Having General Anaesthetic. So scared !

willa123

I know i'll be in such a state i won't let the anaesthetist near me ..

la_09

Maybe you should ask for a pre-med before you go in for your op?

I didn't have one, but they make you feel calm and relaxed, and drowsy (that's what I've heard from a couple of people who've had them).

snapping_crocodile

willa123 wrote: »

The idea of having a canula in my hand makes me feel really sick !i hate needles

The needle is only used to guide the cannula into your vein, and if you have good veins it should be done quite quickly, so if you take a deep breath, and grit your teeth, it will be done in a flash, the needle will be removed just leaving a thin plastic straw in your vein. You will be in very good hands. The anaesthetists are very skilled, and you will be very safe. If it is only going to take an hour you also wont need much anaesthetic. Once you've had it done you will wonder why you were so worried

willa123

Can the Nurse from the Ward stay until i'm asleep?

Lorian

willa123 wrote: »

I know i'll be in such a state i won't let the anaesthetist near me ..

I had similar op to you 4 months ago. I too was concerned at my first general anesthetic. But it was nothing, easy, not really much different to having an injection.

But I have some words of advice, none to do with the anesthetic, these are all about looking after yourself post the hernia op:

1. Hydrate yourself well for a few days before the operation (obey the hospitals instructions on what you can or cant eat on the day of course)
2. Eat a healthy high fibre diet for a week before the operation, even if you normally don't.
3. Prepare yourself not to be very mobile for 3 days after the operation.
4. When you wake up from the operation drink, and drink and drink. In my experince you will need to urinate before you will be allowed to leave. Running your hands under hot (not scalding!) water can help.
5. If you are given codine as a pain killer keep in mind one possible side effect is constipation (see 1, 2)

Please note none of this is medical advice as I am not a trained medical person. I could add a lot more, but won't because it would rightly get my response deleted.

Lorian

willa123 wrote: »

Can the Nurse from the Ward stay until i'm asleep?

I had a very friendly theatre assitant with me. As far as I can remember I was asleep within a minute or so of the canula being inserted.

Although you mum wouldn't be allowed in the operating theatre, I'm sure she would be allowed to wait for you. The person who took me waited, but it was boring for them.

Freebie_Hunter_2

willa123 wrote: »

The idea of having a canula in my hand makes me feel really sick !i hate needles

Are the nurses & people in anaesthetic room nice ? Being alone surrounded by scary equipment and strangers making me unconscious is beyond terrifying

I am the same and I hated it too, but you don't feel it. It's a lot easier to have a canula but it's normally taken out soon after the surgery. ALL of the staff are lovely, they're trained to support nervous people as well. The anaesthetic room is separate from the theatre so there's no scary noises or equipment

Remember that they are there to make it as pleasant and comfortable an experience as possible. The stranger who is making you unconscious does this several times a day and is doing so for your comfort. They are all on your side.

I think you need to arrange for a chaperone to go with you to the theatre. You sound incredibly nervous and a chaperone would benefit you, the hospital should be able to set this up for you. I shouldn't say this but if they say that you can't have anyone to go with you, kick up a HUGE fuss. They have allowed it with me (although every hospital is different) and should do this in exceptional circumstances, but some need a bit of 'persuasion' to help you out

xxvickixx

I've been a bit nervous about posting on this thread for some reason but it's really nice that everyone is being so kind and understanding towards the OP.

willa123

xxvickixx wrote: »

I've been a bit nervous about posting on this thread for some reason but it's really nice that everyone is being so kind and understanding towards the OP.

Thanks so much for your lovely pm's. They've really helped

rachelhen

I was supposed to have my gallbladder out 2 yrs ago and couldnt overcome my fear but listening to this it was silly of me go for it Willa and you can come and tell the scaredy cats afterwards that its ok ha ha