Fear of general anesthetic?

[Maria971]

I'm posting in AIBU for more traffic...

I've never had any form of anesthetic before, and I'm really scared of it. I know it's very safe, especially for a young, fit person (I'm 30), but I'm just so terrified of that tiny possibility that I might not wake up!

Could anyone share their experiences with being put under/how afraid or not they were etc.

I've been an anaesthetist since 2010 and I've never had anyone 'not wake up'! Hope that helps!

I had one two weeks ago. Don’t even remember being put to sleep. They put cannula in and the chap said he was going to give me a ‘pre-drink’. I said ‘okay’ and then I woke up in recovery! Was a bit groggy for 30 mins or so but then I had a sort of post-anaesthetic euphoria where I felt great and demolished a sandwich and cup of tea!

I am not enthusiastic about them either, but I am more scared of not having life-saving/life-improving surgery.
I am scared of the dentist too, but I still go because I am more scared of having no teeth.

Only had it once for a small procedure. I found it incredibly relaxing. Best sleep I’ve ever had. Hope this helps.

I have had 5 over the years.
When you wake up you feel like you have been asleep for 10 seconds.

I’ve had lots and love it. Go into a nice sleep then wake up when it’s all over. Don’t worry, you will be fine

I had my first ever at the age of 45, a few months ago

I was terrified

I totally loved it. I drifted off v quickly before I could try and fight it and came round ever so gently. I was worried about waking up and not knowing where I was but there was a lovely nurse talking to me and it was the total opposite of scary.

if I had the option again I’d take it

by far the worst thing was having to wait around nil by mouth until about 6pm (I think I was unlucky)

I haven't had one in years and would be scared too, it's just fear of the unknown.

From what I remember though, you don't really a chance to worry about it in the moment. You are out like a light within a few seconds.

It's a cosmetic surgery I'm thinking about, but I really want it. I just have this phobia of being put under.

Thank you! Is it common to experience a lot of abdominal bloating in the first week after the anaesthetic? I've watched Youtube videos were quite a lof of women say their stomachs were really hard and uncomfortable for the first 1-5 days after surgery.

I had GA when I had my gallbladder removed, it was absolutely fine!
One moment I was counting down from 10, next I was in my recovery room.
It is a bit different than being asleep in that it feels like no time has passed- if that makes sense.
I was also worried about being or feeling sick afterwards, but I had no nausea at all.

Between me and my DC, I've had several encounters with anaesthetists and on that anecdotal basis can testify that they seem to be hotter than other doctors.

Obviously some have been female/not my type, but there's been a good few who've had a great bedside manner and not been bad looking either. Maybe it attracts a certain type who really love what they do and that comes through, or maybe I've been lucky, but just mentioning this factor in case it helps take the edge off the nerves. It's also always been completely fine and very professional.

Also, I remember one (particularly hot) anaesthetist who I knew socially, telling me that it wasn't putting you to sleep, it was more like he was editing out that part of your consciousness so you cut back to being awake without 'being there' for the parts in between. I quite like that thought and it's more how it felt to me.

I did have some bloating for a few days afterwards but I don't remember it being particularly uncomfortable. The TED stockings were the worst bit!

I’ve had quite a few in my life. It’s a lovely sleep and you’ll be fine. I always wake up starving!

I had cosmetic surgery in December so anaesthetic by choice. It’s very safe.

You will have the best sleep ever!!! One thing I love about GA. If I could have it just once a month, my life would be sooo much better.

I’m doing this exact thing in a few weeks. Really worried. But better than keeping this horrible thing in anymore.

I've had it twice and I have to say I loved it!

First time I woke up and greatly amused the nurse by saying I can't breathe, I can't breathe! She said just breathe...oh yeah, it works 🤣

The second time I recognised instantly the pain I had was gone and the relief was pure bliss!

I had it for a simple procedure last year having not had it since I was a small child and I was also terrified (too much greys anatomy in my case)
It was fine, feels like you barely shut your eyes and you’re suddenly in recovery. My anaesthetist told me to think of a happy memory because apparently it makes you wake up happier.. can’t say if it worked or not but have one prepared just in case 😂

Oh it’s brilliant!

I was terrified too, to the extent that when I broke my hand and needed it screwing back together I convinced them to do it while I was awake with a nerve block (got to see the inside of my hand which was weird and cool).

Then my gallbladder decided to get infected and start rotting and there was no choice but to have it out under a general.

The anaesthesiologist was this super chilled, calm and soothing woman who talked me through what she was doing and very nicely got me settled into the operating room. She told me to think of something that made me smile, and to count down from 5. I got to 3, blinked and then woke up feeling like I’d had the best sleep ever.

It wasn’t like a normal sleep, there was absolutely no sensation of time passing at all.

It is normal to be worried- make a list of any specific worries and talk too the anaesthetist. I’ve had around 13 or so, lose count and am still a bit worried on some of them, but they are all needed.

Everyone there will be used to people that are nervous, maybe even more so because you can back out. I found the nursing and surgical staff great and calm.

It’s natural to feel nervous. 8 years ago I had a triple heart bypass, was under for over 8 hours, terrified I wouldn’t wake up. But these sorts of things are done day to day all across the country. I also had a tummy tuck in 2011. No bloating, was fine and the results were great. You will be fine.

It's strange, when I had it I felt like there was no time at all between going to sleep and waking up. I had no sense that time had passed like when you wake up from normal sleep. No problems though!

I’ve had GA under emergencies circumstances and under planned circumstances. Under emergency circumstances you aren’t really any the wiser. For me, they’d already given me pain meds and it’s all a bit woozy and you wake up on the other side and get filled in on the blanks.

For planned procedures, there are more nerves. I was really nervous both times I had GA under a planned procedure. The staff help put you at ease and they’ll distract you and before you know it you’re asleep. One of the procedures I had was when I was about 10 and I got quite worked up because my mum couldn’t go down with me, I think they gave me a sedative because I remember feeling suddenly calmer and then them talking to me about counting backwards from 10.

It doesn’t feel like the best sleep ever for me. When I’ve come round I’ve always needed another nap after to feel better and generally be nicer.

Try looking up anaesthesia videos on youtube, there are some good ones where they explain step by step what happens.