Phobia of having a General Anesthetic?

Question

Hello. I have to have a general anesthetic (cry). Am so petrified, and terriffied about it all. This will be my first time, and i don't know what to expect? What will happen? And what does it feel like? Really needs words of advice, to calm me down. Does it hurt, because i hate needles. Also my first time in hospital, so extremely nervous about that as well. Please help me. I can't stop shaking and being sick. Having nightmares about it all!! Panicking big time. Please help me

Answer 1

There will be a needle, but probably only one, to start an IV. An IV needle hurts less than a shot, because it doesn't go into the muscle, jut the skin and blood vessel.

If you are this frightened, make sure your docs, nurses and anesthesiologist all know. They can give you something to help or help you understand what's going to happen. A calm patient usually heals better than a terrified one, so they will help.

Most general anesthesia is given--at least the part that you will actually experience--in the IV. They usually tell you to count backwards from ten. Few people get to six before they're asleep. It actually feels VERY nice, like happy, dizzy, and passing out, kinda like some illegal drugs. But it lasts only a few seconds, so don't worry.

The ONLY job the anesthesiologist has is to keep you asleep, comfortable and alive, and believe me, they concentrate fully on that job. You'll do fine.

Answer 2

Take a deep breath, sweetie, it will all be ok! What you're feeling is ABSOLUTELY nomal. Almost everyone has a fear of loosing control and going under.

The part that hurts is the IV. If you ask, they can numb your hand so that you don't feel the needle as it goes in. Instead, you'll feel a very very slight burning sensation as it goes into the vein. Not bad at all, nothing to worry about....

They can also give you a Valum before you go into the OR. This should calm your nerves and make it easier for you to go under. You are more likely to die on the way to the hospital than you are from a general anesthetic. There are several people whose sole purpose in the OR is to monitor your vital signs and keep you OK.

Staying in the hospital after your surgery is going to be fine as well. The worst part is the nurses will come in and check you in the middle of the night and it is sometimes hard to sleep. But they're just doing their job. It will all be OK.

Take care of yourself. Any and all concerns you are having are completely normal, and if you are too worried about it, you can talk to your Dr. They can give you anti-anxiety stuff that will help.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Hello! Well I can tell you that I JUST went through this exact same thing. I had my gallbladder out on 10/26 and I had never been put to sleep, I was terrified. I am not going to lie, I was terrified up until I was put to sleep. By the time they got me into the operating room I was shaking. I dont know what you are having done but I will give you my experience. When I arrived at the hospital they took me back to a waiting area filled with bed and separated by walls & curtains. They made me change into a gown and they put in an IV. Once they get in the IV it shouldn't hurt too much. Then the anesthesiologist came and talked to me, she explained what they were going to do and that they would be with me the whole time. Then the surgeon came to see me just to tell me they would be taking me back soon. Then they came and got me a put me in a wheel chair and wheeled me back to the OR. They made me climb on a metal table and put my right arm out. They covered me with warm blankets. The anesthesiologist asked me my name and date of birth. That is all I remember. I dont remember actually falling asleep or even being told I was being put to sleep. The next thing I knew I heard the nurse calling my name and I was in recovery. I know it is scary. But once it is over it is nothing, really. Some people say they get sick after but you can ask them to give you something for that. Good luck!! You will do fine!!

**Edited to add- they did NOT give me anything to calm my nerves but I didn't ask either. So if you want it make sure you ask.