Under the knife... general anesthesia... thoughts/exps?

[theaero]

So it looks like I have to have surgery and I am scared sh!tless. I have panic disorder/GAD and I'm super afraid of general anesthesia. Things like anesthesia awareness and a possible bad reaction to the medicine are just a few of my fears.

What do yall think about general anesthesia?

 

[ToneAddictJon]

I've had it a few times and it's never bothered me. I actually like when I go under because it's the best sleep I get (and usually means a full day of sleep/rest after).

 

[ned]

It's no big deal really. Your out before you even know it, as previously mentioned some of the best sleep you get.

 

[phyrexia]

Most recent time was when I had my wisdom teeth out. As I was asking how long the medicine took to knock me out, I could feel it hitting me.

"How long does this stuff ta...take to work...ok you guys do a good job" ::thunk::

Apparently some people get emotional when they come back out of it. I didn't when I was a little boy but when I had the teeth taken out I was balling like a baby when I awoke.

It's not a really big deal. You'll be ok.

 

[atonal]

Same here. I don't even remember passing out when I had my surgery. All I remember is getting the anesthetics and then waking up after the surgery was complete. Best sleep ever indeed. There's nothing to worry about man, you'll be fine.

 

[robstar]

You'll be just fine and your Doctor can most likely provide you with something light to ease the anxiety in the days before. Keep in mind that MILLIONS of people go under general anesthesia in a year with only the very very very very rare side effect. I've only heard of the things you mention via news but have never personally known someone who has had an issue.

I'm the "orthopedic poster child" and have been under GA six times for different accidents/surgeries as well as when I was diagnosed with Melanoma and had that surgery. It's a very simple procedure; you get an IV, get a little "happy juice" squirted in via the IV, they ask you to count backward from 10 and well, I've never made it past six as far as I know. You wake up a little sleepy in a nice warm blanket with a slightly dry mouth.

Also, the anesthesiologist will consult with and interview you prior to the procedure and you'll have an opportunity to express and discuss your concerns. Whoever your surgeon is, it's in their best interests as well to suggest a good person to handle it so they do their work and look like a Rockstar when it's done.

 

[phyrexia]

Oh, definitely bring somebody to take you home. I didn't see this mentioned before. You will be impaired enough that driving would be a mistake.

 

[theaero]

thx guys.

I'm also kind of freaked out because i take 1mg klonopin daily for panic disorder and anxiety, and I dunno if that will affect the procedure.

 

[phyrexia]

Sounds like something you should mention to the doctor.

I've known lots of people who've mixed klonopin and other drugs. You should be fine :lol:

 

[Platypus]

Just relax and don't think about it. I've had something like 15 surgeries or more in my life and there's nothing to worry about.

Definitely tell the doctor about any meds you're taking though I'm sure they'll ask you.

 

[clutch71]

I always worry that they'd take photos with me in weird posses or turn me into some weird puppet like Ace Venture did to the Monopoly guy in when Nature calls.

Well, that's probably something I'd do. Guess that's why I stayed out of the Medical field.

 

[Elpelotero]

I always worry that they'd take photos with me in weird posses or turn me into some weird puppet like Ace Venture did to the Monopoly guy in when Nature calls.

Well, that's probably something I'd do. Guess that's why I stayed out of the Medical field.

LMAO!!!