To be petrified of a general anaesthetic?

[Hop27]

Due to have a laparoscopy in 2 weeks and I've never had a GA. I have a really lovely surgeon and going into a great private hospital. Have had multiple rounds of IVF, have debilitating pain every month. So know is important to have it done to get to the bottom of what's going on. But I can't shake the fear. Any tips on how to cope ?!

I had one for the first time this week and was nervous too. The anaesthetist told me I was in the safest place in the hospital - he told me to remember that every one of the six or seven people in the room was there to keep me safe. That really helped.

Actually having the anaesthesia was fine. They got me to breathe in from a mask, it tasted funny, and then I woke up. Absolutely nothing to worry about. Hope it goes well for you!

This was me ten years ago. The lovely anaesthetist out my mind completely at rest. I told him all my fears. He didn't laugh or shrug them off but addressed them all thoroughly. This was in a bog standard NHS hospital and as promised, everything was fine. Tell your anaesthetist how you're feeling and good luck.

I was terrified. Last couple of times I had to have quite major surgery on my face so I felt even more scared, particularly the way in which the last one was administered (not so much the actual GA but the breathing tubes or whatever they’re called) but all was well in the end! I take longer than usual to come round apparently! I like my sleep! Am sure all will be well xxxxx

Yes, just let them know you’re feeling nervous but once you wake up you will realise you don’t even remember it. It literally feels like nothing! My nonna is terrified of them, she says never to tick organ donor or they will let you die on the operating table to harvest your organs. The risks are so minimal. I even ignore all the anti smoking advice & have come to no harm.

I had one the beginning of March. I was terrified! The doctors and nurses were brilliant. I told them just how nervous I was and they spoke me through each step. One of the nurses even held my hand until I went under.
Tell the nursing staff of your fears, they will have seen it many times, so don't worry.

Just be aware how long the anaesthesia stays in your body though. It took me a good 5 days to feel okay and not so tired.

I've had several. To be honest, I quite like them
Try not to worry

I used to work in theatres. I know it is scary, but honestly, anaesthetic complications are incredibly rare and there’s experts there to anticipate and manage these problems! Do tell the anaesthetist about your fears. They may be able to offer you a pre-med to help you relax.

Last time I had an anaesthetic I literally felt like they said You’ll be getting sleepy now and then I heard them calling my name and it was done!

FWIW my last op was laparoscopy to look for endo, I had chronic pain. They found and treated it and it’s been much better since. Hope all goes well for you

Also just want to say as a child free person I find it odd someone would want to proceed with a pregnancy + birth but be scared of a general anaesthetic. Bearing & birthing a baby would be undoubtedly much more physically & emotionally traumatic to the body + mind. If you’re scared of a general anaesthetic but not having a baby I find that personally conflicts with reality, but this is my childfree mindset...

I love a bit of general anaesthetic! I true opportunity to have a rest! No one to bother me! Seriously, it feels a bit weird letting go but you will be fine. You have so many people completely dedicated to making sure you are ok - from those in the operating theatre to the nurses in the recovery room checking your vitals...honestly you feel very special! It’s normal to feel nervous and they will have so many people feeling as you do - just tell them you are anxious and they will reassure you.

You'll get to meet your anaesthetist before surgery so tell them that you're feeling nervous & what it is you are frightened of. They will be able to reassure you & can help manage your pain relief. I recently had a GA & told them how scared i was so they gave me a sedative as soon as they could, after that the next thing i remember is being woken up from a lovely dream. They reassured me that they've heard & seen it all before with people's reactions to the anaesthetic. I hope it goes well

Not to mention the trauma of going through IVF !

Modern day GA is amazing. I'm comparing it to the terrifying experience I had as a child with a mask pushed over my face. As an adult a few years ago, my GA experience didn't compare. I remember someone saying "this bit will make you feel a little bit woozy" and thinking "yes it does" and that was that! The next thing I knew I was waking up and it was all over. You'll be fine.

I was absolutely terrified when I had to have an op a couple years ago, I was hysterical even when they were putting me to sleep, they were having a bit of a bad time with me, the lovely lady told me not to cry because I’d wake up crying. When I came round apart from my teeth hurting because I’d had a big op on my nose, sinuses and something else, it was bloody brilliant! When I was discharged i watched countdown and the way it effected my brain made me get the words quickly and then I couldn’t stop talking, wasn’t much fun for DP but I actually really didn’t mind it and would happily have another one.

From what I've heard about ivf a GA will be a walk in the park in comparison! I've had several and the worst bit is the not eating beforehand I actually found them quite relaxing - they count backwards from ten, you zonk out around five, then wake up like you've had a lovely long sleep and get given toast!

I had a laparoscopy last year and I was terrified of the GA too. They really put me at ease though and the anaesthetist told me it was like having a large glass of wine and it was. I just floated off and it felt so lovely then the next thing I knew I was awake. It felt like seconds. I actually really enjoyed it weirdly. The surgery was fine and recovery took about 2 weeks but wasn’t too bad. Pain was totally manageable.

At the grand old age of 50, I had my first GA in March for breast cancer surgery. I was absolutely petrified, really really frightened. My fears were unfounded. I have no recall of being put under and woke as if I'd had the loveliest, deepest sleep. You'll be fine, I promise! Good luck!

I've had GA twice and both times it was fine, the second time maybe even slightly enjoyable?! Both times as they counted me down I thought 'this isn't working, I'm not falling asleep.. oh, now it's after the operation'. Good luck but try not to worry - they do this every day and they're doing everything they can to make it safe for you.

I had one a few years ago and I was utterly terrified. I sat myself on the operating table and started sobbing. The nurses held my hands and talked me through it, and then I was out. They were so, so kind. Just tell them how you are feeling, and good luck.

Hi, I’ve had 4 GAs. Including two major surgeries in the last 9 months for endometriosis. Had severe pain for over two decades, infertility and miscarriages so it was a relief to finally get treatment. The GAs are like drifting off then you suddenly wake up. I would tell them you are worried. I woke up after op still intubated after GA no 3 (couldn’t breathe) and was worried it would happen for last GA so was more worried about going under but the anaesthetist held my hand and reassured me. It was absolutely fine and when I woke up a few hours later all my endo was gone. Good luck! You’ll be fine and waiting is the worst part.