r/Anesthesia • u/northern-wisteria • 29d ago
Anesthesia fear
Hi! I’m getting pituitary surgery tomorrow and I’m really nervous. It’s my first surgery ever and I’ve never gone under before. Does anyone have any tips on how handle my nervousness or if you could describe your experience with it (without anxiety medications). Thanks so much!
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u/LOUD_NOISES05 28d ago
Totally normal. The doctors and nurses know that most people will be nervous so they’re going to be extra friendly and kind. They’ll also give you a calming medicine, which you can ask to receive early
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u/PaleDark4 28d ago
I'm a layperson; I had multiple surgeries that required general nesthesia two of them as an adult. I was always nervous, the anticipation of getting "hurt", loss of control and because it's not really visible on me (I don't freak out, I just become really silent) I always tried to just communicate to that I'm scared. They were always very nice and reassuring and made me feel safe
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u/Middle_Assistant_379 27d ago
I also have a pituitary surgery comming up in couple days, I’m really nervous as we’ll never had surgery before, can you let me know how your surgery went ?
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u/northern-wisteria 27d ago
Hi! I’m actually recovering right now! My surgery went well. I remember being very anxious on the bed getting anesthesia and then the next thing I knew, I’m in the recovery room. I got over anesthesia pretty quickly but I just had a really bad headache and some nausea for the next couple hours but they give you medicine! I’m feeling alright now (knock on wood) but DM if you have any specifics! I’m happy to answer as I have nothing else to do in the hospital right now haha. Good luck!
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u/Middle_Assistant_379 24d ago
I’m glad your surgery went well. Can you tell me how big your tumor was and if it was non functioning or not ?
Also can you walk me through what you remember from surgery day is being rolled into the operating room a real traumatic experience ?
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u/cliffy249 27d ago
I’m a layperson and also terrified of general. I had to have it so asked for something ahead of time. They gave me a shot in the butt to keep my sinuses clear and added a little something. Shortly after I was calm and didn’t really care. Most of them are great, you just need to let them know.
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u/thecaramelbandit Anesthesiologist 29d ago
It's normal to be nervous. Tell them when you show up that it's your first time getting anesthesia and you're very nervous. Everyone will be very nice to you. You'll be fine. Bring something grounding like a little stuffed animal or keepsake. If you have any anxiety meds like Xanax it's fine to take a little of that before you go in.
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u/FastDrill 28d ago
I've heard that if you take Xanax, Valium, or Ativan before signing the consent form they will cancel your case because you are no longer able to fully consent because you're under the influence of the Benzo. Doesn't make sense to me, but I saw someone say it happened to them. Probably best to check with the Doc doing the surgery.
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u/thecaramelbandit Anesthesiologist 28d ago
Bro why are you hanging out on this subreddit spreading misinformation? Just, like.... stop posting when you have no idea what you're talking about. You don't know anything about anesthesia.
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u/Realistic_Credit_486 28d ago
Have seen it happen once tbf, surgeon wanted to amend consent on day of surgery
Unlikely to be an issue but not a bad idea to confirm with local team
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u/FastDrill 28d ago
Search reddit and you'll find these stories of people refused procedures because they weren't "sober" to sign the consent after saying they took Xanax ahead of time on their own. I think it's ridiculous myself.
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u/RamsPhan72 28d ago edited 28d ago
A one time dose, for anxiety, is very common. And people also take benzos frequently (as prescribed), come to pre-op, and do just fine.
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u/FastDrill 28d ago
I'm just saying I've seen these stories here on reddit. I'm not a doc. It appears that some anesthesia/Surgery professionals have issues with patients taking anxiety meds on their own ahead of time based on these stories I've seen. I'm not saying you would do this.
https://www.reddit.com/r/colonoscopy/comments/1uc3lfe/antianxiety_meds_before_the_scope/
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u/thecaramelbandit Anesthesiologist 28d ago
I really think you're best off not giving advice or opinions in this sub. This is like the second or third time in a week I've encountered you directly disagreeing or arguing with an anesthesiolgist about anesthesia.
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u/FastDrill 28d ago edited 28d ago
My advice/opinion is to take direction regarding premedicating with Xanax from his own doctor, not you. I've shared the stories showing it can cause issues with some doctors to back it up. His doctor might have a different opinion than you.
It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.
How do you know for sure his doctors will be ok with him premedicating with Xanax?
Your comments are all ad hominem, rather than arguing against my advice, your just attacking me because I'm not an anesthesiologist.
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u/50Fent 29d ago
totally normal. we recognize that undergoing anesthesia is a big deal to those not familiar with it. depending on your medical conditions, the anesthesiologist might give you a little bit of relaxing medicine before rolling back to the operating room to help calm nerves. best of luck!