Questions about the OR and Anesthesia

My pre-surgery experience sounds likd grjags' except I don't even remember being wheeled into surgery! In pre-op, I was given a sedative (in my IV line) and the next thing I remember was waking up in post-op. It was way easier than I was imagining. Don't overdue to "control thing" of wanting to know everything. I had a nurse tell me later that the wonderful thing about all the meds is that they cause amnesia about the procedure itself. So, I was either asleep before leaving pre-op or the drugs blocked out any memories I have between pre- and post-op.

hello, since I have gotten a couple of "no they do strap you down" replies, I would just like to say that here, in california, in fresno, they do NOT, I have seen the surgery done, also seen many other surgeries done, and I have never seen someone strapped down. that's all take care sisters

Greetings from another "high A" type personality aka "control freak". I had a total abdominal hyster on 2/27. The best advise I can give is to make sure your Doc knows this about you--and get them to tell you exactly what will happen. Mine did and it really helped with the nerves and feeling out of control before the big event. I ended up with some unexpected heart issues after surgery--but because my doc knew my need for control and info, she was great in making sure that everyone (including a cardiologist that was called in) understood my need for info. Am now on the mend, been working from home since week 2--my energy isn't back to my normal driving self, but feeling better day by day. Ask great questions and you'll be fine!

I am a control freak too. Earlier this week I finally accepted the general anesthesia part. I was a wreck. Ready to cancel. But then when I thought through it, read some things on here, realized I needed to be "healed" and this was the only path to getting better, I came to accept it all. I do want to know every thing that is going to be done. But I am thinking of asking that it all be done after I am out. The part about having my arms strapped down. Can't they do that after you are asleep? I've had 3 catheters put in while I was awake and not numb. It isn't fun but I could handle it. What I can't handle is that bright cold room, the tiny narrow table and then laying flat on your back and having your arms tied down. I am going to ask that as much of that be done AFTER I'm in Italy! (that's where I tell myself I'm going when they put me out!) I also want to ask if I can take as much Xanax or Ativan as possible on the few days before. I know me, and I will work myself up in to a huge panic attack. Just thinking about the arms being strapped right now makes me scared. I'm over the tube in my throat, I think. Someone replied earlier this week that made me realize it is a life line of sorts if something should go wrong. So instead of fearing it, I will accept it and be glad, it could save my life.

Freswench, I grew up in Reedley and Orange Cove! We miss parts of CA, the beach and mountains being so close. But we love it in KY too. It's all a trade off!

Great thread, I'm glad I'm not the only one wanting to know every last detail.

Sandra

I was absolutely terrified of the OR experience. I have the same control issues and made it clear to my dr. that they can't strap me down until I am out! Before they took me to the OR, they gave me verced to calm me. When I was in there, two lovely nurses were busy getting me ready, putting a hairnet on, the chest monitors, etc. Shortly afterwards, the doctor came in and said he was giving me medicine to go to sleep. He put something in my IV and I don't remember a thing again until I was in the recover. Had another quick surgery the next week, with the exact same experience!

Good luck to you!
TeeMar

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Originally Posted by singinintherain Do you mean the mind games we play with ourselves? I know what you mean. But I can't seem to stop researching and finding out what's in store.

Yes, I mean the mind games we play with ourselves. Imagination is not always a good thing, especially when you are a worrier. Maybe it's the control thing that people are mentioning. I just don't like the thought of being *put to sleep* and being at the mercy of everyone else. Of course, I wouldn't want it any other way. I wouldn't want to be awake for it and it's good to know that you are in a capable MDs hands.

I went for my pre-op appointment yesterday. When you read all the possible risks and complications, it makes you wanna change your mind. I asked the anesthesiologist about the strapping down thing. He said that a lot of people do not like to be strapped down while they are conscious, and that I can request that they do not do anything until I am under.

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Originally Posted by Sandbox49 Can't they do that after you are asleep?

San, just go to a hospital in Fresno, CA, where they do NOT strap you down, and you'll be fine.

Seriously, yes -- unless there is some reason that you need to be awake when they place you on the table (back problems, etc., where they must make sure you're lying in a comfortable position) -- then I would ask to be pretty much out before you get to the OR.

Maybe your hospital does this anyway? Ask at your pre-op appointment this week.

HUGE

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Originally Posted by LoriCx3 I asked the anesthesiologist about the strapping down thing. He said that a lot of people do not like to be strapped down while they are conscious, and that I can request that they do not do anything until I am under.

Excellent, Lori!

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Originally Posted by quailene Yes, I mean the mind games we play with ourselves. Imagination is not always a good thing, especially when you are a worrier. Maybe it's the control thing that people are mentioning. I just don't like the thought of being *put to sleep* and being at the mercy of everyone else. Of course, I wouldn't want it any other way. I wouldn't want to be awake for it and it's good to know that you are in a capable MDs hands.

I hear you, sister. Stupid me went to Wikipedia and read about all the stages of general anesthesia. mg: NOT a good thing for me to have done.

The one good thing I read was that deaths from general anesthesia number only 5 in a million. Those are some pretty awesome odds in our favor.

But a spinal is not an option for me with the LSH, so I have no choice. When the time comes, probably late summer or early fall, I will just have to accept it.