Scared!

Hi all! I am scheduled for surgery soon to remove ovarian cysts. I am not scared of the surgery or healing afterwards I am scared to death of the general anesthesia! I have never had surgery before and other than having my son, have never had to be in the hospital. Am I being silly? I would love to hear the experiences of other people. I guess it's the not knowing what to expect that is hard!

[Sandymac]

No need to be afraid of the anesthesia.. You won't even be aware of going to sleep .. they usually give you a little shot to relax you .. nice pleasant little feeling and most of the time one isn't aware of when the actual anesthesia is given.. Nothing to worry about.. The next thing you know (it seems like only a few minutes) the nurses are talking to you, speaking your name , and you gently "come back" ..

The thing that irritates me the most is that the nurses then keep hounding you to "breathe deeply", "stay awake".. and all I want to do is sleep !!! It doesn't take long to become more alert.

Don't worry about a thing.. it's just a little nap.. You feel nothing, you know nothing..You'll do just fine..

Sandy

[hcarr]

Oh, you sound like me.  I had my ovaries removed on May 21st.  I too had never had general anesthesia - just an epidural when my now 10 yr old daughter was born.  I am somewhat of a control freak and was SO scared about the general.  But Sandy is right, it really is a piece of cake.  I was so nervous that my BP was 144/75 before surgery (after 112/70 - which is more normal for me).  They gave me a relaxant but just as they were wheeling me to the OR so not much before.  All I remember was sliding over onto the OR table....and then out like a light.  My anesthesia nurse was really nice and kept saying I can't wait to give you something!  My biggest fear was the waking up part.  I woke up VERY easily and was so alert in the recovery room - very quickly.  I can tell you everything about the argument another nurse and dr were having across the room, was joking with the guy "driving' my stretcher back to my room, heard my dr out in the hallway say that my mother had come to join my husband in the waiting room, etc.  I'm shocked at how much I still remember b/c I thought it would all be a blur.  I didn't even sleep any more than usual for the next couple of days like I expected to.  My surgery lasted about 2 hours.  They must be really good at administering this stuff b/c it worked perfectly.  SO, I can totally understand your fear but I think you will be amazed at how much easier it is than you think.  I was.  Good Luck!

[cirella]

It's normal to be anxious before surgery.  Please tell your anesthesiologist how you feel when you get to the hospital the day of surgery.  Ask questions if you need to.  They will give you a little "cocktail" to calm you if you want it.  Take it!  It's like having a glass of wine.  Anesthesia is very safe and you'll wake up feeling like you've had the best nap you've ever had.  I always wish I could sleep that well every night.  

Some people have more sensitive stomachs and may get sick after waking up.  If you have a worry about that, there are drugs they can give you before surgery to help.

Good luck with your surgery and I hope you sail through well and have a very good experience with the anesthesia.

[JMP1030]

Thank you so much to everyone for your kind words. I feel better knowing all of you had a good experience. I will let you know how things turn out!

[JMP1030]

Hi all,

I had my surgery last Tuesday and everything went well. I had lots of endometriosis that the doctor removed as well as cysts in my left ovary and a cyst on my intestines. He was able to save my ovary but had to remove my left tube. I have my post op appointment next week so I hope that we will hear some good news about the possibility of baby #2. Thanks again for all your thoughts and advice. You guys were right. It went well and I had a pretty good experience. Thanks again. I hope all is well with everyone!

[Sandymac]

Glad it went well !! Keep us posted and don't overdo...

[stellag]

HI everyone,
I was diagnosed with a 8.5 cm hemorrhagic cyst/possibly enodmetrioma on my right ovary. I am waiting for a surgery date but my specialist sent me for a blood test Ca-125 which is a ovarian cancer test. Did any of you had to take this test or should i be worried?  I am wandering if he sent me for this test because he is woried about me or just because it is a routine test pre-surgery.

[pokabelly]

Hi I am so glad for you everything went ok. I know exactly how you were feeling. I am not 100% sure yet I need surgery but I think I do and I am scared to death of the anesthesia part of it. I have never had any operation at all. I have only been in hospital 1 time in my life when I had my son and that was 15 yrs ago natural childbirth- no drugs. I get panic attacks with medicines. Even when I go to dentist and they numb one side of your face and it goes around to the other side and numbs that as well I start to have a panic attack so that is what I am scared of....

[JMP1030]

Hello,

I am not sure if I had that blood test done or not. I had blood taken so many times that I lost count. I would not worry too much though. I have heard from other people that that is somewhat of a routine test when dealing with ovarian cysts. I also was told and read that even if that blood test comes back a little abnormal that it could be for other reasons besides cancer. The best thing is to just have the surgery done and let them send the cysts away to be tested. Then you will know for sure. I wish you luck and try not to worry too much. I know that is easier said than done. :-) Please let me know what happens.

[JMP1030]

Hi there,

I am just so glad I found this forum and was able to speak with all of you nice people. It is so good to know that other people have the same fears and thoughts that I had. I am very lucky. My surgery went very well and the staff at my hospital was wonderful. I was so worried about the anesthesia, but that actually turned out to be the easiest part. Just let the doctors know about your fears upfront and they will help you through it. I have to say the worst part was that my throat was really sore from tube that they used when you are sleeping during surgery. Other than that it was a little painful afterward but all in all I was very surprised at how well my recovery went. Thanks again to everyone for there support and kind words. Just try to relax and I wish you luck with whatever you have to have done. Keep us posted.

[JMP1030]

PS.. if you can go thru childbirth without any drugs, you are one brave woman and will do just fine during surgery!! :-)