General Anaesthetic

[Toe]

Hi All,

I am due to have surgery on the 3rd April and I am very nervous, it is to remove 2 large neuromas in my right foot, I am not worried about the Surgery on the foot as such, but I am petrified about the Anaesthetic, for one I dont want to go to sleep and I asked could it not be done under local or even sedation (had this before) but the surgeon said 'No it is better if you are not awake' ...I had my ears pinned back and gromits done when I was about 9-10yrs old and that is the only major surgery I have had apart from teeth problems which I had sedation for...

The problem is I am a bag of nerves at this type of thing anyway, I think its a control thing but I have so many problems now with my Jaw, my back, my shoulders I think my fear and anxiety levels have increased over the years, lets say I am not as cool as I used to be

Being 28 I should be a little more cooler I know, but I have heard horror stories, people dying, ... I am even thinking of cancelling it... please tell me someone out there is/was the same ?

Help!!!! Thanks in advance

Toe x

[Finarda]

I've had two general anaesthetics and wouldn't hesitate to have another. When I was a kid, people often threw up after general anaesthetics but they've changed them now so I felt completely fine after the last one. My kids have each had two GAs too. Just think of it as a short sleep. Yes, people have died during GAs, but people have died eating their breakfast, crossing the street. Driving is one of the most dangerous things you could do, but I'm guessing you've been in a car It's a matter of risk vs benefit.

It's understandable to be anxious about something like this - my fear is stitches (which is a lot less rational fear!), everyone has fears about something.

Fiona

[paw]

I have had a number of surgeries, at least 4 general anesthesia and several regional anesthesia. For foot surgery (I worked for a foot surgeon and saw many foot ops) it is certainly possible to have local anesthesia. The question is will it be the RIGHT option for you. Since so many people with HMS or EDS don't get complete numbness with locals, it would not be a good choice.

I had regional anesthesia for the kidney donation (spinal) along with sedation and I don't remember ANYTHING past being taken into the OR and seeing my surgeon in his cap and gown. It was very similar with my shoulder surgery, the anesthesiologist put a regional block into my bicep then asked me to move my arm. It was dead weight and I could not move it or feel it in the least. Once I was settled in the OR, the sedation took over and I was out.

I do have poor response to locals for dental and other small things I have had in the past. If I need more surgery I personally liked the regional anesthesia and sedation. I have no need to watch them cut on me even though I have seen many surgeries and it does not bother me to watch it done on someone else. Relax and let yourself be taken care of. (I know the relax part won't happen, but give it a try.)

[Finarda]

I forgot to say, before you get the general, they typically give you something to relax you first (like conscious sedation) so you will probably find you're not as anxious as you might think. Paw's mention of local anaesthetics is valid - if dental anaesthetics don't work well for you then typically epidurals, spinals or just local in your foot won't work very well either (although they can be made to work, the anaesthetist just needs to know to adjust it).

Fiona

[Tiz]

I had a general anaesthetic when I was about 10 (I'm now 32) and felt absolutely awfull for a long time afterwards. I've had another 3 generals more recently and they're completely different now, I was made to feel very ill on one but that was from dehydration because I have low blood pressure and they made me go 17 hours without water in 30 degree heat before they gave me the anaesthetic, if anything like that happens to you just ask to be put on a drip, but I think it's very unlikely that that will happen (unless you're going to the useless hole that is Southampton General!). Seriously, dehydration aside, there's nothing to it. If it's a short procedure they may be able to give you gas instead of an injection, I had gas for one procedure and 15 minutes after they put me to sleep I was wide awake in recovery and demanding chocolate! It's so easy these days I completely forgot not to drive within 24 hours after one of mine and drove myself to work the next morning, when I came over a little bit dizy I got told off by my boss for being there at all and had to be taken home, but it just hadn't occured to me I shouldn't drive because I felt absolutely fine. Honestly, you'll be absolutely fine, I know it's a bit scary being put to sleep but it's really a complete doddle these days.

[Toe]

Thank you for your reassuring replies lovely people... I am not over the severe anxiety of waiting.... but I just hope all goes well.

Thanks again

Toe

[jax]

Try not to worry. My son's had surgery for an inguinal hernia and eye surgery for a squint, both under general anaesthetic. I've had
wisdom teeth removed, cyst removed, tonsils out under general anaesthetic and had no problems.

j