Fear of anesthesia

[Big J]

Hi all... did anyone have any fears of going under anesthesia? I'm a first timer. And that's been lurking behind my head for quite a very long while. Cause I know it's not a cake walk. Thanks all for your help on this.

[Ronnie]

Hi Big J, welcome and congrats on your upcoming surgery date. I think we all have the fear of anesthesia at one point or another. I know I personally obsessed about it for weeks. I just kept talking to people about it, and reading about it, and asking my surgeon group about it. There can be some adverse feelings post surgery, but they do pass. Also the drugs they use for anesthesia have a come a long way. Not to mention, an anesthesiologist will be there monitoring you the entire time adjusting up and down as needed. It is customized for you. It is a necessary part of surgery that will pass. the long term risk of obesity is more dangerous. Best of wishes to you on your journey. talk to as many people as you can and your doctors office about the anesthesia concern so that you can get past it enough too.

[caroline]

I have had 8 surgeries in my lifetime. I was was still scared of going under anesthesia or having complications during my gastric sleeve surgery.
I just had to trust in my doctors and make sure I followed all my pre-op and post-op directions. Good luck and make sure you discuss your fears and don't be afraid ask questions.

[BusyGirl]

Hi Big J,

I know exactly where you're coming from. When I had my surgery, I made it no secret to everyone (my friends, my family, this forum, my doctors) that I was scared to death of the anesthesia. For the most part, everyone thought I was nuts because I was so hung up on the anesthesia. My doctor even kind of snickered at me (not in an ugly way at all, but in a cute, harmless way). I had no fear of the surgery itself, just being put under.

This wasn't my first time being under anesthesia. The last time was in 2003 though, and I assumed over the last 8 years I had become entirely too unhealthy to be put under. But - that's what the pre-op tests are for... to make sure there are no problems. Believe me, no doctor or anesthesiologist wants you dying on their watch.

I know it's scary to give up control like that, and it's tough for your rational brain to put your emotional fear at rest. All you can do is trust your team of doctors. The morning of my surgery, I remember (after they gave me the pre-surgery relaxing drugs in my IV) thinking, "Well, If I do die on the table, I know this is something that I had to do for myself. I have to trust God, and know that whatever was meant to be will be." Then, when they wheeled me back to surgery, while the surgery team was getting me ready for surgery, I drunkenly said, "Just don't let me die." They all said, "Don't worry, we won't!" Then they put some kind of mask on me, and I was out. The most ironic part about it was that The Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go" was playing on the radio as soon as I was wheeled into the operating room and was playing in the background until I was put under.

You're going to be just fine Big J! People have all kinds of surgeries every single day. Your team won't let anything happen to you. Good luck!

[janetlea1973]

Honestly, I started the process of the surgery in the summer of 2010, and was terrified of the anesthesia. There was a problem with my insurance paying for the psych exam and I didn't have it at the time, so fairly happily took that as a sign that I wasn't supposed to have the surgery. Ahem....easy come easy go...stay obese and leave it alone. But this past January I had these horrible horrible stomach pains....I had them before off and on, but this time I thought, what if it's an appendicitis and I die because I'm to scared to go to the Dr. and be told again that the problem is that I'm fat (no, really? had no clue). Finally got so bad I gave in and went to the hospital. Apparently I had major major gall bladder problems and figured out it has been since my 12 year old was a few weeks old...but most Dr.'s had just told me I was fat when I talked to them about it. Anyway, the hospital didn't give me a choice, had emergency gall bladder removal within a few hours and I had never gone under before for surgery. I was scared to death! But everything went fine....walking is truly necessary to get rid of the gas and stuff....and pain killers are wonderful. In March I decided to have a hernia repair and by the time I got to the sleeve I was well prepared for the anesthesia part. Honestly I think this time was even easier. In the past I had been super groggy for 2 days afterword, this time I was pretty good by 24 hours out. I am sure that has to do with a different anesthesiologist and them operating on heavy people all the time and knowing exactly what to do... I know it's hard not to worry, but just think of the anesthesia as a time to get some good sleep. For me the first 24 hours afterword were still sleepy time. I'd get up every two hours and walk...then go back to the chair and sleep. Good luck! You will be so happy made this awesome change!

[Big J]

Sounds relaxing! Thanks a mill. I guess that's my best bet. Trust in God and give in. Let the docs do what they have to do. Cool! :-)

[Ronnie]

What a wonderfully supportive and informative post! It helped me too, so thank you!! That is exactly how I have come to feel... I couldn't quite understand my coming to terms with it, but you put it into words for me.

[Big J]

Yeah it's a relief to know drugs have changed over time. Perhaps my mind-set about them are still stuck in the past. Thanks a mill. :-) Cheers.

[michelleb]

Thankfully I don't have a fear of anesthesia, probably because I've had so many surgeries (12 or so). I have 2 prerequisites when it comes to anesthesia. Make sure I don't wake up during surgery. Do make sure I wake up afterwards! The rest I can deal with! You're going to do just fine! Best wishes with your surgery!

[lynnie]

Hi, I had my surgery 4 days ago, I too was terrified of the anestheshia-to the point I wouldn't stop blabbing about it. The anesthesiologist told me I was in more danger driving 8 miles to the hospital than I was of going under general anesthesia. I really think it is quite safe.
Best wishes-
Lynn

[Big J]

[QUOTE=michelleb;62658] Thanks Michelleb. What are the 2 prerequisites by the way?

[Big J]

[QUOTE=lynnie;62664] LOL !!! That's a smart way of soothing the patient.

[Mercel]

Hi BigJ
What a great question. I have been freakin out and didn't even think to ask everyone here. I know I have said it several times but I love this forum. Great posts everyone. I actually feel a little more at ease.

[FlowerGalTX]

It's funny how it is the anesthesiologist that tends to be the thing feared. After all THEY put us under and then we may not wake up. =)

I'm more concerned about the surgeon and am praying for him (and the anesthesiologist) to do their job at the excellent level to which they've been trained and are experienced to do.

I've had anesthesia multiple times before and haven't had any problems. With my experience I know to tell the anesthesiologist that I get nauseous from the sedation medication and they have Zofran added to the mix. They also give folks a "cocktail" before surgery which is basically a relaxant to calm the nerves.

[lynnie]

Thank you for your kind words. Yes, I did fine with anesthesia as I knew I would. I wish I would have asked for Zofran as it did make me feel nauseated. I am a nurse that used to work in the OR and knew to do that but forgot!

Best wishes~