I'm having an operation soon, and I'm really worried....?

Question

I have had an anaesthetic before but only a small dose as I was only out for about 15-20 minutes. This operation requires me to be out cold for a few hours. I know it sounds stupid, but I'm worried about not waking up. Should i be worrying myself, or will i be fine as I have had one before and had no reaction from it?Please help...

Answer 1

Hi Sarah, my mum was in surgery and I was worried stiff as well until I told myself, hey, if anything (touch wood) would to happen, you are in the hospital, which is the place you should be if anything happened in the first place. So don't worry, those people have done their bit over and over again that they can probably do it with both eyes closed :) (not that you want that!)... best of luck ok? :)

Answer 2

Hi Sarah

It is only natural to be scared before an anaesthetic, so please don't beat yourself up over being worried.

Anaesthetic is safer now than it has ever been, and the fact that your surgery is planned (as opposed to emergency) gives you plenty of time to make sure you're as fit as possible for the anaesthetic and the recovery period.

Are you having your operation at the same hospital you had your last one? If so, the anaesthetic chart will be in your hospital notes, so your anaesthetist will know exactly what you had last time. If it's possible, they will give you the same anaesthetic drugs this time - the only difference is it will last longer. You're not given more at the beginning, induction of anaesthesia is pretty much the same for most people. The level of anaesthesia is monitored closely throughout and topped up, rather than you being given a whacking great dose to be put to sleep, and the increasingly sophisticated monitoring equipment used these days means that it is extremely rare for people to be given too much (or too little) anaesthetic.

You need to be aware that complications AFTER anaesthetic can occur, most of which are as a result of prolonged immobility. There are things you can do to minimise these risks wherever possible - the main thing is get your lungs and circulation back to normal as soon as you can. Every day you're in hospital you will be given an injection to help thin your blood and prevent blood clots. You may be given a pair of compression stockings to wear, these also help prevent clots. If you can't get up and around, rotate your ankes every so often to get your circulation going. Do some deep breathing exercises a couple of times a day for a week before you go in - sit upright and take 10 really deep breaths in and out through your mouth as slowly as you can. This will ensure your lungs are functioning as well as they can prior to the anaesthetic. Do these exercises for another week or so after the op. It goes without saying that if you smoke, stop if you can.

You can never have too much information, and the more you have, the more aware you will be of any potential problems after surgery which enables you to act on them quickly. Have a look at the website below for more reassurance, and good luck...you'll be fine. :)

Answer 3

If I were you I wouldn't worry about not waking up.... but rather the opposite.

I've been under general anaesthetic twice... and both times I wished I'd never woken up again.... because the moment I opened my eyes I was in agony...
The first time it was excrutiating at first, but lessened after a few hours. The second time it was not quite as bad, but lasted for a week.

Heh... I'm probably making you feel worse.... but at the very least you shouldn't be too worried about NOT waking up ... There are far FAR worse things that could happen. I'd say it'd be a pretty good way to go if you didn't...

Needless to say you WILL wake up again.
Its an entirely unjustified fear, since unless you have a fatal condition to be dealt with, you're not in any danger of dying and the unconsciousness is temporary.

Like I said... worry about waking up too early. People put you under general anaesthetic for one good reason: Because if you were conscious, the pain would be more than you could bare.

Answer 4

First of all, it is not stupid for you to worry about this. Most people who have to undergo surgery worry about the anesthesia, it's a scary situation.
Since you have had anesthesia before without problem, you shouldn't have any this time. The best thing you can do to help relieve some of your anxiety is set up an appointment to talk to the anesthesiologist that will be taking care of you during the surgery. Normally the anesthesiologist does meet with you anyway before surgery, but it is for only a few minutes. Call the hospital and schedule a time with him when he won't be rushed and can answer any questions and concerns you have. He will be able to go over exactly what will happen to you, and tell you what will be done is the small chance that a problem does arise. Knowing all the info and exactly who will be in charge of your care should help. Good luck.

Answer 5

Hi Sarah,

You have nothing to worry about, think about the millions of people who are put under every day. I've had it done loads of times and been out for a few hours. You don't know any different, you're asleep before you can count down from 10 and then you wake up in what feels like a second later.

Make sure you explain to them that you're nervous when you go in and if they're nice enough, they'll put aside any concerns you may have. It always help if you can take someone along who calms your nerves to be there before you go in and as soon as you come round.

I hope everything works out for you. Good Luck.

Answer 6

Under anaesthetic, you have a load of equipment and a full time medic monitoring your condition all the time. You stand a much better chance of waking up from your operation than you do from sleeping at night.

Immediately before the operation they'll give you a shot of barbiturate. The next thing you'll know is you'll be in the recovery room. You've got the easy job.

Answer 7

Its understandable to be anxious before an operation, and I don't think you worrying about not waking up sounds stupid at all...I have had a few operations requiring me to 'out cold for a few hours' too and altough I had had many minor surgeries before, I was still anxious before the major ops....as with anything anaesthesia carries risks which is why you undergo a few tests, blood pressure, general health etc to make sure you are ok to go through with the procedure. Your anaesthetist should come and visist you to have a quick chat on the ward shortly before your op, take the opportunity to voice your concerns and he/she should be able to try and alleviate your fears.....try to remain positive and calm...some lavender oil with a little peppermint and chammomile will help....take care and I am sure all will be well. xx

Answer 8

Bless you, i posted this same question 4 weeks ago, as i was due an operation, and i was afraid of the anaesthetic, even though i had also had one before. I had my operation, and the aneasetist, was lovely, as was my nurse, they put me completely at rest, reassured me i would be fine. They even turned off the heart monitor, because the bleeping was making me anxious, they turned it off until i went to sleep. The nurse held my hand, as the needle went in, and the next thing i knew, i was in recovery. Please tell your anaesetist your concern, they will then make sure you are reassured, you will be fine hun, i PROMISE you, i know exactly how you feel, but you will be fine. Let us know when you are recovered, and i wish you all the best with your op, you will be absolutely fine, take care.

Answer 9

I am also going in for an operation. In fact, I am seeing the doctor today to set the date of the operation. I am also scared. It is a natural feeling in this situation. After all, if everything was OK, you wouldn't need an operation.

That being said, you have to put it into perspective. Many people have operations every day. Things happen. You can't dwell on it. With advancements in technology, operations are getting safer and safer. Recovery time is getting shorter and shorter. You'll be just fine. So will I.

To end this on a lighter note, do you know the definition of a minor operation?............................................................ one that is performed on someone else :^)

Answer 10

Hi Sarah being put under by a general is completly safe,you are being monitored all the time by professional staff.Before your operation the anaesthetic consultant will come round and ask you about any medical problems you may have this will be all written down in red pen,if the drs wasent happy about the operation or you being put asleep i promise you they wouldnt do it.I have worked in theatres many time in my job and i know what it all involves with a patient being put asleep,kepted asleep and waking the patient up.I promise you,you will be fine.Good Luck with your op.Oh yes ive been put under 7 times and everything has been ok.