CoffeeCake

I posted a few weeks ago asking for advice on whether to be put to sleep during my wisdom teeth extraction. I'm 45, have never even had a filling, and was unsure what to expect. The oral surgeon assured me it would be fast and easy (just the 2 uppers) but since I had the option, I decided to go for the general anesthesia.

I became QUITE nervous as soon as I got into the room. Nervous to the point of heart palpitations and hyperventilation. But I figured I'd be getting that shot any second, and I'd be out like a light. The surgeon came in and told me I wouldn't really be asleep but I'd be so out of it I wouldn't feel anything or really be aware of anything. That was OK--my mom had had that kind of anesthesia for cataract surgery, and she described it as very pleasant.

But the shot came and nothing happened. I did feel drugged, but I was awake and aware and alert to EVERYthing that happened. I heard, saw, and felt everything, tho the pain was slightly muted. I felt the shot and both teeth being pulled, tho the pain wasn't really that bad. What WAS bad was the horrible anxiety and panic that continued throughout. Even when I got back to the recovery room, I was having trouble breathing and felt very anxious. I told everything to my mom in case I forgot it later, but I didn't forget--everything is still as clear as a bell.

I even had a kind of panic attack later that evening, despite 2 doses of Vicodin (which did help the pain).

So...I guess this is part rant and part question: anyone else have this experience? I still feel traumatized! I didn't say anything at the time because I was so upset, but I definitely plan to call the surgeon's office and let them know AND find out for sure what type of anesthesia it was so I don't get it again. And, for the record, I DID follow all the directions I was given: no food or water 6 hours before the procedure.

Ugh. Thanks for listening.