Having surgery Friday - General Anesthesia - Scared!

[drag n' fly]

This is Maverick Mike's girlfriend using his account here!

I am having surgery on Friday and will be put to sleep using general anesthesia. I am terrified of this!

They say they will be use gas, through a clear mask that will put me to sleep. I'm scared that I will feel like I can't breathe when this happens.

Has anyone else had this phobia or anything like this? What can I expect?

Thank you in advance for your help!

MMGF!

Don't worry.They will give you a mild sedative before hand if requested. Believe me once the stuff kicks in right before you konk out there is more than one happy place on earth. It feels like about 4 strong long island ice teas. Try counting backwards to see how far you get. It takes your mind off of it while it is happening!

 

[N&B'smom]

Try not to worry, it won't be a problem at all for you. They will do everything they can to make you more comfortable. I've had surgeries where I was given nothing until I was in the OR and other times where I was given a little something to relax me beforehand. I'm a VERY nervous person when it comes to anything medical and it truly was fine either way. You're in good hands!!

I remember the one time I was given something to relax me and all I remember from being in the OR was that my Dr, an amazing man, held my hand. I felt him grab my hand and he held it until I drifted off. So, I felt very safe and secure in the few moments that I was awake. They took excellent care of me and I'm sure your Dr/nurses will do the same for you.

There's a lot going on in the OR, a lot more people that I expected, that's for sure But they all have their job to do and the number one priority is taking care of you!! You'll do great!! Keep us posted, okay?

Shelby

P.S. I don't think you mentioned the type of surgery, perhaps it's personal...but I wanted to mention that I hope all goes well and it's a success.

 

[Maverick Mike]

Well, its good to hear that I'm not the only big baby here!!

I just hope that they do use a clear mask on me. Ive seen on TV shows where they use a black big mask, and it just looks so barbaric! I know that it doesn't matter, but it would make me feel better.. I know, I'm nuts!!

Did anyone ever even see their mask? Was it clear, or one of those huge, black ones?

MMGF!

 

[Jennasis]

General anesthesia...best sleep you'll ever have!

Seriously, try to relax and not stress yourself. They'll give you something valium like to calm you when you arrive (and if they don't, just ask for it). You won't give a hoot what happens after that. Itoo have issues about having my nose and mouth covered. It triggers severe panic and I'll have an asthma like attack. I had to have Gen Anes for my wisdom teeth extraction and all I remember thinking before I passed out was "I don't know why people make such a fuss over the laughing gas...I don't find anything funnnn...." and I was out.

 

[Maverick Mike]

I'm still very scared of it all, but I will picture you all while I'm in there going through it. You all made it, so I know I can too!

I'm still trying to picture it all in my head, even though I shouldn't. I just hope I don't get a barbaric black mask thing all over my face!!

MMGF!

 

[swandiverpatt]

The "relaxing" drug they give you via IV is called "Versed" I believe (or Verset). Prior to a hysterectomy a few years ago, I was so against general anesthesia I argued with the anesthesiologist for about a half hour that I only wanted a spinal with Versed. He refused to do it ... then was coming around to agreeing to *try* it that way. My gyno finally showed up to see what was holding things up. I agreed to the general. After a dose of the Versed I barely remember anything that happened before being put under.

Good luck to you!

 

[KyraS]

Mine was the clear one.

 

[jenm2878]

Whatever they put in the IV always knocks me out before the mask is put on. You just feel like you're falling asleep.

 

[magsnden]

Stop watching those tv shows!!!!
Almost everything in those shows are for dramatic effect and very few of them are true! Ever watch ER and think "why is the family in there when they're cutting them open? that doesn't really happen, does it?" No, it doesn't!

Just be sure to tell the nurse AND your doctor that you're nervous and they'll make sure you get something to calm you, and it really works and fast. They may even give you something to take the night before for a good night's sleep.
You will do fine - most of your fear is really of the unknown, you'll feel much better when it's over (of course!).

Hope you have a peaceful and quick recovery!

 

[ntsammy5]

I they will give you a bit of a "relaxer" medication in your IV before you go in. Once you get that, I kid you not, you will NOT care!!!

I had my knee replaced 6 months ago and believe me what OP says is true! I can't remember anything after I was taken into the OR -- nothing at all. I remember starting to talk to the doctor and the next thing I know I'm in recovery! Good luck.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

I had to have general anesthesia when I had my c-section with my daughter because the epidural kept wearing off and they were afraid I'd feel them cutting me and they had to get her out ASAP. I was terrified truthfully and they didn't even have time to give me something to calm me down or anything. BUT I never even knew they put me under...it really did happen that quickly. I woke up with a terrible sore throat though and was told they had put a tube down my throat. I was asleep for the insertion and removal so I didn't feel any of that. I was given a bottle of spray for the sore throat and it didn't last too long thankfully. It was really not a bad experience.

My husband was so nervous before having his hernial surgery last year that they did give him something to calm him down and he was high as a kite and giggling all the way to the OR. It was kind of funny and he doesn't remember any of it. He wasn't really afraid of being put under though, he was afraid of being cut open in general.

ETA: I should add that they put the mask over my face and told me to count backwards starting at 100. I do not remember counting at all! Next thing I knew I was waking up and I was out of it. I asked where I was and the nurse told me I had just had a beautiful baby girl and that she was 9 lbs 7 oz. My mom said that I told her and my husband a few minutes later that I had just delivered a baby elephant. I don't remember any of that! My daughter was delivered at 8:13 p.m., really shortly after I went into the OR but I didn't wake up till nearly 10:30 p.m. I guess they were giving me a chance to come to on my own or something.

 

[magsnden]

Hey,
just checking in to see how everything went. i hope you're having an easy recovery!!
and i'm sure you feel better now that it's all over!
thinking of you!!

 

[DMickey28]

I have been put to sleep twice. Once with an injection and another time with gas. It was scary before hand but once they started it wasn't very scary. You basically just fall asleep.

My DS is supposed to have surgery next Monday and they are going to put him to sleep. He is sick right now so we may end up having to postpone it if he doesn't get better. I am scared to death about them putting him to sleep. I know he will be fine but I am still scared.