Worried about having a general anaesthetic

jackieb

My daughter was 11 when she last had a general. The theatre staff were lovely, and they all wore different coloured crocs. We were talking with them about the Simpsons movie and she fell asleep to me singing 'Spiderpig', which was probably sweet release for her. :rotfl:

suki1964

Perfectly natural to be scared, I mean being out out cold isnt "natural" at all is it?

However the alternative doesnt bare thinking about - being plied with alcohol and held down

So you have to get through the build up the best you can

Start now by discussing your fears with the team looking after you. You arent the first petrified patient and you wont be the last. Nor will your fear be belittled. Quite often discussing your fear, facing it and being talked through exactly what will be happening by the medical team is enough to get you through but you may well need meds to calm you enough to get you to theatre.

Your own doctor should also be able to help so dont be scared to go and see him either

Good luck

Zazen999

I had the same op 3 years ago to remove loads of metal from my left elbow and still can't extend it fully.....anyway I was nth in line for the op [hehad said he had a few to do first so I could be there a while], when the consultant said - hop in here a minute. So I hopped, took glasses off, laid down thinking it was some pre op chat and within seconds I was counting down and out for the count......and it was all over.

bank_of_slate

suki1964 wrote: »

However the alternative doesnt bare thinking about - being plied with alcohol and held down

Good luck

:rolleyes:
Hmmmmmmmmmm

...Linda xx

lostinrates

Lots of people share their stories of feeling terrible, few share and say it was ok.

I've had several GAs and while I wouldn't go so far as to say its enjoyable (there is usually a reson your hving a GS thats fairly grim!) I find them preety much ok: I have never had a bad experience.

Anaesthetists seem me to be amoung the loveliest people in the world, I think knowing that people re likely to be nervous they always ake a nice effort to be friendly, and the nurses who tke you in always make an effort it seems. At worst I'm a bit sick a few hour later, but nothing horrific, not as bad as, say the flu. Twice after GAs I've felt well enough for supper on the day, which I think is pretty clear evidence they can't be too horendous.

My advice is to find a good talking book for iPod/cd player/walkman. When I'm on the mend I find I'm a bit tired and unfocused to read and not keen on tv lights, but a good book or two on cd is perfect to recover to. Also planning something noice for a few days/ week later (supper with family, friends). Focusing on the ops, I've found makes me more nervous, having something happening afterwards lets me think beyond that day

Frith

If I remember correctly, I will have to stay in overnight purely so I can have very intensive physiotherapy... they're going to fill my arm full of local anaesthetic before I wake up so they can start twisting it straight away!!

L
P.S Think I will admit now that my arm actually got mangled....... 14 years ago :-S Got to the top of the waiting list 9 years ago and was given an operation date 3 days after my son was born! So I said no and never actually went to the GP to be referred again until this year...

needaspirin

Don't worry ACEY you'll be fine!
You will drift off and wake up again as if nothing has happened.
The only side-effect I had was a very slightly sore arm for two days, where the anaesthetic went in.
You’ll be back on MSE typing with both hands soon. x

P.S The physio will be a beggar tho.

SUESMITH_2

ive had a few, no probs at all - even had lovely dreams while out for the count

i find i get very thirsty when i come round so the nurses usually would leave a plastic cup of water and a straw for me

hope it goes well

bank_of_slate

SUESMITH wrote: »

ive had a few, no probs at all - even had lovely dreams while out for the count

i find i get very thirsty when i come round so the nurses usually would leave a plastic cup of water and a straw for me

hope it goes well

This results from being intubated
...Linda xx

mrscb

I was the same...petrified:rolleyes:., with no reason why(apart from probaly watching far too many hospital programmes!!)
All went absolutely fine you are asleep and awake again before you know it.
My mother loves having GA(thats a bit weird to me) she would like to be put to sleep like that every night...
Anyway, hope it all goes well and enjoy any pampering you get when its all over:D