GA worries

[confirmednut]

I?m booked for a GA next week, at my pre-op the nurse took a list of the reactions I?ve had to medication in the past including a sudden reaction to the swine flu jab when I felt dizzy and my mouth went dry. I?ve reacted to other meds with a dry mouth & throat to the point of having difficulty swallowing, and having a body itch. I?m really scared that I?m going to ?react? to the anaesthetic and die or wake up having a reaction. I keep telling myself that I can not be the only person with these problems, and that the anaesthetist will handle it, but I?m not convincing myself and the closer I get the GA the more I?m panicking.Has anyone been in this situation?

looking for reassurance...anyone?

Hi there, you have absolutely nothing to worry about, your symptoms luckily do not sound very severe and reactions to anaesthetic drugs are now very uncommon. Now the best bit of news is that having an anaesthetic in this country puts you in one of the safest places in the world. You will be looked after by a fully trained doctor who has then spent years training as an Anaesthetist. They are monitoring all your major physiology all the time and know exactly if and when anything needs treating. That is why most Intensive Care Units are run by Anaesthetists, so don't worry, you could not be in safer hands

I had my first GA late last year and was very frightened. I have to say it was actually quite lovely . They told me all the monitoring equipment they have measures your reactions even when unconscious, so should you wake up (which you won't ) they can tell from the machines as your body starts to react, heart rate etc, even if you can't consciously do it.

I have had two different GAs, the first one was my favourite. Lots of people introduced themselves to me as they put the blood pressure cuff on and stuck sensors on me. It was all friendly and relaxed. They put a canula in my hand and then the anaesthetist showed me a syringe full of white stuff. He said "I'm going to put this in your hand, you will feel sleepy" and I felt a lovely tingle all the way up my arm to my neck. Next thing I know I'm waking up in recovery with someone beside me, talking to me, offering me pain relief etc. They never left my side until I got wheeled back to the ward.

The other one they used a mask as well as something in my hand, that took longer to work but the same thing really, next thing I know I was awake in recovery with someone beside me again.

Take care, you will be fine.

thank you both of you, very reassuring. alias you sound as if you know about these things, and I will endeavour to remember I?m in the safest of hands.

They will ask you several questions before you get the GA so mention your concerns then. I have had two with no problems whatsoever (including one emergency one only a few hours after eating food). The doctors will take every precaution. If you are worried speak up about your concerns!