Any anaesthetists around? or theatre nurses maybe?

[BFPanxiety]

I'm having a GA tomorrow morning. Absolutely terrified of needles and already having panic attacks thinking about the cannula.

Would they be able to give me something before they put the cannula in? Maybe Valium or something similar to calm me down? I have to arrive at the ward at 7.30am and have no idea how long I'll be waiting. The thought of sitting there panicking, is making me panic now.

Does anyone know if it's worth me askin? Or what the likelihood is that they'll give me something?

TIA

Can't you get emla cream or cream to numb the skin?

It's prob a bit late now though. You can buy the kits online with the special plasters you need.

No idea what time your GA is but try lloyds or boots.

Sorry just seen 7.30, I know they can give you anxiety meds but it would depend on what you need the GA for.

Thanks for replying HRH but I don't think EMLA would help. It's not the pain from the needle, it's the thought of the needle. Even if I can't feel it, I'll still know it's being done IYSWIM. I know I'll be fine seconds after its in, but the build up and the panic attacks are awful. I just need something to calm me down and stop these attacks.

Ask in the morning.

I had something very calming before my GA. I can still remember gliding down to theatre in a fug of medication induced happiness.
In reality, I was actually pushed down on a bed giggling my tits off because I was too stoned to walk
I remember it fondly! Good luck

Really Oyd? Oh, that would be wonderful.

I'll definitely ask then. I wondered if they would just laugh at me, a grown woman, being so ridiculous over a tiny scratch on the hand.

I really hope they'll give me whatever they gave you. I won't mind waiting around for hours as long as I'm not throwing up, sweating, hyperventilating etc.

You should see the anaesthetist on their morning round, ask away. It's in their interests for you to be relaxed as it makes their job easier!
Good luck!!

Thank you, please keep your fingers crossed for me that they give me something!

Yes just make sure you tell everyone you see that you're nervous. That way the anaesthetist will find you first (hopefully) and they can get straight into it.