General Anesthesia or Local for my surgery?

Question

I have never been in a surgery before, but I am scheduled for a minor surgery on my right hand next month. My doctor warned me that there could be some potentially fatal risks for using general anesthesia which he says is very rare. My mom is a nurse and says she would prefer local anesthesia because she thinks it's safer. I am 18 years old and I am a little uneasy about all of this. Anyone here had a surgery with anesthesia? How does it feel when the anesthesia is taking effect? Were there any after effects? Lastly, would you prefer local or general anesthesia for a hand operation?
Thanks for your input

Answer 1

Right up my alley!!!
I've had numerous operations, and only one of them under General anesthesia. the rest have been done under local with sedation. They give you drugs to relax you & take away your anxiety. Some of them even make it so you won't remember a thing! The risks are quite low (ALL surgeries have a certain amount of risks involved.) The first surgery I had with local & sedation was to save the thumb on my left hand. (Yep, still got it!)
If this type of anesthesia will work for you, with your Doctor's & Anesthesiologists OK, I recomend it. Recovery room time is zip!

PS: With General , they put a tube down your throat to pump gasses into your lungs. This is call "intubate". Hurts like hell afterwards & you could have a reaction to the gasses. (I did, anyway.)

Answer 2

I would choose local and ask for something to relax me during the procedure. I have had general anesthesia and was fuzzy when they wheeled me out of my room and the last thing I remember was going through some doors. It actually feels kind of good when the anesthesia is taking over. I was really worked up before the surgery (necessary gall bladder removal) and when they gave me the first relaxing medicine I just suddenly relaxed and smiled and thought "Ok, I can do this." The next thing I really remember is the nurse waking me up. I hope that your surgery goes well!

Answer 3

i had two surgeries involving hand and wrist both were done local but called bier block a little different then just a local needle shot in you to numb it, it works best you get a sedative to quiet your nerves and you can be awake through surgery, no grogginess or vomiting . Me i, hate general anesthesia if theres a way for being awake i,m there. Actually a year ago today i had finger surgery i was suppose to be awake they did a bier block but i don,t remember anything they sedated me too much. goodluck with surgery hope this helps. look up bier block on internet for more info.

Answer 4

I've heard that general anesthesia leaves "residues" in your system for years. Anathesiologists literally have your life in their hands when they're doing general.

Personally I would go for the local.

It sounds like you're afraid of something and leaning towards the general? Afraid of what? Pain? Maybe talking to someone besides your mom might be useful for you in making a decision you feel very good about.

Answer 5

You should opt for General Anaesthesia. There are no side effects. You will feel absolutely cool, when the gase is given to you. There are no risks at all. If you go for local, you will get tense, as I can feel, you may also look for it and shout in the OT.

I had 2 surgeries in my hand and I opted for General Anaesthesia and I was absolutely comfortable and slept well all those frightening nights before the surgery.

Answer 6

depends on how ur surgery is,general anesthesia has no side effects,if used properly

Answer 7

Unless the surgery is major go for local.

Answer 8

take your doctor's advice or Anesthesiologists advice