View Full Version : Another general anaesthetic thread - worried sick/depressed :(
Hi Members,
It's been a while but unfortunately I'm back and my health anxiety has reared its ugly head again.
I have an upcoming procedure under general anaesthetic to extract all 4 wisdom on 4 May and I'm absolutely worried sick about it. In fact, I've been obsessing over it since the second my oral surgeon said I needed them removed. They are causing infections in my gums and ruining surrounding teeth.
In case you're wondering, the surgeon won't extract them under twighlight sedation. I asked already and it was a firm no.
Truthfully, I do need them removed AND I dont want to necessarily experience that while awake. So its a double edge sword situation!
But...I'm just so scared of the unknown and being "put to sleep" and I don't even know why?!
Ive read endless accounts of people's experiences with GA and literally 99.9% of them are positive and yet I still cant shake the fear.
Some of the thought I have just endlessly going in my mind include:
- what will it feel like? Is it just instant darkness or is it like I'm going to sleep?
- will I even wake up?
- if the end result is complete unconsciousness can the anaesthetist put me to sleep gradually instead of just "boom" your out.
- is it overall an unpleasant feeling? (The GA I mean - I'm aware and quite ready for the pain following surgery)
If any one, I mean anyone can offer some words of wisdom and help in alleviating this gripping fear and anxiety I would forever grateful.
It really has come to the point where it is almost ruining my job, my social life, my friends, my partner...almost everything in my life is fallingtp bits. And all because of one procedure.
Ty in advance
Nathan
I've had this....so badly I can't even tell you. My background is that I had a medical diagnosis that needed surgery 2 years ago, it was very important surgery (albeit on an extremity rather than internal, if you know what I mean). I had never had surgery, and have a phobia of new medications (I've not taken a paracetamol in 10 eyars even, just in case lol) and through my life had convinced myself that I would definitely have a problem with GA. I was so convinced that I wouldn't survive surgey and afraid of it that I considered cancelling the surgery and dealing with the breast cancer that I had, and obviously a slow decline with that!!! I eventually decided I had to have the GA, and wrote letters to my loved ones to be given when i DID die under the GA. So, you see how scared I was. I was given lorazepam to calm me, but I was besides myself despite that.
So, what helped me? The anaethetist had a personal meeting with me, and explained everything and answered all my fearful questions in advance of the day. (very good of him to find the time!) He said that in all his years as head anaethetist he had had one person 'react' with anaphylaxis, and they treated that person immediately there and then and they were fine. Here the bottom line - and I'd not even considered this - they are monitoring your heart and breathing and every bodily stat every second of the procedure. You are incredibly safe, more safe than in normal daily life, with a highly skilled professional stood there watching your every heart beat, breath, and reaction. That person has every possible medical intervention needed in the case of anything happening to you.
I will answer with more detail about the actual 'going to sleep' bit when more time later....
I've had this....so badly I can't even tell you. My background is that I had a medical diagnosis that needed surgery 2 years ago, it was very important surgery (albeit on an extremity rather than internal, if you know what I mean). I had never had surgery, and have a phobia of new medications (I've not taken a paracetamol in 10 eyars even, just in case lol) and through my life had convinced myself that I would definitely have a problem with GA. I was so convinced that I wouldn't survive surgey and afraid of it that I considered cancelling the surgery and dealing with the breast cancer that I had, and obviously a slow decline with that!!! I eventually decided I had to have the GA, and wrote letters to my loved ones to be given when i DID die under the GA. So, you see how scared I was. I was given lorazepam to calm me, but I was besides myself despite that.
So, what helped me? The anaethetist had a personal meeting with me, and explained everything and answered all my fearful questions in advance of the day. (very good of him to find the time!) He said that in all his years as head anaethetist he had had one person 'react' with anaphylaxis, and they treated that person immediately there and then and they were fine. Here the bottom line - and I'd not even considered this - they are monitoring your heart and breathing and every bodily stat every second of the procedure. You are incredibly safe, more safe than in normal daily life, with a highly skilled professional stood there watching your every heart beat, breath, and reaction. That person has every possible medical intervention needed in the case of anything happening to you.
I will answer with more detail about the actual 'going to sleep' bit when more time later....
Hi Carys,
I really appreciate your reply. It is already very reassuring. Your circumstances make my procedure look like a walk in the park. You are very strong.
I definitely trust in the ability of my surgeon and the anaesthetist. From my understanding and asking around, they are both very good and veterans of their craft.
Unfortunately for me I won't get to speak to my anaesthetist until 30 April (when he gets back from holiday). And that will only be over telephone, not in person. I suppose I'm even lucky to have that. I have a lot of questions for him as you can imagine.
It's just...this damn fear of the unknown i.e. going under. I look forward to your further comments.
Cheers,
Nathan
Hiyer....I'm back,
Made a coffee and decided to carry on.....
I read and read and read so many experiences, like you online.....I tried so hard to reassure myself with all the positive stories....but the nagging doubts, fears and sheer terror remained.
When I had the anaesthetic, he did it really quickly, as he knew what a state I was in. He had clearly told the nurse in advance to do the same, as they didn't give me time to say anything once I was committed to lying down ready for the surgery. I've never seen a man work so fast lol
I was sobbing as the catheter was put in my hand, and he literally seconds later put the liquid in. I would say that from the time the liquid was put in it took...gosh...2 or 3 seconds (thats what it felt like) to be asleep. I've heard of people having to count down from 5 and then they are asleep, but I didn't ahve time for that lol Its not like going to sleep as we know it, its just 'there' 'not there'...its not like anything I've experienced before. I think I felt a slight 1 second 'woosh' after the anasethetic was put in. I had no time to panic about the anesthetic going in at all and neither did I care at that point because I couldn't as the anaesthetic took practically immediate effect, I had no ability to feel anything as such. Its not even like darkness, its just 'nothing'..awake and looking at the nurses face and then not. Its not frightening either as there is no time and you can't be scared. It didn't feel unpleasant, neither pleasant, it just was 'there' 'not there'. LOl I know I'm repeating things, but I can't find the right words.
Then, that was it, there was nothing to remember in between that and being awake again. I was a little woozy and waking up in the after care room with everyone else and a nurse by my side. I had no feeling of sickness, which I had feared. I had obviously been in another room right after coming out of the surgery, as there was a mask on my face, which the nurse immediately took off. I had an immediate, delayed panic attack lol from the stress earlier. I thought it was a reaction to 'something'. The nurse called the anaethetist who felt my heart and told me I was having a panic attack and not reacting to anything. LOL My heart rate slowed and I had a little rest with my eyes closed for a few minutes as things were a little 'spinny', then 10 minutes later I was up and eating custard cream biscuits and drinking tea and instant messaging people. I was getting dressed 20 minutes later, and home an hour and a half later.
When the anaethetist came to check my heart rate, after the nurse called him, he did a little chuckle and said 'oh by the way, you aren't allergic to ibruprofen for your records, I gave you some earlier'.
So, I will say to you, in retrospect, that the event was not worthy of the huge amount of fear I put into it beforehand. They will give you a check of all your stats and physical health beforehand, so they know you are well to have the anasethetic. They will ask you lots of questions about your health and you can tell them your fears. Having a call to the anaethetist is perfect, it doesn't have to be in person....just be honest....and let them reassure you. I did, and it worked. My anaethetist (bless his heart and outside his remit) even came on duty just to do my anaesthetic, so I saw the same face I trusted. I honestly hadn't considered that you could be safer under GA than driving your car to the supermarket - such highly skilled, trained medical professionals looking after your every bodily need.
Would I do it again? Yes I would. The one thing I didn't expect, and some of this could have been my weeks of anxiety, is that I did feel tired and a little spaced for a day or so. They say the full anaesthetic can take a while to come out of your body. Then again, I'd not slept for weeks lol Ask anything else...happy to answer...no your procedure isn't any different to mine in terms of stress. We both need/needed a GA for probably a similar period of time, and both ahve the same anxiety. :winks: I spent all my adult life terrified of a GA and any surgery, and I was 47 when I had it, so that is a LOT of years to build yourself up to something negatively. I would say to you, get this over with, you will get that fear out of the way.
Hiyer....I'm back,
Made a coffee and decided to carry on.....
I read and read and read so many experiences, like you online.....I tried so hard to reassure myself with all the positive stories....but the nagging doubts, fears and sheer terror remained.
When I had the anaesthetic, he did it really quickly, as he knew what a state I was in. He had clearly told the nurse in advance to do the same, as they didn't give me time to say anything once I was committed to lying down ready for the surgery. I've never seen a man work so fast lol
I was sobbing as the catheter was put in my hand, and he literally seconds later put the liquid in. I would say that from the time the liquid was put in it took...gosh...2 or 3 seconds (thats what it felt like) to be asleep. I've heard of people having to count down from 5 and then they are asleep, but I didn't ahve time for that lol Its not like going to sleep as we know it, its just 'there' 'not there'...its not like anything I've experienced before. I think I felt a slight 1 second 'woosh' after the anasethetic was put in. I had no time to panic about the anesthetic going in at all and neither did I care at that point because I couldn't as the anaesthetic took practically immediate effect, I had no ability to feel anything as such. Its not even like darkness, its just 'nothing'..awake and looking at the nurses face and then not. Its not frightening either as there is no time and you can't be scared. It didn't feel unpleasant, neither pleasant, it just was 'there' 'not there'. LOl I know I'm repeating things, but I can't find the right words.
Then, that was it, there was nothing to remember in between that and being awake again. I was a little woozy and waking up in the after care room with everyone else and a nurse by my side. I had no feeling of sickness, which I had feared. I had obviously been in another room right after coming out of the surgery, as there was a mask on my face, which the nurse immediately took off. I had an immediate, delayed panic attack lol from the stress earlier. I thought it was a reaction to 'something'. The nurse called the anaethetist who felt my heart and told me I was having a panic attack and not reacting to anything. LOL My heart rate slowed and I had a little rest with my eyes closed for a few minutes as things were a little 'spinny', then 10 minutes later I was up and eating custard cream biscuits and drinking tea and instant messaging people. I was getting dressed 20 minutes later, and home an hour and a half later.
When the anaethetist came to check my heart rate, after the nurse called him, he did a little chuckle and said 'oh by the way, you aren't allergic to ibruprofen for your records, I gave you some earlier'.
So, I will say to you, in retrospect, that the event was not worthy of the huge amount of fear I put into it beforehand. They will give you a check of all your stats and physical health beforehand, so they know you are well to have the anasethetic. They will ask you lots of questions about your health and you can tell them your fears. Having a call to the anaethetist is perfect, it doesn't have to be in person....just be honest....and let them reassure you. I did, and it worked. My anaethetist (bless his heart and outside his remit) even came on duty just to do my anaesthetic, so I saw the same face I trusted. I honestly hadn't considered that you could be safer under GA than driving your car to the supermarket - such highly skilled, trained medical professionals looking after your every bodily need.
Would I do it again? Yes I would. The one thing I didn't expect, and some of this could have been my weeks of anxiety, is that I did feel tired and a little spaced for a day or so. They say the full anaesthetic can take a while to come out of your body. Then again, I'd not slept for weeks lol Ask anything else...happy to answer...no your procedure isn't any different to mine in terms of stress. We both need/needed a GA for probably a similar period of time, and both ahve the same anxiety. :winks: I spent all my adult life terrified of a GA and any surgery, and I was 47 when I had it, so that is a LOT of years to build yourself up to something negatively. I would say to you, get this over with, you will get that fear out of the way.
Thanks Carys,
That was awesome detail. Your anaethetist sounds very comforting. I can only hope mine is good with anxious patients and has a nice bed side manner.
I'm just not certain how I feel about the whole "I'm here, than I'm not" experience of GA. If that's how it is then I obviously have to deal with it and that's it. I don't even know why, but I was hoping my anaesthetist could simulate something like going to sleep in a more gradual manner (as I said, it makes no sense). Its not like I have a fear of sleep or the dark or something ridiculous. It's the control and being unconscious issue I suppose.
I have a feeling my anaesthetist will probably do much the same when I'm in the operating room. I was hoping that he could give me something to relax me before heading into the OR and then possibly nitrous while they are inserting the cannula. And then I suppose it's lights out pretty quickly after that.
I know you say that our stresses are equally the same but I'm at a point where I've lost so much self esteem and feel so embarrassed that this procedure is so minor and nothing even compared to what others are going through.
I've had countless people tell me it will be a "I told you so " moment but I just can't seem to believe it.
Thanks again
Nathan
They may indeed be able to make things more gradual for you - I know people who have taken oral sedation beforehand, and gas in a mask, a slower 'going to sleep' thing. Mine worked quickly as had planned that was best for me. You can discuss this with him/her, and I'm sure they will try and do what is best for you and what you are happiest with. Don't be embarrased at all, everyone has their triggers and this is yours.
They may indeed be able to make things more gradual for you - I know people who have taken oral sedation beforehand, and gas in a mask, a slower 'going to sleep' thing. Mine worked quickly as had planned that was best for me. You can discuss this with him/her, and I'm sure they will try and do what is best for you and what you are happiest with. Don't be embarrased at all, everyone has their triggers and this is yours.
The funny thing is...I don't even know what's best for me?! All I know is the idea of "lights on lights off" is strange/worrying to me. It could be that once I'm given a sedative or pre meds before hand that I won't particularly mind. That's my hope to be honest.
In a perfect world. I wanted to go into the procedure without a care in the world. You know...like everyone else without anxiety.
Or, like you said. Hard and fast is better for someone with that level of anxiety. It's funny they administered your GA super quick for you...when I was speaking with the pre admission nurse the other day, I was discussing my anxiety and she was reassuring me and goes "as soon as we get the iv in you it's all very fast". And all I could think was, "is that what people usually want?" She sounded really nice and understanding though, so at least I know I have them on my side on the day also.
Cheers,
Nathan
Hiyer,
I didn't have any sedative or pre-med as it happens. I don't like the feeling of drinking alcohol and sedation in general, as I don't like feeling woozy or 'out of control'.
My personal feeling was that I would rather be quickly done, as I was likely to go into a panic state and back out or need even more anaesthetic as I was more resistant. My mother had this happen, she was panicking and resistant to 'going out' and had more than was usually needed. Not that this matters, but means you come round slower and it takes longer. If you don't know what is best, then let them guide you, they've seen this many many times before. :D
I have a family member who is a general surgeon - last year she had her first ever GA (at over 50 years old) she was really jittery. She told me that she'd done surgeries daily, and witnessed general anaesthetics for 30 odd years...and she was worried. You aren't alone in your anxiety.
Hiyer,
I didn't have any sedative or pre-med as it happens. I don't like the feeling of drinking alcohol and sedation in general, as I don't like feeling woozy or 'out of control'.
My personal feeling was that I would rather be quickly done, as I was likely to go into a panic state and back out or need even more anaesthetic as I was more resistant. My mother had this happen, she was panicking and resistant to 'going out' and had more than was usually needed. Not that this matters, but means you come round slower and it takes longer. If you don't know what is best, then let them guide you, they've seen this many many times before. :D
I have a family member who is a general surgeon - last year she had her first ever GA (at over 50 years old) she was really jittery. She told me that she'd done surgeries daily, and witnessed general anaesthetics for 30 odd years...and she was worried. You aren't alone in your anxiety.
Oh wow...no pre-med. I'm not even sure how I'll cope without one to be honest with you. In fact, I'm not even sure how I'm going to on the way to the hospital let alone going through the doors let alone getting wheeled or walked into the OR.
I just feel the more assistance I can get to endure and see it through to the end, the better. Even if that assistance is in the form of medication that knocks me out before being knocked out.
I'm just praying the whole ordeal will go as smoothly as so many people claim it will be. I know I need to believe it will be alright and to have "guts" and trust the professionals but that's the joy of anxiety I suppose.
I'm doing real tough here in my mind. I'm sure you can relate. All this anxiety is literally killing me. I really appreciate your responses. Thanks.
You know what I found - the closer you get to it, the more resigned you become and the less hysterical. You work through everything, all the possibilities, you eventually burn out over them. I bet you are the same :winks: (In all seriousness, I went in there resigned to dying, said my goodbyes - ummmmm - 2 years later here I am.....)
You know what I found - the closer you get to it, the more resigned you become and the less hysterical. You work through everything, all the possibilities, you eventually burn out over them. I bet you are the same :winks: (In all seriousness, I went in there resigned to dying, said my goodbyes - ummmmm - 2 years later here I am.....)
It will not surprise me if it comes to that. I've done endless research. I think I've read almost every single account of GA on the internet.
I'm honestly exhausted but still filled with fear. I'm literally counting the days, and I hate it.
Hi Nathan,
I've been under GA three times in my life so far, to be honest this was before i had anxiety and it was a breeze.
I'm going to have to have a couple of GA's this year and i'm really shi##ng myself. The thing is GA is so safe and so much better than it was years ago, the other thing is you won't be under for long as it's for wisdom teeth, so not as risky ( not that it's much of risk anyway )
Good luck!
Hi Nathan,
I've been under GA three times in my life so far, to be honest this was before i had anxiety and it was a breeze.
I'm going to have to have a couple of GA's this year and i'm really shi##ng myself. The thing is GA is so safe and so much better than it was years ago, the other thing is you won't be under for long as it's for wisdom teeth, so not as risky ( not that it's much of risk anyway )
Good luck!
Hi BikerMatt,
Thanks heaps for your reply.
Could you describe the feeling of being put under for me? Were you afraid in the moment or was it pleasant/relaxing?
Does it feel like your going to sleep (albeit quickly) or is it more instantaneous than that?
Did you have an pre medication in those previous experiences? Did it help?
Sorry for all the questions.
Cheers,
Nathan
Hi BikerMatt,
Thanks heaps for your reply.
Could you describe the feeling of being put under for me? Were you afraid in the moment or was it pleasant/relaxing?
Does it feel like your going to sleep (albeit quickly) or is it more instantaneous than that?
Did you have an pre medication in those previous experiences? Did it help?
Sorry for all the questions.
Cheers,
Nathan
Hi Nathan,
Yes i had a pre medication. The last time i had GA was when i was 22 so 23 years ago now. GA is instant (it was for me anyway) and that's the way you wan't it. I never felt like i was drifting off or anything it really was instant.
Matt
Hi Nathan,
Yes i had a pre medication. The last time i had GA was when i was 22 so 23 years ago now. GA is instant (it was for me anyway) and that's the way you wan't it. I never felt like i was drifting off or anything it really was instant.
Matt
I agree. I've been under GA more times than I care to recall. I've also been pre-medicated so I was pretty high already. They typically say "here we go" and that's it until you wake up ;) Good drugs too!
Positive thoughts
I agree. I've been under GA more times than I care to recall. I've also been pre-medicated so I was pretty high already. They typically say "here we go" and that's it until you wake up ;) Good drugs too!
Positive thoughts
Hi Fishmanpa,
I'm hoping the pre medication is strong enough to get me fairly high/not have a worry in the world. I'm having a discussion with my anaesthetist prior to the procedure so I'll ask what he can give me that will pretty much "knock me out before knocking me out".
I know you guys say that quick and instant is how you want it but I'm just not sure. You could certainly be right (once I've experienced it) but the idea of not having much time to accept or get ready for it sounds a bit daunting.
I suppose that going under is going under right. Doesn't make a difference if it's fast or slow?
Cheers,
Nathan
They really do knock you out. I don't recollect much. The first time I went under was in my 20's for a hernia op. they said "You might see double" and fed the meds in. I recall saying "Yep, I'm seeing double" and that was it! ~lol~
When I has my stents put in, I woke up and Frank Zappa music was playing. I said "Hey, that's Zappa!" and they said "Yeah, you asked for it". I have no recollection. The funniest part that my wife told me was in recovery. I kept grabbing her rear and saying "My tushie" ~lol~ Again... no recollection ;) Seriously, you'll be fine :yesyes:
Positive thoughts
They really do knock you out. I don't recollect much. The first time I went under was in my 20's for a hernia op. they said "You might see double" and fed the meds in. I recall saying "Yep, I'm seeing double" and that was it! ~lol~
When I has my stents put in, I woke up and Frank Zappa music was playing. I said "Hey, that's Zappa!" and they said "Yeah, you asked for it". I have no recollection. The funniest part that my wife told me was in recovery. I kept grabbing her rear and saying "My tushie" ~lol~ Again... no recollection ;) Seriously, you'll be fine :yesyes:
Positive thoughts
Hi Fishmanpa,
It probably sounds stupid to some but that sounds to me how I would prefer it. I want to be high as a kite or at least "on my way " to sleeping and then just fall asleep (because they give the final medication or because i just pass out).
I think my surgeon mentioned that my anaethetist would give me something in my IV that would feel like 4 him and tonics. Is that likely the stuff you would have had?
I really hope my anaethetist is understanding enough to do that for me. I haven't spoken with him yet which isn't very comforting.
I hope my procedure is as pleasant (or at least they sounded that way) as yours.
I honestly need the strength to get through this next 1 and a bit weeks and of course the day of the procedure.
Cheers,
Nathan
but the idea of not having much time to accept or get ready for it sounds a bit daunting.
....but why do you need to accept and get ready (you've done that in turning up for the procedure)...and what are you accepting and getting ready for ? The things you are writing make it sound like you are getting ready for this being the final time you will see anyone and are being - sorry to say this - put to sleep permanently. You aren't. :)
....but why do you need to accept and get ready (you've done that in turning up for the procedure)...and what are you accepting and getting ready for ? The things you are writing make it sound like you are getting ready for this being the final time you will see anyone and are being - sorry to say this - put to sleep permanently. You aren't. :)
I know what I'm writing probably sounds like utter nonsense. It's the anxiety speaking :weep:
I feel much the same way you did Carys when you were writing those good bye notes. I actually considered doing the same. Again, ridiculous I know.
Yep, I get it, I really do. :weep: I think you'll feel a bit better after the 30th phone call.
Yep, I get it, I really do. :weep: I think you'll feel a bit better after the 30th phone call.
Thanks Carys. I hope he can calm some of these fears and is good with anxious patients *crosses fingers*
FamilyPicnic
22-04-18, 23:50
Let me throw my two cents in here. I've had lots of surgery and other procedures with local, with GA and with twilight. I'm petrified of GA and twilight. I want to know what is going on and the feeling of knowing I won't know anything at all for the time I am out is just too weird for me. With the twilight I was 100% out and have no recollection at all of what was going on and honestly I don't know why my surgeons insisted on giving me GA for some procedures when twilight would have worked just as well, but it wasn't for me to decide that.
I have to honestly say that other than the first time I had anesthesia, the times from when they put something in my IV to the moment I lose all awareness have been the most relaxed and comfortable I have ever felt. Whatever they put in there was wonderful and I couldn't stop yakking it up with the people in the OR, telling them I wanted to look around the OR because it was really interesting, telling them I wanted to be a doctor, telling them how good I felt, telling them I've never this talkative, on and on. Going into surgery I was more nervous than anyone can imagine, scared I would die, scared the anesthesia would make me sick, scared of this, scared of that, scared of everything. But whatever that stuff they gave me was it made me feel so good and took all those fears away.
The first time I had surgery (long, long time ago) when they gave me the "juice" everything started looking funny and I felt funny and I started to panic because I thought I was dying. I told them I was scared and that everything looked funny and they just looked at me and laughed. Next surgery, about 10 years ago, I talked with them beforehand and told about that experience and asked if they could tell me when I am getting something in my iv and exactly what it will make me feel like and to tell me that what I am feeling is normal and that all my vitals are exactly what they should be. They did that and it made a huge difference.
My advice to you is to talk with them beforehand, tell them you are nervous and ask them to let you know when they give you something and to tell you that everything is working as it should be. Surgery is very safe these days. That feeling before you go completely out is really a nice, nice feeling. It lasted . . . . probably no more than a minute. You feel good and next thing you wake up and you are asking them if it's over and thankfully they say yes!
Let me throw my two cents in here. I've had lots of surgery and other procedures with local, with GA and with twilight. I'm petrified of GA and twilight. I want to know what is going on and the feeling of knowing I won't know anything at all for the time I am out is just too weird for me. With the twilight I was 100% out and have no recollection at all of what was going on and honestly I don't know why my surgeons insisted on giving me GA for some procedures when twilight would have worked just as well, but it wasn't for me to decide that.
I have to honestly say that other than the first time I had anesthesia, the times from when they put something in my IV to the moment I lose all awareness have been the most relaxed and comfortable I have ever felt. Whatever they put in there was wonderful and I couldn't stop yakking it up with the people in the OR, telling them I wanted to look around the OR because it was really interesting, telling them I wanted to be a doctor, telling them how good I felt, telling them I've never this talkative, on and on. Going into surgery I was more nervous than anyone can imagine, scared I would die, scared the anesthesia would make me sick, scared of this, scared of that, scared of everything. But whatever that stuff they gave me was it made me feel so good and took all those fears away.
The first time I had surgery (long, long time ago) when they gave me the "juice" everything started looking funny and I felt funny and I started to panic because I thought I was dying. I told them I was scared and that everything looked funny and they just looked at me and laughed. Next surgery, about 10 years ago, I talked with them beforehand and told about that experience and asked if they could tell me when I am getting something in my iv and exactly what it will make me feel like and to tell me that what I am feeling is normal and that all my vitals are exactly what they should be. They did that and it made a huge difference.
My advice to you is to talk with them beforehand, tell them you are nervous and ask them to let you know when they give you something and to tell you that everything is working as it should be. Surgery is very safe these days. That feeling before you go completely out is really a nice, nice feeling. It lasted . . . . probably no more than a minute. You feel good and next thing you wake up and you are asking them if it's over and thankfully they say yes!
Hi FamilyPicnic,
Your post has helped me so much this morning. I am literally sitting at my work desk having a secretive panic attack (not even kidding) and reading your response was very calming and I seem to understand exactly what your saying.
I think I will do exactly as you have advised and make it known to my surgeon, the nurses and my anaethetist on the day of surgery that I will need something to calm me both before and in theater if possible. I will also have them explain each step of the process as they do it.
I already mentioned to my surgeon in our initial (and only) consultation that I will require some form of pre-med or sedative and he mentioned they will give me something in my IV that will make me feel like I had "4 gin and tonics at once". I think that is the "juice" that you are referring to.
I wish so much that I didn't even need the "juice" to calm down but I think once they wheel me into theater that I will need it for both mine AND their own benefit. I want to go out calm and not making a major fuss.
I really like the idea of getting them to explain each step of the process until I'm sedated. It is comforting to know that everything is working fine until you wake up.
Thanks again for your words. Means a lot. I'm also seeing a doctor today to ask if there is anything they can recommend/prescribe as a short term anti anxiety med. I don't want to go on anti depressants (been there done that, not for me) but I'm hoping there is another option for something a little more natural and that will get me through the next week and a half and perhaps beyond.
Nathan
Hi Members,
I hate to bump this thread but my procedure is now a week away (I know that's a while away) and I really am dreading reaching that day.
I think about it every waking moment. I go to sleep thinking about it, I wake up thinking about it. Like I just had a nightmare but then realise its real.
I haven't yet spoken with my anesthetist but honestly I'm not really sure what consolation he can give me. Apart from the questions I have regarding pre-med and if he works well with anxious patients, I'm not sure (in practicality) if there is anything he could say that will alleviate these fears.
I'm just so damn scared.
Thanks for listening,
Nathan
Nathan General Anaesthetic is very safe now not like compared with 20 or 30 years ago and even then it was still realatively safe. you have nothing to worry about you will be monitored thought out the operation. Granted I much prefer a local anaesthetic if I am given the choice. You will be fine and at the end of the operation you will be posting here saying that was ok really :) take care and ATB
Nathan General Anaesthetic is very safe now not like compared with 20 or 30 years ago and even then it was still realatively safe. you have nothing to worry about you will be monitored thought out the operation. Granted I much prefer a local anaesthetic if I am given the choice. You will be fine and at the end of the operation you will be posting here saying that was ok really :) take care and ATB
Hi Bigboyuk,
Thanks for your comforting words.
The procedure is this Friday. At this stage, I'm experiencing so many emotions. Fear is definitely one of them but also a sense of resignation in the process.
I'm doing everything I can (at least I'm trying) to mentally prepare for Friday including listening to self-hypnosis tapes, exercise (minimal due to lack of motivation), deep breathing exercises etc.
As embarrassing as this is to say...I've done enough crying and panic attacks in the last 4 weeks that I'm just exhausted from it all.
I can only leave it to the professionals (surgeon and anesthetist) to make the process a smooth one.
As remote a chance as it is, if I don't wake up then...it is what it is. My partner hates me saying that but its all I'm really left to feel at this stage.
I will be requesting a pre-medication to ease the process of actually walking into the hospital and then operating theater. I am also requesting a sedative in my IV if it doesn't interact negatively with the GA (I'll discuss this with my anesthetist today hopefully). Hopefully, the pre-med and the sedative will result in me simply not caring what comes next.
Thanks for your words,
Nathan
Hiyer Nathan,
Hope you get all your questions answered with the anaethetist today.
Do you recall me saying to you that I got to the point of exhaustion and resignation, where I ran out of crying and fear and panic.... I said I thought that would happen to you too....and here you are saying the same thing. :winks:
Hiyer Nathan,
Hope you get all your questions answered with the anaethetist today.
Do you recall me saying to you that I got to the point of exhaustion and resignation, where I ran out of crying and fear and panic.... I said I thought that would happen to you too....and here you are saying the same thing. :winks:
Hi Carys,
I did in fact speak with my anaethetist today and he was very personable/friendly. He answered all my questions, including those regarding pre-medication. I was 100% honest with him in the agony I have endured over the last 4 weeks or so.
He explained the statistics concerning the likelihood of anything going wrong and this was a little comforting.
He says he will give me Midazolam while I am in pre-op in the form of a drink (I didn't think I could eat or drink before surgery?). He said this would keep me calm but not necessarily sleepy.
Once in the OR, he would use a very small pediatric needle for the IV which would feel like a mosquito bite. I wasn't so worried about this, so this was a bonus.
Like you experienced, he described the "going under" as basically I'll be chatting with him, the surgeon and nurses and wont even realise when I go out. I'll really only realise waking up.
I'm still a little fearful of the unknown (anaesthetic) and how I'll react when I'm brought to the operating theater. I'm hopeful the Midazolam will do its part in keeping me calm and able to divert my attention away from the procedure (which is happening all around me).
In a way I have resigned to the fact that "what will be will be" but a part of me is obviously still fearful.
Only 3 days left. I'm counting the days as if they are my last. I really shouldn't be doing that.
Cheers,
Nathan
In a way I have resigned to the fact that "what will be will be" but a part of me is obviously still fearful.
Only 3 days left. I'm counting the days as if they are my last. I really shouldn't be doing that.No you shouldn't, but then I shouldn't have either :D I went into the procedure in exactly the same mindset as you did - resigned, exhausted and expecting to leave the world.
I'm not even going to try to convince you that what you are thinking and doing is wrong, as nobody was able to convince me otherwise either. All the words in the world made no difference...UNTIL...I was out the other side and only then I realised that I had nothing to fear and had been wrong. You will be the same, though of course you won't believe me right now. :winks:
The very important point here is that you are going to go ahead with it, that takes immense courage given how terrified you are. :yesyes:
No you shouldn't, but then I shouldn't have either :D I went into the procedure in exactly the same mindset as you did - resigned, exhausted and expecting to leave the world.
I'm not even going to try to convince you that what you are thinking and doing is wrong, as nobody was able to convince me otherwise either. All the words in the world made no difference...UNTIL...I was out the other side and only then I realised that I had nothing to fear and had been wrong. You will be the same, though of course you won't believe me right now. :winks:
The very important point here is that you are going to go ahead with it, that takes immense courage given how terrified you are. :yesyes:
Thanks Carys
Its a strange feeling. I'm petrified but resigned.
Almost as if I don't particularly care what happens in the operating theater on Friday.
I love my partner, family and friends so much but there's that lingering feeling you wont see them again.
I really appreciate your words. I will hopefully get to thank you again for them after the surgery (if I get there - one foot at a time right?).
Nathan
I will hopefully get to thank you again for them after the surgery (if I get there - one foot at a time right?).
It is VERY odd feeling, so so strange, like nothing I've experienced before. I wondered if it was how people on death row felt before, well....you know.... that's a bit grim to say, so sorry if it upsets you.
We are SO convinced we are going to our demise that it is incredibly real, as real as if it were ...well...real.
Yes, you will get to thank me - I'll be waiting. :roflmao:I will also say 'told you so' - quite happily !
All the best for tomorrow!:yesyes:
Good luck from me too Nathan!!!
Capercrohnj
03-05-18, 21:30
Good luck! I had a major surgery 1 year ago saturday and I was terrified too but honestly with the GA I just remember my surgeon walking out of the room to scrub out and waking up 6 1/2 hours later. I had no pre meds and went out quickly.
And me as well Nathan ATB
EmmerLooeez
03-05-18, 22:34
Good luck with your procedure. Mid will definitely calm you!!
When I had GA it felt kind of like.. you know when you're reading a book or watching TV and you fall asleep without meaning to? It reminded me of that.
Let us know how you got on. Xx
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I'm baaaaaaaaaaack...and guess what???
Minus 4 wisdoms under general anaesthetic baby!!
Im lost for words. I battled a major phobia today that rendered me lifeless for weeks on end... and beat it. I climbed Everest 😁 I feel on top of the world 😍 I feel like a new person.
Generalised anxiety and medical/health anxiety is literally debilitating but today was testament that even the most desperate and severe cases can be overcome with the power of the mind, support from loved ones, great doctors/anaethetists and caring/nurturing nurses.
I'm not afraid (as a 30 y/o male) to say that I cried right up until they gave me the midazolam which was about 20-30 min before showtime. As I lay there in my bed with my mother holding my hand and such caring and beautiful nurses literally doing breathing exercises with me, a calm resignation washed over me. A calm that everything would be well and that I was looked after.
As they wheeled me into theater very quickly my anaesthetist was sitting ready to get on with it without delay. I didn't see very much of the OR but the overhead lights and I think I preferred it that way. I put my hand out and my anaesthetist said "just a small pinch mate"...I hardly felt it. Then he said "a cool sensation will come up your arm and you will get a real good sleep". As he was saying that a lovely nurse asked for me to breath onto a mask giving oxygen.
It was at that exact moment I had this amazing and unexpected calm wash over me. I closed my eyes and thought of my beautiful girlfriend, our kelpie dog and the beautiful sunny beaches we are gifted with in Western Australia.
I took 3, maybe 4 big breaths of the oxygen and it was a blissful calm into complete relaxation and acceptance that everything would be alright.
And then I woke. And I woke peacefully and not even that groggy. I was pleased to wake, but I was not pleased that once again my anxious mind deceived me!
If you're reading this and have an extraction coming up under GA or even twighlight sedation...trust these words from a severely (I mean clinically diagnosed) anxious person...it is NOT the horrible picture you are painting in your mind.
It will be VERY different to what you expect. In a very beautiful way.
Thanks to all those in this forum who answered my hundred questions and showed their support. I love you, yet I've never met you 😂
Be calm
Nathan
Hi Nathan, That's great news!!!! I see you're in Australia, i have family in Adelaide and healthcare is fantastic.
Glad you got through it.
Awwwwwwwwwwww......YOU DID IT !!!!!! I'm so so pleased. I promised you you'd be here to do an update, said you wouldn't believe me at the time....and here you are. I'm so pleased for you. HUGE congratulations on being so courageous, despite your horrendous fears. :D:D:D:D
EmmerLooeez
04-05-18, 16:05
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That's absolutely great news, Nathan! Makes me want a GA myself!:D Good old midazolam but well done you!
Big love to everyone on the forum 😍
I see what people mean about the hardest part of an extraction being AFTER they are extracted...pain is already setting in even with the pain killers 😂
Ah well...I'm happy so that's a pain killer in itself 😏
Make sure you take the maximum dose regularly as prescribed. Don't wait for the pain to get bad. Your jaw has had major trauma inflicted on it so I doubt whether natural endorphins will be enough!:)
Hope the pain settles and that you are soon feeling back to normal. Look after yourself.
You know what though - the physical pain is nothing compared to the mental pain you had leading up to the GA. Keep your eyes on all sockets, especially for the condition 'dry socket', which I'm hoping they advised you and told you about (can be painful).
Glad you got through it op ok Told ya so if the pain gets really bad tell your dentist :) ATB
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