Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?

Anyone else have a fear of anesthesia>? How do you deal?

Re: Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?

I had more of a fear of a needle for anesthesia>.

In all seriousness, I pictured myself laying on a beach & breathing slowly while listening to the waves.

I think if you go in a more relaxed state, you come out in one.

Also - I know this wasn't the point of this post but...

Re: Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?

>>Posted by nrthshgrl


Also - I know this wasn't the point of this post but... >>

Thank you It seems inhumane that I should have to grieve my loss and worry about this procedure, anesthesia>, etc all at the same time Enough is enough....

Re: Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?

yes,i had to be put to sleep for a procedure 2 years ago, i kept putting off getting it done because i was so scared of being completely put to sleep.
but it was ok...afterwards you wont remember anything, and i dont remember 5,10,15 minutes afer the procedure, or even remember getting home in a cab with my husband for that matter...youll just be in a state of daze, you will feel like you are high and in a dream.
it is something that is done everyday though to thousands if not millions of people for various things, so just try to relax everything will be ok! good luck

Re: Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?

not so much of the anesthesia> but the surgery in general, i have brought my Ipod into the OR. I had major knee surgery a couple of years back and my DH bought me an IPOD to relax me, i put it on and layed there while they talked in the room and while they put the needle in for the anesthesia>, im sorry off topic but DH read that listening to music relaxes you.. good luck.

Re: Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?

>>Posted by meli722

yes,i had to be put to sleep for a procedure 2 years ago, i kept putting off getting it done because i was so scared of being completely put to sleep.
but it was ok...afterwards you wont remember anything, and i dont remember 5,10,15 minutes afer the procedure, or even remember getting home in a cab with my husband for that matter...youll just be in a state of daze, you will feel like you are high and in a dream.
it is something that is done everyday though to thousands if not millions of people for various things, so just try to relax everything will be ok! good luck>>

Thank you, and thank you for reminding me that this is something that is done millions of times each day!

I was put to sleep once for wisdom tooth surgery and it was AWFUL!! I think that's why I'm so scared about this time. Although, I heard for what I'm doing the discomfort after shouldn't be too bad. For my impacted wisdom teeth it hurt for a few weeks I just want it to be over for so many reasons

Re: Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?

>>Posted by mom2boys

not so much of the anesthesia> but the surgery in general, i have brought my Ipod into the OR. I had major knee surgery a couple of years back and my DH bought me an IPOD to relax me, i put it on and layed there while they talked in the room and while they put the needle in for the anesthesia>, im sorry off topic but DH read that listening to music relaxes you.. good luck.>>

That's a really good idea.

However- when I once had a cavity filled without novicaine and listened to my discman (yes, this was before mp3 players) .. and I seriously get a pain in my mouth now every time I hear The Cranberrys

This is different though.. I think I may actually do that. Thanks.

Message edited 8/8/2010 12:45:44 AM.

Re: Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?

I am so sorry for what you have to experience. It is cruel to have to face this in addition to what you are going through. I am soo soo sorry for that.

I had a D&C last Friday and had to be put under. I was very very scared, since I have terrible reactions to any anesthesia> (vomiting, shakes, etc..) IN addition, I have terrible veins that are tiny and roll. The last surgery I had they kept blowing my veins with the IV and I was in a lot of pain.

I was very vocal with my OB and anesthesiologist and they were very good with me. When the main anesth checked out my veins, she didn't love them so she called in a specialist. He was excellent. He numbed the area then put in the IV. I was such a different experience. They also treated me for neaseu before & during the surgery so this was the first time I didn't vomit.

As for the staff, they were so exceptionally kind and understanding. It is a very sad time compounded by nerves and everyone was very compassionate. My OB held my hand while they put me under. The Ansthe rubbed my hair while administering the last of the sleep meds. They let me keep my glasses on until I was under so I was able to feel in control.

I am sorry you are going through this. I have been crying since I read your post. Life is unfair sometimes and I feel for you.

Ask about the music - that may help relax you a bit.

Re: Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?

Oh God..I can't access your post. I don't know what happened but I'm sorry..

I agree with the PP..be very vocal about your anxiety. You may want to ask for a valium to help you stay calm.

I will keep you in my thoughts.

I've been put under many times and it's actually the best sleep you will get. You wake up and it's all over.

Re: Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?

>>Posted by Elbee

I am so sorry for what you have to experience. It is cruel to have to face this in addition to what you are going through. I am soo soo sorry for that.

I had a D&C last Friday and had to be put under. I was very very scared, since I have terrible reactions to any anesthesia> (vomiting, shakes, etc..) IN addition, I have terrible veins that are tiny and roll. The last surgery I had they kept blowing my veins with the IV and I was in a lot of pain.

I was very vocal with my OB and anesthesiologist and they were very good with me. When the main anesth checked out my veins, she didn't love them so she called in a specialist. He was excellent. He numbed the area then put in the IV. I was such a different experience. They also treated me for neaseu before & during the surgery so this was the first time I didn't vomit.

As for the staff, they were so exceptionally kind and understanding. It is a very sad time compounded by nerves and everyone was very compassionate. My OB held my hand while they put me under. The Ansthe rubbed my hair while administering the last of the sleep meds. They let me keep my glasses on until I was under so I was able to feel in control.

I am sorry you are going through this. I have been crying since I read your post. Life is unfair sometimes and I feel for you.

Ask about the music - that may help relax you a bit.


>>

Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this with me!! It's heart breaking how many experiences I have read about that are similar to what I am going through.

It's good to know the staff was so compassionate.. that's what I'm hoping for. Although it obviously doesn't change anything, I am hoping for anything to make this experience more pleasant (lack of better words)

Thank you again I just can't wait to put this procedure behind me.

Re: Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?

>>Posted by Blu-ize

Oh God..I can't access your post. I don't know what happened but I'm sorry..

I agree with the PP..be very vocal about your anxiety. You may want to ask for a valium to help you stay calm.

I will keep you in my thoughts.

I've been put under many times and it's actually the best sleep you will get. You wake up and it's all over.

>>

My post is on the pregnancy board I'll be back over on the IF board soon, though I am hoping by then we will have traded places and you will be over on pregnancy!!

Thank you for the suggestion, I will absolutely voice my concerns about the anesthesia> and hopefully they'll be extra supportive. I am SUCH a baby, I feel like I would benefit most with a dr from the pediatric staff who is used to dealing with terrified panic-stricken babies like myself

My plan now is to try my hardest not to think about it.. and also to remember that there are countless people out there who are NOT scared of being put under.. .which means it can't be TOO bad (just trying to rationalize this in my head )

Re: Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?

First of all- I am so sorry for what you are going through...
You are in my thoughts and prayers...


To answer your question about anesthesia>- yes I had a HUGE fear. HUGE. I got my wisdom teeth pulled while awake...everyone thought I was crazy but I needed to be in control. My fear of being put under was worse than my fear of having the teeth pulled and hearing and experiencing it all.

Then a few weeks ago I had to have emergency surgery to remove my gallbladder. I have never been so scared in my life. I even told the nurse right before going to the OR that I was scared I wouldn't wake up. She assured me that I would and that she'd be with me the whole time.

Well to be honest- it wasn't nearly as bad as I had imagined it to be. All I remember is them putting someting in the iV and feeling a bit lightheaded. I asked the anasetholigst if he gave me anything and he said yes and asked if I felt drunk.
I joked about that and that was all I remember.
The next thing I remember was someone shaking me a little and saying- wake up, your procedure is over.
I didn't even feel all that groggy- I kind of just woke up!

All in all the fear of the unknown was the worst part of it- now that I have done it and gone through it I see it's not so bad at all.
But if you would have told me that last month I would have said no way.
All in all- you just have to go thruogh it and you will see going under is not as bad as you thought it would be!

Good luck and again- you are in my thoughts and prayers...

Re: Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?

>>Posted by PennyCat

>>Posted by Blu-ize

Oh God..I can't access your post. I don't know what happened but I'm sorry..

I agree with the PP..be very vocal about your anxiety. You may want to ask for a valium to help you stay calm.

I will keep you in my thoughts.

I've been put under many times and it's actually the best sleep you will get. You wake up and it's all over.

>>

My post is on the pregnancy board I'll be back over on the IF board soon, though I am hoping by then we will have traded places and you will be over on pregnancy!!

Thank you for the suggestion, I will absolutely voice my concerns about the anesthesia> and hopefully they'll be extra supportive. I am SUCH a baby, I feel like I would benefit most with a dr from the pediatric staff who is used to dealing with terrified panic-stricken babies like myself

My plan now is to try my hardest not to think about it.. and also to remember that there are countless people out there who are NOT scared of being put under.. .which means it can't be TOO bad (just trying to rationalize this in my head )

>>

Ugh..I can't access that board at work for some reason. I almost never go on there for obvious reasons.

I'm so very sorry. I have had early misses but nothing like this. Like I said, I will keep thinking about you and hope you are back on that board very quickly. Maybe together..that would be a double blessing.

I hope you find the strength to get through this..lean on your DH and your family and friends. Mourn this loss but realize it doesn't mean you won't have a beautiful healthy child someday.

Re: Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?

Im so sorry again

For my first d&c, I actually considered having no anesthesia> thats how afraid I was. It was my first surgery/procedure ever and I have really bad anxiety. The staff at the hospital made me feel a lot better and despite intense nerves, I forged ahead and WAS FINE. My biggest fear was Id feel myself getting drowsy and Id try to fight it; but that didnt happen. It goes so fast you wont even remember.

By the 2nd d&c, I was looking forward to the sleep.

If you need to talk, Im here for you!!

Message edited 8/9/2010 1:40:35 PM.

Re: Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?

I only have one good vein for any needles. SO I always point that out first.

They were soo good with me. Very sweet and seemed to be understanding. They must have asked me 100000x's what I was allergic to. I think they kept asking me over and over and over again to see if I was still with it and to try to talk to me to take my mind of why I was there.

When i woke up... i was in the recovery area... I woke up with MAJOR shakes. Uncontrollably shaking and shivering. THey put a heat tube thing under my blanket to stop the shaking. it took a bit but it worked. They also gave me some sort of meds... nothing that strong. I didn't get any sort of pain meds.... and I DEF could have used some. Someone ended up giving me a few. Which I know is not usually good to do.. but I had none and needed something.

being under the anestesia is just like being in a super deep sleep. I am lucky in that I usually wake up nicely. I don't freak out or any of that. Granted I had a major shaking problem this time... it still wasn't that bad.

i also try to fight the anestesia... I'm always scared of not getting enough.

Re: Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?

I had to be put under for a procedure once and was so scared, my heart rate measured at 166 bpm while I was on the table. On the TREADMILL I usually only get up in the 150's. 166! They actually had to give me a beta blocker before the anesthesia> to get my blood pressure down.

Then they put the needle in my arm and told me I'd be out in a few seconds. It's so weird - you're totally fine and conscious, and then in about 3 seconds you feel the most tired you've ever felt in your life. I remember saying to the doc, "wow, that was fast." Next thing I knew, they were waking me up.

It was a pretty minor procedure but I'm glad I had it, since I know that I won't be scared for anesthesia> next time.

I'm so sorry for what you're going through. But on the list of things to be worried/upset about, don't put being "put under" on there. You'll be fine.

Re: Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?

i love anestesia but hate the iv

why dont you ask for a valium - my dr has given them to me before

good luck sweetie

Re: Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?

>>Posted by Lisa982006

Im so sorry again

For my first d&c, I actually considered having no anesthesia> thats how afraid I was. It was my first surgery/procedure ever and I have really bad anxiety. The staff at the hospital made me feel a lot better and despite intense nerves, I forged ahead and WAS FINE. My biggest fear was Id feel myself getting drowsy and Id try to fight it; but that didnt happen. It goes so fast you wont even remember.

By the 2nd d&c, I was looking forward to the sleep.

If you need to talk, Im here for you!! >>

Ughhhh this is me. exactly. I've been putting off a d & c for um over a year because i'm totally petrified of surgery (never had it) and anesthesia>. Just the thought of the surgery freaks me to the max. sigh. I have to go thru with this and i'll just have to do it. I can't take the symptoms anymore.

for you!!!

Re: Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?

I wanted to try and respond to everyone individually since you have all been SO thoughtful with your responses!! I have found hearing about everyone's experiences to be extremely helpful... and in fact.. I actually started to feel MUCH better about my fear of anesthesia>. I'm just naturally very nervous about any medical procedure and the idea of not being aware of going on completely sets me in a panic.

In the meantime.. I came to terms with that.. but now I was thrown another curve ball which I just made another post about...

I was told there is a high likelihood I will need to be intubated (tube down throat that breathes for you) during the procedure.

Now................... that is just about to set me over the edge here with panic. If anyone has anything to share about this, please let me know! It just keeps getting scarier and scarier.. and that's not even counting the emotional part of all this

Re: Fear of <span style="background-color: #FFFF66; color: #000000;">anesthesiaspan>?