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Original poster

General Anaesthetic - Anxious

34 replies

CountryGirl189 · 22/09/2021 17:36

Hi all,

I’ll be having a Hysteroscopy soon by General Anaesthetic, however it’s been well over 20 years since I last had one (when I was little and having teeth out).

I am quite apprehensive about it so if anyone can share some positive stories, I’d hugely appreciate it!

My main concerns are being aware that I’m going under and the potential burning of the medication going in the IV 😬

Thank you!

OP posts:
DameCelia · 22/09/2021 17:39

Hi @CountryGirl189 I had an almost identical procedure under GA a couple of months ago. Like you I was nervous but it was amazing, I didn't feel the line go in, or the flushing liquid, was out for 30 mins and woke up feeling refreshed.
I was a bit annoyed tbh because I'd been looking forward to a good nap in the middle of the day and I was on my way home after an hour!

letstryagainnow · 22/09/2021 17:48

Hi op!
I had a similar procedure three years ago. And a different op last week. Both general anaesthetic. I was nervous too but it honestly was nothing to worry about. They are so good at what they do that I was barely aware of anything other than a slightly cool sensation for a second and then I was waking from it 45 minutes later.
It's natural to be apprehensive but I'm sure it will be fine.
Best of luck Thanks

Original poster
CountryGirl189 · 22/09/2021 18:39

@DameCelia @letstryagainnow

Thank you ladies - I am so, so worried about it, but was also too anxious to have the Hysteroscopy awake!

Getting myself in a right tizz, but keep telling myself that before I realise, I’ll be waking up again!

Thank you 🥰

OP posts:
AuntieMarys · 22/09/2021 18:44

I had one 2 months ago...never had one before and I'm in my 60s. Staff were lovely...I did feel very sick from the anaesthetic afterwards . Home within 6 hours of the op.

Aquamarine1029 · 22/09/2021 18:48

You will be perfectly fine, and you will go to sleep and be woken up before you even know what's going on. I've had 14 GA's and they're a breeze. The doctors will take very good care of you.

ShanghaiDiva · 22/09/2021 18:50

Have had this procedure under GA.
No burning and can only remember counting back from 10. No ill effects from GA and home the same evening.
It’s normal to feel anxious, but nothing to worry about.

whoknew23 · 22/09/2021 18:52

I had a GA 3 months ago for an emergency csection, I felt like I was out like a light in no time and was OK waking up.

MissScarlettOhara · 22/09/2021 19:01

I had general anaesthetic when I broke my wrist and needed a small operation. It was so fine. Honestly they told me they were giving me it and the next thing I was waking up. I had no side effects. You will be absolutely fine! Remember the doctors do this all the time Flowers

Bloodymess · 22/09/2021 19:07

Tell the anaesthetist that you are worried. It’s normal to be worried about something new and where you have less control. There isn’t anything wrong with you for that.

I’m a veteran of surgery under general anaesthetic but can still sometimes be nervous.

When I have had iv it usually feels cold. If you need glasses/hearing aid ask to keep them as long as possible. That helps me be calmer can barely see anything without my glasses.

WaterAndRichTea · 22/09/2021 19:09

I had a GA last week
Walking into theatre was daunting but as soon as i laid on the trolley, i was giving the medicine and mask i was out in 30 secs

I have alot against me too, weight and various serious medical problems

All went well

TellMeSomeGoodNewsPlease · 22/09/2021 19:10

I had one last week! For the first time. I was nervous but the medical staff were lovely and it was actually fine and sort of weirdly relaxing? For a short GA they don’t put you deeply under.

For me they put a cannula in my hand (I don’t love needles but they’re very practiced at it). Stuck various sensors on me. Told me I’d get a painkiller first which might make me feel like I’d downed a large wine (accurate). Didn’t feel it going in. Then said they were going to add the anaesthetic and to think of somewhere happy. I did and then I was out in seconds. Woke up with a heated blanket on me, feeling like I’d had an afternoon nap. Had a glass of water. Felt slightly relieved/giddy at how easy it had been. Followed up with some tea and toast. Marvelled at how weirdly tasty NHS tea and toast is, and how much better it was when they didn’t expect you to look after a newborn (my only previous experience of NHS hospitality).

PrincessPaws · 22/09/2021 19:18

I had the same procedure a couple of months ago, I was chatting to the anaesthetist, I felt something cool in my hand and the next thing I know I was waking up in recovery. It was great

gettingalife · 22/09/2021 19:19

I had the same procedure under GA in February and like you, I was nervous. I told the anaesthetist how I felt and he was lovely. Popped a line in my hand and asked me what my favourite tipple was. I replied with 'A large Pinot' and then was being woken up. Bit of a dry throat upon waking but nothing bad.

I would say though that I felt groggy for a good 10 days afterwards, which surprised me, but I was given a two week sick note so just slept a lot. I didn't think I'd need two weeks off but I really did.

The relief once I was polyp and pain free was immense! Please don't worry, you'll know nothing about it and are in safe hands.

Original poster
CountryGirl189 · 22/09/2021 20:51

Thank you all, you’re making me feel a lot better!

I’m still not sure when my op will be, but I just know I can’t live in this state of anxiety constantly, so hopefully it’s over and done with soon!

OP posts:
bellabelle1994 · 23/09/2021 11:50

It's very relaxing strangely I found. Be over before you know it and you'll be on your way home x

Bells3032 · 23/09/2021 11:54

I've had 12 in my life. the worst i've had was feeling a bit dizzy afterwards but think that was cos it was ear surgery and they gave me an antiemetic and was fine afterwards.

Honestly it's not so scary. the worst part is the canula and after that you don't remember a thing anyway.

Good luck

Dontgetyerknicksinatwist · 25/09/2021 16:22

I’m having one soon as we’ll OP (Same procedure as you too). I’ve had a couple of GA over the last few years including a hysteroscopy. I’ve always felt nervous leading up to it but it’s soon over and done with and you will wake up feeling relaxed snuggled under a heated blanket before you know it. I’ve always found the staff lovely and reassuring. They are very professional and highly skilled at what they do. You will be in safe hands and closely monitored. Try not to worry.

PinniGig · 25/09/2021 16:44

No you won't feel anything at all along the lines of burning or discomfort – most people are spark out in seconds and don't even know they have started to flush the drugs through but I personally love the sensation of going under general anaesthesia and into the nicest, deepest sleep ever. Remember just once when they flushed the drugs getting a really faint but not painful or even slightly uncomfortable sensation of what I can only describe as feeling like a tiny prickling sensation travelling up through my hand and forearm that made me go “Oooh cool I can feel... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz”

Most people are asked to count backwards from 10 and seldom get to 5 before they're out but apparently when the theatre nurses start to wake me in recovery I'm murder and argue something shocking to leave me alone and let me sleep.

It feels like when you're just dropping off into the nicest, most comfy peaceful sleep and someone bursts in and wakes you up right at the point you're finally asleep I feel cheated out and like they just put me out a literal minute or two ago.

Remember vaguely getting really mad with one trying to get me to come round “Fuck off..no leave me alone. Just do your shit whatever leave me alone trynna have a kip” and I kept trying to turn on my side and stopping her from messing and removing tubes and doing her stuff - like a kid "No!!!!!!"

Know it's easier said but try not to worry over it you'll be out in seconds and awake again a few seconds later.

ivfbabymomma1 · 25/09/2021 17:45

I know this is slightly odd but I had a breast reduction in 2017 and I'd never been put to sleep before so I was in a right state but actually I really enjoyed the entire process even the recovery 😂😂

Original poster
CountryGirl189 · 28/09/2021 21:49

Thanks all for the replies!

I think I’m thinking too much into it! Whereas all I need to know about is that one minute I’ll be chatting to the nurses and the next I’ll be being woken up!

OP posts:
Scautish · 28/09/2021 21:56

I LOVE general anaesthetics. Please don’t worry OP.

Original poster
CountryGirl189 · 29/09/2021 07:02

@Scautish - the last I’ll remember is either chatting to the nurses or counting down right? Then I’ll be waking up what seems like minutes after? It’s so weird to get my head around!

OP posts:
Scautish · 29/09/2021 07:44

Yes that’s exactly it. It’s pretty much (for me) like an off switch and the. Next thing someone is whispering in your ear encouraging you to wake up.

They are quite miraculous things. Good luck!

CherieBabySpliffUp · 29/09/2021 07:49

You do also have the option of having the procedure with an epidural, though it is a bit undignified being aware of them dragging your legs around to get you into position.

AlbertBridge · 29/09/2021 08:55

I had a hysteroscopy awake a couple of weeks ago and it was fine. I also had ablation under GA a couple of years ago and that was fine too!

I've never ever been offered tea & toast in hospital. What am I doing wrong?

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