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!

Also in recovery you may just chatter away like I do. They don’t mind and are used to it I’m sure. I remember talking to my nurse about holidays and my pets. You will be lovely and relaxed honestly. The worst bit is fasting and not being allowed a sip of water 2 hours before the op. Take lip balm for after as my lips were dry. You will be fine OP honestly. And won’t need to wee as haven’t drunk anything.

just like a deep sleep couldnt remember anything felt instant

not sure you will have a tube down your throat but it differs depending on surgery

also not sure they let visitors in for day surgery

It’s only metal beads, like she said it’s not worth the risk!

Had one this afternoon for a gynae op and it was absolutely lovely. Canula in the back of the hand, then a cold flow feeling down the body- next thing I knew I was waking up slowly in recovery. Lovely sleep! Don’t worry you’ll be absolutely fine.

I’ve had 5. Love them!!!!

Personally, I love it 👀👀🫣😂😂

Actually being put under, I find completely blissful.
Like when you’re so tired, you’re fighting to keep your eyes open, then your head hits the pillow and it’s the most satisfying, blissful relief when you close your eyes.
Waking up from GA on the other hand?
Not a fan. I usually feel really nauseated

Blimey, I laquered myself from head to toe with spray tan ahead of my last big op. I knew I was going to feel mighty ill afterwards, but I'm buggered if I was going to look it (and I kept my BIAB nails; my compromise was a clear french manicure finish - the anaesthetist was fine with it when I confessed they weren't completely natural). Oh - I dyed my naturally fair eyelashes too, which made a massive difference to how I felt.

Do what you gotta do (within reason), I say!

Edited to add that I had emergency surgery 19 years ago and went into theatre with black nail varnish on my fingers, bright pink on my toe nails, a belly bar and a tragus earring in place. Everything was still present and correct when I came round!

It’s like a really really deep sleep. Quite relaxing!

You have absolutely nothing to worry about! They are amazing at what they do. I had day surgery last year and was so worried about being under GA I looked up how it is done on Dr Google. It is a real science. They are so good at making you feel at ease before you go under. It's the best sleep ever. Hope all goes well with your procedure. 🙂

Anaesthetics specialty training is 7, 8, or even 9 years long. This is the longest for any doctor. They have to know what combination of drugs will suit the type of surgery a patient is having as well as staying with the patient at all times during an op.

I have had a few GAs. You lose all sense of time after the needle in the hand and you’re asleep in seconds. When you wake in recovery, you can’t believe you have even had the op because you’re still woozy.

Same. It’s dreamy, I always feel like I’ve had the best sleep ever

I had my first surgery about 3yrs ago. Like you I was absolutely terrified. I struggle to sleep at the best of times and I’m needle phobic too.

But the nurse and the anethna… aneisnat…. Sleepy doctor were so kind. The Dr said he was going to put some fluids in the IV and I thought “ok so once he puts the real stuff in, just try to keep….” And then I woke up. I don’t know if it was actually the sleepy juice he put in then rather than just general fluids or if I’ve forgotten the next bit.

But I promise it is fine. I didn’t feel panicked at all whilst they put me under. It wasn’t scary, I didn’t fight it at all as I didn’t feel any sensation to fight against.

I did feel a bit sick when I woke up so they quickly gave me something to stop that and it worked extremely quickly.

Also I never once looked at the IV in my hand. I knew if I did it would freak me out and I would rip it out so I just made a very conscious effort not to look at my hand so I was fine.

I think the one benefit is that I’ve learned to spell anaesthetic!

sadly it looks like our holiday at the end of August is off, so I don’t have anything to look forward to when I’m feeling better

I have been under twice fairly recently. It was amazing. One.minute I am talking to the assistant saying I was scared and the next moment woke up in recovery! Incredible

I saw this video on Instagram by an anaesthesiology nurse after my most recent surgery and I was stunned by how in-depth their assessments are, and a lot of it is stuff that you wouldn’t even think they are looking for!
www.instagram.com/reel/DIU6UkXM_f6/?igsh=c3MxMGg5cWc1Zmxs

I've had 8 or 9 GAs and they've all been fine. What I found funny was getting the anaesthetic and going to sleep with my glasses on. Then when I woke up, my glasses were back on.

I know they would have removed them for surgery but it just made me laugh.

I was terrified, had a full on panic attack on the table before being put under. They put something in my cannula and i suddenly felt fantastic, like i’d drank a good few g&t’s😂i then remember the mask being put on and just not being the slightest bit scared anymore! Then i guess i must have fell asleep. Unlike most posters on here though i dont really remember waking up in recovery! It was very hazy for me (but not scary), think i must have been dosed up on pain meds.

I got majorly told off for still having my contact lenses in. I didn't own any glasses and I am -10. Wasn't planning on having an op and had been in hospital for 10 days following sudden admission. Nurse said keep them in. She may have said just tell them. They nearly didn't operate, he was so cross.

He was right though, I woke up going 'my eyeesss, my eyyyeees' as they had knocked one of them into the corner of my eye and it was scratching like mad.

I also thought I was in a space ship when I woke up as it was the recovery room. There was either a very large TV or it was a monitor showing some medical data. Then there was someone standing at a podium controlling it all. It was definitely a spaceship in my head 😂 Lots of beeping going on.

They are very nice though and are usually all fussing round you as you come round.

You’ll be fine Op. You need to stop getting yourself all het up about it tbh - it’s a 30 minute procedure. You’ll chat to the team, needle in, bang you’re done.

You say you’re scared about waking back up - it’s often no different than waking up early from a normal sleep. You just become awake. Nothing scary.

It doesn’t matter what you wear - your team will tell you if you need to get changed and what to take off.

You don’t need any further information tbh. You’ve been told what to do. Anything else they’ll tell you on the day.

It’s day surgery not a dangerous experimental op! And everyone’s first time having surgery is their first time! It’s normal to be nervous, it’s not normal to be absolutely terrified and stewing over questions about bras.

Easier said than done. I’ve woken up so anxious again and I don’t know why, I just can’t shake it

This is true! I'm a chronic insomniac but both times I've had a GA I was out before they said a word about counting down etc!

Another question (sorry!) - do electrolytes count as clear fluids the morning before surgery?

Unless you are being prescribed electrolytes for a medical reason - it is just one day.

Can't you just have plain water on the morning before your surgery?

That’s not the answer to the question I asked. I can also extend the question to squash etc - does it count as a clear fluid?

Only ever had a short GA, was a very stressed, sleep deprived parent at the time, and terrified. It was wonderfullll. Last memory was of the anaesthetist chuckling, then work up feeling lovely and sleepy. Unfortunately the nurse seemed to want a tea break so was yanked out of the sleepy state abruptly. I hope you enjoy the big sleep and all goes well.