General Anesthesia Questions!!

R

random mentalist.

New member
This March I will be undergoing my first surgical procedure that will require I be "put under" (scary term if you ask me). I just turned 20 this past December and have been fortunate enough to never need any surgery that required me being totally out. But I recently investigated some nasal issues I had been having for awhile and found out via my ENT here in Kansas City that I had a severely deviated septum as well as several nasal polyps lining my sinuses. The surgery will be to correct my septum and remove the polyps.

Now, regarding what I am really writing about...as I stated before this is my first rodeo and I just had a few things I'd like answers or opinions on, I'm quite nervous so any positive feedback will help!

1. What does it "feel" like as the IV/Gas begins to do its job, if anything at all?

2. Does that like sleep feeling last a while? (I've heard some people say it's as if they were knocked out then awoke in what felt like sheer minutes, though obvious hours had passed)

3. Is it true that if you tell your anesthesiaoligist prior to surgery that you are a person who gets sick to your stomach quite easily, especially in times of being nervous, that they will give you medicine that can make that disappear? (To be quite honest it's not the fear of the surgery that scares me, it's the waking up and feeling sick part. I absolutely HATE vomiting and I especially wouldn't want to with my nasal system being in a manner that throwing up would not help/probably hurt)

4. I'm into horror flicks and thrillers, so I'm going to ask the question about something that is probably one of the most rare things that happen during surgery, but I am also slightly nervous that I will be "awake" during surgery. It is to my knowledge the anesthesiaologist never leaves the room and monitors brain activity to watch for any increase in whatever it is that signals a mentally "awake" patient, but just wanted to check and see what others have to say about this.

5. And this is for anyone who has had nasal surgery before, is there any like drainage tubes that will be coming out of my nose or anything post-op with something like this? Just curious.


Thank you everyone for reading! Any advice, opinions, stories, etc. would be greatly appreciated!
 
Let's see...no, you don't "feel" anything. It's just like going to sleep on your own...you just go to sleep and wake up thinking it's just been a few minutes.
No, you should not have drainage tubes but you should ask your surgeon about that and any packing, etc that you may have. Yes, you will have a chance to talk with the anesthesiologist beforehand and you can address the nausea situation. Almost everyone is given anti- nausea meds before surgery but some get something stronger and additional if they have a history of problems. However, keep in mind that they also make you drowsy and they don't want to overdo it because of that.
And yes, someone will be monitoring you the entire time and will administer additional anesthesia if required.
 
Hi KCityTiger! I was a little younger than you are my first time "under the influence". All four wisdom teeth had to come out at once and they used ether in those days!!! I'm dating myself; but, compared with ether, anything they do now is a walk in the park!

Going under you will probably not even remember exactly when it happened (I think everyone gets IV these days.). I have been under a number of times now, using various anesthesias, and I never remember feeling nauseous (I'm moderately prone to nausea.). You will probably not have eaten for a day before surgery, so I believe that is one thing you can put out of your mind . . . but talk with the doctor beforehand to set your mind at ease and because I'm sure they want to avoid you throwing up too.

The only time I have had the sensation of not remembering having been asleep at all was recently under a relaxant for a colonoscopy. (Actually, it's the same stuff Michael Jackson took.) It was a very strange feeling, though. But technically it is not anesthesia. Any time I have had full anesthesia, I remember having been asleep.

I believe waking up during surgery is from back in the days of ether. I have heard of people not going completely out under relaxants for procedures such as colonoscopies, but not anesthesia.

Anticipating is always the worst part! Attempt to keep busy with other things!
 
I have had a few surgeries in my day and anesthesia is just like falling asleep and waking up. The anesthesiologist generally meets with you a head of time to ask and answer questions and that will be the time to talk about your fear of vomiting...of course no one wants to be nauseated or vomit but let him/her explain what they can do for you about that issue. I have never had nasal surgery but my guess is that they will put packing in your nose that will stay there for a while after surgery to keep your nose in alignment while it heals. That too would be a question for the surgeon if he meets with you just before surgery. You are young and otherwise healthy so you will sail through without problems. Good luck.
 
I have never had nasal surgery, but I have had my gallbladder out (the old-fashioned way) and a hip replacement. The 'going under' thing is scary to everyone because basically you are giving up total control of your body. If you trust your doctor, please know they will respect your body and take very good care of you! When you talk to the anesthesiologist, please explain that you are prone to nausea. They can put a patch behind your ear which controls nausea very well, but it is a drug and as with any drug, there can be side effects. That's why you need to visit with the anesthesiologist. The feeling of 'going under' is rather blissful and you won't be frightened, trust me. As for waking up during surgery, I had the same fears and my surgeon and the anesthesiologist ASSURED me there's not a chance because you are very carefully monitored by several people. Try not to worry--you are young and should bounce back quickly! Good luck to you!
Soibhan
 
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