To be worried about my brother having surgery tomorrow

[Pleasehelpme2019]

Long story short, my brother is an alcoholic (he claims to be in one of his 'clean' phases right now but I'm not convinced). He has pretty much ravaged his body through alcohol and substance misuse my whole life.
He is also quite severely obese and has type 2 diabetes.
Tomorrow he is having back surgery just a minor surgery to remove pressure in his spine. He is having a general anaesthetic.

For some reason I am scared to death that something terrible will happen to him.

I know that all the risks would have been considered by the surgeon but I am still utterly terrified.

Please tell me I'm being unreasonable and he will be fine. Or hold my hand or something.

I have lost so many family members this last few years I cannot face anything happening to him.

Anyone?

a hand hold, hope it goes okay for you and your brother

I hope it goes well. Doctors don’t give anaesthetic if they believe there is a big risk to patients. I hope that’s reassuring for you xx

The risk really is minimal. He's more likely to be hurt in a car accident on the way there.

It's very normal to be worried, but it is quite rare for things to go wrong. I'm also overweight and have had 6 operations under GA over the last decade and I've been absolutely terrified every single time, convinced that once I went under I wouldn't wake up again, but nothing ever went wrong in any way. My mum did have an issue when she had surgery under GA and her heart rate went crazy, the medical team immediately stopped the surgery and brought her back round and she was fine and has since had further GA's with no issues.

I hope all goes well for your brother tomorrow x

Thank you everyone. It's not so much his weight that worries me, though that is a factor. I think it's more worrying about how his body is in very poor condition after years of alcohol and substance abuse.

I am feeling less worried this morning, so thank you.

let us know how it goes won't you ? before you know it he'll be sitting up in bed having a cuppa and then out and about.
it might inspire him to get his health back on track too, although one step at a time. i don't wish to be rude but that is possibly why so few responses, people have read, judged and ran.it's horrible to do that though.
still holding your hand

*horrible i need a cuppa myself

He'll be alright, anaesthetic is a lot safer than it used to be. Good luck today

Good luck, for both of you.

Has he been honest with them about his alcohol use? Assuming he's staying in overnight, he may be at risk of withdrawal which can make him very unwell if he's dependent on alcohol.

how did it all go ?

Honestly, I wouldn't worry much if your brother has been honest with his surgical team.

Over ten years ago Mam was being considered for a bowel opperation. Sis and I were convinced her body wasn't up to it (80 years old with multi health problems).

We arranged to meet with surgeon and Mam. The surgeon started by saying that she has rarely read such a definitive decision from the person who does the anisthetic. It was a big fat NO.

I'm sure your brother has had a rigours examination. I know I did three years ago when I had my last operation. From blood pressure to oxygen levels.

Even if your brother hasn't been entirely honest with his team, the tests don't lie. So if the team have decided to go ahead, then they must be reasonably confident that his body can take it.

I wish you and your brother all the luck