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Post by elaine on Oct 14, 2015 21:44:40 GMT
I fully admit that I have been extremely lucky - 52 years so far and I've never been under general anesthesia. I've had two c-sections, but had spinal blocks for those and was conscious during it all.
I have surgeries scheduled 3 & 4 weeks from today and am starting to feel fairly anxious about being "put under." The 24 hours after my spinal blocks I was so nauseated - if I tried to sit up, I'd get extremely dizzy and throw up. I had to lie flat or puke.
Even though I will be out for these surgeries, they will happen early a.m. and I'll be discharged home that evening.
So, I am afraid of being put under and never waking up. And I am afraid of being so nauseated after waking up that I can't get in the car to go the house I'm staying at.
Tell me me good stories, please, of how you coped with nausea. About being under general anesthesia, but able to go home the same day.
Tell me I'm not alone in my fear of never waking up - I can't be the only one. I hate not being in control and this is the ultimate in giving it all to someone else.
Any good tips for calming the anxiety?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 14, 2015 21:46:57 GMT
I read the Psalms. Often.
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quiltz
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Post by quiltz on Oct 14, 2015 21:49:04 GMT
Tell the doctor administering your anesthesia that you get sick, and to please add gravol to the mix. This will calm your tummy.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 14, 2015 21:51:19 GMT
It's going to be okay. I hate going under anesthesia, so you're not alone in your fears. Nausea is a huge problem for me, too.
I had to go under in March for an endometrial ablation. The anesthesiologist was excellent at calming me. He also asked very specific questions about previous experiences with anesthesia so he could mix up a "good brew" as he called it.
Whatever he did worked. I had no nausea. I went home about 3 hours after the procedure and slept the rest of the day. But unlike previous experiences, I had no other effects after that first day. In the past, it's taken me up to a week to shake off the weariness I felt. So I was very pleased at the ease of this experience.
Don't be afraid to tell the doctors about the nausea. And ask for meds to combat it if necessary.
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katybee
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Post by katybee on Oct 14, 2015 21:52:14 GMT
I just had it today. You won't even know what hit you. One second you're awake and talking to the doctors and nurses, and the next you're waking up in the recovery room. I'm weird – but I actually enjoy it. Anesthesiologists are very good these days. You might not have any nausea at all. I didn't. There is a whole team in there to keep you safe. You'll be surrounded by people! They will be monitoring every single thing. For every bad thing that happens to someone under anesthesia, there are thousands and thousands of cases where people wake up just fine. Look at it as an excuse to lay around and be lazy all day without feeling guilty one single bit. And talk to your doctor – if nausea is a problem, he can prescribe you something to battle that. And if you have narcotics afterwords, make sure those that make you nauseous (That's what does it for me). One last thing – let your nurses know you have anxiety. They will help ease your fear…
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Post by melanell on Oct 14, 2015 21:54:11 GMT
I never have been, but my mother was 40+ years ago and she did just fine, and I can only imagine that things are much better now than 4 decades ago. And my father has had so many surgeries where he was out that he actually prefers it when he hears that he'll be sleeping through a procedure! So you can easily see that he has never had an adverse reaction. Best of luck to you and many good thoughts!
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valleyview
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Post by valleyview on Oct 14, 2015 21:55:46 GMT
You chose a hospital with excellent doctors. That will include anesthesiologists.
New drugs = newer technology. They really do know more about nausea prevention than ever.
Maybe you can telephone conference the doctor ahead for his/her plant he last two surgeries I had, they suggested taking Pepcid to avoid nausea.
Good luck!
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Post by gorgeouskid on Oct 14, 2015 21:56:11 GMT
Something that can help is asking your doctor for something to soothe your stomach for after surgery. Tell him/her that you were severely nauseated after your spinals and they can put something into your cocktail that will help.
I used to become really nauseated after a general, and then I let them know and was given the drug (can't remember what it is) and have never been nauseated again.
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akathy
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Post by akathy on Oct 14, 2015 21:59:48 GMT
I've been put under for more surgeries I can even count and have lived through them all Tell the anesthesiologist you've had problems with nausea before your surgery. The drugs they use these days are so much better than they were years before and they know what they're doing. Plus you couldn't be in a safer place if you do run into problems. It's normal to be anxious before surgery but I'm sure you'll be just fine. I'll keep you in my prayers and I'm sure other peas will too. Hugs!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 14, 2015 22:00:45 GMT
I've had general anesthesia three or four times, and never had a single little problem and went home the same day each time. Does that help? I didn't have any nausea with any of them. I just felt really groggy for a while and it was hard to wake up fully. It's kind of a weird feeling to have general -- they give you a medication that helps you relax, then you fall asleep and when you wake up you don't remember anything about the surgery.
I had an anesthesiologist once who held my hand, told me to think warm cozy thoughts, and just calmly talked to me in a soothing voice. I was very comfortable and relaxed and had no anxiety at all when she did that. Ask for warm blankets and think about beach vacations!
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Oct 14, 2015 22:07:30 GMT
They can give you anti-nausea medication... and it works, or at least helps, a lot. I think there are different types / mixtures of anesthesia drugs, too, so if they have your records they should be able to see what type of drugs made you so nauseous before, and plan accordingly. As far as the whole anxiety-from-being-put-under thing, yes, I've had that before, too... not as much as from some other things, though-- even though I hate giving up control in general, the doctors, nurses, and anesthesiologists all seem to be so gosh-darned competent when they're running around before a surgery, that seems to help calm me down, in some weird way. Try and focus on why you're having the surgery, and the good outcome that will be the result!! ETA: I think I've had general anesthesia like, 6 times, now (?? something like that...) and I've only gotten really nauseous once, right afterwards when I was in the recovery area. I told the nurse how I felt (she was surprised, since I didn't have anything in my stomach), I threw up (well, dry-heaved, really) and she got me anti-nausea medication that made me feel better right away. You could make sure to tell them AHEAD of time that certain things make you nauseous, and they should load you up with the anti-nausea medication right away; that way hopefully it won't happen to you at all. ETA 2: Yes, the warm blankets-- for sure!! Being warm and cozy helps a lot, and since they're kind of weighted, they make me feel sort of 'safe' somehow.
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moodyblue
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Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Oct 14, 2015 22:09:02 GMT
I get it. I was the same way. I even had my wisdom teeth out without being put under. Then I had to have my gall bladder out. It went well, although I just didn't want to move afterwards - no motivation to get up!
I think that cured my fear, although it's normal to have some anxiety over any surgery. I reminded myself that millions of surgeries have gone well, with no complications from anesthesia, and that people a lot less healthy than I was survived the process just fine.
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tuesdaysgone
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Post by tuesdaysgone on Oct 14, 2015 22:13:30 GMT
I agree with the great advice above. Be brave. You'll have a wave of Pea prayers and good wishes with you that day(s).
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Post by 950nancy on Oct 14, 2015 22:14:35 GMT
I had a hysterectomy and felt exactly this way. I also knew I had to have the surgery and there was no getting around the anesthesia. Keep telling yourself you will be okay and that you will be much better off after the surgery. Positive mind set if possible. When I was told to get up I said that I would pass out, but no one believed me. Thankfully I am pretty good at it and laid right back down. After that, the nurses were good at listening to me. I am sure they hear everything. I did tell my doctor that I was worried about not waking up and it felt good to put that added pressure on her not to mess up. You will be fine and you will get through it.
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stittsygirl
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Post by stittsygirl on Oct 14, 2015 22:29:58 GMT
I've assisted on literally thousands of surgeries, in all specialties, and have only seen a couple where the patient was either hard to wake up or had a bad reaction. I've never been part of a surgery where a living patient never woke up, and any death in surgery I've experienced has been the result of massive trauma. Most anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists are very good at what they do. I've also had a few general anesthesia surgeries of my own, and nausea has never been a problem for me either. I had more nausea and vomiting after delivering babies than I've had after surgery. You'll do fine, and I hope they go well .
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pudgygroundhog
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Oct 14, 2015 22:44:58 GMT
I don't have any personal advice about anesthesia (last time I did that was years ago with wisdom teeth), but I like all the advice here. I think the best thing is to be open and talk with your medical team to let them know about past experiences and any concerns you have. I hope it helps calm your anxiety and that everything goes smoothly for you.
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melissa
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Post by melissa on Oct 14, 2015 23:02:43 GMT
The medications are FABULOUS!
I cannot even count the number of times I have had general anesthesia. Well, I could if I really wanted to, but I can't be bothered. I wake of from general feeling refreshed and comfortable. I've had it with same day surgeries and with surgeries where I had to be admitted for several days. Always woke up feeling so fine that I wanted to get up and walk around even after my marathon surgery (many surgeries including bilateral mastectomy, reconstruction, removal of tubes and ovaries and a few other more minor things)! I was under for several hours for that one and still felt great. The nurse laughed at me when I asked to go for a walk a few hours later.
It's quite different from having a spinal, as you did with your c-sections. You were likely dizzy and nauseous because of side effects specifically related to having a spinal and the specifics of your condition (changes in blood volume post- delivery, etc).
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janeliz
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Post by janeliz on Oct 14, 2015 23:14:51 GMT
I've only been put under one time and had no problems at all. No nausea upon waking, and I went home that day.
I understand your feeling anxious. I did too. I hope these posts put your mind at ease a bit. ((Hug))
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gsquaredmom
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Post by gsquaredmom on Oct 14, 2015 23:19:17 GMT
I had an emergency c section with my second. They put me under pretty quickly. All went well. I woke up in recovery. No nausea. Until then I had feared general anesthesia, but at the moment they had to put me under to save us both, all fear disappeared.
You will be fine. Anesthesiologists are paid a fortune for a reason. And they like to keep a good track record. They have a vested interest in things going well.
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Post by quinlove on Oct 14, 2015 23:27:26 GMT
I think how you are feeling is totally normal and you really will be fine. Sending tons of positive vibes to you.
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Post by scrapmaven on Oct 14, 2015 23:27:50 GMT
I have had several and that means way too many surgeries under a general. Tell your pre-op nurse and your anesthesiologist about your fears. They will give you something to prevent nausea. That needn't be an issue if you tell them in advance. Sometimes your anesthesiologist will call you the night before your surgery. If he/she does then tell them what scares you. He/she has medicine and methods to keep you very relaxed and to help w/nausea. Before you go to sleep they will administer Versed. That is an amnesia drug and it makes you feel so peaceful and happy. (Something to look fwd to.)
Nowadays surgery is so routine and w/new meds so much more comfortable and easy. I have frequent procedures both in and outpatient and surgery is so routine that I know I'm in good hands.
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Post by icedcoffee14 on Oct 14, 2015 23:31:00 GMT
If it makes you feel better I'm freaking out about a c-section in 5 weeks because I'll be awake. My 3 surgeries to remove a polyp then 2 cancerous growths being put under were more calming to me.
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Post by cindyupnorth on Oct 14, 2015 23:32:48 GMT
You have gotten good advice. Just talk to your anesthesiologists they will be your greatest tools. They can give you something for the nausea, and also anti anxiety. Good luck, you will be fine!
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basketdiva
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Post by basketdiva on Oct 14, 2015 23:38:07 GMT
I had a knee replacement about 10 years ago and they put something similar to a seasickness patch on my neck and I woke up just fine. Surgery lasted 2 hours, slept for a couple of hours in my room and then ordered a roast beef dinner. No illness from the drugs either-well some hallucinations from the demerol.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 14, 2015 23:40:21 GMT
Like Cindy said, anethesiologists can do a lot. Don't hesitate to ask them for something for anxiety the first time you talk to them (in addition to the anti-nausea)
If you are really anxious between now and then, call your doctor and ask for something to take the edge off until then.
The change in care in medical facilities (at least in my experience) in the past 5-10 years is astonishing. Everything used to feel so clinical. Now the doctors and nurses are comforting and calming and every detail is done to make sure the patient feels relaxed, informed, and cared for. They will do whatever it takes to ease your fears and make sure that you are calm and relaxed.
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Oct 14, 2015 23:42:18 GMT
I felt nauseated after mine. (I had my gall bladder out this summer.) Hard to know if that was the anesthesia or the extra helpings of dilaudid, though. Anyway, the best advice I have for you is that if your seat will do it, reclining in the car should probably help you if you're still feeling nauseated for the ride home. That was advice they gave me when I was on my way out, and they were right.
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Post by elaine on Oct 14, 2015 23:47:15 GMT
I read the Psalms. Often. Thank you - I'll be sure to download the Old Testament on my iPad to read. Tell the doctor administering your anesthesia that you get sick, and to please add gravol to the mix. This will calm your tummy. Thank you - I will. I had a large late night anniversary dinner with my husband the night my water broke at 1 am - six weeks early - for ds#2. I kept apologizing on the table to the anesthesiologist for having a full stomach, warning him that I would probably lose it all, until he finally told me - firmly - to stop apologizing. I have warned one of the nurses at Kellogg about the nausea, and she said they will work with it. It's going to be okay. I hate going under anesthesia, so you're not alone in your fears. Nausea is a huge problem for me, too. I had to go under in March for an endometrial ablation. The anesthesiologist was excellent at calming me. He also asked very specific questions about previous experiences with anesthesia so he could mix up a "good brew" as he called it. Whatever he did worked. I had no nausea. I went home about 3 hours after the procedure and slept the rest of the day. But unlike previous experiences, I had no other effects after that first day. In the past, it's taken me up to a week to shake off the weariness I felt. So I was very pleased at the ease of this experience. Don't be afraid to tell the doctors about the nausea. And ask for meds to combat it if necessary. Thank you, I will ask! My mom is going to fly out from CA to be there for me, and I would hate to revert back to a puking child 35 years after moving out!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 14, 2015 23:55:56 GMT
Having had five major surgeries in six years and 10 epidurals (for back pain) in 10 years there is nothing to fear. Please be sure they know you easily get nauseated. After my 8th epidural and getting migraines after most of them, an anesthesiologist asked me if a certain anesthesia drug bothered me because I suffer from migraines. Light bulb moment, a commonly used drug can cause migraines after surgery. Not saying this to scare you, just prepare you. After this light bulb moment, I requested a different anesthesia. I am happy to report after a TEN HOUR surgery, I didn't get a migraine and did not throw up.
Your surgical team is there to take EVERY SINGLE PRECAUTION to make your surgery a success. I was 59 at the time, the 10-hour surgery (my back and stomach) 19 screws, two rods and eight levels of fusion and I am happy to report I woke up with no complications and beat my hospital and rehab stay by five weeks! Six weeks of rehab, no way, how about six days. I KNEW what I was getting into, I KNEW it wouldn't be easy, but I CHOOSE to be positive.
As someone posted earlier, I actually enjoy the peaceful, no pain process of being out under. The ten-hour surgical wait for my husband only seemed like a 30-minute surgery to me. I got to sleep, while he got to sit and wait. J
I went home within hours after three of the five surgeries and all the epidurals. They will not let you go home until you are physically able to. You may need help getting dressed, but if you can't sit up in bed, they won't let you go home. They will have medication available for your nausea as well as food (crackers) and drinks (juice, soda).
Remember, the surgical team is there for you! They are experienced, they do this for a living, If you are too anxious now, ask your surgeon for anti-anxiety pills to take now. They will help you with the nerves in pre-op.
ETA My major surgery was my choice, I had months to decide and a month to prepare.
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Post by elaine on Oct 15, 2015 0:03:20 GMT
I just had it today. You won't even know what hit you. One second you're awake and talking to the doctors and nurses, and the next you're waking up in the recovery room. I'm weird – but I actually enjoy it. Anesthesiologists are very good these days. You might not have any nausea at all. I didn't. There is a whole team in there to keep you safe. You'll be surrounded by people! They will be monitoring every single thing. For every bad thing that happens to someone under anesthesia, there are thousands and thousands of cases where people wake up just fine. Look at it as an excuse to lay around and be lazy all day without feeling guilty one single bit. And talk to your doctor – if nausea is a problem, he can prescribe you something to battle that. And if you have narcotics afterwords, make sure those that make you nauseous (That's what does it for me). One last thing – let your nurses know you have anxiety. They will help ease your fear… You have handled your colonoscopy with so much grace and humor. I hope that I can mirror you. I wI'll admit that I am somewhat looking forward to a couple of weeks without mommy duties while I am going through all this. I never have been, but my mother was 40+ years ago and she did just fine, and I can only imagine that things are much better now than 4 decades ago. And my father has had so many surgeries where he was out that he actually prefers it when he hears that he'll be sleeping through a procedure! So you can easily see that he has never had an adverse reaction. Best of luck to you and many good thoughts! . I'm glad to hear that your dad prefers being out! You chose a hospital with excellent doctors. That will include anesthesiologists. New drugs = newer technology. They really do know more about nausea prevention than ever. Maybe you can telephone conference the doctor ahead for his/her plant he last two surgeries I had, they suggested taking Pepcid to avoid nausea. Good luck! Yes, Kellogg and Dr. Douglas are the best in the country and I need to keep remembering that. I feel closer to the doctors I saw at Kellogg/U of M after one visit than I do to the docs I've seen at Walter Reed for years. The docs at U of M actually let you contact them personally and respond to emails within a few hours. They are an amazing team and I need to trust them. Something that can help is asking your doctor for something to soothe your stomach for after surgery. Tell him/her that you were severely nauseated after your spinals and they can put something into your cocktail that will help. I used to become really nauseated after a general, and then I let them know and was given the drug (can't remember what it is) and have never been nauseated again. Let's hope that they can do that for me too! I've had general anesthesia three or four times, and never had a single little problem and went home the same day each time. Does that help? I didn't have any nausea with any of them. I just felt really groggy for a while and it was hard to wake up fully. It's kind of a weird feeling to have general -- they give you a medication that helps you relax, then you fall asleep and when you wake up you don't remember anything about the surgery. I had an anesthesiologist once who held my hand, told me to think warm cozy thoughts, and just calmly talked to me in a soothing voice. I was very comfortable and relaxed and had no anxiety at all when she did that. Ask for warm blankets and think about beach vacations! ooh! I like the idea of thinking of the beach - maybe I will download sounds of waves on my iPhone to listen to.
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Peamac
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Post by Peamac on Oct 15, 2015 0:06:54 GMT
by spinal block, do you mean an epidural? I had an epidural during childbirth for DD#1 and had some nausea, too.
For general anesthesia, I was put under for my wisdom teeth (3 or 4 were impacted), and it was fine. The oral surgeon put the thing over my nose and told me to count back from 100. I thought, "There's no way I'll be able to sleep with this weird thing on my nose and that sunlight shining in the window right in my eyes!" I started counting and maybe made it to 95. Next thing I knew, they were waking me up and my mouth was stuffed with gauze. I didn't get sick after, and don't think I felt nauseous either. I went home about an hour later, after I'd woken up enough (DH drove). I'd heard about some people having nightmares while under, and I have very vivid dreams when I sleep, so i was worried about that. Seriously, it was like I closed my eyes one minute and opened them the next and the surgery was done. Not even a hint of a dream.
Did you know there's a reason they have you count backwards from 100? If you can't do it accurately, they know something's wrong and your brain isn't processing correctly. If you drop off too soon (99) or too late (90), they know that the anesthesia is either too strong or not strong enough for you.
(((Hugs)))- hope all goes well for you and your surgeries!
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