What is it like to be put to sleep under general anethesia?

Question

What is it like to be put to sleep under general anethesia?
I am so scared! I have never been put under. Is it safe?I have heard that it's risky, and people can die during anethesia! Is it scary? Is it hard to wake up? Were you afraid you wouldn't wake up? What is the whole process like?

Answer 1

I understand your fears. I've been put under several times. It's not that bad at all. Usually they will give you something to sedate you and calm you down in a shot or IV. When they bring you back to surgery they will give you some gas or something and within a couple of seconds you will be out cold. Before they wake you they will give you something else to counteract the sleep medication and they will wake you up. You will still want to sleep but they will arouse you every so often. Sometimes it can make you very nauseated or vomit, that's really the worse part. But it's not always the case. I've had several surgeries before and I'm not afraid of being put to sleep. Good luck. I'm sure you'll be fine. 2D

Answer 2

I've had quite a few operations that required me to be put under general anesthesia (you spelled it incorrectly).

Each time was different, depending on how I was put "under".

One time, it felt as if my entire body were tingling and it was being lifted off the table (I was assured that I wasn't!), and then everything went black (just like going asleep), but there were flashes of lights and colors, and then I woke up!

Other times, I just fell asleep with no such sensations!

One time, however, I was given something that, when I woke up, made me feel extremely dizzy. It turns out that it was a common reaction to that drug, but not common enough for most physicians to ask about it, and most patients wouldn't even know that they would have such a reaction. That drug is no longer used in the US (I forget what it was, but it contained "belladonna"). The nurse gave me an injection of something that stopped the dizziness.

For all the other times, I usually woke up a little groggy and disoriented (I was put in a different room after the operation), and thirsty; if an airway needs to be used, some people complain of stiff or sore throats.

And, while it is certainly possible that people can go into a coma or die while under anesthesia, it is extremely rare, and, these days, nothing to be concerned about. Your doctor has asked all kinds of questions about your and your parents' medical history and background, so anything that might cause a bad reaction has probably been eliminated.

Besides, the best thing about the whole process is all the attention you get afterwards! (and, sometimes, there's even ice cream!) ;)

As hard as it may seem, now,
it'll be over before you know it!

Answer 3

Well, since you are put to "sleep," I guess you "dream."
You can relax. They just put you to sleep. They don't stop your
heart, or anything like that. Yes. It is "safe."
You will wake up safely. The effects of the anethesia does
make you a little depressed for a short time. That is called
"withdrawl." Talk to your doctor or the anthesiaologist about
this in advance, and you will be back home in knowtime. <}:-})

Answer 4

I had surgery back in 2005 and I WAS TERRIFIED of being put under, infact I was crying like a baby!! But after the surgery I was really embarressed because it was no big deal at all. its really like closing your eyes and opening them again. although when I woke up I was sort out of it but thats normal. I will pray for you, and you will be fine. your doctor may be able to perscribe you some alprazolam take 2 of those and you'll not be afraid at all!!

Answer 5

I was put under when I got my wisdom teeth taken out. It just felt like I took an amazing nap. It isn't scary. I like it when I have something done.