Have to have an operation in June

[corrieberry]

I have a problem with the bone in my jaw and they are operating on it at the end of June. I have to go under GA and I'm a bit terrified. Can anyone share their experiences of GA? Perhaps if you have any horror stories, you could keep the actual horror out as much as possible...but I know it's not all roses and sunshine, and I'd like to know the best and the worst bits.

Like, do you have any memory between going to sleep and waking up? I think that's what terrifies me the most. Like, just switching me off for a few hours...

[Zoopism]

Hey there! Sorry to hear about your jaw but you have NOTHING to fear

2 years ago I had an ovarian cyst (10cm x 14cm - Ginormous!!). To begin with they didn't know what it was as I only had back pain. Once they found out what it was they scheduled me for surgery - very scared!!
I was only 17 so they let me have my own room (instead of the wards). I had several blood tests and those little things in my hands (very happy to have them out!)

I remember being wheeled to the pre open room, I was getting very scared as it was ACTUALLY real! The lady was very nice, told me to count back from 10. I remember getting to 7, then I remember waking up again in the pre open room. Apparently, I went 10, 9, 8, 7, 7, 7, 7...

It isn't anything to worry about, and the scar I have is really well done (it is almost invisible!). If you are worried, maybe take someone you trust so when you wake up you have them

Best of luck x

[souffle]

I hope your op goes well corrieberry.
I've had several GA's and I found it just the same as zoopism. They ask you to count and it's just like falling asleep. When you wake up it's all done. You feel a bit groggy but that soon passes once you have had a drink and been to the loo. Be sure to drink plenty when you come round as I'm sure that helps things get back to normal more quickly.
Good luck - we'll all be thinking of you.

[BrainGirl]

I've had a couple of fairly major surgeries and I was scared going in both times. More scared of the first one because I'd never had a GA! But it was so easy. That first time the anesthesiologist asked me what my favourite food was and I said "sushi". I remember him saying "sushi!?" in a surprised voice and then I woke up in recovery

I never had any side effects from the anesthetic, just be sure you follow the instructions, one of which is to take nothing by mouth several hours (Is it 12 hours? 24?) before you go in. That is important because you'll be sick when you wake up if you do. If you're really scared and upset they might be able to give you Diazepam before the GA.

[RedSky]

I have had two GA since last September. The first time I was terrified as I had only had a GA before as a child (about 8 years old) and couldn't remember much other than not feeling tired and then counting. Boom I was asleep.
Was similar both of these times, but I didn't count either time. I just took a couple of deep breaths and was out like a light.
First time I only remember waking up in the ward where I stayed until I was discharged. Although I was told by one of the male nurses that I had been flashing my knickers! I am hoping it was to help me come around as I had my legs down at the time but just force my eyes open.
The second time I remember waking up with the tube still in my throat. Before you start to worry, there was no pain and I would have thought I of all people would have been in a blind panic but it just felt a bit off and I couldn't talk. Someone realised I was coming around quickly and took it out. Again no pain, or panic just felt a bit odd. I giggled for some odd reason and next thing I knew I was waking up in the ward again.
So don't worry, all will be fine. Just don't flash anyone!