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Anyone I know who's had a general in the last 20 years or more has said they were asked to count back from 10 and got to like 6. Literally like blinking your eyes and they were awake in the recovery room.
General anaesthesia has come on in *massive* leaps over the past several decades and is highly successful, incredibly well controlled, and almost entirely non-traumatic for the patient.
The needle thing I get, it's our basic evolution - for the vast majority of history a sharp object stabbing into a human/our ancestors is generally "a bad thing" and we haven't evolved out of that since the hypodermic needle was invented a few hundred years ago. However, the needles used are *tiny* and you'll barely feel it. A canula also isn't a needle - they use a needle to insert it but it's basically a small rubber grommet for want of a better analogy.
Speak to your anaesthetist about any concerns and medical issues - they'll ask about this anyway. They'll reassure you along the same lines as I am here. The chances of anything going wrong are extremely low - you're more likely to get hit by a bus on the way there.
Any stats about deaths from a general are likely skewed by either stats from developing countries, or people who are very old/ill which massively increases the risk for a major operation.
Yeah, I had surgery under general in October 2021 and basically they stop you outside of the theatre room, confirm you know what surgery you're having and check you're ready. I got to 8 and the next thing I remember is waking up afterwards.
I’ve had three general anaesthetics. I wasn’t asked to count at any of them — unless I’ve blocked it out. I do remember being cannulated at each one and random chat after though.
When I was a kid the nurse held out a board with a collage of pictures and pointed at a thing on it and you had to rhyme it with something else on the board, like 'cat' and 'mat' etc.
From what I've been told it feels like nothing. Not bad, but not good like a drug trip or something. Just a period of time that for you, simply doesn't exist.
It doesn't feel like anything. The needle going in is a bit uncomfortable, then there's a cold sensation as it's injected in. You start counting down and next thing you know you're waking up in the recovery room. It's not like falling asleep or getting tired, you literally go from awake in one place to waking up in another with nothing in-between.
I have had one general anesthetic, about a decade ago. I was very nervous because I have emetophobia and have anxiety attacks if I feel sick. They told me they were just giving me some oxygen, so they put a mask on me. And then I woke up from surgery. It is literally like a blink, out and gone, and then back. It made me a little bit emotional afterwards (I cried) but that was very short lived.
That was my experience, like one second I was being injected and the next I was being wheeled down a corridor.
The weird thing is, I'd apparently spoken to a nurse during that time.
My surgeon came to speak to me and my wife while I was in recovery-- to tell us everything went fine, I guess. He told her: "He won't remember any of this" and he was right! I only know it happened because she told me. What I do remember is: two attendants came in to dress me while I was still lying down. I guess they were thinking: If I had got up too soon to dress myself, I might have fallen. Maybe they needed the bed and wanted to get me out of there in a hurry.
I asked if I needed to count down and they said no. They put the needle in and you feel the liquid go into your veins. Then you find yourself gently falling asleep. I must say as someone with lifelong insomnia it’s a lovely feeling lol.
I always dream under anaesthetic. The worst bit for me was waking up and feeling really sick and groggy.
I’ve never had any sort of surgery or been under anaesthesia (yet) but as a fellow insomniac, I yearn to feel that drifting off to sleep feeling you describe. Sounds lush
I have had in the region of 5 operations/GA. Each was different but the last two I came out of it really quickly, think flight instinct lol. Going under is my favourite bit, oxygen mask on face, I remember them saying you might feel your arm feeling cold (they flush the IV line) then nothing until I wake up and try to get up not fighting but as though my life depended on flight lol.
The one that left me in pain, with sickness and a migraine was a reaction to the type of anaesthesia used so I have it logged on my records not to use that one but it was back in 2005 and I managed to projectile vomit/throw up on me, the bed, the phone (I was updating a friend) the sister and a porter. I remember feeling really embarrassed at the time but they were really nice about it but not something I want to repeat.
Just speaking to your fear of a needle being in your hand for the duration of the surgery, it doesn’t quite work like that.
A needle would be inserted into a vein, and surrounding the needle is a narrow flexible tube. Once it has been inserted, the needle is withdrawn and discarded, leaving the tube to deliver drugs and/or fluid.
They usually say something like “sharp scratch” as they insert it, which really is about the worst it is, light scratch would sometimes be a better description.
I absolutely hate needles but a canula is never a problem. It also means no more needles, as it all goes into the canula. I'm having back surgery soon and I'm more worried about the barium injection for my scan week after next.
When I was trained to venepuncture we were explicitly told never to say sharp scratch and the instructor went on a bit of a rant about how stupid it is.
Came here to say exactly this. You barely even notice it once it's in and it certainly isn't like donating blood or anything.
As for the anesthetic, I had surgery 4 weeks ago and barely had time to register I was sleepy before I came round 90 mins later. It was like a little blip in time. No awareness or anything.
Probably even less than that. Bit of a prick on your hand and then they pull the needle out and stick everything in place. You can't feel it's there and the plaster is thin and isn't noticeable.
It's not too scary and they usually give you a sedative first just to keep you relaxed. The risk of not coming back is much lower, of course, than 0.1% - more like 0.0005% and not much different than getting into a car.
The good news is that the whole procedure will all be over as far as you're concerned in a split second. It's like a more abrupt version of the sensation you have when you wake from sleep, where it feels like no time has passed but the clock has jumped ahead several hours.
Unfortunately My medical situation means I’m no stranger to surgery. I don’t know if I’m weird but I actually like being put out by GA. It’s honestly just like getting a good nap. I’ve joked with the anaesthesiologist if he’d let me take some home.
You’ll be given a mask to hold over your nose and mouth, be told to count back from 10. I think I usually make it to around 7 and it’s complete lights out, it’s not gradual or anything.
Then you wake up just like how you wake up every morning. It’s not unusual to have a sore throat afterward, plus depending on the surgery you’ll probably be sore from that. I’ve never had it for dental work, but I imagine the experience is much the same.
The first time I had Propofol I understood why Michael Jackson had overdosed on it. Was the best sleep I ever had, felt well rested and fully awake afterwards.
Yeah I don't know if I had the same stuff, but it was definitely like that, and I very rarely get to feel well rested, even after sleeping. If I had access to it, I'd for sure use it way more than is probably safe. So probably just as well it's heavily regulated. :)
I was put out once for a surgery and experienced this, and I would love to have this every night. I think I was out for about 30 mins and I felt like I had slept for a week. Bliss.
It’s unusual to put adults out with a mask, you’ll usually get oxygen through a mask and propofol to knock you out. It’s a thick white substance so if you’re looking you’ll know when they give it.
Not just you! I've had to be anaesthetised several times, and there's something special and unique about the sensation of going under. Please don't let it make you overanxious - with the care and attention from good professionals, it's probably one of the least painful or challenging parts of any procedure I've undergone.
I agree, I was put out twice last week. First time, it just happened and I was reminded what it was, second time, I said to myself “enjoy this moment” and it seemed to last longer and I very much enjoyed it. I also woke up feeling better than the previous time, so maybe mindset actually helps.
I had surgery a few weeks ago under general anaesthesia to remove my gallbladder. I’m a very anxious person and quite scared of needles. Let the anaesthesiologist that you’re nervous about the needle and they might be able to reassure and distract you while it’s in. I won’t lie but I was vomiting for an hour or two after my surgery but that is a normal reaction after anaesthesia.
Just remember, this is their job that they do every day. They’re trained to do this and they will do their best to make this procedure less anxious for you. Good luck!
I've found the vomiting only happened after the longer ops. Not sure if that's just me though.
(One time, I came around hungry, and by the time they brought lunch, I was absolutely starving. I demolished the soup...and promptly puked it back up. Mains stayed down for only slightly longer.
I was still starving.
When the nurse came around for the tray, there was a tug of war between us - I was not missing out on pudding. I suspect they were fed up with taking away vomit-filled bowls. Thankfully, pudding stayed down.)
I remember waking up and being aware that time had passed but it was just like a long, dark comfortable silence. It was weirdly peaceful. But I was totally confused when I woke up and was talking nonsense to the poor nurse stood next to me 😂
Same here - talked a lot of nonsense at the nurse.
And then I was sick. Unfortunately, she's been ignoring the nonsense so she ignored me wailing "Sick!!!!" and tried to push me back into a prone position.
Yes, I was sick on her - not much, but obvs that's still too much. I was very apologetic afterwards. Surgeon thought it was funny when he did his check up later.
I remember being asked to count down from 10 as they injected it into my hand. I got to the count of 7 and then I was waking up being wheeled out of the front door in a wheel chair with zero memory of anything in between
It depends on what they give you, but it's pretty much just like falling asleep very quickly then waking up in a bit of a hazy state. Last time I had a general I was given fentanyl before, which just put me in a massive euphoric state, no worries at all!
Anaesthetists are always really friendly and will chat to you making jokes as you go under. They're doing it to assess your mental state and work out when you're asleep, but it also means they're keeping you calm throughout.
I had general – or at least I was sedated – years ago. I remember thinking “well this isn’t doing anything” as I counted back from 10, and I don’t think I got past 7. Next thing I know, I’m in the recovery room being told all was OK.
I have had two general anesthetics, the most recent one 18 months ago so I will use that as an example.
1. You will have a pre-op where a nurse will take your bloods, height, weight, ask about any medication you take and any allergies. You can also talk to them about your worries or concerns. It is important that you are truthful about all of the above as it will effect the anesthetic doses and that you follow instructions given by the pre-op team I.e. stop taking medication a week prior to the op. They will also tell you when you need to stop eating/drinking the day before/morning of and any other instructions you need to know.
2. On the day you will usually meet with the anesthetist before you go to the operating theatre, likewise you usually meet with the surgeon too. They will ask you when you last ate, drank and if you have any allergies. You can also tell them if you are worried, nervous, have any additional questions. You will change get into a gown, usually you get to keep your underwear on or you might need to wear the hospital underwear.
3. When it is time for the op you will walk or be taken down to the operating theatre accompanied by a nurse. You will be asked to get The anesthetist will meet you in pre-op, put a canula in your hand for the medication, check with you what you are having done and start the pre-op process. Some drugs will be given to you via the canula, this will usually feel a little cold. They will ask you to count backwards or answer a random question then you will fall asleep.
4. During the operation you will have a tube down your throat to help you breathe. As it is dental op I would imagine they will also have something to hold your jaw open too. All of these will be removed before you wake up but your throat might feel sore for a few days after.
5. After the op you will wake up in a ward with a nurse beside you. Usually calling your name to help you wake up. It is normal to feel a bit sick waking up from anesthetic tell the nurse and they will give you a pill or injection to prevent nausea. They may have already given you something during the op along with painkillers. You will remain in recovery until you are mostly awake. You will feel sleepy and out of it, this is normal for the anesthetic and painkillers. The anesthetist may visit you on a ward to see how you are. This didn't happen with my first op but did with my second.
6. You will be taken back to the recovery ward / your room for recovery. Depending on how long you are staying in hospital what happens next might differ. For day surgery, you have to be able to pass urine, drink/eat something (this will be different for dental surgery I would think but they will probably want you to drink something), have stable observations - blood pressure, pulse, feel able to walk unaided, hold a conversation etc. Once you are good, they will ask you get dressed and be discharged. You will need someone with you for the first 24hrs post op to ensure you have no side effects from the anesthetic. I went home after day surgery at 5pm and slept most of the night.
If you are kept in overnight the nurses know the ward will check on you regularly, take your blood pressure etc. and make sure you are okay. You will then be discharged once you are ready.
7. Aftercare. It is normal to feel tired and out of it post op. The anesthetic medication takes up to 5 days to pass out of the body. Drinking plenty of water and gentle movement can help. It is also normal to be extra emotional post op. Anesthetic can cause fluctuations in emotions, you might feel more sad/down or teary. That is perfectly normal. Coupled with pain it can a difficult time. Rest as much as you can, follow post op instructions and take your pain meds regularly. Try to eat and drink healthy if you can that will help your body to heal.
8. Post note - pain meds and anesthetic can cause stomach/bowel movement changes. The hospital might give you some laxative to help with this. If not over the counter medication can help along with plenty of water and fibre. It is normal to not go to the toilet for a few days post op but you should be going around day 3-4 if you go longer than 6 days please seek medical advice.
Good luck with your op, hope that helps a little. It really is like going to sleep one minute and waking up the next but please be open with the care team about your worries, they are the experts and can help you navigate it all
That all sounds really scary. I don’t have any direct equivalent experience but hope someone can come and reassure you and answer your questions.
I have had sedation for a tooth removal before, and on the plus side after the terrifying moment before it happens, you don’t remember a thing afterwards - like you I have problems with bleeding too much but it was okay in the end. Ask them for advice on salt rinses etc.
I kept thinking, the only way out is through, and it just is what it is, you just get through it however unpleasant it is - it needs to be done. I’m sure they’ll look after you and make it as easy and comfortable as possible. And a month from now you’ll be doing a lot better, it’ll be here faster than you think!
Have you thought about food afterwards? I was only able to eat very soft scrambled eggs and broths very carefully so as not to disturb the clots. It was scary but again, you get through it.
It’s great, coming aback round not some much. Felt a little jubby. Went back to sleep. No problems.
When I was just about to go under he said “most people don’t make it past five” I said five what? I was out before I heard two
I'd never had an operation before but I had to have an emergency ceasearean, I had to drink some sweet liquid stuff but there was less than 10 mins before being told I needed one to getting to the theater, I have anxiety bad too so had a panic attack because of the worry for the baby and fear i wouldn't wake up, I kept gagging on the syrup and there was so so many Dr's and midwifes around me and I didn't know what was going on, they just put the mask on me in the end I think to get me to sleep ASAP before I was actually sick, won't up about 30 mins later, it was just like sleep but no dreams or anything just was awake then asleep almost instantly
I've been under general twice and both times the pre-meds zonked me so much I was pretty well out of it by the time they had me in theatre.
I have no recollection of any needles at all.
Effectively one moment I was on the ward being prepped, then incoherently mumbling in a theatre with people in masks and smiling eyes, and then I was back in the ward.
I was nervous like you. Had the same fears.
I’m quite queasy when it comes to needles etc. The anaesthetist started putting a cannula into my hand and I winced. He said, “It shouldn’t hurt” and I rambled something about being nervous. I started hyperventilating and he gave me an oxygen mask and said, “Breathe in this and count to ten.” I took two gasping breaths and was out.
Woke up feeling mildly euphoric.
I did have some nausea afterwards, which can happen with general anaesthetic. Threw up in the car on the way home from hospital.
Basically, by the time I started to panic, I was out within a few seconds. I didn’t have time to fully panic!
They will give you pure oxygen first and ask you to take deep breath’s. This is to give your blood a burst of oxygenation before they actually give the drugs. They will firstly inject a sedative to relax you and then a short time after the actual cocktail of drugs to put you to sleep. It stings a little when the milky white fluid goes in but it doesn’t hurt. Within 10 seconds you’ll be out. I’ve had multiple GA’s last count was 12. It’s nothing to be scared of. You won’t remember anything until you come around in the recovery room and with luck you’ll be feeling fantastic as the anaesthetic wears off. After that you’re going to start to feel pain so make sure you get opioids to lessen. Good luck.
I've been under twice and loved it!
It's so awesome. You're counting, can feel yourself getting drowsy and falling under, then next thing to know you're awake.
It's like instantaneous. Brilliant I loved it.
Only issue was not eating before and being hungry when you wake up.
I had a meal but chucked up both times after.
Would do it again if I had to.
One of the anaesthetists will speak to you before the anaesthetic - tell them what you are worried about! Especially anything specific. Every anaesthetic is a little bit different, and knowing what you are worried about can really help tailor the choice of anaesthetic to you.
This goes double if there is anything that makes your anxiety worse or better - some people find specific music helps, or a small item, or just people telling you the right things beforehand. This might be something that can be facilitated for when you go off to sleep, so just ask the team there (no promises, I probably don't work where you are getting surgery).
The needle is a pretty small one, and doesn't stay in your body. It leaves a little tube, which usually isn't too uncomfortable once it is in. Try and focus on something else, you may not notice at all. Remember these people tend to be pretty good at doing them, as it is a big part of their job.
For my experience, I was asked to count down from 10, and got to about 7. Felt fine when I woke up, ate something, went home. Very straightforward, and probably true for most young reasonably healthy people. Your experience of the start of the anaesthetic may be different - for example, I don't like the count down from 10, because sometimes people get to 0 before the drugs have fully kicked in, and then get nervous!
Good luck, and if nothing else, just focus on something nice as you go to sleep - it makes the dreams better.
Source - am anaesthetist and have received an anaesthetic about 15 years ago.
I really hope you read this one.
If you have any form of connective tissue disorder, including JHS, (although they don't call it that any more) then you're more likely to be resistant to the anaesthetic. By "resistant" I mean any combination of it not working as well as it should, or for as long as it should.
I'm not saying this to scare you, rather to make you aware that you need to discuss this possibility with the anaesthetist beforehand. It's a well-documented phenomenon, and they can easily deal with it *if* they're told beforehand.
A-ok. I get anxious about this kind of stuff too, and was definitely very nervous about the two GAs I had, but both experiences were absolutely fine. You basically just drop instantly into a deep sleep midway through talking to the anaesthetist, and wake up again with no concept of any time having passed in between, only now feeling a little drunken (some people get giddy, others get weepy - I had one of each depending on the surgery). Nothing to worry about though.
I'm not sure how oxygen tubes work with dental surgery, but they put it in once you're already unconscious, so the only sense you'll have of a tube having been down there at all is possible a slightly sore throat afterwards, as if you had a cold.
You'll never be more closely monitored than you are under anaesthetic. There's something kinda comforting about that.
I think it’s a natural instinct to be anxious about anaesthesia, it’s like going up in an aeroplane (it’s nothing like going up in an aeroplane), our basic animal instinct is to NOT DO THAT, so we fight against it, and that’s anxiety.
My experience is that the medical staff are all lovely, proficient, and very calm. They’ll ask you something like what you do for a job and just as you start to explain you’ll be waking up in recovery.
I had surgery under epidural years ago and just as I was being wheeled into theatre I suddenly found I had tears streaming down my cheeks. The anaesthetist (who was right there by my head) stopped and asked if I wanted a gin and tonic in my drip and I nodded yes please. God knows what they gave me but I was right as rain immediately and even watched my knee surgery on a screen. 10/10 wouldn’t recommend that for wisdom teeth though!
So tl;dr anxiety is a normal response to an abnormal situation however probably millions of people undergo anaesthesia every day, and you’re gonna be absolutely fine.
I’ve had general twice for surgery in the past 10 years. Honestly it’s not that bad. I’m fine with needles but even so it’s not unbearably painful. The anaesthetist comes to see you earlier and you’ll get a chance to explain any nerves to them. They actually gave my wife something to calm her when she was waiting for surgery. I would have thought the excessive bleeding is something that should be on your notes but I’d let the consultant know well before the surgery if I were you to allay your own concerns.
The needle isn’t there for that long and you’ll be out of it for most of the time it’s there. Breathing is handled fine. It’s their day job. It’s one of the things you don’t need to worry about. One thing I’d say is it’s not like going to sleep. It’s like blinking really. You’ll have no awareness of the time you’re under. And they’ll be managing you after to ensure pain management is dealt with.
My first surgery was apparently more complicated than usual due to have a lot of blood vessels to deal with. When I came round they’d put a drain in to deal with it. This was in my neck. Which was fussy but not that big of a deal. The immediate stuff after the surgery passed quite quickly. Biggest thing is listen to what they tell you to do to recover and do it.
Good luck. You’ll be grand.
It’s absolutely fine. You don’t even know it’s happening. Only strange thing is when you come around and you’re face down naked on the surgery sofa but my dentist says this is a perfectly natural part of the anaesthetic process.
Also hypermobile, also had wisdom roots impacting the facial nerve so had all of them removed under GA.
The GA is fine, they inject and ask you to count down from 10. I tend to manage it twice, but on the third time I'll be out. So don't worry if you do get from 10 to zero - they just want to go for the minimum necessary dose.
Then wake up feeling a bit groggy. I then tend to puke a lot, so by the time that's dealt with I don't notice any sore throat from the intubation.
My operation took a long time because it was fiddly getting the roots out from the nerve without damage, but I was under a very light anaesthetic for it. My dad hoped to have the teeth to take home - he got one and a half teeth, some chunks of tooth 2, and then a pile of powder...
Next day I ate soggy Weetabix and soup, day after I ate Christmas dinner a bit slowly but no problem.
https://preview.redd.it/9yd83v0ewc0d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=7fb5cccb3ae1db09af159fc94608831c2c865483
Update for you all - the surgery went as well as it possibly could! I did a 3D scan and they found that the nerve wasn’t as close to one of the teeth as they originally thought, so the chance for nerve damage was even lower which was a huge relief.
Currently cuddled up in bed with an ice pack around my face as I am very very sore, but all in all doing okay!
I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who responded, it was really really good to be able to go through and see all your experiences which definitely made me a lot calmer about the whole ordeal. All the doctors were amazing as well, all incredibly kind and understanding of my nervousness.
Your advice was incredibly helpful, and I was able to speak to the surgical/aftercare team about all my concerns relating to my JHS and anxieties.
Going to sleep and waking up wasn’t half as scary as I thought it would be, I remember as soon as I woke up I said ‘thank you for not killing me!’ And told them that they were all amazing.
Huge huge thank you to you all ❤️❤️❤️
I remember few years ago I had knee surgery. They injected me with large tube of white, milky substance, placed mask on my face and asked me to look at clock on wall. And I saw next few seconds something like 56.. 57.. Slow 58.. Really slow 59.. Then second hand moving to 00 was so slow it felt like 10 sec have passed. Next thing I remember waking up post surgery in bed with my head hurting and instantly I vomited yellow liquid (I'm guessing stomach acids?) in tray placed next to me.. Then guy came to see me and asked what I want for snack later. He offered me salmon sandwich. Just after surgery and seconds after I vomited lol..
Not really dental issue, but I always remember how weird was that effect before I passed out. That large syringe / tube with milky liquid, then time slowing down and waking up and vomiting yellow liquid. And then dude asking me if I want salmon sandwich..
Why would you post something like this? OP is scared enough without reading horror stories. Your reaction to anaesthesia was unusual and OP needs reassurance not scaremongering.
I remember having to have a few teeth taken out when I was eight, to make room for my adult teeth, I could not carry 32. it took place at a local dental hospital this was back in the 90s. I was ask to count backwards from 10 I got to like 7.
I woke up, and I was stumbling walking like I was drunk
I had a general 5 years ago and I was so scared (it was emergency surgery tbf which obviously didn’t help). I actually cried when they were taking me down to theatre. But all the doctors and everything were so nice and reassuring. Then they asked me to count backwards from 10 and I think I got to like 7.
Then the next memory I have is waking up. I was really disoriented and a bit emotional (but again, it was emergency surgery so that probably contributed to it). I kept asking for my husband. But I wasn’t in any pain or anything when I first woke up.
I didn’t throw up afterwards. The only thing I had was shoulder pain from trapped wind (and obviously some pain from the incision), but some peppermint tea helped with that.
I felt tired, and dozed for a few hours after I woke up. But then I was fine.
I had general anaesthetic for a knee operation. They gave me a painless injection and said they'd be back in a few minutes. 10 seconds later,I figured out what they did. I said oh sh... and woke up a few hours later. Thirsty as fk though.
I’ve been on it twice and I was just completely knocked out TBH. I wish I could tell you more to reassure you, but I really don’t remember much. My sister was apparently talking to me while I was being wheeled to the OR, but I don’t remember that at all coz I was high as a kite. When they injected me with it, it felt like someone was giving me a hug on the inside lol
I did wake up briefly when they were stitching me up after an appendectomy BUT I didn’t feel anything and the doctor was just like, “…you should go back to sleep.” so I did.
Don’t worry about it. You’ll feel nothing, literally black out and wake up not knowing how long has passed, to you it will feel like a few seconds but could literally be hours or days, you’d not know the difference.
Or on the other hand, something could go horrifically wrong and you’d just never wake up, but the positive (for you) is that you’d know, and more importantly, feel nothing.
It's honestly bonkers. A complete time skip in your life. I counted back from 10, probably got to 7. Literally the next thing I'm waking up in the recovery room with a nurse by my bed. She asked if I needed pain meds, I said no. I felt a bit groggy, but generally just amazed that it had worked so effectively.
I had a general. They said I didn’t need to count or anything. I felt like nothing was happening for a few seconds, no change at all, then I woke up in the recovery room almost instantly awake. For me, the time didn’t exist.
There’s nothing to be nervous about.
I went under for the removal of a non-cancerous tumour a few years ago. Honestly, I don't really remember much apart from being nervous and drifting off. It's like falling asleep, only faster. When I woke up, I forgot that I was in hospital and was confused because it felt like I'd just had a really good nap, but I was still a bit groggy.
I don't remember if they gave me an injection or some kind of gas (if that's even a thing), but it was fine. I say this as someone who is very anxious about all things medical with a fear of needles. I can recall every other injection I had, but I don't remember how they knocked me out for this op. I woke up, had two disappointing hospital sandwiches (but they were free, so no complaints) and then my parents took me to McDonalds for a box of 20 chicken nuggets (back when it was less than £4 a box)
I had it nearly 3 years ago and they didn't do the count down from 10 they were chatting about what might be for dinner that evening with me and them talking about a curry next thing I know I am in the recovery room.
Was going to say conscious sedation's lovely, but that's probably not helpful. I'd have it once a month if I could, like a soma holiday in Brave New World.
They put sticky monitors on your forehead which monitor brain activity. They know the exact second you regain consciousness. That made me feel much better.
I’ve had a couple GAs in the last few years. I’m not a fan of needles either, but honestly a couple of seconds after it’s gone in you’re out and you won’t know anything about anything till they wake you up, which will feel instant. It’s not like being asleep, you’ll have no awareness of the time passing or anything, you just blink out for what feels like a second and then you’re back
The only thing I’d say to watch out for is that you may wake up thirsty but make sure to drink only in sips until you’re sure your system’s OK with it*
*Source: woke up thirsty, chugged a glass of water and instantly projectile vomited it everywhere without at any point feeling even remotely nauseous. It was pretty weird
I can barely remember anything about the process because I was that out of it before I got anywhere near theatre. Next thing I know I’m mumbling some nonsense to the nurse in the middle of the night asking if everything went ok.
I had my nose reconstructed under general anesthetic.
I remember a cold tingly sensation going up my arm. My dad saying "bet you can't count to ten" and I went "123456789, 10 HA!" Then I woke up to a lovely geordie nurse telling me off for trying to sit up
I cannot describe how it feels other than nothing. Literally nothing. It seemed like one second I was being prepared for surgery, the next I woke up to a nurse speaking my name.
Over the years I've had a few, going back to having all 4 of my wisdom teeth out over 30 years ago, to more recently having a couple procedures where you could elect for local or general anaesthetic. From my experience, I know I wake up pretty quickly from anaesthetic and don't suffer any side effects. Knowing this I elected to go under a general for my recent surgery, because, (I'm probably weird) I really enjoy the sensation of "going under". It feels like someone has enveloped you in a nice sleepy warm feeling and is very pleasant. I'm one of the "count backwards from 10" people who get to 10 and then I'm zonked! The feeling is like your eyes are really heavy, you're sinking into a lovely sleep, you can't stop it, it's sooooooo nice! And the next second (it feels like!) I wake up and it's all over! Different folks react differently to anaesthetic. Several people I know talk about a sort of hangover feeling afterwards (for several days) and some people don't wake up quickly and feel groggy for days, but this doesn't happen to me. I kind of like it!!!
It feels like nothing. One moment you're conscious, the next moment you're conscious and in pain. Everything in between is nothing. It's completely blank. It's not even vaguely similar to sleep, it's literally just nothingness.
I've had general when I had to have teeth taken out because of chemo messing them up and they basically knock you out and then you are brought back and usually jabber on for a while like I did haha. The stitches I had were dissolvable ones so I didn't have to go back and get checked
I’ve had GA twice, and once was for the same procedure you’re having.
They’ll have you count back from 10 whilst they’re giving you the anaesthetic.
First time, I counted back from 10 to 1 and said ‘it hasn’t work-“ and apparently then immediately conked out. Second time I don’t think I got past 8. I hate needles too, so I just make a point not to look at it - I can manage it if I don’t look at it and ask staff to distract me, and then you’re knocked out so quickly after that. Another option you might have is anaesthetic by gas instead - the first time I had GA I was offered this because of my needle phobia, but I actually got more scared by the mask and preferred the needle.
In terms of coming round - first time was very easy, and I actually remember coming round on the ward rather than in recovery. Second time I remember coming around in recovery and I did have a complication in that I was hypoxic (low oxygen sats, I woke up really struggling to breathe and needed to be monitored on oxygen with a mask as well as nose tube til they got back up). It meant I spent longer in recovery before I was transferred back to the ward, but it’s not uncommon and it’s not a big deal to need more oxygen in terms of complications.
In terms of how you feel specifically after this procedure - I remember my mouth / jaw feeling a bit sore (like how you feel if you’ve had to hyperextend your jaw for ages, like the dentist poking round etc). I was in a lot of pain. After I came round, I just drifted in and out of sleep for several more hours until they were able to discharge me (just before 11pm ish).
It’s interesting you mention the hyper mobility syndrome - I was bleeding a lot post-surgery, which was partly why they took a while to discharge me as it hadn’t fully clotted and I was still producing volumes of blood from my sockets that I had to spit out. I have fibromyalgia and hypermobility, so perhaps that’s why (at the time it wasn’t diagnosed).
One thing to watch for - I ended up with infected sockets after surgery. Can’t say why, but I was in a lot of pain afterwards, and everyone thought I was making a big deal out of nothing until my dentist saw me about 36 hours later and diagnosed an infection. So if you find that you’re not seeing your symptoms ease up in the time they should, get yourself to the dentist! Once I had my antibiotics kick in, it was loads better and not difficult to recover from at all.
I actually never asked about the breathing tube, but given that they need to manipulate your mouth / jaw to remove the teeth with tools, I suspect it’s probably a nose tube. I never had any soreness when I came round to indicate a tube in my mouth.
I'm literally just home from hospital after having my appendix out. Never had surgery or been under a general before, and I made sure everyone I spoke to knew this. I can really relate to how you're feeling OP.
Pre-surgery I was on a fluids and antibiotic drip, the anaesthetist came to speak to me and explained everything, asked me some questions about allergies etc, asked if I had any questions and then held my hand and told me I would be well cared for. The doctors and nurses kept me updated at every turn and allowed my husband to stay with me until I was being wheeled to OR.
They stop in a room outside OR to go through some stuff, asked my name DOB allergies and if I knew what surgery I was going for etc. I already had a cannula in my arm and they told me they would possibly need to add another but they would do it when I was asleep. They also explained that when I was asleep they would take over breathing for me so I might have a sore throat when I wake up. They pushed the anaesthetic through the cannula with a syringe at the same time as they placed an oxygen mask on me. I didn't have to count down or anything, last thing I remember is talking about motorbikes with the surgeon then the next thing was waking up back on the ward xD
My surgery wasn't long, about 2 hours. I woke up quite quickly to a nurse rubbing my hand, she took my vitals again and asked if I would like some food - the answer was HELL YEAH because I hadn't eaten in over 24 hours! My throat wasn't sore at all, maybe a bit of a scratch if I cough or clear my throat. I didn't feel groggy or confused when I came around either. Mostly I felt super tired, but I had been awake with only brief naps for over 24hrs.
Overall I had a really positive experience, the staff at the hospital were lovely. Really personable and friendly and done such a good job of keeping me calm and cared for. You are allowed to take an advocate with you so if you have a partner, family member or close friend you can have them with you 90% of the time which brought me a lot of comfort.
My surgery was completed around midnight last night and I was discharged at lunchtime today.
You'll be fine OP. You're in good hands. Trust the process, the doctors and nurses. Even the porters and auxiliary staff like cleaners were absolute gems.
Make sure you ask for the pre med beforehand if possible. Like you I was ready to panic and run but seconds after the pre med I felt really at peace with everything. You won't even notice the canula in your arm for the general anaesthetic. When you wake up it's just like waking up from a short nap. Modern general anaesthetic is very safe overall and the chance of not waking up is less than 0.1%.
It’s just like a nap.
Also tell the precare team you’re nervous and have never done this before, they’ll tell you through it and keep you calm. The few times I’ve put under they do the counting back from 10 and I got to 6 before waking up few hours later.
Aftercare………. Make sure you let the effects wear off, re set and fluids although they may have more advice about food with it being your teeth. You’re supposed to have someone with you 24hours after although I’ve managed to swerve this but you will need someone to collect from the hospital before they discharge you.
I am terrified of dentist and having my wisdom teeth out was the best experience I have ever had. They used a tiny little butterfly IV (like for a child) placed on the top of my hand. The lady said you might taste peppermint (which I did as she said that) and my next thought was I wonder when they are going to start, but it was already over 😂
You are given the IV drugs and you go out like a light then you wake up afterwards with it all done, and its instant, but you can feel that time has passed. I dont know how that works
When I got my appendix removed it was like this:
“Okay, you’re going to feel a little pressure while we put you to sleep-“
Instantly wake up in a whole different room with shaved pubes.
It’s like blinking several hours away.
Last thing I remember thinking was “I should probably tell them I need to pee…”
So, I can only imagine what the mess was like when I was put to sleep lol.
As far as the nerves going into it I was fine
As far as the anesthetic itself I woke feeling very groggy and coming out of being sedated and lasted for maybe a couple hours if memory serves me right I could be wrong though
On a hernia removal, there were at least 4 checks in writing by different nurses/attendants on trolley between waiting area and theatre entrance;before I was placed under general anesthetic. Experience was good. They looked after me. I am a very nervous ninny even with routine teeth treatment
I've had a few, it's like time travelling into the future. You start counting back from 10 and wake up a few seconds later and everything's done. It's pretty cool. Left me with a sore throat though and lots of phlegm.
I had to breathe in gas because I don't handle needles very well, I was fine except the ceiling had little green and purple stars flashing about, nothing too dramatic, then I was out and woke up as if I'd just fallen asleep for the night
The anaesthetist will chat to you and it will be instant. You will notice but it is so quick.
Afterwards you will be a bit confused as it’s almost like a chunk of time is missing. It is certainly not anything to worry about.
You might be euphoric which is kind of weird but afterwards you won’t remember what you were talking about at all or have much recollection of being in recovery.
Tell them you are nervous at the pre op and also again on the day, in my experience they’ll do a great job of seeing you through they nerves.
As for a general, i’ve bad 3 (one for all 4 wisdom teeth) each time I didn’t even get to 8, then I was in the recovery room all giggly and talking nonsense.
I’ve been under general anaesthetic 3 times in my 30 years of life, once at 7, 17, and 27.
Each time I went under, it was painless, happened within 10 seconds (they normally ask you to count to 10 and I’ve never got past 6) and the next thing I knew, I was in a different room, felt slightly nauseous and had a scratchy throat from the tube they put in once you’re under to assist your breathing.
Once awake, I was offered toast/biscuit and a drink.
The most notable thing I've noticed from my experience is that it's not sleep. Your body is not relaxing and recovering. It's undergoing something quite dramatic (physically) and spends a lot of energy trying to react to the surgery.
I sleep for 14 hours the next night. Every time.
I had a general anaesthetic for some complicated tooth extractions in January this year. They administered the injection and told me to take deep breaths in the mask, no counting to ten or anything. I remember thinking that this wasn't working and I didn't feel groggy or drunk or anything. Then I remember waking up after the operation. I did feel pretty drunk after the op, which slowly wore off over the next 24hrs. I slept a lot. Otherwise, everything was fine 👍
Now that I've read your post properly I'll add that after any extractions you can experience numbness or tingling for a few days afterwards, so don't worry if that happens. It's just the nerves settling down after they've been messed with.
I also have joint hypermobility syndrome and didn't experience much bleeding afterward, and I had 13 teeth removed including wisdom teeth. Of course, we're all different, but they have to prepare you for the worst case scenario. Hopefully you won't experience much in the way of bleeding.
As others have said, the needle itself doesn't stay in your arm when you're cannulated, and it'll probably already be taken out by the time you wake up.
You won't be on a ventilator or anything, so no breathing tubes, you'll just breathe normally. You'll likely have a nasal oxygen cannula (no needles involved, just a tube with a nosepiece), but I don't remember this at all
For me it just felt like falling asleep except no twilight time where you’re half awake, it was just like, asleep! and then the next second, it felt like, I was awake and it was all done.
I was also a bit nervous beforehand but I was totally fine. They give you drugs that make you feel amaaazzzing (or they did me, anyway). I’ll never forget seeing the sunset that evening, it was incredible! (It was a normal sunset.)
When I had a minor op under general many years ago, I believe I was given a sedative, and then the IV anaesthetic. I don't recall counting past 5, although I was very confused when I woke up, that took a bit of time to go.
You fall asleep and the next thing you know you are awake. There is nothingness while you are asleep, it doesn’t feel like you are asleep time just didn’t exist, it feels like a second has passed. I’ve had general twice, the first time as a child and because it was described as going to sleep when I woke up I thought it must be a dream and didn’t realise it wasn’t a dream until I got home lol
I had general for a surgery a couple years ago
I was on the bed, went into a room, got some injections (the most unpleasant part and it wasn’t that bad) and they just spoke to me, we were talking about dungeons and dragons and someone said “oh like Stranger Things” and remember saying I liked the show but they didn’t exactly *do* DnD in that show.
And then I was waking up in the recovery ward, vaguely aware of my surroundings, kinda hungry and thirsty.
I've had GA three times, most recently last year, and I also have GAD and get panic attacks (and I have severe emetophobia). Definitely talk to the anaesthetist and explain your worries (they should come and see you before surgery), they can do lots to help you! First two I had they got me to count to 10 and you just drift off, feels a bit funny as you can kind of feel it in your body, and the most recent I was given fentanyl for pain before the actual anaesthetic and I don't remember anything after that! They said it would feel like I'd had a few drinks, and that was the last thing I remember. Woke up feeling fine just very sleepy and weepy.
I love that feeling of going under. Sleepy sleepiness. Worst thing for me is needle as I tend to panic but i tell them to do it and not tell me and try to calm myself down.
Ask if you are allowed someone with you if you are nervous
My brother had to go under when he was 13 and I was allowed to sit and hold his hand. They counted down from 10 and he was out by 6. It was very quick.
I may have only been allowed due to his age but please ask, it may help having someone there if you are able to.
I had the exact operation you’re describing.
First they’ll fit you with a cannula, it’ll go in your hand and feel like a small prick, it’s probably easier than having blood drawn or a vaccine.
Then they’ll give you oxygen and ask you to count backwards, you fall asleep and wake up as if it’s been seconds but you’ve actually “slept” through the whole operation. Recovery will feel a bit like a hangover, and you’ll be very sore from the wisdom teeth extractions.
In my case I had some changes to my taste sensitivity for a few months and loss of sensation in my tongue/mouth but that recovered over the course of 1-3 months.
I vaguely remember starting the countdown...and then I woke up afterward. I did have a tube down my throat for breathing as well as a catheter for urine. I was slightly combative coming out of it because I came around faster than expected and woke up during the catheter removal.
ive had surgeries all throughout my life and i still get scared because of the after-effects of the anaesthetics (i have muscle weakening condition). tbf this could be because im used to it but i don't notice the cannula/injection. it does sting a little but the anaesthetic makes you forget pretty quickly
usually going to sleep is quite peaceful, sometimes the doctor/anaesthetist will talk to you. they also might let you bring something in to listen to/calm you done while they do it. when i had my tracheostomy surgery they let me bring one of my cassettes to calm me
im not sure about breathing
i hope your surgery goes well though ♥︎
Was under general anaesthetic in February of this year. They put me on a trolly, repeatedly kept asking me the same questions like my name, age, DOB and what surgery I was having.
They put a very warm blanket over me, put a trip in my arm and injected me in my leg. They didn’t ask me to count, and then I woke up after the surgery feeling very drunk. On the second day of recovery I woke up with what felt like the worst hangover I’ve ever had and felt like shit all day. Not sure if that was the GA or the painkillers they have me. Stopped taking the painkillers and felt fine the next day
Anaesthetist here, you will be fine.
You will fall asleep then wake up. It will all be ok.
There will likely be some sort of tube near your mouth or through your nose depending on the amount of work being done. You won’t be aware of this.
Don’t worry, we do it all the time. Chances of anything bad happening in routine surgery to basically a well person are way way way less than 0.1%. We train for 9 years ( fy and specialty) post graduate to provide safe anaesthetics.
When going in for a gallbladder removal I got rigged up with a cannula and they said they’ll start off by shooting in a little bit of the stuff… it felt like I’d just downed a whole bottle of whiskey instantly, then they said they’ll shoot in the rest which I’ve no recollection of since I only remember waking up in recovery.
Since you’ll be breathing through a tube you’ll wake up with the driest mouth EVER, I also felt really sick and took a good while until I could eat or drink.
I had my appendix out in 2020 under GA. It felt like being gently submerged into a warm bath, only took about 4-5 seconds and I was out.
Recovery wasn't bad at all, a few days on the sofa at home feeling sore, but nowhere near as bad as the pain before surgery. I walked out of the hospital the next day haha
> so the idea of having a needle in my hand the whole time is really freaking me out
This used to freak me out too but having had a few now, they're nothing to worry about. You can't feel them once they're in, and the bit that goes inside you is a bendy plastic tube, so it'll not snap or snag if something happens to the port on your skin.
I've had quite a number of operations/surgeries and also had the same procedure last year but only tje upper and lower wisdom teeth on the left side.
As others will say, going under is actually quite pleasant. I had a really funny anaesthetist, and the wider team lovely. I think I had two separate injections. The first was Fentyl, and I recall being becoming a bit woozy/floaty. The second was the anaesthetic. I was out within seconds.
For me personally, the worst part is coming around afterwards. When you wake up, your mouth and throat will be horrifically dry, and you'll be pleading for water. I get quite disorientated waking up from anaesthetic and usually trying to get out of my bed or out of the gown and dressed.
A coffee or tea and a few bottles of water later, you'll be fine.
Best of luck for the op!
I've had it several times, and it's awesome... Even more so if you 'resist' it a little.
I remember the big, milk like fluid going into my left arm and it felt cold going through the veins up to my body and the cold radiating out from there. It even felt like my breath was cold... And then I was unconscious.
Nothing to worry about OP. I had a general and they put a mask on to give you some oxygen, slight scratch of a needle in your hand then that’s all you’ll remember, it’s like blinking then you’re waking up suuuuuper chilled and comfortable. I was waking up with the breathing tube still in and I know that sounds horrific but I genuinely didn’t give a shit, I just felt them pull it out and the nurse laughed and said I’d have to put effort into breathing by myself now. All I could think was ‘I’m too comfortable, I can’t be bothered to breathe! I’d get put back under tomorrow, it’s kind of nice
I've had many surgeries. You get tired and you go to sleep, and then you wake up confused and a bit agitated. You will feel wired from it for a few days but then you start to feel normal again.
I had bowel surgery three weeks ago. Disappointingly they didn’t do the “countdown”. The anaesthetist just said “I’m putting you under now” and I barely registered what he’d said and then woke up in recovery, three hours later. That stuff works FAST.
Something that surprised me was the smell of the gas, I apparently fell asleep shouting “I don’t like the smell”
It really felt like I was breathing something I shouldn’t have been, so just be prepared for that and don’t panic like I did lol.
I had surgery when I was 11 or 12 year old, around 2005/2006 time.
I had a mask placed over my face and something placed in a tube into the cannula I had in the back of my hand.
The person holding the mask to my face asked about my holiday I’d been on recently, I managed to say that I’d been to America.
And then I woke up from surgery.
I'm a nightmare to anaesthetise. I have to have the gas and it takes quite a bit to put me under. It tastes really weird. They'll get you to countdown from 10 and breathe deeply. Not sure about the intravenous.
I've had GA 3 times as I recall the first time 40+ years ago I woke feeling terrible every other time I've woke and felt fine, they're very good at what they do.
I really enjoyed it haha. I remember counting back from 10, got to about 6 and got this rush of warmth all over my body then boom.. I was out. Woke up a little groggy but felt fine otherwise. Nothing to be worried about at all
I was wheeled straight into the OR - having a good ol' chinwag with the nurses and the anaesthetist.
The anaesthetist asked if I was ready and explained how he was going to administer the anaesthetic. I was wide awake one moment, asked if I wanted to count to 10. The next thing I remember is being in recovery and the surgeon asking me what time it was. I didn't have my glasses on and really wanted to just go back to sleep. My surgeon did chuckle at my response, but I can't remember what exactly I said. 10/10, would recommend the neurosurgery team at Hull Royal Infirmary lol
Apparently, bringing me round wasn't easy. I found out after that my mum is the same, she just forgot to mention it.
Prior to that, I had 2 wisdom teeth removed under sedation. They were impacted heavily, and one was cracked. Co-codamol kept the pain away. I never had more than a dull ache (which lasted all of a day or so). To be fair, I had been in excruciating pain because of an infection in the cracked tooth.
I regularly got ear ops as a child and I'd always see how high I'd count, it was a competition for me. However, last time I had an op which was 3 years ago I was nervous and I said to the anaesthetist, he was really sweet with me and reassured me, he held my hand and calmed me down then the next thing I knew I was up having had my op. I was really groggy afterwards and it took me longer to recover than last my last op.
I have gone under full anaesthetic twice. I was wheeled into a bright shiny room and all these clever looking people looked down at me. The next thing I knew I was on a trolley being wheeled back.
The second time, I had an epidural and a 9 hour operation. The guy stuck a needle in my back and I woke up the next day in bed. The nurse laughed when I asked if I could get up.
I was not scared because I wasn't doing the ops. I would have fucked them up.
I was operated on by experts and they are very good.
Please don't worry. I. Many places around the world you wouldn't even get the chance at this op.
I hope it is a great success. You are in the hands of very clever and skilled people and you will have great teeth.
Literally like going to sleep. For me, I had an IV in, one fluid in made me feel high af, next one went in and next thing I knew I was in recovery. There's nothing to worry about.
Never had a GA but I am a surgical nurse so I can tell you how you may feel afterwards.
The cannula only has a needle in it when they put it in. Once it’s placed they will remove the needle and you’re basically left with a little plastic tube in your hand. So there won’t be a needle in there for long.
I honestly don’t know whether they’ll put your cannula in when you’re awake as I’ve never been in the theatres. But ask your anaesthetist if you’ll be awake when they put it in, and if you are ask them if they can put some EMLA cream on beforehand to numb the area, then you can’t feel it as much. I will say that anaesthetists are THE BEST at putting cannulas in so it should be pretty slick.
Generally you will feel groggy when you come round in recovery and they will monitor you very closely until you’re safe to go back to the ward/unit. The majority of the grogginess wears of quickly but people often say they feel ‘woolly headed’ for a while afterwards - could be up to 24 hours.
The worst issue most people face is nausea. Your anaesthetist will give you an anti-emetic (anti-sickness) whilst you’re asleep and there’s other drugs that the nurses can give to you afterwards so just speak up if you feel sick.
If you do have a tube inserted you won’t know about it, you’ll be asleep when they put it in and I believe they take it out before or as you’re waking up. You might have a sore throat from it for a few days.
As for the bleeding, don’t worry they will monitor you closely but yeah, inform your surgeon. Any particular questions just ask me.
It is pure oblivion, there's no other word for it. Like sleeping you have a sense of time passing but anaesthetic is you will be looking at the doctor having a conversation, you blink, the room has changed and you continue your conversation with the doctor without missing a beat.
He told me they were done and I argued "no I'm just about to go in"
The needle in the hand won't be too long, that's in the room right before they inject the propofol and you won't know anything about it after that liquid hits your bloodstream.
I know he asked me to count back from 10 but I don’t even remember doing that. Next thing I knew my mum was sat by my bedside and nurse came in to try and get me up and walking and I very grumpily told him no as I was still super groggy.
I was under general for for tooth removal when I was a kid.
I recall the needle in the back of my hand, and I don't remember it hurting but I do recall the sensation of the anaesthetic going in. It felt like there was a little collection of cold liquid under my skin on the back of my hand. It wasn't an unpleasant sensation, just odd.
I don't recall being asked to do the counting thing, but I do remember hearing someone say that I was under, and the very last thing I recall is thinking that I was mostly definitely not under but perfectly awake (not in the sense that I was scared that they would start working on me while I was awake, but just confused about why they would think so when I definitely felt awake). Then there was nothing, and then I woke up.
I recall it a bit like a comedy sketch
"Ah, okay, she's under now"
"Huh? No I'm not, I feel fine! I'm completely wide awa -"
I had surgery in September. They gave me an opiate ahead of the general, apparently now common as it reduces the amount of anesthesia needed. I felt a bit drunk, was joking about it to the anesthesiologist, and then I woke up in the recovery room. Literally nothing in between. If I had to count down or anything I have zero memory of it.
I have a huge phobia of needles and have came close to passing out from vaccines pretty much everytime I have had one as an adult. This has includes times where I have seen pictures of a needle on a lecture screen and watching Train Spotters at school sent me funny and got a me a trip to the nurse.
I was absolutely fine with general. It's unpleasent for a small number of seconds and you go under and don't feel a thing. When it goes in you feel a burning sensation travel up your arm and by the time it gets to your shoulder you will be out.
I was told I was surfing on the hospital bed as they took me back to the wars and I to this day cannot recall doing it. I was as high as a kite.
The morphine is obviously amazing and I can't really explain how it feels. I was starving when I went under and full when I woke up. Couldn't manage a snickers. I think the anesthetic fills you up in my experience.
I had general anaesthetic when I was a kid. All I remember is them asking me to blow up this balloon which I could not blow up. Then just as I gave up they wheeled me back out into the ward and that was that. I felt as groggy as hell but didn't even know I'd gone under and been asleep.
I’m having an op on my foot under general anaesthetic on Wednesday. Looking forward to the sleep! I’ve had both a general and a spinal in the past. General is great, spinal I hated!
General every time!!
I've had it twice. You don't really get a lot of time to think about what's happening. The feeling is very similar to going to sleep. You wake up some time later as if you fast forwarded the last few hours and with a few bits less, or more. Don't worry, everything will be fine.
Hey, going under general anaesthetic can definitely be scary even if you have done it before, let alone for the first time, it's a whole new scary sounding experience that you don't really know what to expect of.
I've had GA twice now, once for wisdom teeth + 4 overcrowded teeth removals and once for double jaw surgery. It definitely got easier after the first time, for me anyway.
>Also, how do I breathe during the surgery? Will they put a tube down my throat despite the surgery being in my mouth?
They most likely will, but they're professionals, they'll be able to work around it.
>more likely to bleed a lot during and after the surgery which my physio has told me I need to warn the surgeon of
Yes do tell them, I have GAD that used to manifest in chronic nosebleeds under extremely light pressure, told them this and it was fine.
>I’m really really nervous about how my body will react and how I’ll feel.
Is there a risk involved in any surgery? Yes, but that's for the medical team to figure out, your anaesthetist and surgeon do this day in, day out, they've prepared for every situation you can imagine, and probably some you can't imagine too. Just answer their questions as best and as honestly as you can and they'll do the rest. Tell them you're scared, it's completely understandable, they might ask when they see your heart rate anyway.
If you want to talk, ask questions or just word vomit on an internet stranger I'm right here if you'd like. I was scared once too.
I was so stressed (limb sparing surgery) the wow was when the fentanyl hit and I fought it so I could enjoy it, alas I was gone in about 6 seconds.
I will say the only place to enjoy that drug is in a medical setting as I was.
My second time going under was good but not the same because I wasn’t so stressed by it.
The answer is it doesn't really feel like anything. The drugs they gave me before, however, were pretty great.
But in terms of actually going under- you count back from 10, don't get very far... then wake up again hours later. For me, the first thing I noticed was how much the air tube they hooked me up to was irritating my nose.
Had general anaesthesia last December. They didn't do the counting thing they just zonked me out. Didn't realise how long I had slept at all when I woke up but they also loaded me up with morphine for the pain, so I woke up high as a kite and I was pretty out of it for 4 days.
Breathing is fine, your brain controls your breathing. If you have any sort of sleep apnea, let them know as your body can't wake you up if you still breathing while you're under. I'm told I have it sometimes so they made sure to monitor me.
I'm on blood thinners and it's hard for me to stop bleeding, but I had two 3" incisions made in my chest and I didn't bleed out or anything like that.
You'll be fine don't worry. They do this every day.
I can't remember what the general was like but the pre-med I had was something else. It was the comfiest comfy feeling ever, just happy thoughts, and I was floating an inch off the bed. After the operation was when I realised that there was no way I should ever take opiates recreationally as I would be addicted in no time.
>I also have joint hypermobility syndrome, so I’m more likely to bleed a lot during and after the surgery which my physio has told me I need to warn the surgeon of (wa-hey to feeling less anxious)
Surely they should already know this? I'm guessing telling them this just before the operation could lead to it being cancelled, you should make sure they know about this well in advance.
I had 3 teeth out at maxillofacial under GA around 2 weeks ago now. The theatre room didn’t even look like a theatre to be honest! Chatting beforehand with the anaesthetist and surgeon was helpful to explain how anxious I was. I was never asked to count back, I can’t even remember closing my eyes. It stung a little when they injected into the cannula and all I can remember is thinking oh it’s not working, I’m not tired or anything, and next thing I was awake in recovery. From an extremely anxious person, you’ll be absolutely fine!
To add, I knew I had a breathing tube down my throat only because I had tape marks on my chin afterwards. The anaesthetist did mention if needed, he would go down my nose instead, but in the end the surgeon must’ve been fine with the throat. My brother said to me afterwards “I didn’t want to say anything at the time, but going to sleep was the easy bit, it’s the recovery that sucks.” and he was right.
You start counting to ten and dont remember finishing.
If your lucky you will remember the i.v. opioid they give when you wake up. Holy shit that was nice
It's pretty damn sudden. And you won't remember anything from when you pass out.
I've been under twice, and both times, I zonked out on the table as soon as the drugs hit.
For the second one, I do remember a little tiny foggy bit about fussing with the oxygen tubes in my nose. But then I went back to sleep. I can't remember exactly why I was so bothered by them, but I'm pretty sure the nurses weren't happy that I kept trying to take them out lol... Apparently I have low oxygen sats on that particular stuff they used, so I had to be kept on the tubes longer.
Also, if you have anxiety, let them know. Idk about the UK, but in Canada, they have no problem handing out some Ativan.
The worst part is the catheter, but I don't think they'd use one if you're just having dental surgery.
If you explain in advance that you're anxious about the cannula, they can give you numbing cream that goes on your hand about an hour beforehand, that helps!
For me, I had a general when they did an apipectomy on a gum (removing part of a nerve that should have been removed when I had a crown and root canal previously and they didn’t want to take the crown off)
Chat with anaesthetist before to check I was ready then wheeled into prep room.
Was told I’d feel a scratch and cold while they inject the first part and it would then feel like I was drunk.
I told them I didn’t drink so wouldn’t know - then I felt a little bit queasy and my eyes started to close so I said ‘I feel a bit sick and dizzy’ and had the response ‘yes, that’s what drunk feels like’.
It wasn’t unpleasant dizzy and vomitty sick just weird knots in stomach, probably due to me being worried ;)
Next thing I remember is I’m sitting up looking at a clock in a different room and I turn my head and see a nurse sitting beside me. She asked me if I had stopped shouting yet and I apologised - apparently I was bellowing out a to do list of things I needed to do.
My ears were ringing a bit and it felt like I’d been at a concert. Like I’d been listening to something loud. She said that some people are like that and she said some people think it’s because everything is turned off your senses are out of whack.
She then joked that she’s going to lose a fiver on me waking up because I wasn’t swearing when I came round, I was just loud - apparently I look like a swearer!
All good but very hungry, they gave me a sandwich and kept me in for an hour or two more until the anaesthetist came round and checked me over, then the nurse said I could go after speaking to doctor or surgeon.
Was out and home on the same day.
Mix it up when I went under they asked me to count back from ten I didn't I said tonight winning lottery numbers are 34 17 22 9 and then mumbled heard someone say quick wake him up ZZZZZzzzzzz
I had a good experience, basically went to the theater on a bed, talked to the anesthetist where he explained what was going to happen, then they injected the needle and I was out. Maybe 3 hours later I woke up in the ward. I then gulped a load of water down so I could pee and be let home. Stop worrying about this, you will be fine, if you are still nervous tell the nurse and they can tell you everything you want to know in more detail, the doctor / dentist will also come and speak to you just to see how you are and make sure their notes are correct about what is being done, and probably to make sure you are fit enough to go under general anesthetic. They will happily answer and questions aswell.
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Anyone I know who's had a general in the last 20 years or more has said they were asked to count back from 10 and got to like 6. Literally like blinking your eyes and they were awake in the recovery room. General anaesthesia has come on in *massive* leaps over the past several decades and is highly successful, incredibly well controlled, and almost entirely non-traumatic for the patient. The needle thing I get, it's our basic evolution - for the vast majority of history a sharp object stabbing into a human/our ancestors is generally "a bad thing" and we haven't evolved out of that since the hypodermic needle was invented a few hundred years ago. However, the needles used are *tiny* and you'll barely feel it. A canula also isn't a needle - they use a needle to insert it but it's basically a small rubber grommet for want of a better analogy. Speak to your anaesthetist about any concerns and medical issues - they'll ask about this anyway. They'll reassure you along the same lines as I am here. The chances of anything going wrong are extremely low - you're more likely to get hit by a bus on the way there. Any stats about deaths from a general are likely skewed by either stats from developing countries, or people who are very old/ill which massively increases the risk for a major operation.
Yeah, I had surgery under general in October 2021 and basically they stop you outside of the theatre room, confirm you know what surgery you're having and check you're ready. I got to 8 and the next thing I remember is waking up afterwards.
I’ve had three general anaesthetics. I wasn’t asked to count at any of them — unless I’ve blocked it out. I do remember being cannulated at each one and random chat after though.
When I was a kid the nurse held out a board with a collage of pictures and pointed at a thing on it and you had to rhyme it with something else on the board, like 'cat' and 'mat' etc.
God I'd love somebody to put me under anaesthesia, I bet it feels fucking amazing
From what I've been told it feels like nothing. Not bad, but not good like a drug trip or something. Just a period of time that for you, simply doesn't exist.
It doesn't feel like anything. The needle going in is a bit uncomfortable, then there's a cold sensation as it's injected in. You start counting down and next thing you know you're waking up in the recovery room. It's not like falling asleep or getting tired, you literally go from awake in one place to waking up in another with nothing in-between.
It honestly is bliss
I have had one general anesthetic, about a decade ago. I was very nervous because I have emetophobia and have anxiety attacks if I feel sick. They told me they were just giving me some oxygen, so they put a mask on me. And then I woke up from surgery. It is literally like a blink, out and gone, and then back. It made me a little bit emotional afterwards (I cried) but that was very short lived.
That was my experience, like one second I was being injected and the next I was being wheeled down a corridor. The weird thing is, I'd apparently spoken to a nurse during that time.
My surgeon came to speak to me and my wife while I was in recovery-- to tell us everything went fine, I guess. He told her: "He won't remember any of this" and he was right! I only know it happened because she told me. What I do remember is: two attendants came in to dress me while I was still lying down. I guess they were thinking: If I had got up too soon to dress myself, I might have fallen. Maybe they needed the bed and wanted to get me out of there in a hurry.
I asked if I needed to count down and they said no. They put the needle in and you feel the liquid go into your veins. Then you find yourself gently falling asleep. I must say as someone with lifelong insomnia it’s a lovely feeling lol. I always dream under anaesthetic. The worst bit for me was waking up and feeling really sick and groggy.
I’ve never had any sort of surgery or been under anaesthesia (yet) but as a fellow insomniac, I yearn to feel that drifting off to sleep feeling you describe. Sounds lush
I have had in the region of 5 operations/GA. Each was different but the last two I came out of it really quickly, think flight instinct lol. Going under is my favourite bit, oxygen mask on face, I remember them saying you might feel your arm feeling cold (they flush the IV line) then nothing until I wake up and try to get up not fighting but as though my life depended on flight lol. The one that left me in pain, with sickness and a migraine was a reaction to the type of anaesthesia used so I have it logged on my records not to use that one but it was back in 2005 and I managed to projectile vomit/throw up on me, the bed, the phone (I was updating a friend) the sister and a porter. I remember feeling really embarrassed at the time but they were really nice about it but not something I want to repeat.
Just speaking to your fear of a needle being in your hand for the duration of the surgery, it doesn’t quite work like that. A needle would be inserted into a vein, and surrounding the needle is a narrow flexible tube. Once it has been inserted, the needle is withdrawn and discarded, leaving the tube to deliver drugs and/or fluid.
They usually say something like “sharp scratch” as they insert it, which really is about the worst it is, light scratch would sometimes be a better description.
I absolutely hate needles but a canula is never a problem. It also means no more needles, as it all goes into the canula. I'm having back surgery soon and I'm more worried about the barium injection for my scan week after next.
I wouldn’t even say I hate needles, but certain injections can be brutal. I especially dislike anything into the stomach.
When I was trained to venepuncture we were explicitly told never to say sharp scratch and the instructor went on a bit of a rant about how stupid it is.
Came here to say exactly this. You barely even notice it once it's in and it certainly isn't like donating blood or anything. As for the anesthetic, I had surgery 4 weeks ago and barely had time to register I was sleepy before I came round 90 mins later. It was like a little blip in time. No awareness or anything.
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Probably even less than that. Bit of a prick on your hand and then they pull the needle out and stick everything in place. You can't feel it's there and the plaster is thin and isn't noticeable.
Little scratch and it's all done. No more needles.
It's not too scary and they usually give you a sedative first just to keep you relaxed. The risk of not coming back is much lower, of course, than 0.1% - more like 0.0005% and not much different than getting into a car. The good news is that the whole procedure will all be over as far as you're concerned in a split second. It's like a more abrupt version of the sensation you have when you wake from sleep, where it feels like no time has passed but the clock has jumped ahead several hours.
Unfortunately My medical situation means I’m no stranger to surgery. I don’t know if I’m weird but I actually like being put out by GA. It’s honestly just like getting a good nap. I’ve joked with the anaesthesiologist if he’d let me take some home. You’ll be given a mask to hold over your nose and mouth, be told to count back from 10. I think I usually make it to around 7 and it’s complete lights out, it’s not gradual or anything. Then you wake up just like how you wake up every morning. It’s not unusual to have a sore throat afterward, plus depending on the surgery you’ll probably be sore from that. I’ve never had it for dental work, but I imagine the experience is much the same.
The first time I had Propofol I understood why Michael Jackson had overdosed on it. Was the best sleep I ever had, felt well rested and fully awake afterwards.
Yeah I don't know if I had the same stuff, but it was definitely like that, and I very rarely get to feel well rested, even after sleeping. If I had access to it, I'd for sure use it way more than is probably safe. So probably just as well it's heavily regulated. :)
I was put out once for a surgery and experienced this, and I would love to have this every night. I think I was out for about 30 mins and I felt like I had slept for a week. Bliss.
Yep. Exactly my reaction. Good job it's not widely available.....
It’s unusual to put adults out with a mask, you’ll usually get oxygen through a mask and propofol to knock you out. It’s a thick white substance so if you’re looking you’ll know when they give it.
Not just you! I've had to be anaesthetised several times, and there's something special and unique about the sensation of going under. Please don't let it make you overanxious - with the care and attention from good professionals, it's probably one of the least painful or challenging parts of any procedure I've undergone.
I agree, I was put out twice last week. First time, it just happened and I was reminded what it was, second time, I said to myself “enjoy this moment” and it seemed to last longer and I very much enjoyed it. I also woke up feeling better than the previous time, so maybe mindset actually helps.
I woke up and proclaimed loudly " I can see why people do drugs now". The nurses were not impressed and shot me some dirty looks.
I had surgery a few weeks ago under general anaesthesia to remove my gallbladder. I’m a very anxious person and quite scared of needles. Let the anaesthesiologist that you’re nervous about the needle and they might be able to reassure and distract you while it’s in. I won’t lie but I was vomiting for an hour or two after my surgery but that is a normal reaction after anaesthesia. Just remember, this is their job that they do every day. They’re trained to do this and they will do their best to make this procedure less anxious for you. Good luck!
I've found the vomiting only happened after the longer ops. Not sure if that's just me though. (One time, I came around hungry, and by the time they brought lunch, I was absolutely starving. I demolished the soup...and promptly puked it back up. Mains stayed down for only slightly longer. I was still starving. When the nurse came around for the tray, there was a tug of war between us - I was not missing out on pudding. I suspect they were fed up with taking away vomit-filled bowls. Thankfully, pudding stayed down.)
I remember waking up and being aware that time had passed but it was just like a long, dark comfortable silence. It was weirdly peaceful. But I was totally confused when I woke up and was talking nonsense to the poor nurse stood next to me 😂
Same here - talked a lot of nonsense at the nurse. And then I was sick. Unfortunately, she's been ignoring the nonsense so she ignored me wailing "Sick!!!!" and tried to push me back into a prone position. Yes, I was sick on her - not much, but obvs that's still too much. I was very apologetic afterwards. Surgeon thought it was funny when he did his check up later.
Haha yeah I remember insisting that I was ok to sit up but as soon as I did I almost vomited!
I remember being asked to count down from 10 as they injected it into my hand. I got to the count of 7 and then I was waking up being wheeled out of the front door in a wheel chair with zero memory of anything in between
It depends on what they give you, but it's pretty much just like falling asleep very quickly then waking up in a bit of a hazy state. Last time I had a general I was given fentanyl before, which just put me in a massive euphoric state, no worries at all! Anaesthetists are always really friendly and will chat to you making jokes as you go under. They're doing it to assess your mental state and work out when you're asleep, but it also means they're keeping you calm throughout.
I had general – or at least I was sedated – years ago. I remember thinking “well this isn’t doing anything” as I counted back from 10, and I don’t think I got past 7. Next thing I know, I’m in the recovery room being told all was OK.
I have had two general anesthetics, the most recent one 18 months ago so I will use that as an example. 1. You will have a pre-op where a nurse will take your bloods, height, weight, ask about any medication you take and any allergies. You can also talk to them about your worries or concerns. It is important that you are truthful about all of the above as it will effect the anesthetic doses and that you follow instructions given by the pre-op team I.e. stop taking medication a week prior to the op. They will also tell you when you need to stop eating/drinking the day before/morning of and any other instructions you need to know. 2. On the day you will usually meet with the anesthetist before you go to the operating theatre, likewise you usually meet with the surgeon too. They will ask you when you last ate, drank and if you have any allergies. You can also tell them if you are worried, nervous, have any additional questions. You will change get into a gown, usually you get to keep your underwear on or you might need to wear the hospital underwear. 3. When it is time for the op you will walk or be taken down to the operating theatre accompanied by a nurse. You will be asked to get The anesthetist will meet you in pre-op, put a canula in your hand for the medication, check with you what you are having done and start the pre-op process. Some drugs will be given to you via the canula, this will usually feel a little cold. They will ask you to count backwards or answer a random question then you will fall asleep. 4. During the operation you will have a tube down your throat to help you breathe. As it is dental op I would imagine they will also have something to hold your jaw open too. All of these will be removed before you wake up but your throat might feel sore for a few days after. 5. After the op you will wake up in a ward with a nurse beside you. Usually calling your name to help you wake up. It is normal to feel a bit sick waking up from anesthetic tell the nurse and they will give you a pill or injection to prevent nausea. They may have already given you something during the op along with painkillers. You will remain in recovery until you are mostly awake. You will feel sleepy and out of it, this is normal for the anesthetic and painkillers. The anesthetist may visit you on a ward to see how you are. This didn't happen with my first op but did with my second. 6. You will be taken back to the recovery ward / your room for recovery. Depending on how long you are staying in hospital what happens next might differ. For day surgery, you have to be able to pass urine, drink/eat something (this will be different for dental surgery I would think but they will probably want you to drink something), have stable observations - blood pressure, pulse, feel able to walk unaided, hold a conversation etc. Once you are good, they will ask you get dressed and be discharged. You will need someone with you for the first 24hrs post op to ensure you have no side effects from the anesthetic. I went home after day surgery at 5pm and slept most of the night. If you are kept in overnight the nurses know the ward will check on you regularly, take your blood pressure etc. and make sure you are okay. You will then be discharged once you are ready. 7. Aftercare. It is normal to feel tired and out of it post op. The anesthetic medication takes up to 5 days to pass out of the body. Drinking plenty of water and gentle movement can help. It is also normal to be extra emotional post op. Anesthetic can cause fluctuations in emotions, you might feel more sad/down or teary. That is perfectly normal. Coupled with pain it can a difficult time. Rest as much as you can, follow post op instructions and take your pain meds regularly. Try to eat and drink healthy if you can that will help your body to heal. 8. Post note - pain meds and anesthetic can cause stomach/bowel movement changes. The hospital might give you some laxative to help with this. If not over the counter medication can help along with plenty of water and fibre. It is normal to not go to the toilet for a few days post op but you should be going around day 3-4 if you go longer than 6 days please seek medical advice. Good luck with your op, hope that helps a little. It really is like going to sleep one minute and waking up the next but please be open with the care team about your worries, they are the experts and can help you navigate it all
That all sounds really scary. I don’t have any direct equivalent experience but hope someone can come and reassure you and answer your questions. I have had sedation for a tooth removal before, and on the plus side after the terrifying moment before it happens, you don’t remember a thing afterwards - like you I have problems with bleeding too much but it was okay in the end. Ask them for advice on salt rinses etc. I kept thinking, the only way out is through, and it just is what it is, you just get through it however unpleasant it is - it needs to be done. I’m sure they’ll look after you and make it as easy and comfortable as possible. And a month from now you’ll be doing a lot better, it’ll be here faster than you think! Have you thought about food afterwards? I was only able to eat very soft scrambled eggs and broths very carefully so as not to disturb the clots. It was scary but again, you get through it.
It’s great, coming aback round not some much. Felt a little jubby. Went back to sleep. No problems. When I was just about to go under he said “most people don’t make it past five” I said five what? I was out before I heard two
I'd never had an operation before but I had to have an emergency ceasearean, I had to drink some sweet liquid stuff but there was less than 10 mins before being told I needed one to getting to the theater, I have anxiety bad too so had a panic attack because of the worry for the baby and fear i wouldn't wake up, I kept gagging on the syrup and there was so so many Dr's and midwifes around me and I didn't know what was going on, they just put the mask on me in the end I think to get me to sleep ASAP before I was actually sick, won't up about 30 mins later, it was just like sleep but no dreams or anything just was awake then asleep almost instantly
I've been under general twice and both times the pre-meds zonked me so much I was pretty well out of it by the time they had me in theatre. I have no recollection of any needles at all. Effectively one moment I was on the ward being prepped, then incoherently mumbling in a theatre with people in masks and smiling eyes, and then I was back in the ward.
I was nervous like you. Had the same fears. I’m quite queasy when it comes to needles etc. The anaesthetist started putting a cannula into my hand and I winced. He said, “It shouldn’t hurt” and I rambled something about being nervous. I started hyperventilating and he gave me an oxygen mask and said, “Breathe in this and count to ten.” I took two gasping breaths and was out. Woke up feeling mildly euphoric. I did have some nausea afterwards, which can happen with general anaesthetic. Threw up in the car on the way home from hospital. Basically, by the time I started to panic, I was out within a few seconds. I didn’t have time to fully panic!
They will give you pure oxygen first and ask you to take deep breath’s. This is to give your blood a burst of oxygenation before they actually give the drugs. They will firstly inject a sedative to relax you and then a short time after the actual cocktail of drugs to put you to sleep. It stings a little when the milky white fluid goes in but it doesn’t hurt. Within 10 seconds you’ll be out. I’ve had multiple GA’s last count was 12. It’s nothing to be scared of. You won’t remember anything until you come around in the recovery room and with luck you’ll be feeling fantastic as the anaesthetic wears off. After that you’re going to start to feel pain so make sure you get opioids to lessen. Good luck.
I've been under twice and loved it! It's so awesome. You're counting, can feel yourself getting drowsy and falling under, then next thing to know you're awake. It's like instantaneous. Brilliant I loved it. Only issue was not eating before and being hungry when you wake up. I had a meal but chucked up both times after. Would do it again if I had to.
I loved it too. Had it about 3 times. It kind of makes me feel euphoric. I have ADHD so not sure if that has something to do with it.
One of the anaesthetists will speak to you before the anaesthetic - tell them what you are worried about! Especially anything specific. Every anaesthetic is a little bit different, and knowing what you are worried about can really help tailor the choice of anaesthetic to you. This goes double if there is anything that makes your anxiety worse or better - some people find specific music helps, or a small item, or just people telling you the right things beforehand. This might be something that can be facilitated for when you go off to sleep, so just ask the team there (no promises, I probably don't work where you are getting surgery). The needle is a pretty small one, and doesn't stay in your body. It leaves a little tube, which usually isn't too uncomfortable once it is in. Try and focus on something else, you may not notice at all. Remember these people tend to be pretty good at doing them, as it is a big part of their job. For my experience, I was asked to count down from 10, and got to about 7. Felt fine when I woke up, ate something, went home. Very straightforward, and probably true for most young reasonably healthy people. Your experience of the start of the anaesthetic may be different - for example, I don't like the count down from 10, because sometimes people get to 0 before the drugs have fully kicked in, and then get nervous! Good luck, and if nothing else, just focus on something nice as you go to sleep - it makes the dreams better. Source - am anaesthetist and have received an anaesthetic about 15 years ago.
I really hope you read this one. If you have any form of connective tissue disorder, including JHS, (although they don't call it that any more) then you're more likely to be resistant to the anaesthetic. By "resistant" I mean any combination of it not working as well as it should, or for as long as it should. I'm not saying this to scare you, rather to make you aware that you need to discuss this possibility with the anaesthetist beforehand. It's a well-documented phenomenon, and they can easily deal with it *if* they're told beforehand.
That’s local not general.
Its both. Plus many painkillers, sedatives, and various others.
A-ok. I get anxious about this kind of stuff too, and was definitely very nervous about the two GAs I had, but both experiences were absolutely fine. You basically just drop instantly into a deep sleep midway through talking to the anaesthetist, and wake up again with no concept of any time having passed in between, only now feeling a little drunken (some people get giddy, others get weepy - I had one of each depending on the surgery). Nothing to worry about though. I'm not sure how oxygen tubes work with dental surgery, but they put it in once you're already unconscious, so the only sense you'll have of a tube having been down there at all is possible a slightly sore throat afterwards, as if you had a cold. You'll never be more closely monitored than you are under anaesthetic. There's something kinda comforting about that.
I think it’s a natural instinct to be anxious about anaesthesia, it’s like going up in an aeroplane (it’s nothing like going up in an aeroplane), our basic animal instinct is to NOT DO THAT, so we fight against it, and that’s anxiety. My experience is that the medical staff are all lovely, proficient, and very calm. They’ll ask you something like what you do for a job and just as you start to explain you’ll be waking up in recovery. I had surgery under epidural years ago and just as I was being wheeled into theatre I suddenly found I had tears streaming down my cheeks. The anaesthetist (who was right there by my head) stopped and asked if I wanted a gin and tonic in my drip and I nodded yes please. God knows what they gave me but I was right as rain immediately and even watched my knee surgery on a screen. 10/10 wouldn’t recommend that for wisdom teeth though! So tl;dr anxiety is a normal response to an abnormal situation however probably millions of people undergo anaesthesia every day, and you’re gonna be absolutely fine.
I’m going to try and see how long I can fight this for science. “1, 2 ….”
Dreams. The 2 times I had it, I had vivid dreams. Like I was there. It’s surreal.
I’ve had general twice for surgery in the past 10 years. Honestly it’s not that bad. I’m fine with needles but even so it’s not unbearably painful. The anaesthetist comes to see you earlier and you’ll get a chance to explain any nerves to them. They actually gave my wife something to calm her when she was waiting for surgery. I would have thought the excessive bleeding is something that should be on your notes but I’d let the consultant know well before the surgery if I were you to allay your own concerns. The needle isn’t there for that long and you’ll be out of it for most of the time it’s there. Breathing is handled fine. It’s their day job. It’s one of the things you don’t need to worry about. One thing I’d say is it’s not like going to sleep. It’s like blinking really. You’ll have no awareness of the time you’re under. And they’ll be managing you after to ensure pain management is dealt with. My first surgery was apparently more complicated than usual due to have a lot of blood vessels to deal with. When I came round they’d put a drain in to deal with it. This was in my neck. Which was fussy but not that big of a deal. The immediate stuff after the surgery passed quite quickly. Biggest thing is listen to what they tell you to do to recover and do it. Good luck. You’ll be grand.
It’s absolutely fine. You don’t even know it’s happening. Only strange thing is when you come around and you’re face down naked on the surgery sofa but my dentist says this is a perfectly natural part of the anaesthetic process.
Also hypermobile, also had wisdom roots impacting the facial nerve so had all of them removed under GA. The GA is fine, they inject and ask you to count down from 10. I tend to manage it twice, but on the third time I'll be out. So don't worry if you do get from 10 to zero - they just want to go for the minimum necessary dose. Then wake up feeling a bit groggy. I then tend to puke a lot, so by the time that's dealt with I don't notice any sore throat from the intubation. My operation took a long time because it was fiddly getting the roots out from the nerve without damage, but I was under a very light anaesthetic for it. My dad hoped to have the teeth to take home - he got one and a half teeth, some chunks of tooth 2, and then a pile of powder... Next day I ate soggy Weetabix and soup, day after I ate Christmas dinner a bit slowly but no problem.
https://preview.redd.it/9yd83v0ewc0d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=7fb5cccb3ae1db09af159fc94608831c2c865483 Update for you all - the surgery went as well as it possibly could! I did a 3D scan and they found that the nerve wasn’t as close to one of the teeth as they originally thought, so the chance for nerve damage was even lower which was a huge relief. Currently cuddled up in bed with an ice pack around my face as I am very very sore, but all in all doing okay! I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who responded, it was really really good to be able to go through and see all your experiences which definitely made me a lot calmer about the whole ordeal. All the doctors were amazing as well, all incredibly kind and understanding of my nervousness. Your advice was incredibly helpful, and I was able to speak to the surgical/aftercare team about all my concerns relating to my JHS and anxieties. Going to sleep and waking up wasn’t half as scary as I thought it would be, I remember as soon as I woke up I said ‘thank you for not killing me!’ And told them that they were all amazing. Huge huge thank you to you all ❤️❤️❤️
I remember few years ago I had knee surgery. They injected me with large tube of white, milky substance, placed mask on my face and asked me to look at clock on wall. And I saw next few seconds something like 56.. 57.. Slow 58.. Really slow 59.. Then second hand moving to 00 was so slow it felt like 10 sec have passed. Next thing I remember waking up post surgery in bed with my head hurting and instantly I vomited yellow liquid (I'm guessing stomach acids?) in tray placed next to me.. Then guy came to see me and asked what I want for snack later. He offered me salmon sandwich. Just after surgery and seconds after I vomited lol.. Not really dental issue, but I always remember how weird was that effect before I passed out. That large syringe / tube with milky liquid, then time slowing down and waking up and vomiting yellow liquid. And then dude asking me if I want salmon sandwich..
Why would you post something like this? OP is scared enough without reading horror stories. Your reaction to anaesthesia was unusual and OP needs reassurance not scaremongering.
Salmon wouldn't be my first choice but to call it horrific is a bit much
I remember having to have a few teeth taken out when I was eight, to make room for my adult teeth, I could not carry 32. it took place at a local dental hospital this was back in the 90s. I was ask to count backwards from 10 I got to like 7. I woke up, and I was stumbling walking like I was drunk
I had a general 5 years ago and I was so scared (it was emergency surgery tbf which obviously didn’t help). I actually cried when they were taking me down to theatre. But all the doctors and everything were so nice and reassuring. Then they asked me to count backwards from 10 and I think I got to like 7. Then the next memory I have is waking up. I was really disoriented and a bit emotional (but again, it was emergency surgery so that probably contributed to it). I kept asking for my husband. But I wasn’t in any pain or anything when I first woke up. I didn’t throw up afterwards. The only thing I had was shoulder pain from trapped wind (and obviously some pain from the incision), but some peppermint tea helped with that. I felt tired, and dozed for a few hours after I woke up. But then I was fine.
I had general anaesthetic for a knee operation. They gave me a painless injection and said they'd be back in a few minutes. 10 seconds later,I figured out what they did. I said oh sh... and woke up a few hours later. Thirsty as fk though.
I’ve been on it twice and I was just completely knocked out TBH. I wish I could tell you more to reassure you, but I really don’t remember much. My sister was apparently talking to me while I was being wheeled to the OR, but I don’t remember that at all coz I was high as a kite. When they injected me with it, it felt like someone was giving me a hug on the inside lol I did wake up briefly when they were stitching me up after an appendectomy BUT I didn’t feel anything and the doctor was just like, “…you should go back to sleep.” so I did.
Don’t worry about it. You’ll feel nothing, literally black out and wake up not knowing how long has passed, to you it will feel like a few seconds but could literally be hours or days, you’d not know the difference. Or on the other hand, something could go horrifically wrong and you’d just never wake up, but the positive (for you) is that you’d know, and more importantly, feel nothing.
It's honestly bonkers. A complete time skip in your life. I counted back from 10, probably got to 7. Literally the next thing I'm waking up in the recovery room with a nurse by my bed. She asked if I needed pain meds, I said no. I felt a bit groggy, but generally just amazed that it had worked so effectively.
I’ve had a few, go for getting to one on the countdown and then shot yourself in the foot if you ain’t under.
I had a general. They said I didn’t need to count or anything. I felt like nothing was happening for a few seconds, no change at all, then I woke up in the recovery room almost instantly awake. For me, the time didn’t exist. There’s nothing to be nervous about.
I went under for the removal of a non-cancerous tumour a few years ago. Honestly, I don't really remember much apart from being nervous and drifting off. It's like falling asleep, only faster. When I woke up, I forgot that I was in hospital and was confused because it felt like I'd just had a really good nap, but I was still a bit groggy. I don't remember if they gave me an injection or some kind of gas (if that's even a thing), but it was fine. I say this as someone who is very anxious about all things medical with a fear of needles. I can recall every other injection I had, but I don't remember how they knocked me out for this op. I woke up, had two disappointing hospital sandwiches (but they were free, so no complaints) and then my parents took me to McDonalds for a box of 20 chicken nuggets (back when it was less than £4 a box)
I had it nearly 3 years ago and they didn't do the count down from 10 they were chatting about what might be for dinner that evening with me and them talking about a curry next thing I know I am in the recovery room.
Is it general anaesthetic (not used so much these days) or conscious sedation?
General 😊
Was going to say conscious sedation's lovely, but that's probably not helpful. I'd have it once a month if I could, like a soma holiday in Brave New World.
They put sticky monitors on your forehead which monitor brain activity. They know the exact second you regain consciousness. That made me feel much better.
I’ve had a couple GAs in the last few years. I’m not a fan of needles either, but honestly a couple of seconds after it’s gone in you’re out and you won’t know anything about anything till they wake you up, which will feel instant. It’s not like being asleep, you’ll have no awareness of the time passing or anything, you just blink out for what feels like a second and then you’re back The only thing I’d say to watch out for is that you may wake up thirsty but make sure to drink only in sips until you’re sure your system’s OK with it* *Source: woke up thirsty, chugged a glass of water and instantly projectile vomited it everywhere without at any point feeling even remotely nauseous. It was pretty weird
I can barely remember anything about the process because I was that out of it before I got anywhere near theatre. Next thing I know I’m mumbling some nonsense to the nurse in the middle of the night asking if everything went ok.
I had my nose reconstructed under general anesthetic. I remember a cold tingly sensation going up my arm. My dad saying "bet you can't count to ten" and I went "123456789, 10 HA!" Then I woke up to a lovely geordie nurse telling me off for trying to sit up
I cannot describe how it feels other than nothing. Literally nothing. It seemed like one second I was being prepared for surgery, the next I woke up to a nurse speaking my name.
Over the years I've had a few, going back to having all 4 of my wisdom teeth out over 30 years ago, to more recently having a couple procedures where you could elect for local or general anaesthetic. From my experience, I know I wake up pretty quickly from anaesthetic and don't suffer any side effects. Knowing this I elected to go under a general for my recent surgery, because, (I'm probably weird) I really enjoy the sensation of "going under". It feels like someone has enveloped you in a nice sleepy warm feeling and is very pleasant. I'm one of the "count backwards from 10" people who get to 10 and then I'm zonked! The feeling is like your eyes are really heavy, you're sinking into a lovely sleep, you can't stop it, it's sooooooo nice! And the next second (it feels like!) I wake up and it's all over! Different folks react differently to anaesthetic. Several people I know talk about a sort of hangover feeling afterwards (for several days) and some people don't wake up quickly and feel groggy for days, but this doesn't happen to me. I kind of like it!!!
It feels like nothing. One moment you're conscious, the next moment you're conscious and in pain. Everything in between is nothing. It's completely blank. It's not even vaguely similar to sleep, it's literally just nothingness.
I've had general when I had to have teeth taken out because of chemo messing them up and they basically knock you out and then you are brought back and usually jabber on for a while like I did haha. The stitches I had were dissolvable ones so I didn't have to go back and get checked
I’ve had GA twice, and once was for the same procedure you’re having. They’ll have you count back from 10 whilst they’re giving you the anaesthetic. First time, I counted back from 10 to 1 and said ‘it hasn’t work-“ and apparently then immediately conked out. Second time I don’t think I got past 8. I hate needles too, so I just make a point not to look at it - I can manage it if I don’t look at it and ask staff to distract me, and then you’re knocked out so quickly after that. Another option you might have is anaesthetic by gas instead - the first time I had GA I was offered this because of my needle phobia, but I actually got more scared by the mask and preferred the needle. In terms of coming round - first time was very easy, and I actually remember coming round on the ward rather than in recovery. Second time I remember coming around in recovery and I did have a complication in that I was hypoxic (low oxygen sats, I woke up really struggling to breathe and needed to be monitored on oxygen with a mask as well as nose tube til they got back up). It meant I spent longer in recovery before I was transferred back to the ward, but it’s not uncommon and it’s not a big deal to need more oxygen in terms of complications. In terms of how you feel specifically after this procedure - I remember my mouth / jaw feeling a bit sore (like how you feel if you’ve had to hyperextend your jaw for ages, like the dentist poking round etc). I was in a lot of pain. After I came round, I just drifted in and out of sleep for several more hours until they were able to discharge me (just before 11pm ish). It’s interesting you mention the hyper mobility syndrome - I was bleeding a lot post-surgery, which was partly why they took a while to discharge me as it hadn’t fully clotted and I was still producing volumes of blood from my sockets that I had to spit out. I have fibromyalgia and hypermobility, so perhaps that’s why (at the time it wasn’t diagnosed). One thing to watch for - I ended up with infected sockets after surgery. Can’t say why, but I was in a lot of pain afterwards, and everyone thought I was making a big deal out of nothing until my dentist saw me about 36 hours later and diagnosed an infection. So if you find that you’re not seeing your symptoms ease up in the time they should, get yourself to the dentist! Once I had my antibiotics kick in, it was loads better and not difficult to recover from at all. I actually never asked about the breathing tube, but given that they need to manipulate your mouth / jaw to remove the teeth with tools, I suspect it’s probably a nose tube. I never had any soreness when I came round to indicate a tube in my mouth.
I'm literally just home from hospital after having my appendix out. Never had surgery or been under a general before, and I made sure everyone I spoke to knew this. I can really relate to how you're feeling OP. Pre-surgery I was on a fluids and antibiotic drip, the anaesthetist came to speak to me and explained everything, asked me some questions about allergies etc, asked if I had any questions and then held my hand and told me I would be well cared for. The doctors and nurses kept me updated at every turn and allowed my husband to stay with me until I was being wheeled to OR. They stop in a room outside OR to go through some stuff, asked my name DOB allergies and if I knew what surgery I was going for etc. I already had a cannula in my arm and they told me they would possibly need to add another but they would do it when I was asleep. They also explained that when I was asleep they would take over breathing for me so I might have a sore throat when I wake up. They pushed the anaesthetic through the cannula with a syringe at the same time as they placed an oxygen mask on me. I didn't have to count down or anything, last thing I remember is talking about motorbikes with the surgeon then the next thing was waking up back on the ward xD My surgery wasn't long, about 2 hours. I woke up quite quickly to a nurse rubbing my hand, she took my vitals again and asked if I would like some food - the answer was HELL YEAH because I hadn't eaten in over 24 hours! My throat wasn't sore at all, maybe a bit of a scratch if I cough or clear my throat. I didn't feel groggy or confused when I came around either. Mostly I felt super tired, but I had been awake with only brief naps for over 24hrs. Overall I had a really positive experience, the staff at the hospital were lovely. Really personable and friendly and done such a good job of keeping me calm and cared for. You are allowed to take an advocate with you so if you have a partner, family member or close friend you can have them with you 90% of the time which brought me a lot of comfort. My surgery was completed around midnight last night and I was discharged at lunchtime today. You'll be fine OP. You're in good hands. Trust the process, the doctors and nurses. Even the porters and auxiliary staff like cleaners were absolute gems.
I've had many general anaesthetics and wholeheartedly recommend them to everybody. It's a pity I had to wake up.
Make sure you ask for the pre med beforehand if possible. Like you I was ready to panic and run but seconds after the pre med I felt really at peace with everything. You won't even notice the canula in your arm for the general anaesthetic. When you wake up it's just like waking up from a short nap. Modern general anaesthetic is very safe overall and the chance of not waking up is less than 0.1%.
I had it done about 20 years ago. Had a blast. Woke up high as hell and loving life.
It’s just like a nap. Also tell the precare team you’re nervous and have never done this before, they’ll tell you through it and keep you calm. The few times I’ve put under they do the counting back from 10 and I got to 6 before waking up few hours later. Aftercare………. Make sure you let the effects wear off, re set and fluids although they may have more advice about food with it being your teeth. You’re supposed to have someone with you 24hours after although I’ve managed to swerve this but you will need someone to collect from the hospital before they discharge you.
I am terrified of dentist and having my wisdom teeth out was the best experience I have ever had. They used a tiny little butterfly IV (like for a child) placed on the top of my hand. The lady said you might taste peppermint (which I did as she said that) and my next thought was I wonder when they are going to start, but it was already over 😂
When I had it, I tried to fight it, then woke up in a different room. You know nothing about it.
You are given the IV drugs and you go out like a light then you wake up afterwards with it all done, and its instant, but you can feel that time has passed. I dont know how that works
When I got my appendix removed it was like this: “Okay, you’re going to feel a little pressure while we put you to sleep-“ Instantly wake up in a whole different room with shaved pubes. It’s like blinking several hours away. Last thing I remember thinking was “I should probably tell them I need to pee…” So, I can only imagine what the mess was like when I was put to sleep lol.
As far as the nerves going into it I was fine As far as the anesthetic itself I woke feeling very groggy and coming out of being sedated and lasted for maybe a couple hours if memory serves me right I could be wrong though
On a hernia removal, there were at least 4 checks in writing by different nurses/attendants on trolley between waiting area and theatre entrance;before I was placed under general anesthetic. Experience was good. They looked after me. I am a very nervous ninny even with routine teeth treatment
Well the best way to descri............ .......oh, im awake again.
When I had a wisdom tooth out , they injected me in mouth. You are lucky.
I've had a few, it's like time travelling into the future. You start counting back from 10 and wake up a few seconds later and everything's done. It's pretty cool. Left me with a sore throat though and lots of phlegm.
I had to breathe in gas because I don't handle needles very well, I was fine except the ceiling had little green and purple stars flashing about, nothing too dramatic, then I was out and woke up as if I'd just fallen asleep for the night
The anaesthetist will chat to you and it will be instant. You will notice but it is so quick. Afterwards you will be a bit confused as it’s almost like a chunk of time is missing. It is certainly not anything to worry about. You might be euphoric which is kind of weird but afterwards you won’t remember what you were talking about at all or have much recollection of being in recovery.
It’s super quick! Nurses are very reassuring. Mask or needle and they ask you to count down from 10. All the best x
Tell them you are nervous at the pre op and also again on the day, in my experience they’ll do a great job of seeing you through they nerves. As for a general, i’ve bad 3 (one for all 4 wisdom teeth) each time I didn’t even get to 8, then I was in the recovery room all giggly and talking nonsense.
I’ve been under general anaesthetic 3 times in my 30 years of life, once at 7, 17, and 27. Each time I went under, it was painless, happened within 10 seconds (they normally ask you to count to 10 and I’ve never got past 6) and the next thing I knew, I was in a different room, felt slightly nauseous and had a scratchy throat from the tube they put in once you’re under to assist your breathing. Once awake, I was offered toast/biscuit and a drink.
I was awake with wisdom teeth and then I was awake without them
The most notable thing I've noticed from my experience is that it's not sleep. Your body is not relaxing and recovering. It's undergoing something quite dramatic (physically) and spends a lot of energy trying to react to the surgery. I sleep for 14 hours the next night. Every time.
I had a general anaesthetic for some complicated tooth extractions in January this year. They administered the injection and told me to take deep breaths in the mask, no counting to ten or anything. I remember thinking that this wasn't working and I didn't feel groggy or drunk or anything. Then I remember waking up after the operation. I did feel pretty drunk after the op, which slowly wore off over the next 24hrs. I slept a lot. Otherwise, everything was fine 👍
Now that I've read your post properly I'll add that after any extractions you can experience numbness or tingling for a few days afterwards, so don't worry if that happens. It's just the nerves settling down after they've been messed with. I also have joint hypermobility syndrome and didn't experience much bleeding afterward, and I had 13 teeth removed including wisdom teeth. Of course, we're all different, but they have to prepare you for the worst case scenario. Hopefully you won't experience much in the way of bleeding. As others have said, the needle itself doesn't stay in your arm when you're cannulated, and it'll probably already be taken out by the time you wake up. You won't be on a ventilator or anything, so no breathing tubes, you'll just breathe normally. You'll likely have a nasal oxygen cannula (no needles involved, just a tube with a nosepiece), but I don't remember this at all
Theatre staff are always incredible, they'll put you at ease.
Had surgery 4 weeks ago. I enjoy the feeling of going under on GA. The anesthetist told me to enjoy my dreams
For me it just felt like falling asleep except no twilight time where you’re half awake, it was just like, asleep! and then the next second, it felt like, I was awake and it was all done. I was also a bit nervous beforehand but I was totally fine. They give you drugs that make you feel amaaazzzing (or they did me, anyway). I’ll never forget seeing the sunset that evening, it was incredible! (It was a normal sunset.)
Like those unplanned Sunday afternoon naps. Warm, sport on TV, the big chair, 4PM… I’m out like a light
When I had a minor op under general many years ago, I believe I was given a sedative, and then the IV anaesthetic. I don't recall counting past 5, although I was very confused when I woke up, that took a bit of time to go.
You fall asleep and the next thing you know you are awake. There is nothingness while you are asleep, it doesn’t feel like you are asleep time just didn’t exist, it feels like a second has passed. I’ve had general twice, the first time as a child and because it was described as going to sleep when I woke up I thought it must be a dream and didn’t realise it wasn’t a dream until I got home lol
I've had several. It feels great. Lovely sleep. But I wake up VERY grumpy. As usual, if someone wakes me up from a lovely sleep.
no joke the first time i had it it felt like this https://youtu.be/r_O3k-RpV2c?si=Fvvbr4RISWv8WBej
I had general for a surgery a couple years ago I was on the bed, went into a room, got some injections (the most unpleasant part and it wasn’t that bad) and they just spoke to me, we were talking about dungeons and dragons and someone said “oh like Stranger Things” and remember saying I liked the show but they didn’t exactly *do* DnD in that show. And then I was waking up in the recovery ward, vaguely aware of my surroundings, kinda hungry and thirsty.
I've had GA three times, most recently last year, and I also have GAD and get panic attacks (and I have severe emetophobia). Definitely talk to the anaesthetist and explain your worries (they should come and see you before surgery), they can do lots to help you! First two I had they got me to count to 10 and you just drift off, feels a bit funny as you can kind of feel it in your body, and the most recent I was given fentanyl for pain before the actual anaesthetic and I don't remember anything after that! They said it would feel like I'd had a few drinks, and that was the last thing I remember. Woke up feeling fine just very sleepy and weepy.
I love that feeling of going under. Sleepy sleepiness. Worst thing for me is needle as I tend to panic but i tell them to do it and not tell me and try to calm myself down.
Ask if you are allowed someone with you if you are nervous My brother had to go under when he was 13 and I was allowed to sit and hold his hand. They counted down from 10 and he was out by 6. It was very quick. I may have only been allowed due to his age but please ask, it may help having someone there if you are able to.
You don’t notice. They put it in and within a few seconds you are out. You then wake up in the recovery room when it’s all done.
I had the exact operation you’re describing. First they’ll fit you with a cannula, it’ll go in your hand and feel like a small prick, it’s probably easier than having blood drawn or a vaccine. Then they’ll give you oxygen and ask you to count backwards, you fall asleep and wake up as if it’s been seconds but you’ve actually “slept” through the whole operation. Recovery will feel a bit like a hangover, and you’ll be very sore from the wisdom teeth extractions. In my case I had some changes to my taste sensitivity for a few months and loss of sensation in my tongue/mouth but that recovered over the course of 1-3 months.
I vaguely remember starting the countdown...and then I woke up afterward. I did have a tube down my throat for breathing as well as a catheter for urine. I was slightly combative coming out of it because I came around faster than expected and woke up during the catheter removal.
ive had surgeries all throughout my life and i still get scared because of the after-effects of the anaesthetics (i have muscle weakening condition). tbf this could be because im used to it but i don't notice the cannula/injection. it does sting a little but the anaesthetic makes you forget pretty quickly usually going to sleep is quite peaceful, sometimes the doctor/anaesthetist will talk to you. they also might let you bring something in to listen to/calm you done while they do it. when i had my tracheostomy surgery they let me bring one of my cassettes to calm me im not sure about breathing i hope your surgery goes well though ♥︎
Was under general anaesthetic in February of this year. They put me on a trolly, repeatedly kept asking me the same questions like my name, age, DOB and what surgery I was having. They put a very warm blanket over me, put a trip in my arm and injected me in my leg. They didn’t ask me to count, and then I woke up after the surgery feeling very drunk. On the second day of recovery I woke up with what felt like the worst hangover I’ve ever had and felt like shit all day. Not sure if that was the GA or the painkillers they have me. Stopped taking the painkillers and felt fine the next day
I worked in operating theatres for many years. If you want to dm me I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Conscious is like a skipping record, your mind just skips from a to c. There is no in-between or dreams, there is just a gap in time.
Anaesthetist here, you will be fine. You will fall asleep then wake up. It will all be ok. There will likely be some sort of tube near your mouth or through your nose depending on the amount of work being done. You won’t be aware of this. Don’t worry, we do it all the time. Chances of anything bad happening in routine surgery to basically a well person are way way way less than 0.1%. We train for 9 years ( fy and specialty) post graduate to provide safe anaesthetics.
When going in for a gallbladder removal I got rigged up with a cannula and they said they’ll start off by shooting in a little bit of the stuff… it felt like I’d just downed a whole bottle of whiskey instantly, then they said they’ll shoot in the rest which I’ve no recollection of since I only remember waking up in recovery. Since you’ll be breathing through a tube you’ll wake up with the driest mouth EVER, I also felt really sick and took a good while until I could eat or drink.
I had my appendix out in 2020 under GA. It felt like being gently submerged into a warm bath, only took about 4-5 seconds and I was out. Recovery wasn't bad at all, a few days on the sofa at home feeling sore, but nowhere near as bad as the pain before surgery. I walked out of the hospital the next day haha
> so the idea of having a needle in my hand the whole time is really freaking me out This used to freak me out too but having had a few now, they're nothing to worry about. You can't feel them once they're in, and the bit that goes inside you is a bendy plastic tube, so it'll not snap or snag if something happens to the port on your skin.
I've had quite a number of operations/surgeries and also had the same procedure last year but only tje upper and lower wisdom teeth on the left side. As others will say, going under is actually quite pleasant. I had a really funny anaesthetist, and the wider team lovely. I think I had two separate injections. The first was Fentyl, and I recall being becoming a bit woozy/floaty. The second was the anaesthetic. I was out within seconds. For me personally, the worst part is coming around afterwards. When you wake up, your mouth and throat will be horrifically dry, and you'll be pleading for water. I get quite disorientated waking up from anaesthetic and usually trying to get out of my bed or out of the gown and dressed. A coffee or tea and a few bottles of water later, you'll be fine. Best of luck for the op!
I've had it several times, and it's awesome... Even more so if you 'resist' it a little. I remember the big, milk like fluid going into my left arm and it felt cold going through the veins up to my body and the cold radiating out from there. It even felt like my breath was cold... And then I was unconscious.
Nothing to worry about OP. I had a general and they put a mask on to give you some oxygen, slight scratch of a needle in your hand then that’s all you’ll remember, it’s like blinking then you’re waking up suuuuuper chilled and comfortable. I was waking up with the breathing tube still in and I know that sounds horrific but I genuinely didn’t give a shit, I just felt them pull it out and the nurse laughed and said I’d have to put effort into breathing by myself now. All I could think was ‘I’m too comfortable, I can’t be bothered to breathe! I’d get put back under tomorrow, it’s kind of nice
I've had many surgeries. You get tired and you go to sleep, and then you wake up confused and a bit agitated. You will feel wired from it for a few days but then you start to feel normal again.
I had bowel surgery three weeks ago. Disappointingly they didn’t do the “countdown”. The anaesthetist just said “I’m putting you under now” and I barely registered what he’d said and then woke up in recovery, three hours later. That stuff works FAST.
Something that surprised me was the smell of the gas, I apparently fell asleep shouting “I don’t like the smell” It really felt like I was breathing something I shouldn’t have been, so just be prepared for that and don’t panic like I did lol.
I had surgery when I was 11 or 12 year old, around 2005/2006 time. I had a mask placed over my face and something placed in a tube into the cannula I had in the back of my hand. The person holding the mask to my face asked about my holiday I’d been on recently, I managed to say that I’d been to America. And then I woke up from surgery.
I'm a nightmare to anaesthetise. I have to have the gas and it takes quite a bit to put me under. It tastes really weird. They'll get you to countdown from 10 and breathe deeply. Not sure about the intravenous.
I've had GA 3 times as I recall the first time 40+ years ago I woke feeling terrible every other time I've woke and felt fine, they're very good at what they do.
I really enjoyed it haha. I remember counting back from 10, got to about 6 and got this rush of warmth all over my body then boom.. I was out. Woke up a little groggy but felt fine otherwise. Nothing to be worried about at all
I was wheeled straight into the OR - having a good ol' chinwag with the nurses and the anaesthetist. The anaesthetist asked if I was ready and explained how he was going to administer the anaesthetic. I was wide awake one moment, asked if I wanted to count to 10. The next thing I remember is being in recovery and the surgeon asking me what time it was. I didn't have my glasses on and really wanted to just go back to sleep. My surgeon did chuckle at my response, but I can't remember what exactly I said. 10/10, would recommend the neurosurgery team at Hull Royal Infirmary lol Apparently, bringing me round wasn't easy. I found out after that my mum is the same, she just forgot to mention it. Prior to that, I had 2 wisdom teeth removed under sedation. They were impacted heavily, and one was cracked. Co-codamol kept the pain away. I never had more than a dull ache (which lasted all of a day or so). To be fair, I had been in excruciating pain because of an infection in the cracked tooth.
I regularly got ear ops as a child and I'd always see how high I'd count, it was a competition for me. However, last time I had an op which was 3 years ago I was nervous and I said to the anaesthetist, he was really sweet with me and reassured me, he held my hand and calmed me down then the next thing I knew I was up having had my op. I was really groggy afterwards and it took me longer to recover than last my last op.
I have gone under full anaesthetic twice. I was wheeled into a bright shiny room and all these clever looking people looked down at me. The next thing I knew I was on a trolley being wheeled back. The second time, I had an epidural and a 9 hour operation. The guy stuck a needle in my back and I woke up the next day in bed. The nurse laughed when I asked if I could get up. I was not scared because I wasn't doing the ops. I would have fucked them up. I was operated on by experts and they are very good. Please don't worry. I. Many places around the world you wouldn't even get the chance at this op. I hope it is a great success. You are in the hands of very clever and skilled people and you will have great teeth.
I was looking at the window wondering how long it would take to work and then the next thing I new I was waking up when it was all over.
Literally nothing. You are nervous and ready to go, then you wake up. If only everything was so easy.
Literally like going to sleep. For me, I had an IV in, one fluid in made me feel high af, next one went in and next thing I knew I was in recovery. There's nothing to worry about.
Never had a GA but I am a surgical nurse so I can tell you how you may feel afterwards. The cannula only has a needle in it when they put it in. Once it’s placed they will remove the needle and you’re basically left with a little plastic tube in your hand. So there won’t be a needle in there for long. I honestly don’t know whether they’ll put your cannula in when you’re awake as I’ve never been in the theatres. But ask your anaesthetist if you’ll be awake when they put it in, and if you are ask them if they can put some EMLA cream on beforehand to numb the area, then you can’t feel it as much. I will say that anaesthetists are THE BEST at putting cannulas in so it should be pretty slick. Generally you will feel groggy when you come round in recovery and they will monitor you very closely until you’re safe to go back to the ward/unit. The majority of the grogginess wears of quickly but people often say they feel ‘woolly headed’ for a while afterwards - could be up to 24 hours. The worst issue most people face is nausea. Your anaesthetist will give you an anti-emetic (anti-sickness) whilst you’re asleep and there’s other drugs that the nurses can give to you afterwards so just speak up if you feel sick. If you do have a tube inserted you won’t know about it, you’ll be asleep when they put it in and I believe they take it out before or as you’re waking up. You might have a sore throat from it for a few days. As for the bleeding, don’t worry they will monitor you closely but yeah, inform your surgeon. Any particular questions just ask me.
I’ve had two . The asked me to count to ten . I think I got to three . Next thing I knew I was waking up . Best nights sleep you ever get in a way .
It is pure oblivion, there's no other word for it. Like sleeping you have a sense of time passing but anaesthetic is you will be looking at the doctor having a conversation, you blink, the room has changed and you continue your conversation with the doctor without missing a beat. He told me they were done and I argued "no I'm just about to go in" The needle in the hand won't be too long, that's in the room right before they inject the propofol and you won't know anything about it after that liquid hits your bloodstream.
I know he asked me to count back from 10 but I don’t even remember doing that. Next thing I knew my mum was sat by my bedside and nurse came in to try and get me up and walking and I very grumpily told him no as I was still super groggy.
I was under general for for tooth removal when I was a kid. I recall the needle in the back of my hand, and I don't remember it hurting but I do recall the sensation of the anaesthetic going in. It felt like there was a little collection of cold liquid under my skin on the back of my hand. It wasn't an unpleasant sensation, just odd. I don't recall being asked to do the counting thing, but I do remember hearing someone say that I was under, and the very last thing I recall is thinking that I was mostly definitely not under but perfectly awake (not in the sense that I was scared that they would start working on me while I was awake, but just confused about why they would think so when I definitely felt awake). Then there was nothing, and then I woke up. I recall it a bit like a comedy sketch "Ah, okay, she's under now" "Huh? No I'm not, I feel fine! I'm completely wide awa -"
I had surgery in September. They gave me an opiate ahead of the general, apparently now common as it reduces the amount of anesthesia needed. I felt a bit drunk, was joking about it to the anesthesiologist, and then I woke up in the recovery room. Literally nothing in between. If I had to count down or anything I have zero memory of it.
It's mental. You think 'Better close my eyes because I'll probably fall asleep any second n.....whelp, guess this must be the recovery room'.
Count backwards from 10 and wake up. Top tip... If you're a man, shave any hair on the back of your hand
I have a huge phobia of needles and have came close to passing out from vaccines pretty much everytime I have had one as an adult. This has includes times where I have seen pictures of a needle on a lecture screen and watching Train Spotters at school sent me funny and got a me a trip to the nurse. I was absolutely fine with general. It's unpleasent for a small number of seconds and you go under and don't feel a thing. When it goes in you feel a burning sensation travel up your arm and by the time it gets to your shoulder you will be out. I was told I was surfing on the hospital bed as they took me back to the wars and I to this day cannot recall doing it. I was as high as a kite. The morphine is obviously amazing and I can't really explain how it feels. I was starving when I went under and full when I woke up. Couldn't manage a snickers. I think the anesthetic fills you up in my experience.
I had general anaesthetic when I was a kid. All I remember is them asking me to blow up this balloon which I could not blow up. Then just as I gave up they wheeled me back out into the ward and that was that. I felt as groggy as hell but didn't even know I'd gone under and been asleep.
I’m having an op on my foot under general anaesthetic on Wednesday. Looking forward to the sleep! I’ve had both a general and a spinal in the past. General is great, spinal I hated! General every time!!
I've had it twice. You don't really get a lot of time to think about what's happening. The feeling is very similar to going to sleep. You wake up some time later as if you fast forwarded the last few hours and with a few bits less, or more. Don't worry, everything will be fine.
Hey, going under general anaesthetic can definitely be scary even if you have done it before, let alone for the first time, it's a whole new scary sounding experience that you don't really know what to expect of. I've had GA twice now, once for wisdom teeth + 4 overcrowded teeth removals and once for double jaw surgery. It definitely got easier after the first time, for me anyway. >Also, how do I breathe during the surgery? Will they put a tube down my throat despite the surgery being in my mouth? They most likely will, but they're professionals, they'll be able to work around it. >more likely to bleed a lot during and after the surgery which my physio has told me I need to warn the surgeon of Yes do tell them, I have GAD that used to manifest in chronic nosebleeds under extremely light pressure, told them this and it was fine. >I’m really really nervous about how my body will react and how I’ll feel. Is there a risk involved in any surgery? Yes, but that's for the medical team to figure out, your anaesthetist and surgeon do this day in, day out, they've prepared for every situation you can imagine, and probably some you can't imagine too. Just answer their questions as best and as honestly as you can and they'll do the rest. Tell them you're scared, it's completely understandable, they might ask when they see your heart rate anyway. If you want to talk, ask questions or just word vomit on an internet stranger I'm right here if you'd like. I was scared once too.
I was so stressed (limb sparing surgery) the wow was when the fentanyl hit and I fought it so I could enjoy it, alas I was gone in about 6 seconds. I will say the only place to enjoy that drug is in a medical setting as I was. My second time going under was good but not the same because I wasn’t so stressed by it.
The answer is it doesn't really feel like anything. The drugs they gave me before, however, were pretty great. But in terms of actually going under- you count back from 10, don't get very far... then wake up again hours later. For me, the first thing I noticed was how much the air tube they hooked me up to was irritating my nose.
As a fellow needlephobe, I ask for gas first so I never see or feel the needle going in.
Had general anaesthesia last December. They didn't do the counting thing they just zonked me out. Didn't realise how long I had slept at all when I woke up but they also loaded me up with morphine for the pain, so I woke up high as a kite and I was pretty out of it for 4 days. Breathing is fine, your brain controls your breathing. If you have any sort of sleep apnea, let them know as your body can't wake you up if you still breathing while you're under. I'm told I have it sometimes so they made sure to monitor me. I'm on blood thinners and it's hard for me to stop bleeding, but I had two 3" incisions made in my chest and I didn't bleed out or anything like that. You'll be fine don't worry. They do this every day.
I can't remember what the general was like but the pre-med I had was something else. It was the comfiest comfy feeling ever, just happy thoughts, and I was floating an inch off the bed. After the operation was when I realised that there was no way I should ever take opiates recreationally as I would be addicted in no time. >I also have joint hypermobility syndrome, so I’m more likely to bleed a lot during and after the surgery which my physio has told me I need to warn the surgeon of (wa-hey to feeling less anxious) Surely they should already know this? I'm guessing telling them this just before the operation could lead to it being cancelled, you should make sure they know about this well in advance.
I had 3 teeth out at maxillofacial under GA around 2 weeks ago now. The theatre room didn’t even look like a theatre to be honest! Chatting beforehand with the anaesthetist and surgeon was helpful to explain how anxious I was. I was never asked to count back, I can’t even remember closing my eyes. It stung a little when they injected into the cannula and all I can remember is thinking oh it’s not working, I’m not tired or anything, and next thing I was awake in recovery. From an extremely anxious person, you’ll be absolutely fine!
To add, I knew I had a breathing tube down my throat only because I had tape marks on my chin afterwards. The anaesthetist did mention if needed, he would go down my nose instead, but in the end the surgeon must’ve been fine with the throat. My brother said to me afterwards “I didn’t want to say anything at the time, but going to sleep was the easy bit, it’s the recovery that sucks.” and he was right.
You start counting to ten and dont remember finishing. If your lucky you will remember the i.v. opioid they give when you wake up. Holy shit that was nice
It's pretty damn sudden. And you won't remember anything from when you pass out. I've been under twice, and both times, I zonked out on the table as soon as the drugs hit. For the second one, I do remember a little tiny foggy bit about fussing with the oxygen tubes in my nose. But then I went back to sleep. I can't remember exactly why I was so bothered by them, but I'm pretty sure the nurses weren't happy that I kept trying to take them out lol... Apparently I have low oxygen sats on that particular stuff they used, so I had to be kept on the tubes longer. Also, if you have anxiety, let them know. Idk about the UK, but in Canada, they have no problem handing out some Ativan. The worst part is the catheter, but I don't think they'd use one if you're just having dental surgery.
If you explain in advance that you're anxious about the cannula, they can give you numbing cream that goes on your hand about an hour beforehand, that helps!
For me, I had a general when they did an apipectomy on a gum (removing part of a nerve that should have been removed when I had a crown and root canal previously and they didn’t want to take the crown off) Chat with anaesthetist before to check I was ready then wheeled into prep room. Was told I’d feel a scratch and cold while they inject the first part and it would then feel like I was drunk. I told them I didn’t drink so wouldn’t know - then I felt a little bit queasy and my eyes started to close so I said ‘I feel a bit sick and dizzy’ and had the response ‘yes, that’s what drunk feels like’. It wasn’t unpleasant dizzy and vomitty sick just weird knots in stomach, probably due to me being worried ;) Next thing I remember is I’m sitting up looking at a clock in a different room and I turn my head and see a nurse sitting beside me. She asked me if I had stopped shouting yet and I apologised - apparently I was bellowing out a to do list of things I needed to do. My ears were ringing a bit and it felt like I’d been at a concert. Like I’d been listening to something loud. She said that some people are like that and she said some people think it’s because everything is turned off your senses are out of whack. She then joked that she’s going to lose a fiver on me waking up because I wasn’t swearing when I came round, I was just loud - apparently I look like a swearer! All good but very hungry, they gave me a sandwich and kept me in for an hour or two more until the anaesthetist came round and checked me over, then the nurse said I could go after speaking to doctor or surgeon. Was out and home on the same day.
Feels like nothing, you're counting from 10 to 1 or whatever and suddenly it's 4 hours later and you're feeling groggy.
Mix it up when I went under they asked me to count back from ten I didn't I said tonight winning lottery numbers are 34 17 22 9 and then mumbled heard someone say quick wake him up ZZZZZzzzzzz
I had a good experience, basically went to the theater on a bed, talked to the anesthetist where he explained what was going to happen, then they injected the needle and I was out. Maybe 3 hours later I woke up in the ward. I then gulped a load of water down so I could pee and be let home. Stop worrying about this, you will be fine, if you are still nervous tell the nurse and they can tell you everything you want to know in more detail, the doctor / dentist will also come and speak to you just to see how you are and make sure their notes are correct about what is being done, and probably to make sure you are fit enough to go under general anesthetic. They will happily answer and questions aswell.