Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

1 2 3

Original poster

AIBU to be scared of my op tomorrow and "going under"?

54 replies

ClairaE · 05/07/2020 20:08

Hi, I seem to have gotten myself into a complete state about an op I am having tomorrow.

It really is minor. An ears, nose, throat endoscopic op to have a look at my eustachian tube and remove a growth way at the back of the nose. I cannot imagine this taking longer than 30 minutes. GA is the only way as the structures are so delicate.

Oh how I know this op will improve my quality of life, no more earache and being half deaf, breathing etc but I cannot get over the fear of the op. The general anaesthetic for some reason has my stomach in knots.

I have never had a GA before and my heart just pounds thinking about it. I am properly terrified I won't wake up from it or I am going to wake up with the tube still in and not able to breathe. I know that sounds over the top but this fear is so intense.

It's my youngest DD's 1st birthday July 24 and I am imagining a catastrophe and my not being there for it and both DDs. I think something got messed up in my brain when I became a mum!

Anything you can tell me or any tips are really appreciated. I am going to have a nice takeout with DH tonight (well before the midnight no food or drinks cutoff!) to try to calm down and do something nice for myself.

I was also reading they can give you some drugs beforehand to sort of take the edge off, what med is this? I think I'll ask for this, that is if it won't make things worse!

Ahhh! This feeling of absolute dread KNOWING this is going to happen tomorrow. Ugh.

Thank you, so sorry please go easy on me! I feel like a proper idiot!

OP posts:

StillGardening · 05/07/2020 20:49

I’ve had three ops in last 5 years or so. First one was mastectomy, and I was afraid but it was essential. Second was 6 months later - chose to have the other boob removed. Felt far more frightened because I had chosen to be there, and so if it went wrong it would be my fault that my kids were without me. But the fear of cancer was enough to get me through. Third op was an infected cyst thing that had to be dealt with. I was so frightened, and cried in pre theatre. But the nurses were so lovely and understanding and just really reassuring. So basically, I don’t think you’re wrong to be a bit afraid, I think it’s natural and normal. They will look after you though, and odds are you will be absolutely fine.

(Ps normally I am very stoic about this sort of stuff !)

TARSCOUT · 05/07/2020 20:49

Hi I've had quite a few GA - best sleep ever!! The worst part for me is getting the canula in because I can't stand needles. Apart from that it's a doddle!!

Any time I've been under nothing happens until you get down to the theatre area. Then you get the canula in and they put the anesthetic in there. The next thing you know you'll be in the recovery area and wake up feeling woozy and cosy. You probably will have an oxygen mask on but it's fine, you'll just snooze a bit more.

They might give you a diazapan if you ask for it beforehand but you'd be better listening to some relaxing music or download something from Netflix to watch whilst you're waiting. You might have to wait a couple of hours in the ward before you get taken. The nurses are all fab, they've seen it all before.

Come back and let us know how it went.

EyeDrops · 05/07/2020 20:57

To reiterate what many others have said, it's perfectly natural to feel anxious but I remember mine being a wonderful experience! Day op to remove a cyst from my breast around 10 years ago. I was anxious but the anaesthetist was wonderful, chatty and reassuring. I was asked to count back from 10, remember thinking I couldn't possibly fall asleep in that time, then all of a sudden this glorious wave of sleep happened. I felt amazing when I woke up, like I'd had a really refreshing, satisfying nap.

Wishing you all the best with it!

EnlightenedOwl · 05/07/2020 21:19

I wasn't asked to do the counting thing. I was given a painkiller first then the anaesthetic a bit of a spinny feeling then out

tinkerbellla · 05/07/2020 21:29

I had one a couple of years ago when my DD was about 12 months and it was lovely. A blissful sleep that can't be interrupted and everyone has to be nice to you and bring you magazines, chocolate etc afterwards. It's honestly fine! My little girl had one in May for an eye op and she described it as 'the best day ever' 😂. Best of luck and relax.

SoMuchToBits · 05/07/2020 21:32

You will be fine. I work in a hospital and used to work in the recovery room (for 12 years). Anaesthetics these days are very, very safe.

whatsthebestname · 05/07/2020 21:34

I've had several anaesthetics over the years and the woozy going to sleep feeling is quite relaxing. The anaesthetists are brilliant at what they do and are so used to dealing with anxious patients. I'm sure they will be helpful and reassuring.
Weirdly, I always smell cheese and onion crisps just before I go under the anaesthetic! Good luck and hope all goes well.

NoWordForFluffy · 05/07/2020 21:40

I was petrified before my GA (shoulder surgery) last year. But - obviously! - I'm here to tell the tale and it was fine.

Fear of the unknown is totally rational and deaths on the operating table are not common at all (%-wise in comparison to number of ops undertaken).

I hope your surgery goes well!

Traveller104 · 05/07/2020 21:40

Hi, it’s perfectly normal to be anxious....I’ve had eight GAs and the anxiety doesn’t go away. They used to offer pre-meds (they may still do) but I’ve stopped having them as they did no good for me. The crew with the anaesthetist are usually very caring and very aware that people are anxious so will do everything they can to relax you and in most cases make you laugh!

Just try to relax... I know that sounds a ridiculous concept at the moment but genuinely it does help.

GCITC · 05/07/2020 21:43

The best I've ever felt was when I got the pre anaesthetic meds. A lovely warm tipsy feeling. The room started spinning slowly. It was euphoric, and then I woke up on the ward 30 mins later. Bliss.

QueenCT · 05/07/2020 21:48

So I was also petrified. And I told them this!
What happened, hopefully this will reassure you

They asked if they could give me something to relax me (midazolam), I said yes and v shortly I felt happy drunk. I was laughing a lot as they chatted about what gin I liked. Didn't feel dizzy/sick drunk, just relaxed and didn't care about anything
They gave me the anaesthetic and I said "it's not working..." and then I woke up on the ward
I also asked for a lot of anti sickness as I'm phobic of being sick. Woke up hungry and thirsty with a sore throat but it was a long op( 5hrs) and I can't sleep after anaesthetic so tend to be a bit wired for a day or so
Day 3 I find I get a bit weepy weirdly, probably the anaesthetic leaving completely and apparently it's common

I still cry before a GA but I would happily have one again and I was packing my bags and walking out before that first one

QueenCT · 05/07/2020 21:49

Oh and I also have the same fear about waking up with the tube in etc etc. Nothing. I just woke up snoozing on the ward

goose1964 · 05/07/2020 21:59

You'll have a dedicated member of the operating team just to help you. I'm not sure if they can come to the pre med but but they will certainly be in the room where you have the GA. You'll be able to take up any worries with them. My DiL does this as she's a lovely caring person and wants to make the whole process as easy as possible.

FaithInfinity · 05/07/2020 22:00

It’s normal to be anxious, many people are! Do tell the anaesthetist that you’re anxious, they will put you at ease. Problems are actually really rare (I worked in theatres for a while) and you’ll be carefully monitored throughout the procedure. My last anaesthetic they said You’ll be getting sleepy now next thing I knew I was waking up! Hope it all goes well for you

JovialNickname · 05/07/2020 22:57

It will be fine OP - by the sounds of it they're giving you a GA to keep you perfectly still during the procedure due to the delicate tissues - that's all! Not because it would be overly invasive or painful, just because it's easier for them to manoeuvre the tubes where they need to go if you're out for the count.*

It sounds like they're going to give you something to relax you prior to the procedure - I've had this before and it was great. I went from being literally knock kneed with terror (there was no need, it was just my own anxiety) to completely chilled with what they gave me. So don't be nervous - when you're there you won't be scared because you'll have had the meds. You are worrying about something that you won't be frightened at all of when you're there, because you'll have had the edge well taken off. So try to think of it that way and see there's no reason to be nervous.

I'm not a real doctor.

BertieBotts · 05/07/2020 22:57

Good luck BTW! :)

peonia · 05/07/2020 23:27

I was very nervous too but it helps to remember that the staff do this all day every day. The anaesthetist in my case was so kind and friendly and was joking that I could relax now while he and the surgeon and nurses had to work! I woke up feeling like I'd had the best sleep in years.

All the best for tomorrow.

Skysblue · 05/07/2020 23:38

It feels like a big deal because it’s unknown. You will be fine. It is a hell of a lot safer than going for a drive...

A family member had to have a GA nearly every month for a year. It quickly came to seem no big deal (especially compared to all their medical problems!)

Anaesthetists are very very good at what they do. Enjoy the snooze. I felt amazingly relaxed after my first one. Bear in mind that it is common to feel suddenly sleepy/exhausted about 4-5 days after the GA (just when friends expect you to be getting past it). Something to do with bone tissue being slow to release the drug.

PastMyBestBeforeDate · 05/07/2020 23:39

I had a GA as a teenager and was telling jokes on the trolley down to theatre.
Next time I had one was when my youngest was about 2 and like you I was so worried about not coming round and the dc not having a mum. I do have anxiety but I think that's a common worry even if you don't.
Just tell them you're twitchy, they'll almost certainly be lovely to you.
Good luck and hope it has the expected results and you will have great hearing for the 1st birthday party.

ChetChet · 05/07/2020 23:50

I had one in February.

It was administered via the needle in the hand (can't remember the name).
The dose was given, a couple of seconds in and my arm felt nice and warm, then the rest of my body felt aaaallllll toasty and comfy and the last thought I remember was that "....oooh I'm on a fluffy cloud"

How flipping cringy! But that's honestly how GA felt. Warm, weighted, comfy, content.

Holothane · 05/07/2020 23:56

You’ll be fine I’ve had 8 and no problems discuss any worries you when you get there, as others have said one minute your chatting next your waking up, hug.

Clumsyduck · 05/07/2020 23:58

Youl be fine honestly I understand being a bit nervous though

Iv had two GA s in recent years and honestly the feeling of drifting off is awesome I just felt totally chilled out and then asleep next thing your awake again and everything is all calm and trippy - altho I was also on pain meds I think but yeh - enjoyable tbh !

They will also put you at ease it’s a very calm environment I found , The first time they got me to think about somewhere I like going like a beach etc while it was taking effect and the last time the lady giving the anastetic ( i can’t spell it or the actual job title !) joked that she was just giving me some gin and tonic in the injection and I was joking about something That they were laughing at and then I was asleep

It’s literally seconds and you are out

Rumbletumbleinmytummy · 06/07/2020 00:03

This is a normal worry. But what is important to remember is that the team who operate on you all know what they're doing.
I'm due to have an operation in a months time, I keep telling myself that they cant kill me off, cos they have to be good at their job to continue to do it (and have a naice lifestyle) they'd be ruining their life too so they have to be careful.

You will be absolutely fine!! Please try not to worry.

CorianderLord · 06/07/2020 00:12

They gave me gas before inserting my GA line. I faint when scared and my blood pressure plummets so was the only safe way. Told me to count to 10, got to 4 and out. Felt like I woke up a second later and all was over. It was magical and a really good experience.

QueenCT · 06/07/2020 00:25

@Rumbletumbleinmytummy they told me under GA was the most monitored I would ever be and they had far too much paperwork if anything went wrong so they liked to avoid it

Flip

1 2 3

Swipe left for the next trending thread