General anaesthetic worries - Open to All Other Health Topics Message Board

Greenoctopus18 · 09-25-2003, 09:08 PM

Hi. I have just been told a date for my wisdom teeth extraction... not until I finish this years studies, fortunately.
I am extremely worried about the general anaesthetic not working and my waking up through the operation.
I have heard of this happening in other operations and the patient is unable to alert the doctor to the problem as they are given something to temporarily paralyse their muscles.. or something...
Would they do this with wisdom teeth, or if I were to wake up could I move my arms or open my eyes to make the surgeon realise?

Also, someone told me (just to scare me further as a joke) that the more I worry about it the more likely I will be one of those people who have this awareness happen to them? I just want to check that this is not true. If in my mind I was expecting the general anaesthetic to not work it wouldn't make it more likely to not work, would it?

These are stupid questions but I am very afriad and already feeling very anxious about when the day comes.

Also, the doctor suggested a general anaesthetic as it will be performed in hospital and the only reason I have them out now is due to crowding. One tooth is about 1/3 through and then recently another is maybe 1/8 through the gum. So there will be a lot of digging and stitching up in order to get all 4 out... therefore, I don't think having a local anaesthetic is an option, and it doesn't appeal any more to me than the general.

Thanks.

MrsLee · 09-26-2003, 08:08 AM

I know it can be scary to go through this for the first time. It sounds like you need to discuss your concerns with your doctor. He or she can give you a better idea about the safety of it, but from what I know, it is a pretty safe. I went through general anesthia for the first time a couple months ago and I had no problem.

When I got my wisdom teeth pulled, the doctor used sort of a "twilight" sleep. I'm not sure the technical name, but you aren't all the way out, but when you wake up, you don't remember anything. Maybe this is what they are using? If not, maybe you can discuss it with your doctor.

It isn't fun getting wisdom teeth pulled, but they can cause so many problems if you wait and don't get them pulled. It wasn't the worst thing I ever went through though.

Good luck and make sure you talk to your doctor about this!

stephanie01 · 09-26-2003, 12:20 PM

I am getting my wisdom teeth pulled, all 4 of them in about a week. I am afraid also, if the stuff doesn't work or something, and I wake up right as they are pulling out my teeth. I am sure that everything will go fine. Its not like we are the only people that have ever had our teeth pulled. I will let you know how it goes with me. So maybe that will help you out.

Greenoctopus18 · 09-26-2003, 02:32 PM

Hi. Thankyou for your reply.

I'm pretty sure the soonest I can see the surgeon is on the day of the operation. I have called about things but only get to talk to the assistants. And I will be in another town until the end of the year.
I am hoping that I will get to talk to the person that puts me to sleep, just so I can be sure he is thinking right on the day.
All I have been told is that a general anaesthetic will be used and I will not feel a thing. So if everything goes to plan I guess the worst part will be afterwards.

I haven't had any pain at all from them so far.

Stephanie - Good luck next week.
I have read to be sure you have bought all the food you will be needing before the operation, or if you are lucky enough to be living with your mum make sure she has it ready.

Good luck again, and if you are feeling ok to reply I would appreciate it.

Djin · 09-26-2003, 02:59 PM

I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed in 1999. I was really scared, as I'd never had an operation or been under anesthetic before!! A good friend of mine who had heart surgery when she was 10 (!!!) was kind enough to listen to my fears and help put them to rest. (Think about it...SHE had heart surgery as a kid, and I, at 23, was worried about having some teeth removed!) But she was so sweet and understanding about my fears.

I'm sure I was just as afraid as you are now, and I assure you, you needn't worry. The cases of people waking up and feeling anything during the surgery are very few and far between. I do know a fellow who had a problem when he had his wisdom teeth out, but he doesn't tolerate meds well, anyhow, nor was he under general anesthetic. They just used a local.

How do you handle other medications? If you do well on them, then the anesthetic shouldn't be a problem. The biggest issue I had when I woke up was being extrememly nauseous, but they gave me meds for that, and it eventually went away. I didn't have any problems healing, either. No pain, no complications, nothing. Just make sure you follow your doctor's orders and you'll be fine.

Good luck, and try not to worry!