Can anyone help with my concerns about Anesthesia?

Question

I am having surgery in a few days and I am starting to have anxiety attacks....not about the surgery but about the anesthesia.
I'm afraid of the lack of control, not waking up, the experience of going under.....I've never had surgery before and it's really eating at me.

Answer 1

People have a number of concerns about anesthesia. There is a real fear of giving up control: you are placing yourself in the hands of a stranger. this is analogous to getting on a plane. A lot of people would prefer to drive because they are in control. On a plane you are in somebody else's hands. people have real fear of awareness under anesthesia. This happens about .1% of the time-more common with trauma, cardiac surgery or C-sections. There is a pretty good monitor, a processed EEG called the BIS monitor, which measures state of brain activity. It's not fool-proof, but is pretty good. In elective surgery, the chance of a serious mishap is extremely low. Ask your anesthesiologist if he/she is board-certified. Board certification isn't a guarantee, but would be reassuring. One last thing-your concerns are common and we're used to seeing them. Good luck.

Answer 2

The risks of the surgery itself its far greater then the anesthesia. You will be fine! I've had 10 surgeries, 8 of which I had to be put under and it isn't scary...You will be in good hands...My Drs. gave me a relaxer before I was wheeled in the OR and then they give you the mask over your mouth and nose and they have you count backwards from 10 and by the time you get to 8 you're already out and don't remember anything until you hear voices in the recovery room telling you that your surgery is over and it's time to wake up..Your head will feel heavy and you'll feel so so sleepy but you will be OK! You may feel sick to your stomach and may even throwup but after about 20 mins or so you will feel a lot better.....
Remember, doctors have heard and seen it all so there's nothing you could say or do while you're coming to from the anesthesia that they haven't heard already and don't be afraid to let your OR drs know that you are a little nervous. Your comfort should be a #1 priority to them.. Good luck!

Answer 3

You watch too much Chicago Hope. Today's medical world is so advanced that you need to keep telling yourself. They've done this hundreds of times, or theyre experienced. If you continue to be frightened, your body will tense up and then this might allow something bad to happen. Very rarely do things go wrong with anesthesia. Anestheseologists (sp?) (doctors for anesthesia) are so equipped to give anesthesia. The feeling of being put to sleep is actually very relaxing and youre very refreshed when you wake up.

Answer 4

I was scared the first time I went under too. Everyone tells you horror stories about it. But the people that will be giving you the Anesthetics are highly trained. They know what they are doing. I actually found the whole experience to be relaxing. It's a nice deep sleep. You do feel a little odd when you wake up. You'll probably be really out of it. I actually threw up one time after it, but that's a side affect that sometimes happens to people but not all the time. I wouldn't worry. = )

Answer 5

ask ur surgeon who will be ur anesthesiologist and have a little chat with him/her. when he ask u to sign ur consent for anesthesia, be sure u have a list of questions that u will ask him. remember they are always in a hurry, they explain a little then run..so make sure u have ur list ready and discuss ur concerns with him...wish u the best...and its not that bad....the percentage of people having experienced those fear that u mentioned is very small.