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Fear & question about general anesthesia
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07-25-2004, 11:25 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 580
Hysterectomy: August 4th, 2004
Surgery Type: TVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Fear & question about general anesthesia
I have a fear of general anesthesia and am almost certain I don't want to go the spinal anesthesia route.
I've been given a script for alprazolam the night before and morning of surgery and also been told that I'll be "sedated" in the preoperative area.
What I'm wondering is....wouldn't it be possible to ask the anesthesiologist to sedate me safely, but heavily enough that I don't even remember going into the OR or knowing that the anesthesia agent is being infused OR the mask put on my face? It's a phobia thing.
I know that general anesthesia can cause amnesia for events prior to administration; you were actually awake before you entered the OR and did experience it, but forget the experience afterward. What I would like is to not even experience knowing I've entered the OR, etc.
Has anyone had this kind of preoperative sedation or experience? Do you think the anesthesiologist would do this?
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07-25-2004, 12:10 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 2
Hysterectomy:
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Fear & question about general anesthesia
I just had my TAH, left my ovaries in. Im 44 BTW, On Wednesday July 21st at 3:30p.m. I had general anesthesia. They started my IV in pre op. They did put an oxygen mask on me. They keep asking me if I was ok ( I have really bad panic attacks) I was fine except the plastic always smells funny. When I woke up from the anesthesia. I remember everthing before surgery and in the operating room till the said good night now, I said good night, Thats all I rembember, They shaved and catheterized me after I was under anesthesia. I came home on Friday afternoon, less than 48 hours after my sugery. the worst so far has been coughing (bellyPain) AND GAS!!! I was up walking by noon the day after my surgery. They even sent me home before I had my first BM. That was last night. Not bad, but I still have alot of bloating and gas, on pain meds. I really need them for the pain. But everyone says I am doing great!!! I don't feel great yet but get up and walking as soon as they let you!! It helps with bllod clots and pain and eventually your bowels. I wouldn't let GA scare you I had 2 c-sections years ago and I woke up easier this time. You will do just fine!!
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07-25-2004, 12:20 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 118
Hysterectomy: July 19th, 2004
Surgery Type: TAH/SAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Fear & question about general anesthesia
I just had my surgery on 7/19. Ask your Anesthesiologist to give you Versed. When I was in pre-op I was given versed but I do remember going into the OR and transferring myself to the table and the mask being put on me. By that time I was sedated and really did not care what was going on or what I saw. I just closed my eyes and next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery.
Don't be afraid for GA it is safe and I am sure you will be fine, I know the hardest part is walking through the pre-op area but as soon as they start you IV you will be fine.
Good luck.
Hugs
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07-25-2004, 12:38 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 275
Hysterectomy: June 16th, 2004
Surgery Type: TAH/SAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Fear & question about general anesthesia
I've had general anesthesia three times. My last was for TAH/BSO. In the pre-op, they gave me versed and it definitely takes the edge off. I vaguely remember the oxygen mask in the preop area but that wasn't scary at all. I do remember going into the OR but did not feel scared. I just kind of looked around inquisitively at the instruments and such and remember a lot of people in there. I remember being transfered to the op table and that's pretty much it. I can tell you that the "sedation" they give you in pre-op is good in that you are somewhat aware what's going on but totally relaxed and a little foggy. At least that was my experience. I would discuss your anxiety with the preop nurse and anesthesiologist as soon as you see them to get the meds in you ASAP and you should feel a whole lot better.
The whole thing was a lot more scary worrying about it than it actually was and I hope that's the case for you, too.
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07-25-2004, 12:40 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 40
Hysterectomy: July 22nd, 2003
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Fear & question about general anesthesia
Hi,
I had a LAVH last summer. I was extremely paranoid over having general anesthesia also. My fear was more that I wouldn't wake up afterward or have a bad reaction or something.But I lived to tell about it! I remember getting a little something in pre-op to relax me, but I was still aware of what was going on. I don't remember the mask at all. Once I got in the operating room the anesthesiologist asked me if I had anything I needed to talk to my doctor about before I went under and when I said I was good, he just gave me something through my I-V and I was out. If they put a mask on me afterwards I have no recollection of it. You can always request to meet with the anesthesiologist a few days before surgery to discuss any concerns. It might be helpful to relieve some of your anxiety. You can also ask for some meds in pre-op before surgery to guard against any nausea you may experience afterwards do to the anesthesia, it's just a side effect some people have. I know this is a very stressful time,but you will get through it. It's been a year now for me and it is honestly the best descision I ever made for myself. Life without periods is liberating! I wish you all the best and hope your surgery goes well.
Sandy
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07-25-2004, 01:10 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 6,979
Hysterectomy: May 23rd, 2002
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Fear & question about general anesthesia
Hi,
They usually will give you something to calm you down before you into into the OR through your IV.
I remember everything, but didn't care. It's not really scary once you're in there. You just shut your eyes, and it seems like you open them a minute later and you're in the recovery room.
Tell your doctors about your concerns. I'm sure something can be worked out.
s,
Lisa
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07-26-2004, 08:33 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 733
Hysterectomy: September 17th, 2003
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Fear & question about general anesthesia
Hi! I understand your fear--i was terrorized about getting general.
FOr my TAH, i begged for Versed, and the very nice nurse held my hand and patted me and said "I have it right here, honey". After they gave me the Versed, they wheeled me into the OR, I scooted onto the table, and was out before i laid down. !!!
For my repair, i was in the OR waiting area for over an hour (ACK) they gave me Versed when they could, finally. I got onto the surgery table, they starte doing all kind of things, i batted the oxygen mask away, and i was out.
They will be very nice to you if you tell them you are afraid. Versed helps alot.
Hope all goes well for you!
FL
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07-26-2004, 01:35 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 65
Hysterectomy: September 13th, 2004
Surgery Type: SAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Fear & question about general anesthesia
I had a lap. Dec. 29. Versed is my drug of choice! Waking up was fine (that was always the scary part for me) I told the dr. I did not want to throw up and that I wanted Phrengrin if I felt nauseous.. He suggested Zolfran. They gave me Zolfran in my IV for the nausea. Zolfran is used for chemo patients to help with the nausea. Worked like a charm for me. And It does not make you sleepy like Phrengrin.
Now I need to get the courage to call the dr. and schedule that Hysterectomy!
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07-26-2004, 02:54 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 390
Hysterectomy: September 13th, 2004
Ovaries: Undecided
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Panic
Hi Gail, I have panic attacks too and I hate being immobilized, but after two emergency room visits in the last year for flooding resulting in an emergency D&C, I have had it, the panic attacks are far worse than being in the OR, you always get a dose of sleepy in the preop room and you just can barely hear them tell you to scoot over onto the table and you wake up a nano second later (seems like) in the recovery room, Im with ya gal, see ya on the other side, we will do just fine and laugh at our sillyness later.: Denna
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