaoke at wembley! The surgeon very kindly put me first on his list in the morning because of my nerves so I could just get it over and done with.

It's a shame really, physically I cope really well with GA, I'm raring to go the minute I come round, no drowsiness or sickness. I think it's my fight or flight response kicking in - clearly I'm a coward!