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Never Had Anesthesia/Surgery
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01-28-2013, 11:53 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 509
Hysterectomy: February 19th, 2013
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Never Had Anesthesia/Surgery
Hi, this has site has been a wonderful "google" find. I have been beginning my shopping list and to-do list for what to get and do to help get ready for being "out of commission" and I appreciate all the great insight.
I have fibroids and a recent ultrasound left a question mark about the possiblity of sarcoma, so choosing a hysterectomy was a choice kind of made for me. (TAH scheduled in Feb.)
Anyway, I've never had surgery or anesthesia and I am nervous. I wonder if any of you can help me know what to expect or anticipate. I like to be in control (of myself) and I know the unknown is contributing to my nervousness.
Thank you!
Gusbunny
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01-29-2013, 01:58 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 899
Hysterectomy: August 9th, 2012
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Never Had Anesthesia/Surgery
hi Gusbunny! Glad you found the site and have found the information useful. The worst bit about surgery for me is the anticipation - I am a control freak and it really scares me the thought I of handing my body over to people to mess about with!!
I have had quite a few procedures in my life but the TAH was the biggest one for me. if you can focus on getting yourself and your house ready, once you get to the hospital the staff will take over and sort everything for you. The interesting thing is that you barely know anything about what happens. I walked to the pre-surgery room with the nurse, and the anaesthetist put a little needle in the back of my hand, I was chatting away to him, he asked me to count to ten and I didn't finish! Next thing I knew it was all finished and I was waking up in the recovery room. that's the best feeling cos all the pre-op nerves can go away and you can just focus on getting back on your feet again.
I don't like researching medical procedures too much, though some like to look at videos and stuff, I'd rather not know exactly what they do, think it would give me nightmares. I just researched the things I had control of, like diet, exercise etc. I would advise you to stick to the pre-op forum on here too, don't dwell on all the post-op stories and issues, everyone has different things they worry about or little complications - I'm sure you will have your own concerns when you are post-op and that's the time to have a read to see if anyone has encountered something similar.
I could waffle on all day about the actual process of surgery but basically, just wanted to say, try not to worry - you will be in good hands and it will over in a flash and you will be back home with your feet up!
Wishing you all the best with your surgery and hope you have a speedy recovery x
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01-29-2013, 02:39 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 108
Hysterectomy: January 28th, 2013
Surgery Type: LAVH
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Re: Never Had Anesthesia/Surgery
I just had my surgery yesterday. Still in the hospital right now. I was also extremely anxious and nervous. The worrying is natural and it really is the worst part! Because the actual surgery was done before I knew it. Nurses have been wonderful at keeping my pain under control. It's hard not to think of the what if's, so try to focus on your better quality of like after. That is what I am looking forward to. Good luck and hugs to you.
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01-29-2013, 02:46 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 37
Hysterectomy: October 24th, 2012
Surgery Type: TVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Never Had Anesthesia/Surgery
Hi gusbunny, it was also my first surgery and I was a basket case but it has been the best thing I've ever done and I wish now that I didn't waste so much time worrying about it. Your in good hands and you will feel so much better after it. Good luck!
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01-29-2013, 08:01 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 1,017
Hysterectomy: December 11th, 2012
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Never Had Anesthesia/Surgery
It was my first surgery, too, though I'd had anesthesia before for dental work (I'm a huge coward about the dentist).
There are risks, of course, but the anesthesioligist (sp?) will be monitoring you very closely the whole time you're under and they've learned a lot the last decade or so about how to make it safer- complications from the anesthesia are quite rare... your biggest problems will be a sore throat (from that silly tube) and a rather monsterous headache when you wake up... but that's ok- they have wonderful drugs and they'll give you some as soon as you prove you know your name, can count to ten and wiggle your toes on command
Because my procedure was completely different from yours, I can't tell you much about what to expect but I can tell you that I've been thrilled with the results of my decision- no more horrid cramps, no more trouble with my bladder, no more cancelling social plans because I was too miserable to keep them and a whole host of other joys.
Good luck, Darlin', and don't fret- it'll be fine.
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01-29-2013, 09:40 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 49
Hysterectomy: January 8th, 2013
Surgery Type: SAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Never Had Anesthesia/Surgery
Hi Gusbunny! I understand your anxiety. I have had two abdominal surgeries. You will be amazed how fast the process goes. My anesthesiologist came in and met with me and put me at ease. They really do know what they are doing. My nurse put the IV in my vein with one easy shot (I drank lots of water day before it helps plump up the veins), I was wheeled to the suite of operating rooms. A nurse stayed with me and offered a nice heated blanket while I was waiting. The surgical nurses, while getting the room ready, would pop into the hall every few minutes with words of reassurance. I was wheeled into the room, transferred from the stretcher to the operating table. My anesthesiologist told me that she would take care of making sure I was very comfortable. The last thing I remember is my doctor grinning over me telling me he would see me when it was finished. And then I awoke to my anesthesiologist talking to me and my doctor telling me I did great and he would see me in an hour. It is like in the snap of a finger the 2.5 hr surgery was over. I do not even remember my ride to recovery. I guess if I could describe my experience with anesthesia with one word it would be comfortable.
Sending best wishes your way
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01-29-2013, 10:48 AM
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Posts: 11,246
Hysterectomy: December 24th, 2012
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Never Had Anesthesia/Surgery
I have had several surgeries, and nothing bad has happened to me so far. When you go in they have to strip down to your socks and put on a hospital gown that opens in the back. When you go to the OR you are put in a room to wait. They usually allow you to have a guest there to wait with you. They give you plenty of warm blankets. You'll probably be a little thirsty because you get nothing to drink for several hours before surgery. They start an IV, and that helps a little with the thirst. Just a warning, it makes you have to pee too. I had to get up and go while the nurse carted along my IV stand. Then nurses, the anesthesia staff, and usually your doctor come to talk to you, usually separately. They want to make sure you know what you're having done. If you're nervous, you can tell the anesthesiologist, and often he or she will put a little something in your IV to call you down. Then they wheel you into the operating room. There are lots of big lights, you can see the operating table, and machinery. At that point they usually give you a little oxygen. When they knock you out, it happens so fast, you hardly notice it. Sometimes you attempt to count backwards, this time I was getting career advice form the anesthesiologist Usually when you wake up, it will be in recovery, and a recovery nurse will be nearby. You will probably feel a little disoriented. Everytime out of surgery, I've had questions like, Did they do the surgery? It seems like a second ago I was in the operating room. You usually feel a little pain from the surgery in the recovery room. After you say so, they will give you IV pain meds that work quick. You throat and mouth will probably be really dry and pretty sore from the trachea tube. They usually give you ice to suck on and not much else because they want to make sure you aren't nauseated from the anesthesia. I'm one of the fortunate ones that has never suffered nausea from anesthesia, others do. If you do, they can give you meds to help. After they're pretty sure you're awake to stay (I've drifted back off to sleep before in recovery), they wheel you to your room, and you can usually have a visitor right away. By then they will give you water or a clear soft drink to sip on. They will ask you to rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10, and give you pain medication as needed. Always tell the nurse if you feel you are having a lot of pain. Don't wait for her ask. If the doctor has prescribed it, she can give you more meds. After this surgery, I didn't require much pain medication at all. You may or may not wake up with a catheter. Over the course of a day or two, they will make sure your pain is under control, that you can walk around, that you are able to pee, and sometimes eat solid food. Surgery certainly isn't fun, but they do a lot to make sure you are as comfortable as possible. See you on the other side
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01-29-2013, 02:30 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 10
Hysterectomy: January 25th, 2013
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Removed both
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!
Hi, gusbunny! I completely understand what you're saying. I had my RALH last Friday and am doing very well, but like you, I was terrified beforehand. I've had quite a few surgeries, but each time, I am scared about the anesthesia. This is completely normal, but you are going to be just fine.
One advantage of having seen the inside of as many OR's as I have is that I have also experienced how much anesthesia has improved through the years. It is quite safe today, and they will do everything they can to make it as comfortable as possible.
When you have your preop appointment, you may have a chance to talk to someone from anesthesia at that time. I found this to be very helpful. It gave me a chance to tell them what my fears were. I had plenty of time to ask all the questions I wanted, and they gave me very good and complete answers. That alone made me feel better, because I knew that they understood my fears and that they were caring and competent. I knew I'd be in really good hands.
One thing I do not like is the mask they have to use. When I said that, they gave me the option of holding it on my face myself, instead of them doing it. They said I could also hold it a little to the side, so I wouldn't feel like it was completely covering me. The only thing coming through the mask at that point is oxygen, but I still don't like it. However, it worked really well for me to hold it myself. Be sure to ask what options are available for you. They will try to work with you to make you as comfy as possible.
My surgery went extremely well. They'd said it would take 2-3 hours, but it actually was a little less than 2 hours. I remember being in the recovery room (not everyone does, but I always do), and the doctor came by to tell me that everything went great. Then they took me to my room, where I mostly napped the rest of the day. By late afternoon, I was able to eat a little, although my throat was sore from the breathing tube they used in the OR. Yours may be too, so don't be surprised. It will go away pretty quickly.
Later that evening I got up and walked a bit. The next day they took the catheter out and I walked some more. After that, they took my IV out and I got a shower, then got ready to go home! I had a small pillow in the car to put between me and the seatbelt--this really helped, although I was never in much pain. Just a little soreness.
Since I've been home, I've done very well. I haven't needed pain meds other than Advil, and I've tried to be up and walking around. I get tired easily, but that's to be expected.
I'm sure that you are going to do well, too. Be sure to let your medical team know of any questions or concerns; they will do their best to reassure you. Pretty soon you'll be where I am, and you'll be doing great. Best of luck to you!
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01-29-2013, 10:41 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 509
Hysterectomy: February 19th, 2013
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Never Had Anesthesia/Surgery
Thank you for all your caring and wonderful replies. I know all my nervousness is normal and expected, but I am a planner and I like to know what to expect as best I can! It sounds like I can anticipate being prepared as I face each step of the process. I knew I wasn't alone is being nervous about anesthesia and I am grateful for your stories. I promise ot not peek at those post-op posts until after - really great suggestion! Thank you for all your prayers and well wishes!
It is kind of fun to read "Gusbunny" - Gus is my sweet ~8 mo French Lop house bunny. He weighs more than 15 lbs (he's a big guy). My family has promised to pick him up to snuggle next to me when I can't.
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01-29-2013, 11:49 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 85
Hysterectomy: April 9th, 2013
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Never Had Anesthesia/Surgery
We have the same surgery date scheduled! This will be my 8th abdominal surgery, and I don't have much to add from what the other girls have said, if you feel really nervous about it, they may be able to give you a Xanax for the morning of. Really, all you will remember is counting backwards and then waking up. I did get a sick feeling waking up, but I always let them know that before going under, so they take case of that. Ps I had a French Lop named Pistol Pete up until a few months ago. They are the cutest
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