I`m going into a private clinic for an operation soon, am terrified of anaesthetics?

Question

I met with my surgeon today, and although he was wonderful, i could not bring myself to voice my concern. Should i have asked about pre med, or do you think i am being irrational? Will i be okay, i am worried about not waking up again, but did not want to sound neurotic. How can i just relax?

Answer 1

I had a general anaesthetic earlier in the year for a minor operation, and I was very worried about it. The anaesthetist was very kind, the procedure very quick and painless, just like falling gently asleep and waking up gently a couple of hours later. While you're under, they monitor everything so carefully that you're quite safe. You're no more likely to go in that situation than you are to drop dead in an everyday situation. You won't be able to help worrying, but I'm sure everything will be fine, and the medics do understand peoples' nervousness.

Answer 2

I can certainly empathise with you..you poor thing. I too had my first anaesthetic this year and was also terrified I may not wake up again. I was acting like a scared little kitten and I am in my 40's!! However, when I went into the pre -op room, the anaesthetist was lovely and put me so at ease that the next thing I knew was that I was back on ward and my op was over. I really do know how worrying it can all be, but i am sure you will be fine. If you are really concerned I am sure you could be offered counselling or even hypnotherapy which may help. Good luck with the op and do try not to worry so. x

Answer 3

Hi when its he day off your op the surgeon and the team will come round and will tell you what the procedure will be in the operating theatre,they will also ask if you have any questions tell them your worrys about this,they can give you a pre med all depends on the surgery you are having thou.If you are a day case they dont like giving you pre meds as it takes longer for you to wake up also you would have to be out that day,having two drugs sometimes you have to be a in patient for this as you are staying in hospital for a while.Explain your worrys you never know they may be able to give you something else to relax you.Having a general is safe,you will be check well before and questions will be asked before you go down,if theres any problems the Drs dont like they wont put you under,so dont worry to much.Good Luck

Answer 4

I've had 4 surgeries so far, where I have had to be put under with anesthetics, and I have another coming up in the near future and this one is going to be even more complicated for me because of my health. I have severe DVT. If you don't know what that is, it's a blood clot and mine goes from my groin down past my right knee. I have had it for 2.5 years and I have been told it will be with me for the rest of my life.

The last time I was put under was to have 5 teeth pulled (all molars). I didn't have any insurance at the time and my dentist referred me to an oral surgeon. When I made the appointment, I asked how much extra would it cost me to be knocked out completely; that is if they did that. I was told they did and that it was expensive (an additional $125). I didn't think it was very expensive, because it was only an extra $25 per tooth when I divided it up, so I told her that I definitely wanted to be knocked out.

Anyway, my point is these days the risk of anything going wrong because of the anesthesia is pretty low. When you go in for surgery there is an anesthesiologist that does nothing but puts you under and monitors you, while you're under.

I even had one come up to try and start an IV on me during my last stay in the hospital, because nobody else could get it started. When he couldn't get it started, they had to bring in a ultra sound and give me a pick line (spelling). Yes, my health is that bad.

Just follow the directions and don't eat anything, I think 12 hours before your surgery (or whatever time frame they tell you) and you will be fine.

Answer 5

Please dont worry I had to have an emergency op last year at 2 o clock in the morning so I had no premed and I lost it in the anaesthetic room I was getting off the bed and wanted to run away I also had a panic attack when I came round after and had to have a shot of valium. The staff were so nice and did everything to reassure and calm me down they didnt think I was stupid and I felt safe with them. Please tell the staff how you feel so they can treat you with extra sensitivity I promise you they wont think you are being stupid and it will make you more relaxed that they know about your fears and take them into account. Good luck and take care.

Answer 6

It is normal to be anxious about any surgery. Often times, your physician will provide you with a mild sedative prior to surgery to relax your nerves. I think the most important thing is that you DO voice your concerns to your physician - that - in and of itself could help alleviate some of your anxiety. Believe me, your surgeon has handled a wide spectrum of weirdness, he will not think your concerns are neurotic. If it would make you feel better, you can always ask to speak with the anesthesiologist - after all - it's their job! Good luck!

Answer 7

Have had several ops ,I never worry about waking up as you wouldn`t know if you did`nt would you ?the pre med is lovely all your worries go out of the window,talk to your doctors at the hospital they will put your mind at rest,they would rather you ask than get stressed out as it makes their job easier,you will have your own anethiest they will look after you from your premed till it`s all done,you will wake and not realize the op has been done ,please don`t worry you`ll be ok ,lot`s of luck ,not that you will need it !

Answer 8

I think this is a totally legitimate concern. I would talk to your surgeon immediately. Depending on the situation, they may be able to give you something to calm your nerves prior to going under.

Good luck....

email me after the operation so I know you are ok

Answer 9

If you're happy with your surgeon that's great... But remember that the anesthesiologist is a different doctor... Most are good but some are better than others...

Ask your surgeon if he knows who your anesthesiologist will be and then ask him what he thinks of him/her.... This will let your surgeon know you want the best care possible....

Answer 10

the realistic side is, you could never wake up again. i've got an op on wednesday and feel just as petrified!!! i have gone under anaesthetic before and had such trouble keeping awake long enough to have a small meal...i was too weak to call out properly to my mum from the room. things seemed to blur around me (i'd been trying to sleep off the anaesthetic) i had to ask my mum for coffee to try and snap out of that unshakeable age to sleep! this was 5-7 hours after the op to have my wisdom teeth removed. it felt creepy feeling powerless against the irrepressible urge to submit to the thick heavy feeling of drowsiness, like little black dots closing in around me, but hey, i'm here to tell the tale. I know of someone who (the doctors never knew beforehand) never woke up after the anaes. because her brain membrane was too thin to withstand the anaesthetics effects...dunno if i'm saying that correctly but thats what i understood of it. however, this is a rare condition...