General anaestetic

Women's health
1

Hi all,

I've been told that I will be having general anaestetic for my fibroid operation.

I'm really scared about it..I keep thinking what if I don't wake up..

My operation is scheduled for 1 hour, which includes time for induction and recovery time from the anaestetic

Any help is much appreciated

Tezi

2

Thousands of people have a general anesthetic every day, problems are really rare

3

Hi Tezi

You shouldn't worry - as Dr Spock said, complications are rare.

In my lifetime I have had 12 operations with no complications, even with a couple lasting over 6 hours.

Take care and think positive

Lin

4

Thanks Lin

I think I'm nervous because it's my first ever operation. I'm a natural worrier and I suffer from anxiety.

The doctors have told me that my operation will be 1 hour which includes anaestetic time. Does that mean I will be given a lighter anaestetic?

I've read that you can have allergic reactions to the drugs which can be life threatingly. I had a allergic reaction once from the coldsore cream Zoriax and moshkito bites..which swelled up

Is there any tests I can do before my operation.

I also read that you theres a sleep disorder called 'obstructive sleep apnoea' which could affect your anaestetic..Some sypmtoms involve snoring and waking up several times in the night.. I've been told I snore and wake up several times in the night..are their any tests I can have..

I'm just really nervous and anxious about the op.

Tezi x

5

No you wont get a lighter anesthetic :D A real allergic reation is far worse than a little swelling and a itch,, 'obstructive sleep apnoea' no no no, there is a anesthetist monitoring your breathing etc

6

Hi Dr Spock,

Thank you for your input..

Is there any tests that I can do before the op..i.e allergic reaction

Everyone keeps telling me it be ok and that anaestetic is safe but I'm still petrifed..

Tezi

7

Tezi, don't worry - you will be fine. I worked as a theatre nurse for years and never came across a patient with an allergic reaction- anaesthetics are so carefully monitored these days. I think the problem is that we just know too much these days and therefore have more to worry about. An hour is about the right time for your type of op. Stop worrying! Good luck!

Katie

8

Hi Katie,

If I did have a allergic reaction..will it be dealt with straight away?

I'm sorry I'm just really scared

I've never had an operation or a general anaestetic and I heard their risks with the general..

Tezi

9

Hi Tezi

If you had any signs of a reaction it would be picked up immediately and a drug would be given intravenously to reverse any problems - these will be highly trained surgeons and anaesthetists who know exactly what to look out for. BUT YOU ARE GOING TO BE FINE! I think you have probably been watching too much Casualty or Holby City - where they have to put in all sorts of complications just to make it interesting. Honestly Tezi, you will be fine ! Take care and DON'T WORRY! Katie :?

10

Thanks Katie

That really helps

Tezi x

11

Hi Katie,

I'm experiencing palpatations..Doctor told me I'm suffering anxiety. I'm sooooo nervous and scared about my operation..

I've been told that I will have a pre operative appointment a week or so before the surgery date. Will they do several blood tests and tests to make sure everything is ok?

I booked a Bupa Health assessment this week..Which involves doing several blood tests and you get to chat with the doctor about your concerns. However my boyfriend made me cancelled it because he said it was just my paranoia and that they would do similar tests at my pre-op is that correct?

I don't know how to cope, the waiting time for the operation is really stressing me.

Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

Regards

Tezi x

12

Hi Tezi

Oh poor you - you really are worrying needlessly about your operation. Everything will be fine, I promise you! Your palpitations will almost certainly be caused by your extreme anxiety as your GP said. Did he prescribe anything for you to help? I'm sure a short course of anti-anxiety medication would be really beneficial for you leading up to the op.

Yes, a blood test will be taken at your pre op. appointment and hopefully there will be someone who will explain your procedure and put your mind at rest. Don't be afraid to ask questions - jot down a few things beforehand in case you forget. I'm sure you will feel a lot happier about everything when you have had your appointment.

I'm inclined to agree with your boyfriend - it's probably not the best time to have a BUPA check (that will just be something else for you to worry about, I bet!!!). You can always think about it again at a later date if need be.

Best of luck Tezi and DON'T WORRY! Do let me know how you get on.

Katie x

13

Hi Katie,

Sorry to keep bothering you..

Recently my vision has been blurred. I thought it might be the anemia but it should of improved now because my blood count is up..don't understand it..

I had my blood preassure checked and the doc said it's normal well it's the low end of acceptance..around 111/80

I've checked it myself and sometimes it falls to around 95/80

Is that normal?

Will my low blood preassure affect my operation..

I heard that anaestetic's affect your blood preassure..

Sorry I'm just getting myself into a right state

Tezi x

14

Hi Tezi

It's much better to have a slightly low blood pressure than a high one - so you don't have to worry. The top figure of yours (the systolic) is on the low side (but nothing to worry about - mine is the same!), and the bottom figure (the diastolic), which is the important one, is spot on. So there is nothing to worry about. It's easy to raise blood pressure if necessary during an operation, just by giving fluids iv.

I'm not too sure about the cause of your blurred vision. It could be stress related - stress can be the cause of so many things. If it persists it might be a good idea to get your eyes checked by an optician, who could then put your mind at rest.

Have you got a date yet for your op? Do let me know how it goes - but if you need any more advice, you know how to find me.

Good luck and don't worry.

Katie x

15

i was really worried about general aneasetic, as i had had ERCP (endoscopic surgery) three times and the sedation did not work on all 3 ocasions (tried 3 different types of sedation) i was really scared of general aneasthetic and that it would not work and i would feel everything.. no problems at all. had more major surgery than i had expected but never felt a thing and woke up fine without realising what had gone on or how long it took.

16

Hi Katie,

I've just been told that my operation has been delayed until April..I don't know how to cope..all this worry is driving me crazy

Tez

17

Hi Tezi

Oh, that's a real pain. :cry: The sooner you get it over and done with the better. Why don't you ask your GP for some medication to help with your anxiety - I really feel it would be beneficial just for a short while.

I wish I could wave a magic wand and it would all be over and done with for you! Be brave

Katie xx

18

Hi Katie,

Sometimes my blood preassure drops to 109/65 or 95/65 at rest

Should I be worried?

Regards

Tez

19

Hi Tezi

Have only just seen this posting. No you do not need to worry . As, I have already said a low BP is much better than a high one. It sounds as if you are using a home BP machine?? In my opinion they are not particularly accurate, particularly when used so frequently! Put it in a drawer, Tezi, and forget about it. You will be fine.

Take care and don't worry

Katie x

20

Tezi you are going to be absolutely fine