To be scared of having general anaesthetic?

[IndiaRose22]

Posting here for traffic really!!

I have an op at some point this morning to remove my gallbladder, so keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic. When I was talking about "whipping it out" I don't think I actually thought this far ahead and now it's here and I'm bricking it! That's all really, being a softie and over thinking - how do they make sure I'm asleep? Do I really not feel anything during?

You are @mavismorpoth , so don't add to their anxiety

Definitely agree that the sleep doctors are the nicest.. They've always been so lovely and soothing to me, saying they're going to take care of me and stroking my hand.

I had a GA for a toe operation. I don't deal well with nausea (emetaphobic) so I asked the anesthetist for an anti-emetic.

I was wheeled to a little room outside the theatre, they attached something to my canula, chatted to me but I fell asleep mid-sentence trying to answer one of their questions. Next memory was waking up in the recovery room with a sore toe. They gave me some painkillers then wheeled me back to my room and gave me lunch. No side effects from the anaesthetic at all.

Again, thank you all for taking the time to reassure me!! It didn't happen tomorrow, so it's either tomorrow or I go home and wait 6 weeks.. Fingers crossed for tomorrow! Xx

You won't even be aware that time has passed. You will literally pass out mid sentence if you're talking. It's not like falling asleep, it's like flipping a switch.

You'll be told to close your eyes and count to ten. Next you think, this isn't working, I'm waking up and then you open your eyes and realise that you're in recovery, its 3 hours later and they've already done it.

I did ODP training but never finished or qualified :(

Saw and assisted a lot of patients going under GA. If anyone was worried, I would tell them it is just like time travel. You shut your eyes, and when you open them again, hours have passed.
Seriously, a lot of people would would wake up asking if something had gone wrong.. thinking their op was aborted.

Got mine out today. The anaesthetic was OK but I have a weird headache now that I'm struggling to shift. Also a bit of a dry sore throat.

I'm very sore overall and the gas after the op is quite unpleasant but I'm OK. Back at home and relieved to have had it done.

Good luck tomorrow, @IndiaRose22.

I had my first general anaesthetic on Friday, I was terrified! However, it was brilliant, the staff were lovely and put me at ease.

My memories of it are feeling slightly dizzy, thinking "I wonder if I should mention I'm a bit dizzy?" then waking up later in recovery.

I was nice and comfy with a heated blanket, it felt like the best nap I've ever taken. I waffled at the nurse about Murder She Wrote for a bit, but that's as embarrassing as it got!

I hope your surgery goes well when it does happen, and get well soon.

I’ve had quite a few surgeries, appendix (open), gallbladder (keyhole) and pancreas head removed (open). All related to gallstones! The gallbladder surgery was the easier of the lot, I did have some issues but unrelated to the surgery itself and I recovered so much faster than the open surgeries. I’ve had a lot of endoscopy type procedures as gallstones left me with a very painful pancreas disease (don’t put off getting the GB out people, trust me!) and I need to have a GA as sedation doesn’t work on me due to high tolerance due to strong pain meds. As a result I love the feeling of being put under a GA, it’s so relaxing and I look forward to it! But I remember my first one, thankfully an emergency appendix removal so no time to worry too much. I was so scared, so funny how now I look toward to it!

Oh wow you went home same day? I had it done yesterday and they won't let me walk to the toilet 🤣 so uncomfortable and like you say, v sore, but the anesthetic was fab. One minute talking about how it's half term and that's all I remember!

Had mine out last year...last appointment of the day ( 3pm)...discharged at 8.
I was very sick after GA but they were brilliant.
Was walking down to the local cafe on day 3, a 2 mile round trip....tiring but good to be out!

How are you feeling now @IndiaRose22?

I'm very sore and very tired, but OK overall.

@MrsBennetsPoorNerves I'm still in, he's given me an extra night in to recover with having a baby at home! Still sore, barely seen the nurse today so sure I've not had as much pain relief as I could have done. Very slow at walking but getting around! Glad you are doing OK.. Not sure I'm looking forward to recovery at home. And feeling very bad that my mum and dad are cancelling their holiday on Monday so they can look after the baby for me as I've been told no lifting.

Recovery is so much quicker at home with probacy, a comfy bed and your own food. I was mopping the floor by day 3 😂

Did you not have keyhole surgery? Or have you had complications? I was let out hours after my surgery with minimal pain. I hope you're ok! Bless you

I'm feeling much better today - less sore and more like my usual self. So glad I didn't have to stay overnight!!

I have always been scared of it too, and have never ever had it. Always local.

@MrsBennetsPoorNerves & @caz198917 I'm glad you are both doing OK.

My most recent GA the anaesthetist was genuinely lovely, he introduced himself as my guardian angel for the next few hours as he was busying around getting ready. I remember waking up and feeling like no time had passed at all.

OP, I have had five GAs and I’m still petrified of them despite the team for every single one being incredibly kind, and not a thing going wrong with any of them.

When the anaesthetist comes to see you beforehand, tell them you’re scared. The last one I had, he asked the routine question about how much I drink and I said “more than usual at the moment, a glass or two of wine every night because I’m scared of this” and when I walked into the theatre bit and immediately burst into tears he was like “right, what I want to know is what wine you’re into right now - I need inspiration, red or white etc etc” 😂 in my experience they’re all particularly lovely about this and you will be fine ❤️

I’ve seen/heard a few people mentioning pre-meds over the years. I’m gutted - have had 3 GA’s, but never had a pre-med.

I've had several GAs. Absolutely love it. I'd do it for fun!

Hope you’re doing ok OP. I know you’re feeling uncomfortable, but we’re you ok with the GA?

I definitely think that anaesthetists are silent superheroes! The ones I’ve encountered have been fantastic - great “bedside manner”, very calming without a hint of frustration or being patronising.

My first GA, I was feeling very nervous. Was wheeled down to theatre and introduced to the anaesthetist. As we were talking he said to me “I think you’re feeling nervous, please be assured that you’re in very safe hands with the team”. I asked how he knew I was nervous. He kind of nodded towards my feet (my body was covered by a blanket). I lifted my head up slightly and could see that my feet were bobbing up and down under the blanket.

Every single time I have woken up worrying that I’ve missed the slot for my operation because I’ve nodded off! I do tend to talk nonsense in the recovery room, have had nurses laughing with me once I’m more with it!

I had one yesterday. Was under for 5 hours. She put in a mild relaxant, but oxygen on. I woke up dreaming about a beach BBQ party. Literally remember nothing about going under.

Ot is my 4th GA, so I told her that I suffer from nausea and vomitting, so she prepared for that too.

I get wired after a GA, it's so weird. Ping awake and then can't sleep for a good few days after
Last time I woke up about 4pm (5hr op) and was eating a full meal by 6pm as I was so hungry. No sickness, and then awake all night
The staff were "this isn't very common"
Me "can I go home now?"

I had my gallbladder out mid afternoon, was home sat on the sofa eating a takeaway by 7.00pm, no food has ever tasted so good after being on a fat free diet for 6 months.