To be scared shitless of a gallbladder op?

[OhFFSWhatsWrongNow]

Ok, yes I probably abu. There's people out there having brain surgery, heart surgery, lung transplants etc. and then there's me worrying myself senseless about a poxy little gallbladder removal operation that is done by keyhole and is one of the most performed surgeries on the nhs.

Yes, yes I am being a wimp, I know. But I am fucking terrified :(

I was totally terrified. But it really isn't too bad at all. The only thing I didn't like was feeling a bit sick afterwards with the anaesthetic and they gave me a tablet for that. It only seemed a few seconds and I was back in the ward again.

Thank you for all your replies everyone I really appreciate some insight into this.

Still feel like such a crybaby though :(

Maybe I could not sleep at all about 2-3 days before the operation, then I will be too tired to care that I'm being knocked out?

Anaesthesia is very safe these days, but It's really REALLY common for people to feel scared about having an anaesthetic. Don't feel silly.

Unless there's a very specific reason in your medical history it's very unlikely you'd be given a gas induction. (Used more commonly for children as veins can be difficult to access esp if child is too young or unable to be co-operative). If you're given a mask beforehand it will be oxygen, to replace the air in your lungs with just oxygen - it's not 100% mandatory - again, unless there's a specific reason in your history - although most anaesthetists would consider it advisable. But you can hold the mask (clear) yourself, which lots of people find makes them feel less claustrophobic.

para oh that's so great to hear :)

I had this done and I was terrified too.

One thing that l wish I knew before having it done was that they pump you with carbon dioxide. I think it was to separate the internal organs but the memory is fading. What I do remember is agonising pain in my shoulders. Like someone had put an axe through my collar bones. I had to sleep sitting up that night propped up by pillows and giant teddy bears.

The operation itself was a doddle and I was back at college three days later. But I would advise lots of pillows on standby in case:

I've had bowel op in 1999 where they did the count backwards IV anaesthesia and one a month ago where they put a clear mask on, held my neck gently to stop any regurgitation from my stomach and I was gone.

I preferred the mask I have to say. I'm not sure whether it was oxygen or anaesthesia gases in the mask as I felt like I was breathing normally. I was conscious of the time as there was a clock on the wall.

I wasn't aware of slipping away at all, the last thing I remember was being told that they were just going to hold my neck and mask gently to create a good seal and I was gone. I was worried that they were going to squeeze my throat hard but it was just a very gentle pinch near my adam's apple. All my anaesthesia experiences have been very calm.

Woke up for a couple of seconds in recovery and then I was back on the ward. Had actually been out for 4 hrs!

And I have to say, pain management this time was very, very effective. It was very much the case that I was encouraged to be 'on top of the pain' and keep topped up with as much medication as I needed to be comfortable.

There's nothing wrong with being scared, you're not a crybaby.

I hate ops and always worry before.

FWIW the surgery you're getting isn't bad, a bit uncomfy after because of the gas used for the laporoscopic tubes but nothing a few painkillers and gallons of peppermint tea won't sort out. It's so worth it to not have the pain from a gall stone attack.
You'll be fine. Keep the oxygen (through nasal tubes not a mask) as long as possible after the op it helps get rid of the anaesthetic quicker making it less likely to feel sick/dizzy.

For what it's worth op I actually quite like coming round after ga. It's such a relaxed sleep that you get to drift in and out of.

I can totally understand you worrying. I had surgery a few weeks ago. We all worry about different things.

My fear was being wheeled into the operating theatre while still conscious and being aware of the preparation for the op (gynae op, I didnt want to know what was going on).

As others have described. One minute I was in the prep room the next I was in the recovery room. No recollection of going into theatre at all.

A few weeks later I was asked if I had been put in stirrups for the op because of DVT risk and I had to say I had no idea, they could have had me suspended upside down from the ceiling!

My fear was being wheeled into the operating theatre while still conscious and being aware of the preparation for the op

Oh fuck, this will be my new fear!

All the in the world, OP, and look after yourself.

I needed my gall bladder out in 2010, but having never had an op or needed a GA I was terrified. I remember looking at the clock and then waking up in another room.

I needed unrelated surgery 14 weeks later and was a lot calmer that time.

When I came round I just wanted to sleep. And had a fascination with what time it was.

Maybe try some mediation or relaxation cd's to keep calm.

When's your op ffs? I'm just waiting for a date to have mine out too. I've had ga before so I'm not too nervous yet and I cannot wait to be pain free and not fearful of an "attack".

OP, you'll be fine, promise.

I had mine out a couple of months ago and it was fine. Coming round was the worst bit: I felt very strange indeed. But they gave me plenty of morphine and I was too high to care for a couple of hours.

I went in to surgery at 12 noon and by 1:30pm, I was sitting up in bed eating a sandwich!

Take it really easy when you get home. I thought two weeks off work would be plenty but looking back, I should have had a bit longer.

I did have a bit of an infection in the belly button wound but some antibiotics from the GP cleared it up in a few days.

The scars are tiny and very neat. I won't hesitate to wear a bikini on the beach this Summer.

The freedom from gallstone pain is AMAZING! I am not ashamed to tell you that two days after the op, I ate an entire Black Forest Gateau and MAN did I enjoy it. Now I can eat whatever I want without being scared of the pain. It's the best feeling ever.

Good luck!

I was scared of the GA, too. I visualised my husband and son standing on a bridge, waving to me as I drifted off along a river in a boat. It was peaceful and lovely. The theatre nurses will be lovely to you, especially if you tell them you're scared.

I'm booked in for one too and am petrified. I get scared going to sleep at night in case I don't wake up. I've also been told they'll try to do it using keyhole surgery but he thinks it will be too complicated. I'm seriously freaking out!

Thanks everyone.

Haven't even got the date yet ffs!

I had mine out last year. Was terrified. Got some lorazepam from the GP and cleared it with the anaesthetist that I could take it on arrival at the hospital. It was great - the only things I remember were arriving and going home. Just make sure you have some serious painkillers for afterwards and keep on top of taking them. Drink gallons of water and eat lots of dried fruit (or whatever you find keeps you regular), because they will make you constipated.

Are you eating a low fat diet whilst waiting for the op? As I'm doing one but don't know it I'm having too much! How many grams a day/per meal do you have if you don't mind me asking?

OhFFSWhatsWrongNow I was having a gynae op (in through the tradesman's entrance rather than the sunroof!). I was worried that I would be aware of being stripped and positioned for surgery. Couldnt have been further from what really happened.

My fear is the same as yours. For my last op, the doctor wanted to know why I was worried! Well, I got 2 little pills, and I tell you, it did the trick, I was almost singing on the way down to theatre.

My 85 year old grandad had his removed 6 months ago and was fine.

I've had GA's before and after they've administered the anaesthetic I've always just felt a bit tired....and then suddenly I was awake and the procedure was done.

YADNBU though for being scared - everyone is allowed to be scared about an operation.

I had an op on Tues, it was only my second GA ever, the first one being over 30 years ago. I remember the anesthetist injecting something into the cannula and next thing I was in recovery. I felt a bit out of it for a few minutes but soon felt back to normal. My only side effect was nausea and they gave me anti emetics for that.

I am at home and MNetting so it wasn't too bad.