[knm30554]

I've never been put to sleep except for having oral surgery and that was with an iv drip of valium. I'm really nervous about being put to sleep and think I might be too wound up or nervous when I'm laying on the operating table and the moment is here to go to sleep. I am also terrified of them putting that tube down my throat. I'm afraid I will feel it or I'll wake up with it still in.
How will they put me to sleep? Will they give me something to relax me before they put me to sleep?
Yes, I know I'm a chicken but I'm one of these people that have to have control and I'm afraid that if I go to sleep then I won't wake up!!

[terry]

that was my fear being put to sleep iwentthrough it like a baby you will not no a thing not even tube down throat when i woke up 2 hrs later i didnt know anything good luck dont worry

[BreeChick]

most of the docs and the anesthes doc will have you take something before they even take you into the surgery suite so not to worry. Plus the good thing is what they use gives you some major amnesia...you won't remember a thing about much until you are fully awake..For some that is in the recovery room, others like me nothing until really the next day or two except for vague memories. But it depends a lot on what they also give ya for pain!

it's gonna be OK!!!!


-bree

[Jerry]

I havnt had my bypass sergury yet, but I have had other serguries done on me. I do no this. They will put you to sleep but before they do they will make you feel so relaxed, that before you no it ,its time for you to wake up! I do promise you that. Jerry

[DocSanae]

Usually, they first give you a pill to sedate you--make you calm.
Once you are in the OR, the IVs are set up, and something to put you to sleep is added to the drip. Once you are asleep, you are intubated for the the actual anesthesia gas. There is no way you will have the tube put in you while you are conscious, even remotely, as it is virtually impossible to intubate someone who is conscious--the reflex to get anything/everything out of the airway that shouldn't be there will kick in major time, and not allow the anesthesiologist to put the tube down your airway unless you are asleep and your muscle relaxed (muscle relaxant is used to make sure you are fully relaxed).

When the surgery is done. The the anesthesiologist will make sure that you are breathing on your own, lower/cut the anestheisa gas and pull the tube out. You may or may not be given oxygen depending on. As BreeChick says, you will be going in and out at first, then gradually come fully awake. One of my cousins who had to have surgery for a chest tumor (non-malignant) last summer described the waking up as like having a very bad hangover and coming out of it.

[Kenyar]

i was a nervous wreck. They didnt ive me a pill. They gave me a shot of something that KNOCKED ME OUT RIGHT AWAY. I never saw any tubes or anyone cutting me open or anything like that. When i woke up i just started blinking and woke up a little confused because i wasnt in the room where everything started. I also distinctly remember the urge to cough. I promise you, the anticipation is more than the experience itself. you'll be fine.

[DocSanae]

Oh, yes, the urge to cough. And you will be told to cough, as your throat and trachea will be irritated from the tube, so you'll have some inflammation. You need to cough up the discharge, and since your airway is still a bit weak from the anesthesia, it's going to take some effort for most people.