I posted a few days ago concerning gallbladder symptoms, as I was getting concerned that it might be more than just my gallbladder (I'm kind of a worrier). Anyway, I think I'm going to bite the bullet and get it removed. I am apprehensive, though. I have never been put under, never had health issues, and I'm really nervous! I've never even taken a pain pill that wasn't over the counter.
I am not scared about the surgery itself...just the anesthesia part. I have a fear (which I'm sure most people do with a first surgery) of not waking up. My doc told me I have a better chance of dying in a car wreck than anything bad happening during a laparascopic cholecystectomy, which kind of makes me feel better, but kind of doesn't.
Any words of encouragement would be kindly appreciated.
It's the best sleep you'll ever have! And it is only a few minutes. I looked at the clock as they started the anesthesia - 6:55 AM. When I woke up enough in recovery to read the clock it was 7:35 AM. 40 minutes total and the procedure itself only took 20 minutes of that. You're probably out longer to have wisdom teeth out.
I've had general anesthesia 4 times (3 of them last year!) It's not a big deal at all. They have all sorts of machines, watched by a professional anesthesiologist, to monitor you and make sure you get exactly the right dose.
You'll be drowsy afterwards, probably for the rest of the day, but not horribly so. Sometimes people do feel queasy when they wake up, so if you tend to get motion sick, ask for something to prevent nausea beforehand.
It's the best sleep you'll ever have! And it is only a few minutes. I looked at the clock as they started the anesthesia - 6:55 AM. When I woke up enough in recovery to read the clock it was 7:35 AM. 40 minutes total and the procedure itself only took 20 minutes of that. You're probably out longer to have wisdom teeth out.
You'll be fine.
Wow. That's nothing! I can only hope mine will be that easy. I've known about my gallbladder issues for months now and I've been putting it off, not assuming it would get better, but just ignoring the issue. My PCP ASKED me if I wanted it taken out, and of course, I said no, but the GI doc I visited said it's best to get it out before it becomes an emergency situation. I don't think I'm to "emergency" status yet...my discomfort/annoyance level is at about a 5 but I definitely don't want it getting worse.
Were you nervous before you were put under the first time?
I've had general anesthesia 4 times (3 of them last year!) It's not a big deal at all. They have all sorts of machines, watched by a professional anesthesiologist, to monitor you and make sure you get exactly the right dose.
You'll be drowsy afterwards, probably for the rest of the day, but not horribly so. Sometimes people do feel queasy when they wake up, so if you tend to get motion sick, ask for something to prevent nausea beforehand.
That's quite a few procedures. I keep telling myself people go under every day. And I have friends in the medical field who have assured me that they are prepared for any scenario during surgery.
I was never nervous about the anesthesia, because I know how many safeguards are built into modern anesthesia techniques.
Each time, though, I was nervous about the surgery not fixing the problem. (Each surgery was for a different problem, 3 out of the 4 helped dramatically, and the 4th didn't make things any worse.) I was also nervous about absurd things, like that the procedure would get cancelled the day before due to some sort of paperwork mishap. But none of that happened.
It's an easy peasy surgery!! And they give you something in your IV to relax you before surgery so by the time they roll you in you feel like you had a whole pitcher of martinis so you don't care what they do to you. Lol. My friend had it done last year and when they gave her that medicine she laughed and laughed until they put her under. Then it feels like you are shutting your eyes to go to sleep, and it feels like only 1 second later you are opening your eyes. Relax. Just do it! You will be fine, and be SOOO glad you did it!!
I had lap chol a little over 9 weeks ago. Like you, I had never had surgery before, no previous medical conditions, and was nervous going in (I am also a worrier, but I am my Mother's son). The procedure only took 20 minutes and I was awake in recovery within an hour. It feels like you've been in a deep sleep, although you'll feel groggy coming out. Just keep in mind that anesthesia affects everyone differently. I experienced mild nausea and vomiting, but that seems to be the norm for my family, and those symptoms went away within 48 hours.
A few words of advice post-op; move around as much as you can, listen to your body and take the time YOU need to recover (recovery time can vary widely), and stay on a low fat diet.
I was never nervous about the anesthesia, because I know how many safeguards are built into modern anesthesia techniques.
Each time, though, I was nervous about the surgery not fixing the problem. (Each surgery was for a different problem, 3 out of the 4 helped dramatically, and the 4th didn't make things any worse.) I was also nervous about absurd things, like that the procedure would get cancelled the day before due to some sort of paperwork mishap. But none of that happened.
I have seen a few people post on here about their symptoms not easing up. I sure hope I don't have that problem. Thank you for sharing your experience and your encouragement. Making an appointment to talk to the doc tomorrow.
It's an easy peasy surgery!! And they give you something in your IV to relax you before surgery so by the time they roll you in you feel like you had a whole pitcher of martinis so you don't care what they do to you. Lol. My friend had it done last year and when they gave her that medicine she laughed and laughed until they put her under. Then it feels like you are shutting your eyes to go to sleep, and it feels like only 1 second later you are opening your eyes. Relax. Just do it! You will be fine, and be SOOO glad you did it!!
I am sure if they give me something to calm my nerves, I'll be just fine. I should probably take something NOW! Thanks for your positive feedback.
I had lap chol a little over 9 weeks ago. Like you, I had never had surgery before, no previous medical conditions, and was nervous going in (I am also a worrier, but I am my Mother's son). The procedure only took 20 minutes and I was awake in recovery within an hour. It feels like you've been in a deep sleep, although you'll feel groggy coming out. Just keep in mind that anesthesia affects everyone differently. I experienced mild nausea and vomiting, but that seems to be the norm for my family, and those symptoms went away within 48 hours.
A few words of advice post-op; move around as much as you can, listen to your body and take the time YOU need to recover (recovery time can vary widely), and stay on a low fat diet.
Hope this helps and best of luck to you!
It does help! Thank you for your response. I was getting so nervous that I was even going to explore having just a spinal anesthesia done instead of general! People were looking at me like I was crazy when I suggested this.
I seriously doubt the doctors would agree to that. Some things you just have no control over. It will be fine!
Oh, I'm about 100% sure they wouldn't agree! My PCP had never heard of such a thing. I told her "well, I read about it on the internet, so it MUST be true!" Can't blame a girl for trying!
Generally spinal anesthesia is only done for childbirth, (epidural) or in special cases where general isn't an option. Spinal is actually riskier, in a lot of ways.
Generally spinal anesthesia is only done for childbirth, (epidural) or in special cases where general isn't an option. Spinal is actually riskier, in a lot of ways.
That's what I've heard. Obviously, I've never had that kind of anesthesia, either! I just thought I might feel better if I could be "awake" and everyone has said just do the general...it's great sleep! I'm just going to have to stop being fearful and just get it over with. I'm actually starting to get more nervous about what might happen if I DON'T get it taken out vs getting it taken out. I've been having this dull pain for about a month and I'm finally getting fed up.
Do you really think you want to hearing all that going on and feel all the pulling and tugging???? Ugh! Knock me out now!
Yeah, I would probably be like "oh gosh, why didn't I have them knock me out?"
Had an appointment with my PCP today. She is setting me up a pre-op consult with a local surgeon. I'm a little nervous but ready to get rid of this discomfort.
Thanks for your positive feedback.
