To ask you what general anaesthetic is actually like?

[RainSoakedNights]

I’m having functional endoscopic sinus surgery soon. As far as I can tell the recovery is going to be fine - a bit like a head cold (if anyone has experience of this operation though please let me know!). But I’ve never had so much as a blood test (I’m 26). I’m on Mounjaro so used to injecting myself but I still hate needles (I know, I know!)

Any experiences would be appreciated!

i’ve had 5 GA’s in the last 12 years. The first i was really nervous about but the surgeon. anaesthetist and nurses were all lovely and helped by chatting. I’ve usually got a migraine when i go in and there’s always a second or 2 when they inject the anaesthetic where the head pain disappears suddenly then i’m out. Wake up a bit woozy and not with it for a while but luckily GA’s don’t make me sick.

They can ring your mum when awake but with a routine day case procedure they probably won't automatically do it- but if you ask them they will ring for you or give you the phone to ring if you are able.

And it’s completely understandable op.Just know that you’ll be in good hands, it will be over before you know it.Easier said then done, l know, try not to worry about your dad, yes write the number down, keep it in your pocket, as soon as you come around ring him straight away.

I’m trying to focus on the fact that 2 weeks ago I had just got back from London and a concert, and that feels like barely any time at all, and in 2 weeks time it’ll be done and I’ll be through the worst bits of recovery. It’s just tough to try and get my head round I think. I know people go through much worse but this is also the worst thing I’ve ever had and fingers crossed, the worst I’ll ever have!

Me three!

I've had many GA's and this happens every single time. I often come round and panic, thinking that they've put me to sleep as planned, but that there was a problem, so they've woken me straight back up again without carrying out the surgery! I also get a distinct whooshing sound/sensation when I start to come round, like everyone around me is swimming in and out of my head.

My last GA was for an 8 hour operation. Due to the nature of the surgery, I had to spend 24 hours in OIR (overnight intensive recovery - basically 24 hours in the recovery suite for observation). Honestly, it was the most entertaining day I have ever spent. Some of the things people say/do/try to do when coming round from an anaesthetic are hilarious!

Short anaesthetics are usually a breeze, you'll be enjoying a cuppa and a biscuit before you know it. Hope it all goes well!

When I had day surgery no, they didn’t contact family. They probably would have done if I’d asked. I let family know when I got back to my room.

ive had supposed day surgery twice, first time I stayed in as my heart rate wouldn’t settle. They decided it was safer for me to stay in for monitoring.

last Time was gallbladder, it didn’t go to plan completely, I was last on list and there was a needle stick and so they had to deal with that.

the gallbladder I was in from 7am and went to theatre at 4pm. I have back and hip issues and was in bits from sitting in a chair for hours and they found me a bed. They are so kind.

think about how you are going to manage your anxiety, what is inside and outside of your control. What if questions are normal, but largely pointless. I’d start some meditation and visualisation exercises and find some grounding techniques.

This is completely unusual for you, but it is their everyday. Be guided by the staff as they are totally on top of it.

aftercare guidance was given to me in my discharge pack.

The brain activity monitor is usually only used for longer procedures. I've only had it twice and both surgeries were more than 4 hours.

The hair extension removal is for safety. Basically, anything that isn't attached to you naturally has to be removed, presumably so it doesn't fall off and end up inside you. Any jewellery, false nails, false eyelashes etc., whip them all off!

My GP won’t see me for anxiety on such short notice

OP I've had eight GAs in the last two years (three in the last month) so I'm a bit of a pro 😅 Last week in the theatre the anaesthesiologist actually chuckled and said 'We meet again!'

I'm the biggest wimp going and the cannula insertion is tricky as my veins are a bit fucked due to chemo (takes a couple of attempts usually) but I'm sure you'll be fine ☺️

You don’t need to see your gp, you can use apps like calm, look up guided mediation on YouTube and look into some grounding techniques. https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-article/grounding-techniques-article these ones are nice and easy to do.

Another one.

Can I wee myself while I’m under? Their advice is to keep drinking up until the time I get to hospital, so I’ll be pretty hydrated

Does it matter? If you do, if it's possible and I don't think it's likely, they will sort you out and you will not be aware of it, and they won't tell you afterwards.

I’m not going to argue with you, I’ve had IVs placed and fluids started before operations. I don’t know what elective means. I needed the surgeries, including one emergency appendicitis.

Advances are made all the time with anaesthesia. They might say something jokey like " ready for a gin and tonic" 😂 but honestly it is almost instant. They use fentanyl now in some cases and they also use drugs which make you forget all or most of it. Best sleeps ever. Had one recently with the NHS. So well managed.

Well, of course it matters. It would be awfully embarrassing and I’d not have spare pants with me to go home in!

Respectfully disagree. IV needles hurt me. Maybe it depends on your age and veins. I hate them!

Take some spare pants just in case. Apparently from a quick internet search, it's extremely unlikely to happen, so I would most definitely consign that to things not worth spending any mental energy on.

You'll have taken your pants off beforehand anyway. I've always been told to remove all clothing before putting on the hospital gown.

take spare pants. Trust they’ve seen worse. I’ve worked in theatres and I’ve had hip surgery on day two of my period. They have seen it all, don’t judge and just see it all as part of the job.

OP, I'd stay off chatgpt, I don't think its making your anxiety any better x

Yes it stings but only for a few seconds as it's inserted and uncomfortable for a minute while it's taped in place. I almost fainted the first time I had one fitted for the dye for an MRI but the staff were brilliant and calmed me down. The embarrassment was worse than the line going in 😳🫣

Don't do this, you might be in for morning surgery but not actually done until 4pm or later. So at 11.30pm have a solid and sustaining snack and more importantly drink loads of water or herbal tea or whatever for hydration. It's not just food it's drink too and it's hot at the moment, you need to be able to make it through. I always feel insanely thirsty before a GA. Luckily they often pop in a drip either during or after so you don't feel thirsty afterwards.

Hello, you can ask for a sedative beforehand and it’s perfectly natural to feel anxious about it.

Be sure to tell them about the weight loss injection and anything else so they all your meds.

You can explain any worries to them and they’ll explain it all to you.

Very good luck with having no more sinus issues and feeling great 🩷

Elective means planned operations. It is very unusual for a cannula to be put in before the procedure and IV fluids started.

In the situation of emergency surgery for appendicitis then you likely had a cannula put in for IV fluids and IV antibiotics as part of your treatment for the condition.

It's unlikely you will wet yourself in theatre. I've seen it a couple of times when the surgery has been much longer than anticipated but not in younger patients. Bring spare pants to put your mind at rest but the staff would make very little of it if it did happen, and just discreetly help you to freshen up.