Advice for hospital stay

[KidneyBeans]

In a few weeks I'll be heading to hospital for surgery.

I've never had an operation or anaesthetic before and am fairly anxious - mostly about the anaesthesia. I get sleep paralysis and so one of my fears is being conscious but unable to move

I wondered if any one could please share their experiences of the anaesthesia and recovery

Also I'd appreciate tips on anything I could do to prepare myself for surgery and what should I take with me to keep comfortable.

I'm expecting to be in for 3-4 nights

Thank you

Don't worry about the general anaesthetic. (I have had more than a dozen).

The anaesthetist will be watching you very carefully and will give you the exact amount of medicines to keep you asleep.

It's normal to have a local anaesthetic too, so that when you wake up the part that's been operated on will feel numb.

Good luck with your recovery.

Thank you @IslandLulu

I'm sorry you've had so many! I hope you're okay

What's the recovery like - is the breathing tube out already when you come round?

Also any tips on things to take ?

I wouldn’t worry at all about the surgery, we are blessed with a fantastic health service and your care will be right up there with the best the world can offer.

Wards can be disconcerting, though. Would strongly recommend very good earplugs and don’t feel at all awkward about drawing your curtains, privacy is what they are there for!
All the best 💐

There won't be any breathing tubes when you wake up.
If you ask for pre- med it will help, also you'll be drowsy afterwards, I dozed in a haze of drugs for hours after.
Eye mask and ear plugs. Hospitals are very noisy and lights on at all hours.
Loose PJs to allow examination.

Thank you - this is all very reassuring and helpful
Please keep tips coming - I'm awful at packing and have never stayed in hospital before so all advice very welcome

I was very anxious before my first surgery. My surgeon held my hand as the anaesthetic went in. But. One minute you're with it. The next you're waking up talking a load of nonsense in a recovery room.

I found I was quite sick afterwards so if you feel nauseous mention it. They can give you anti sickness tablets. I just took usual overnight things. Remember to pack a phone charger.

I had keyhole surgery so was up and about fairly quickly. You can also usually expect to be constipated afterwards due to painkillers but this will depend on what you're having done

14 surgeries under my belt at 32. Honestly you don't even know. You are just chatting to the staff and then you wake up in recovery. I sometimes feel a bit groggy and dizzy afterwards but they can give you something to help

As for something to take I highly reccomend a long charging wire as the socket to plug your phone in is usually way away from the bed.

Some comfy pyjamas and I'd reccomend some headphones as the beds are so uncomfy it's hard to sleep so found listening to music or YouTube videos really helped me drift off.

Also if an NHS hospital I'd reccomend some flip flops to shower in

A stand for phone or tablet so you can prop it up on the table.
A very long cable to charge and a power pack.
Download some films or programmes on netflix in case of poor wifi.
Some wipes to freshen up if you can't get out of bed.

• Do mention your concerns to the anaesthatist before the surgery. They might write up a relaxant on the odd chance you do wake up needing a further relaxant.

• Take a list of any crowns/root canal/fillings etc on your teeth

• A light up clock is so handy. There isn't always a visible clock from your bed, nor a lit one for night, so having a small bedside one is very handy. Even better if the dial glows at night. OR, a fitbit/light-up wrist band style clock.

• A hair brush, tooth paste and a tooth brush. Even if you are still in bed, just brushing your teeth can feel SO good!

• Label EVERYTHING!!!! Either ask for your admission stickers to be stuck on, or pre-label before going in- ideally 2 labels per item!

Thank you everyone, this is so helpful and reassuring

@Elouera may I ask - why the list of fillings? that seems rather specific (and a bit worrying!) could you tell me why please?

Thank you everyone for all of the advice so far!

The dental questions are just so they are extra careful so as not to damage any potentially expensive dental work.

I've had 2 ga and with both there was just enough time after they put the drug in the back of my hand for me to think 'nothing's happening, it isn't working' before the next thing i knew i was in recovery.

Absolutely agree about an eye mask and ear plugs, even if you've got your own room the noise still travels in the night with buzzers going off and people talking in the corridor.
I'd just take nightwear, slippers, you might need a dressing gown if you walk down to theatre (some take you in the bed but some don't), "loungewear" for sitting out of bed during the day, it's generally warm so just one lightweight jumper or cardy. Easy to read books, magazines, colouring, downloads on ipad / tablet etc, some snacks, wash bag and charger cables.

My husband is a recently retired consultant anaesthetist, they are highly skilled doctors who have many years of post grad training. The safest country in the world to have an anaesthetic is the UK, you are constantly monitored.
To reassure you, when our child had major surgery we visited a local art gallery and coffee shop as we knew our child was safe. Also, when I had major surgery my husband and daughter went out for lunch.
An anaesthetist will visit you pre surgery to discuss with you what will happen, and to give you an opportunity to discuss any concerns with you.

@KidneyBeans
I totally understand where you are coming from. I had a hysterectomy just over twelve months ago. I was literally shaking with fear when I went down to theatre. The last thing I remember was the anaesthetist holding my hand. Then it seemed like a second later I was waking up. The theatre staff are usually lovely. Please tell them you are scared and they will be gentle with you xx 😘

@KidneyBeans
I totally understand where you are coming from. I had a hysterectomy just over twelve months ago. I was literally shaking with fear when I went down to theatre. The last thing I remember was the anaesthetist holding my hand. Then it seemed like a second later I was waking up. The theatre staff are usually lovely. Please tell them you are scared and they will be gentle with you xx 😘