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 managed to get to the ripe old age of 55 without ever having one! The thought of it does make me a bit nervous, I'm not sure why - I think it's the loss of control (maybe I'm a bit of a control freak?) I never had an epidural either with any of my 5 births - again, I didn't like the idea of being numb from the waist down and unable to move around. I would only have a general anaesthetic for surgery that was really needed - not for cosmetic reasons, I'm too much of a coward!

worked in hospitals for years and never heard of anyone have any complications with anaesthesia or not wake up . I had one myself before . I loved it the feeling of drifting off to sleep and when I woke up I felt all trippy and nice for a while after

I’ve actually had a GA today - for breast cancer surgery. I’m now sitting at home eating a hot cross bun!
The Anaesthetists are so lovely and supportive…they work quickly and make you feel very safe xxx

What surgery are you having and when?

I’m kind of hoping (just because I’m afraid they’ll make you more scared, not less!) you’re not just watching videos of people discussing if they had issues after surgery. Unfortunately, those are all relatively useless because it will 100% depend on the type of surgery. With my surgery and cardiac surgeries, it’s a lot of chest, shoulder, and back pain from surgery. With abdominal and laparoscopies (where they do the surgery by making just a few tiny holes in your abdomen - I had this for an ovarian cyst), you might feel that pain in your stomach. Without knowing the surgery, I think it’s difficult to say, OP.

But sometimes I think the science can help? Your chances of “not waking up” as a healthy 30 year old having non-emergency surgery, especially if it’s not cardiac or vascular, are almost nil, according to a study of over 55,000 people. And this was in the US, where they’re a LOT freer with the anesthesia than here. Is there anything specific you’re worried might make you high risk?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4718226/#:~:text=RESULTS,CI:%203.3–30.3).

I admit, it used to be a lot more dangerous, but as monitoring abilities increased, the danger has decreased exponentially.

You've just got to think they wouldn't do it if they didn't need to, so the benefit for you will outweigh it (I know some people have cosmetic or unnecessary, from a health point of view, surgery, but am guessing that's not you!) It is worrying-for health reasons I've had to have quite a few recently, but there's no way round it, if it is needed. Most younger people don't seem to get sick or groggy these days. Do listen to the advice and don't eat or drink before it as they'd have to cancel.

I had one recently and was terrified. I’d had a few before but for minor ops (D&C for missed miscarriages) and I think the combo of now having kids and it being a much bigger op made me terrified of not waking up. The doctor was amazing, he saw how scared I was and really calmed me down and explained that waking me up was the bare minimum required from him 😂 he also came and visited me in recovery and was like see, told you I could wake you up!

It’s natural to be nervous but the chances are everything will be fine - especially with you being young and in good health. However, would I do it for cosmetic reasons, personally not. The risk just isn’t worth it for me.

That would probably be more related to the type of surgery you are having. You can get a bit burpy after but I wouldn't expect more than a few big burps related to the anaesthetic.

I was terrified, in reality it was absolutely lush, most rested I’ve ever felt

I’ve had lots of surgery (3 in the last year). Honestly, it’s great. I wish I could pay someone to knock me out more often! The whole point is that it’s very relaxing and you wake up feeling like you’ve had a nice little nap. Then they bring you tea and biscuits.

This is common with laparoscopic surgery or other types of abdominal surgery. Because they often fill your belly with air to complete the procedure. Nothing to do with GA or surgery in general. I’ve never had any abdominal discomfort, other than maybe a tiny bit of cramping after uterine surgery (not laparoscopic).

I've had a few and it's like you go to sleep for 10 seconds and then wake up again!

All the anaesthetists I've had have been absolutely lovely - so kind and really attentive. They'll likely have a chat with you before the op, so you'll know who you'll have and they'll be able to answer any questions and put your mind at ease. They're the heroes of the operating theatre, in my book! You'll be in great hands.

Ah I see. If it's not a health need I wouldn't risk it personally. I know the risk is absolutely tiny, but it is still there. If I didn't have dependant kids I might feel differently though.
Tricky call OP. Hope this thread helps you make a decision.

Ive had lots of operations and quite honestly one .minute you are awake, the next unconscious then 5 seconds later or so it seems you are awake again.
As a chronic insomniac its probably the only time my brain switches off. It really is nothing to worry about.

Well - seeing as how many people have shared positive experiences, I'll say mine was absolutely awful. I woke up throwing up uncontrollably. The anaesthetist was horrible and condescending, said the nausea and vomiting was nothing to do with the drugs I'd had. I remember being desperate to sleep but not being able to. I'd have to be very very unwell to go through that again.

I had my first in around 2003 - I was terrified!
I had my second in 2011 and due to me first experience I wasn't worried in the slightest!

I had my first GA a couple of years ago. Like you I was anxious about it. Really it was nothing to worry about and actually a fairly pleasant experience. Like having a nice sleep.

@janeandmarysmum and me appear to be the anomalies on here. I've had three and been sick after each one. I also become quite violent. Coming round after the second GA I kicked the doctor in the balls and punched someone after the third. I am not usually a violent person.

Ive had more surgeries then I can count. There is never a time in your life that you are so well monitored its probably the safest you will ever be. One tip is tell them you are scared they will help you. I've met some awful drs in my life but I've never met a bad anesthetist they are probably the kindest and calmest drs that exist and they are the best handholders. You will be fine honestly it feels like seconds and then you wake up.

I wouldn’t worry about not waking up. The anaesthetist will never leave you and it’s their job to monitor heart-rate, blood pressure and brain function. They will know if you are in trouble. They spend up to 8 years in specialist training, more than for any other doctor.

I was terrified of waking up during the operation, not being able to speak and I would be in pain.

I knew nothing about the operation until I woke up. I am still scared though. I keep thinking I have such a strong mind that I would never go under. Its stupid and irrational as I have had the operation with no problem with the anathetic.

I’m in the other camp I love having a GA. I don’t enjoy the canula more than anything but that feeling when you finally get put to sleep is indescribable. I find it so fascinating. I can see why it’s daunting to some though. I’m sure you’ll be fine x

I found it to be an incredibly relaxing experience. The feeling that you get as you start to drift into unconsciousness is bliss. If it were legal I’d pay to have one every now and then purely for pleasure!

😂

One thing I always do is ask for painkillers before I wake up and that really makes a big difference.

My son has been put under at least 100 times by now. Never had any issues with GA and I've found that anaesthesiologists tend to be really great and take the time to answer any questions.