Terrified of anesthetic

[kristinesue]

I am due to see orthopedic surgeon tomorrow after he gave me two weeks to decide if I would have surgery to mend a complete rotator cuff tear, he has told me it will be an open repair and has explained that it will be a painful recovery with arm in shoulder hoist for up to seven weeks, that does not worry me but what does is I am terified of having general anesthetic, I did ask if I could have it done under local and keyhole but he said no he does not use that method and that if I dont have the open surgery he will just discharge me and I wil just have to live with the pain. Could this operation be done under a local anesthetic or is there anything else I could do apart from having the surgery. I would really appreciate any information

[Suri123]

Hi kristinesue, how are you? You need not get panicky about general anesthesia, generally all major surgeries are done under GA, it is used on 1 year old baby to elderly individuals of 80 plus. Before the surgery anesthetist will consult you to know your medical history and you may clear all your concerns. Postoperatively you may develop some nausea, vomiting and sore throat due to GA, but you will get over the same day. I suggest you to go ahead with the rotator cuff surgery and get relieved of the pain; you will not even remember the phase you are feared of once the surgery is done. Take care.

[kristinesue]

Thank you for your reply, I know I am being silly but I guess its just a fear Ive got, guess it dosent help with the work that I am in as I have seen the results of quite a few of the things that have gone wrong at my local hospital, oh well off to the hospital soon  and will see what the Doctor says  

[nevadamel]

Hi~
I am not a Doctor so can not comment of how to fix your problem. But I can comment of using a general. I am 64, two years ago I shatter my leg and was under the first for 5 1/2 plus hours - other than waking up very groggy and having an urgent need to use the facilities, I had no ill effects. I have had two more experiences sense then ( a bone graft and an appendix removal) w/o any problems - they were all like going to sleep, just really fast. One minute you're looking up at the ceiling, the next your waking up in recovery. Good luck (from the colonies!!)