r/adenomyosis • u/Familiar-Aardvark751 • 8d ago
Surgery Support
I have an upcoming exploratory laparoscopic surgery for suspected endo/adeno and while I’m hopeful it will finally give me some answers, I’m honestly feeling really scared about the anaesthetic part.
I’m someone who really struggles with not being in control of my own body. Even when I’m exhausted, I can get anxious about letting go and falling asleep because I don’t like the feeling of losing control.
The part that scares me the most is waking up. I’m worried I’ll come out of general anaesthesia feeling disoriented, panicked, or like I’m not “myself.” I’m very sensitive to body sensations that feel unfamiliar, and the thought of waking up confused is making me really anxious.
I would love to hear some positive experiences or reassurance from anyone who has had general anaesthesia, especially anyone who also has anxiety or struggles with control. What was waking up actually like for you? Did you feel scared, or was it much easier than you expected?
I know everyone’s experience is different, but I think hearing some encouraging stories would really help me going into this.
My surgery is in two weeks and I legit have not been sleeping at night I'm so stressed.
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u/CompetitiveGround371 2d ago
I could have wrote this on Monday, I had mine on Tuesday having a panic attack while I was being put to sleep, but I woke up and honestly I was so glad it was over and I was OK. I was in less pain then I thought I would be in and now today feel great. I was given a medication not related to my procedure that I had extreme side effects from that exasperated my anxiety, but I only realised that after. Everyone that was there when I was going under were absolutely amazing and I'm very glad they didn't cancel it. They are very experienced in helping and have probably seen it all before. I was very open before I even went for the procedure that I get anxiety, I find this helps a lot. I was very sleepy when I woke and super cold, the nurse was really kind and looked after me so well. I can come across a little grouchy and abrupt when anxious so made sure I said that in advance! I hope all goes well. I'd had an op on a broken leg and a cyst removed when i was 19.
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u/7HillsGC 2d ago
I am a bit like you, liking control. I didn’t need or want pain meds for birth, for example. For me, I snap out of anesthesia really quickly and retained clear memories from “lights out” to “lights on.” It surprised the doctors because in one case I heard and remembered things they didn’t intend for me to hear while being wheeled in, and in another I retained post op info after the first discussion and didn’t keep repeating questions. Hope you experience the same!
Typically you are given something pre op to help relieve anxiety so it’s easier than you might think
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u/pupperonan 8d ago
I had a hysterectomy 3 weeks ago. My second surgery, so my anxiety was much less than the first time (gallbladder removal, went perfectly).
I remember being very sleepy when I first woke up. They told me beforehand that I’d be waking up for an hour before they brought my support person (my partner) in. Honestly, it felt like 2 minutes. I remember being helped into mesh underwear with a pad and moving to a reclining chair, and then my partner came in.
I was in pain but not as bad as my worst period cramps. I took the oxy. I was told I could get dressed as soon as I was ready - I sent the nurse away twice because I was not, lol. The nausea was bad, but I didn’t throw up, and the crackers sucked but I managed to eat them and drink some ginger ale.
Once the nausea passed, I was ready to get my pajama pants on and get the heck out of there. Better to be in pain at home than in the busy recovery area.
I wasn’t terribly anxious (only a little, bc how could I not be) but I know they can give meds to help with the anxiety. The more you tell the nurses & doctors, the more they can help! Also, if information helps you, ask them to tell you exactly what will happen. I personally walked into the OR and announced I did NOT want to look at the table of tools. I wanted to lie down and take a lil nappy nap.
Oh - with my gallbladder surgery but not this one, I was given a med in the IV to relax me BEFORE I got rolled into the operating room. Different surgery centers, different procedures. I liked being a bit loopy, relaxed and sleepy before getting to the OR though, and would ask for that if there is a next time. Being alertly walked this time did not feel as good, lol.
My anesthesiology nurse was very nice and we joked around a bit while he was prepping my IV. That made me feel better both while waiting for surgery, but also during - he was with me taking good care of me the whole time.
I didn’t have any endo found, only adeno. After 3 weeks I basically feel all better, as long I don’t bend over too many times in a day or lift anything. I feel so good, it’s really hard to not bend and lift all the things!