TAH: My gyne has told me I must have a GA

Do ask for a consult/appt with an anesthesiologist to discuss anesthesia and possibility of epidural, as was mentioned. These days GA is very safe, and the breathing tube is inserted and removed while you are asleep so you will never even be aware of it. I was very afraid, too, and asked the anesthesiologists about their years of experience. I had two surgeries, and they took my fears very seriously. Don't let fear hold you back from the care you need. Even ask for anti anxiety meds to get you through this pre op time, if you need them. You can do this, we are here for you.

I am a huge lightweight with meds and with one of my surgeries was in full panic mode just like you. I was just she of hysterical. A couple nurses had a little attitude with me as if to say "it's really no big deal....knock it off" I had no control over my fear and it easnt til i talked to the anesthesiologist and he went over all the precautions and even jokingly said keeping his job depends on making sure patients make it out fine. i finally turned just "gave in" sobbing (that's how I felt at the time) I knew i needed the surgery and nothing was going to change that. The next thing i remember was waking up with everyone saying "see, you did just fine".
I was still scared with this surgery, still cried, still asked all the same questions even though i have been through all before but ultimately had faith that everyone knew what they were doing and more than that I had more faith in myself that I could do this and be better for it. (((hugs))) You are not alone in your fears...please dont cancel, you CAN do this!

Hi Hon,
I understand your fears. GA isn't bad. I've had GA about 4-5 times in the last 7 years. Everyone reacts differently to GA and SX. You will be fine. As the others have said, talk to your dr and let the anesthesiologist know that you are worried. I was scared about a preop spinal my Dr recommended and told my anesthesiologist . He was very good about calming me down and it wasn't a problem when I had the sx. Good luck and I hope you feel beeter about the this.

I am not kidding I am very much the same way and the ONLY thing that helps me is Hypnosis. I learned self hypnosis and it really truly works. You can't panic while you are doing the deep breathing. Is there any way to learn it before hand? You may be able to get a CD/DVD on it. It includes deep breathing, relaxing muscle groups and it truly works. I have a lot of anxiety. Remind yourself that you can cancel if you need to and maybe you won't. Leave the mental door open in your mind. They usally take the breathing tube out before you wake up. Other things you can do:

1) Ask them to please take the breathing tube out before you wake up
2) Do relaxation while wait in preop
3) Ask for some valium or something to take before you leave the house to go to the hospital
4) Take something you can focus on like a picture of your cat or the ocean
5) Self talk and remind yourself that you can do this
6) visualize waking up and say "wow it is over"!
7) What is a color that relaxes you? Take something of that color with you

Thank you I think I am going to have to postpone the surgery I am in such a terrible state barely functioning

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Lovelyladylumps I am not kidding I am very much the same way and the ONLY thing that helps me is Hypnosis. I learned self hypnosis and it really truly works. You can't panic while you are doing the deep breathing. Is there any way to learn it before hand? You may be able to get a CD/DVD on it. It includes deep breathing, relaxing muscle groups and it truly works. I have a lot of anxiety. Remind yourself that you can cancel if you need to and maybe you won't. Leave the mental door open in your mind. They usally take the breathing tube out before you wake up. Other things you can do: 1) Ask them to please take the breathing tube out before you wake up 2) Do relaxation while wait in preop 3) Ask for some valium or something to take before you leave the house to go to the hospital 4) Take something you can focus on like a picture of your cat or the ocean 5) Self talk and remind yourself that you can do this 6) visualize waking up and say "wow it is over"! 7) What is a color that relaxes you? Take something of that color with you

Have you talked to your docs about this? They may be able to give you something to help you relax a little bit. Either that or try meditation, deep breathing, etc. Every time you start to get nervous, take a few minutes to do this. It really helps. It was one thing that would help me because I had to focus on my breathing and not allow my mind to take over. Our minds can be great but they can also do the "what if.... ?" routine. It will help you. And I think Lovelyladylumps had some great ideas. Just know you have the power to do this and get through with it. Waiting can be really tough and our minds go to all kinds of weird places. I know you can do this for you. Just remember this isn't being done to you, you are doing it to help yourself.