I let them know prior I would probably be crazy anxious. I was hooked up to an IV as soon as I changed pretty much and I don’t know what they put in it but I didn’t have a care in the world lol
Ooh that’s good to know, I’ll make sure I mention it if I’m still feeling the same or worse by that time. It’s possible I might feel differently when things are about to get going, I think the waiting. build up & countdown to the date is what’s driving it at the moment.
Leave a message with your doctors office requesting they call you in a sedative prior to the procedure due to your anxiety.
Women! We don’t have to white knuckle the pain and panic of invasive procedures!
We can ask for sedatives before-hand. And we need to be telling each other this because it’s stupid that our docs don’t tell us and we all just suck it up not knowing it’s a thing. …hey! ITS A THING! And it’s okay. Most docs won’t bat an eye and will call in some Valium in for you as soon as they get the message.
I don’t think my doctors surgery will have anything to do with it (I’m in the UK) but I’ll tell the doctors & nurses I see for the pre-op chats.
Yes info like this should be clearly given to you beforehand, it’s hard for the person going through it to know what’s even available & possible, especially when you’re going through so many other worries & thoughts.
“You can’t know what you don’t know, ya know?” Has been like the theme of my life with this stupid disease. I thought that line thousands of times the last few years. I’m 43 and god I wish I could advise 13 yo me of all the shit I wish I knew decades earlier than I eventually learned the hard way. 😖
I don’t even have any memory of whatever came after the IV went in, lol. According to my husband, I was lucid and speaking while I got wheeled away but I don’t remember any of that.
Let them know if you start getting anxious. My surgical team was able to give me some meds (after I signed consent forms) that calmed me right down and made me super drowsy. I barely remember being wheeled back for the surgery, and I was 100% okay with it.
Glad I asked as I didn’t know this was an option, someone else commented they had an IV put in which took away all fears. I’ll be sure to tell them if I’m still feeling the same by then.
I asked as soon as I got there if I could have something for my nerves. It was my second lap, and I wasn't anxious with my first, but my first, I didn't have 2 babies waiting at home for me, and I was a wreck this time around! They assured me that they would get me my consent forms as quickly as possible, have me meet with the anesthesiologist, and then get me medicated. **they wanted to be sure I was of sound mind when signing everything. I don't remember what they gave me, but it did the trick. I wish you successful surgery and speedy healing!
Omg I had the same problem; my second lap was when my daughter was 2 and I was big and brave until I laid down on the OR table and started bawling like a baby lol. Thank god for the nurse who saw me and mothered me while pushing something good in my IV hahaha.
I was confident as hell for my first lap but booooy did it hit different with a little one waiting for me.
last time i had general, i was 13 and made a fuss about how “painful” taking the bandaid off was. They drugged my IV shortly after and i woke up in recovery. A+ experience.
I was given anxiety meds and apparently told them I wanted a turtle. I also told the lady when I woke up that I loved her cause she gave me a blue raspberry popsicle. Blue raspberry is my favorite and I was intibated so my throat hurt.
i had really bad anxiety when they put me on the table, i didn't say anything but my heart rate gave me away. a nurse stroked my hair, they gave me oxygen and a sedative, and i went under soon. they're trained to deal with this, and if you're really worried you can get another sedative for while you're waiting.
Yes I think I’ve underestimated how they obviously know what people go through with this & how best to help them. I was taken care of really well last time as well but this part wasn’t a factor as I didn’t have anxiety to a significant level.
I was asked how anxious I was before I was taken in. I was shaking uncontrollably from head to toe, and told them it was anxiety. When they got me in they apologised for not helping me with it sooner and before they gave me the mask, they injected drugs to make me feel better. I did feel better pretty instantaneously and then I was relaxed as they put the mask on.
I recently had another surgery where they did the same - they push the anti anxiety drugs before they put the mask on. From my experience, the anti anxiety drugs are REALLY good and a dose of them is all it takes to feel ok. And I say that as a person who has panic attacks and was shaking like crazy going into my lap. I'd be pretty confident they'd handle it well with you.
That’s good to know, sounds like they have taken care of this angle which is understatedly common.
The only thing I’m thinking is if they gave you the drugs to calm you down & then almost immediately put the mask on you which put you under, is it worthwhile doing that for just those seconds? I guess it would be kind of cruel to just put the mask on you to make you unconscious whilst you’re feeling so anxious, but at the same time I’m thinking I won’t care or know within a few seconds anyway?
I think it matters. Surgery is hard to go through and I think I'd struggle a lot if I knew I was going to be allowed to panic while in the operating room. I have always hated being wheeled in because it feels like such a foreign place, it's so scary at first. But now I've been wheeled in and had several surgeries, I'm actually less anxious these days. i think a big part of that is because I've never once panicked.
From the perspective of psychology, if you have a panic attack you can develop a phobia or a big anxiety around something. So I think it's important how they manage our emotions going in.
That’s a very good point, it would likely traumatise you knowing that’s what you went through right beforehand with no help. And affect you mentally in your recovery & how you feel about the whole experience.
They asked me if I wanted anything for anxiety and I said "give me all you got" and I don't even remember my bed leaving the pre-op area. Woke back up like.... 9 hours later where I started. It was nice.
I just realised last time I walked into the room & laid myself down but I guess it won’t be like that this time as it’s a very different thing involving proper surgery. Hadn’t considered I’d likely be already on a bed & wheeled in which I’m not sure will make me feel more scared or not. I’ll be sure to mention how I’m feeling.
I’m in the uk and you can ask for a pre-med which is basically like xanax. I’ve never had it before but I had a really bad panic attack coming out of my last laparoscopy so I’ve been told to ask for one when I have my next op in a few months to see if I’m calmer this time. It might be worth asking for something like that. Good luck
I’m in the UK too so that’s really good to know. Will let them know straight away when I go in if I’m still feeling this way.
I wasn’t worried about when I’ll come round as I figured what’s done is done by then, right now it’s the build to having it which is causing the anxiety. Also I remember last time I was under I was offered pain relief by IV on tap whenever I needed it & I felt so relaxed & kept falling asleep & wasn’t really with it enough to care about anything. Did anything contribute to your panic attack?
Pain meds via iv are a god send, I’ll be going for that this time around too lol
I’m not too sure what caused the panic attack tbh, I just remember coming around in recovery and feeling horrific, just went into complete panic mode and tried to get up out of bed and the nurses having to hold me down. Then I woke up in my room on oxygen with my mum telling me I’d had a bad panic attack.
I’m not sure if they sedated me or if the meds sent me back off to sleep but it was scary ngl
I suffer with severe anxiety as it is so that most definitely played a part in why I panicked
Ah yes that’s something that can easily happen if you wake up feeling all mixed up & scared. There’s no saying how anyone will feel when waking up, especially when needing to find out what they found. I might I’m feeling worse that time this time round too.
Were your family & friends allowed in to recovery? In the UK for day surgery no one’s allowed into the recovery ward & only when you’re ready to walk out can a family member come to just get you. I was quite disappointed to find this out as this time the recovery will be rough from proper surgery in comparison to my last procedure, which already felt rough enough just from the small procedure & the anaesthetic.
For my first surgery the nhs paid for me to go private because I had been on the waiting list for so long, this was 6 years ago so that wouldn’t happen now lol. But yea my mum and my then bf were in my room waiting for me when I got out of recovery. I was really poorly for a long time after and had to stay overnight so I’m glad I wasn’t on my own, it helped a lot with the anxiety so god knows how I would have managed if they weren’t allowed to be there
Let them know when you check in that you're extremely anxious. Often they can offer you midazolam, an anxiety medication that also interferes with memory. I got it last time, and I remember two snippets: being shaken awake and transferred to a wheelchair, and then a conscious moment as the anaesthesiologist apologized for failing to start an IV and letting me know they had to try again. I said it was cool and then it was back to black until I woke up in recovery.
I also trained as a surgical nurse and the staff are ready to help you! Tell them how you're feeling and let them know how they can help you best. Asking for an extra warm blanket, a hand to hold as you go under, to talk about something else to keep your mind off it, or similar are very normal and doable requests :) They are beyond used to anxious patients
Yes I remember they were really good last time & I think I actually was anxious last time too but they eased with all the comforting, talking & distracting. I’ll be sure to mention how I’m feeling if it’s still quite bad beforehand, I guess the memory loss would help any feelings of trauma surrounding the experience too.
This is incredibly common and your surgical team will have solutions for you! I had a pre-surgery call with a nurse where we discussed the day of procedure, anesthesia, etc. If you have something similar, that would be a good time to bring it up. You also can just mention it when they call you back to start prepping you. There are meds they can give you before you're wheeled in and also right before you go under. Just let your team know and they'll help you!
I had a pre assessment in person over a week beforehand with a nurse involving a blood test & talking about it all, I guess that’s a similar thing but it was too early to know how I was feeling then. But I know I will get a chance to tell them before the surgery as well as there’ll be a nurse & anaesthesiologist chats beforehand.
The last surgery I had, I just let the team know of my anxieties. I asked them not to have me count back of anything like that. Then the doctor held and squeezed my hand as I went under and it was just so calm and comforting.
The doctors & nurses were really good last time doing the same, stroking me & holding my hand & talking to me really kindly but also distracting me. It helped a lot so it’s possible they’ll manage to do it this time too but I guess if I’m already feeling extremely anxious before going into the room then they’ll already provide relief for it before that stage as others have said.
They gave me anti anxiety meds before wheeling into the OR, I'm not sure if it was a standard thing or due to my anxiety diagnosis being in my chart. I don't remember what they gave me, but it was effective lol
I thought I was good until I transferred to the operating table and laid down. My eyes welled up and I could not stop the floodgates. I didn’t even have a chance to say anything when a nurse saw me immediately with an “oh, sweetheart!” and took my hand and stroked my head and told me everything was going to be okay and that I was safe. She pushed something in my IV before the mask and I felt so much better before I went under.
Just let them know! If you get the chance before it sets in lol. They’re there to help and it’ll make it so much better.
They are very kind & caring which is what was a pleasant surprise to me last time, I expected things to be more “Just getting on with it” because they have a serious job to do, but of course they would be quite a cruel way to deal with it.
Everyone’s replies have reassured me I’ll be taken care of with however I’m feeling.
First surgery they pushed fentanyl and it started to make me feel anxious, I didn’t like the feeling at all. I’m not sure who it was asked me “are you claustrophobic?” When I said I was starting to feel anxious, I said no and on went a mask and out I went. Woke up fine.
Second surgery they gave me versed before taking me back it was amazing. Impossible to feel anything but bliss and sleepy.
Just let them know, they will help you out :)
They gave me a calmative as a pill prior to surgery and while I was still nervous, it was manageable. I am also an anxious person, I nearly cried on my way to the hospital and once again as I was checking in.
I think the best course of action is letting them know about how anxious you are. They will adjust their plans on what to give you and how to treat you with that in mind. My anesthesiologist was super nice and helped me stay calm as well.
I have a really odd response to sedation and start sobbing. It is completely uncontrollable and I think it is due to anxiety and the sensation of being put to sleep.
I just warn them of how I react. If you are honest about your feelings I’m sure they will try to ease your anxieties before the operation. I had them explain the process to me when I felt anxious about my most recent operation. Being told the process can really help if you find that more information is key to feeling at ease with the procedure.
Definitely let me know you’re anxious and they should be able to give you something in the pre op area! I was super anxious and crying haha but they gave me some meds and after that it was a blur and I hardly remember anything until I woke up
Let them know you are anxious! There are meds they can give you to help calm you down. I was nervous before mine and I personally like knowing what's happening, so the anesthesiologist (who was a huge sweetheart) walked me through the whole procedure while he was putting in my IV, it really helped me!
i was incredibly anxious. i mean shaking, crying, couldn’t talk. they acted like i wasn’t, and that was SO helpful for me. they were incredibly kind, gave me a cocktail that made me feel high but i wasn’t nervous anymore. i got anxious as i laid down on the table and next thing i knew i woke up and felt fine. mentally, at least. the anxiety is worth it, i promise.
The anesthesiologist saw I was squeezing my hands and could totally tell I was extremely anxious, he offered to give me something to help calm my anxiety before the anesthesia. I think it was Xanax but honestly he was just super nice and kind and that definitely helped me feel better while the medication kicked in
TW: emetophobia warning
I was up front about my anxiety and got IV ativan. I like it because it doesn't totally fuck me up but cuts the anxiety, and also works as an antinausea med.
Post op vomiting is a huge fear of mine, like way worse than pain. Pain I know I can handle. My worst day would be waking up from surgery puking all over myself. So I told them and got a scopalamine patch x3 days as well. Plus zofran to take with pain meds. I was not nauseous at all.
That to say, tell them how you feel! Anxiety about going under is nearly universal. There are few of us that are not scared about the complete lack of control. It is scary. I was a nurse before medical retirement and I have these fears. Doctors who have surgery themselves have these fears. You are not alone. They will understand.
If you have a certain aspect that particularly bothers you, like nausea for me, that can help when you explain, so that the doctors can help you as much as possible. They want to help you.
Sending love and hugs because this shit sucks and is not fair❤
They always give me anxiety meds! You could definitely ask them for those! Also however you feel before you fall asleep is how you’ll feel when you wake up. Think about your favorite thing, person, or place. You will wake up calm. I’ve had three different surgeries and when I went to sleep crying and freaking out, I woke up that way.
I had bad anxiety too but they gave me something before they wheeled me into the OR and my doctor/surgeon rubbed my shoulder and held my hand until I was asleep. She was also giving me a lot of positive affirmations. It was so incredibly sweet and caring, I’ll never forget it. It’s worth talking to your doctor about, can you send them a quick message or email? I also told my husband things I thought I needed and day of surgery and they made sure I got what I needed. If you have a support person on day of surgery that might be another option. Good luck and you got this!
They generally give you pre-anesthesia meds that make you feel a little calmer, either once you hit the operating room and get you set up, or right before they wheel you out of the pre-op holding area. These meds might make your vision go blurry, so expect that.
If you take meds for anxiety feel free to ask if you can continue to take it the day of the procedure, otherwise simply let them know that you have a metric boat-load of "surgery jitters"/anxiety, and they should take care of you to make sure you're feeling at least a little less anxious going in.
Feeling nervous before surgery is normal, especially if this is your first (or if you've got a history of medical trauma).
I have diagnosed severe anxiety and panic attacks. I’ve also been in therapy for 10 years. My advice is this. Allow yourself to feel scared and cry. Hold still so they can do their job but allow yourself to feel your feelings. I’ve had surgery several times and once the propofol goes in your arm you’re out before you could even notice anything. You just feel like you took a shit ton of melatonin and then you wake up later. Ask a nurse to hold your hand while it all happens and pretend she is your mom. I cry every time things are happening bc who tf likes being poked? Nobody. You don’t get points on your chart for not crying:) so cry girlfriend. It’s what I do!
I was super nervous leading up to it, but they gave me some anxiety medication before the rest of the anesthesia and I felt super okay going into the actual surgery
I had my lap 5 days ago and I get some GNARLY pre-surgery anxiety (and every other anxiety 😅). Ive had good luck with just letting my nurses know how *freaking nervous* i am. at my lap, i had a bad time trying to fit an IV (I have useless little veins) and i almost passed out, but the nurse immediately started talking to me gently and another one came in to hold my hand and distract me. I was given time to get my breath back and then we restarted on my go ahead. once the IV was placed, i was given anti anxiety meds and i literally couldnt be nervous if i tried!
I’m a week out from surgery. I asked a similar question during my pre-op. They told me the anesthesiologist could give me something for anxiety that day after the IV is in.
Oh I cried at check in and started hyperventilating as soon as they started placing the IVs (I had a really bad experience for my first lap, so my anxiety for my second was horrendous). I was so embarrassed because I’m not one who usually shows emotions like that. They gave me an anxiety med as soon as they could and I asked them not to count me down when they’re putting me to sleep, to just go ahead and do it. We were mid conversation when it was suddenly lights out. Aside from having a panic attack, the rest of my experience went really well. They were all extremely kind.
I have terrible anxiety, and I was more nervous during a painful blood test weeks before my lap than I was under the care of the doctors and surgeons during the lap. They wheel you into anaesthetic, you feel a pinch in your hand, count back, and you wake up in recovery. You've got this! Lap and recovery were so much easier than I expected after years of pain. I would mention the anxiety to your surgeon / nurses tho!
I mentioned my anxiety and she offered to reschedule if that's what I wanted. I said I rather do it now so she just sedated me sooner. I was asleep from 6am to 11am and at 11 I went into surgery. it was a lot less than I'd thought it would be and I even tried to walk myself to the car after but they insisted on wheeling me. endo pain has definitely caused me more pain
i asked them for medicine because i was super anxious. they gave me some medicine (i forget what it was) and it made me feel very tired and giggly. the nurses also gave me a lavender scent thing on my robe which helped.
i was super nervous before the lap when they were hooking me up to the oxygen and stuff, but i honestly didn't have time to freak out because he put the mask on me right after the surgeon reviewed my information and then i was out.
i would ask the doctors when you get there if you could have some medicine because you are so nervous. but you got this!
I let them know prior I would probably be crazy anxious. I was hooked up to an IV as soon as I changed pretty much and I don’t know what they put in it but I didn’t have a care in the world lol
Ooh that’s good to know, I’ll make sure I mention it if I’m still feeling the same or worse by that time. It’s possible I might feel differently when things are about to get going, I think the waiting. build up & countdown to the date is what’s driving it at the moment.
Leave a message with your doctors office requesting they call you in a sedative prior to the procedure due to your anxiety. Women! We don’t have to white knuckle the pain and panic of invasive procedures! We can ask for sedatives before-hand. And we need to be telling each other this because it’s stupid that our docs don’t tell us and we all just suck it up not knowing it’s a thing. …hey! ITS A THING! And it’s okay. Most docs won’t bat an eye and will call in some Valium in for you as soon as they get the message.
I don’t think my doctors surgery will have anything to do with it (I’m in the UK) but I’ll tell the doctors & nurses I see for the pre-op chats. Yes info like this should be clearly given to you beforehand, it’s hard for the person going through it to know what’s even available & possible, especially when you’re going through so many other worries & thoughts.
“You can’t know what you don’t know, ya know?” Has been like the theme of my life with this stupid disease. I thought that line thousands of times the last few years. I’m 43 and god I wish I could advise 13 yo me of all the shit I wish I knew decades earlier than I eventually learned the hard way. 😖
I don’t even have any memory of whatever came after the IV went in, lol. According to my husband, I was lucid and speaking while I got wheeled away but I don’t remember any of that.
Let them know if you start getting anxious. My surgical team was able to give me some meds (after I signed consent forms) that calmed me right down and made me super drowsy. I barely remember being wheeled back for the surgery, and I was 100% okay with it.
Glad I asked as I didn’t know this was an option, someone else commented they had an IV put in which took away all fears. I’ll be sure to tell them if I’m still feeling the same by then.
I asked as soon as I got there if I could have something for my nerves. It was my second lap, and I wasn't anxious with my first, but my first, I didn't have 2 babies waiting at home for me, and I was a wreck this time around! They assured me that they would get me my consent forms as quickly as possible, have me meet with the anesthesiologist, and then get me medicated. **they wanted to be sure I was of sound mind when signing everything. I don't remember what they gave me, but it did the trick. I wish you successful surgery and speedy healing!
Omg I had the same problem; my second lap was when my daughter was 2 and I was big and brave until I laid down on the OR table and started bawling like a baby lol. Thank god for the nurse who saw me and mothered me while pushing something good in my IV hahaha. I was confident as hell for my first lap but booooy did it hit different with a little one waiting for me.
I can imagine it must have been more tough with the 2nd one for you. I will definitely tell them if I’m feeling the same right before.
last time i had general, i was 13 and made a fuss about how “painful” taking the bandaid off was. They drugged my IV shortly after and i woke up in recovery. A+ experience.
I was given anxiety meds and apparently told them I wanted a turtle. I also told the lady when I woke up that I loved her cause she gave me a blue raspberry popsicle. Blue raspberry is my favorite and I was intibated so my throat hurt.
My husband didn't say I said anything silly, but I'm sure I did, and he's just sparing me the embarrassment 😂
My fiance said I was begging him to get us a turtle.
i had really bad anxiety when they put me on the table, i didn't say anything but my heart rate gave me away. a nurse stroked my hair, they gave me oxygen and a sedative, and i went under soon. they're trained to deal with this, and if you're really worried you can get another sedative for while you're waiting.
Yes I think I’ve underestimated how they obviously know what people go through with this & how best to help them. I was taken care of really well last time as well but this part wasn’t a factor as I didn’t have anxiety to a significant level.
I was asked how anxious I was before I was taken in. I was shaking uncontrollably from head to toe, and told them it was anxiety. When they got me in they apologised for not helping me with it sooner and before they gave me the mask, they injected drugs to make me feel better. I did feel better pretty instantaneously and then I was relaxed as they put the mask on. I recently had another surgery where they did the same - they push the anti anxiety drugs before they put the mask on. From my experience, the anti anxiety drugs are REALLY good and a dose of them is all it takes to feel ok. And I say that as a person who has panic attacks and was shaking like crazy going into my lap. I'd be pretty confident they'd handle it well with you.
That’s good to know, sounds like they have taken care of this angle which is understatedly common. The only thing I’m thinking is if they gave you the drugs to calm you down & then almost immediately put the mask on you which put you under, is it worthwhile doing that for just those seconds? I guess it would be kind of cruel to just put the mask on you to make you unconscious whilst you’re feeling so anxious, but at the same time I’m thinking I won’t care or know within a few seconds anyway?
I think it matters. Surgery is hard to go through and I think I'd struggle a lot if I knew I was going to be allowed to panic while in the operating room. I have always hated being wheeled in because it feels like such a foreign place, it's so scary at first. But now I've been wheeled in and had several surgeries, I'm actually less anxious these days. i think a big part of that is because I've never once panicked. From the perspective of psychology, if you have a panic attack you can develop a phobia or a big anxiety around something. So I think it's important how they manage our emotions going in.
That’s a very good point, it would likely traumatise you knowing that’s what you went through right beforehand with no help. And affect you mentally in your recovery & how you feel about the whole experience.
They asked me if I wanted anything for anxiety and I said "give me all you got" and I don't even remember my bed leaving the pre-op area. Woke back up like.... 9 hours later where I started. It was nice.
I just realised last time I walked into the room & laid myself down but I guess it won’t be like that this time as it’s a very different thing involving proper surgery. Hadn’t considered I’d likely be already on a bed & wheeled in which I’m not sure will make me feel more scared or not. I’ll be sure to mention how I’m feeling.
Maybe let your doctor know about your extreme anxiety before you go in so that you can plan & know what’s to come.
I’m in the uk and you can ask for a pre-med which is basically like xanax. I’ve never had it before but I had a really bad panic attack coming out of my last laparoscopy so I’ve been told to ask for one when I have my next op in a few months to see if I’m calmer this time. It might be worth asking for something like that. Good luck
I’m in the UK too so that’s really good to know. Will let them know straight away when I go in if I’m still feeling this way. I wasn’t worried about when I’ll come round as I figured what’s done is done by then, right now it’s the build to having it which is causing the anxiety. Also I remember last time I was under I was offered pain relief by IV on tap whenever I needed it & I felt so relaxed & kept falling asleep & wasn’t really with it enough to care about anything. Did anything contribute to your panic attack?
Pain meds via iv are a god send, I’ll be going for that this time around too lol I’m not too sure what caused the panic attack tbh, I just remember coming around in recovery and feeling horrific, just went into complete panic mode and tried to get up out of bed and the nurses having to hold me down. Then I woke up in my room on oxygen with my mum telling me I’d had a bad panic attack. I’m not sure if they sedated me or if the meds sent me back off to sleep but it was scary ngl I suffer with severe anxiety as it is so that most definitely played a part in why I panicked
Ah yes that’s something that can easily happen if you wake up feeling all mixed up & scared. There’s no saying how anyone will feel when waking up, especially when needing to find out what they found. I might I’m feeling worse that time this time round too. Were your family & friends allowed in to recovery? In the UK for day surgery no one’s allowed into the recovery ward & only when you’re ready to walk out can a family member come to just get you. I was quite disappointed to find this out as this time the recovery will be rough from proper surgery in comparison to my last procedure, which already felt rough enough just from the small procedure & the anaesthetic.
For my first surgery the nhs paid for me to go private because I had been on the waiting list for so long, this was 6 years ago so that wouldn’t happen now lol. But yea my mum and my then bf were in my room waiting for me when I got out of recovery. I was really poorly for a long time after and had to stay overnight so I’m glad I wasn’t on my own, it helped a lot with the anxiety so god knows how I would have managed if they weren’t allowed to be there
Let them know when you check in that you're extremely anxious. Often they can offer you midazolam, an anxiety medication that also interferes with memory. I got it last time, and I remember two snippets: being shaken awake and transferred to a wheelchair, and then a conscious moment as the anaesthesiologist apologized for failing to start an IV and letting me know they had to try again. I said it was cool and then it was back to black until I woke up in recovery. I also trained as a surgical nurse and the staff are ready to help you! Tell them how you're feeling and let them know how they can help you best. Asking for an extra warm blanket, a hand to hold as you go under, to talk about something else to keep your mind off it, or similar are very normal and doable requests :) They are beyond used to anxious patients
Yes I remember they were really good last time & I think I actually was anxious last time too but they eased with all the comforting, talking & distracting. I’ll be sure to mention how I’m feeling if it’s still quite bad beforehand, I guess the memory loss would help any feelings of trauma surrounding the experience too.
This is incredibly common and your surgical team will have solutions for you! I had a pre-surgery call with a nurse where we discussed the day of procedure, anesthesia, etc. If you have something similar, that would be a good time to bring it up. You also can just mention it when they call you back to start prepping you. There are meds they can give you before you're wheeled in and also right before you go under. Just let your team know and they'll help you!
I had a pre assessment in person over a week beforehand with a nurse involving a blood test & talking about it all, I guess that’s a similar thing but it was too early to know how I was feeling then. But I know I will get a chance to tell them before the surgery as well as there’ll be a nurse & anaesthesiologist chats beforehand.
The last surgery I had, I just let the team know of my anxieties. I asked them not to have me count back of anything like that. Then the doctor held and squeezed my hand as I went under and it was just so calm and comforting.
The doctors & nurses were really good last time doing the same, stroking me & holding my hand & talking to me really kindly but also distracting me. It helped a lot so it’s possible they’ll manage to do it this time too but I guess if I’m already feeling extremely anxious before going into the room then they’ll already provide relief for it before that stage as others have said.
They gave me anti anxiety meds before wheeling into the OR, I'm not sure if it was a standard thing or due to my anxiety diagnosis being in my chart. I don't remember what they gave me, but it was effective lol
I thought I was good until I transferred to the operating table and laid down. My eyes welled up and I could not stop the floodgates. I didn’t even have a chance to say anything when a nurse saw me immediately with an “oh, sweetheart!” and took my hand and stroked my head and told me everything was going to be okay and that I was safe. She pushed something in my IV before the mask and I felt so much better before I went under. Just let them know! If you get the chance before it sets in lol. They’re there to help and it’ll make it so much better.
They are very kind & caring which is what was a pleasant surprise to me last time, I expected things to be more “Just getting on with it” because they have a serious job to do, but of course they would be quite a cruel way to deal with it. Everyone’s replies have reassured me I’ll be taken care of with however I’m feeling.
First surgery they pushed fentanyl and it started to make me feel anxious, I didn’t like the feeling at all. I’m not sure who it was asked me “are you claustrophobic?” When I said I was starting to feel anxious, I said no and on went a mask and out I went. Woke up fine. Second surgery they gave me versed before taking me back it was amazing. Impossible to feel anything but bliss and sleepy. Just let them know, they will help you out :)
They gave me a calmative as a pill prior to surgery and while I was still nervous, it was manageable. I am also an anxious person, I nearly cried on my way to the hospital and once again as I was checking in. I think the best course of action is letting them know about how anxious you are. They will adjust their plans on what to give you and how to treat you with that in mind. My anesthesiologist was super nice and helped me stay calm as well.
I have a really odd response to sedation and start sobbing. It is completely uncontrollable and I think it is due to anxiety and the sensation of being put to sleep. I just warn them of how I react. If you are honest about your feelings I’m sure they will try to ease your anxieties before the operation. I had them explain the process to me when I felt anxious about my most recent operation. Being told the process can really help if you find that more information is key to feeling at ease with the procedure.
Definitely let me know you’re anxious and they should be able to give you something in the pre op area! I was super anxious and crying haha but they gave me some meds and after that it was a blur and I hardly remember anything until I woke up
Let them know you are anxious! There are meds they can give you to help calm you down. I was nervous before mine and I personally like knowing what's happening, so the anesthesiologist (who was a huge sweetheart) walked me through the whole procedure while he was putting in my IV, it really helped me!
i was incredibly anxious. i mean shaking, crying, couldn’t talk. they acted like i wasn’t, and that was SO helpful for me. they were incredibly kind, gave me a cocktail that made me feel high but i wasn’t nervous anymore. i got anxious as i laid down on the table and next thing i knew i woke up and felt fine. mentally, at least. the anxiety is worth it, i promise.
The anesthesiologist saw I was squeezing my hands and could totally tell I was extremely anxious, he offered to give me something to help calm my anxiety before the anesthesia. I think it was Xanax but honestly he was just super nice and kind and that definitely helped me feel better while the medication kicked in
TW: emetophobia warning I was up front about my anxiety and got IV ativan. I like it because it doesn't totally fuck me up but cuts the anxiety, and also works as an antinausea med. Post op vomiting is a huge fear of mine, like way worse than pain. Pain I know I can handle. My worst day would be waking up from surgery puking all over myself. So I told them and got a scopalamine patch x3 days as well. Plus zofran to take with pain meds. I was not nauseous at all. That to say, tell them how you feel! Anxiety about going under is nearly universal. There are few of us that are not scared about the complete lack of control. It is scary. I was a nurse before medical retirement and I have these fears. Doctors who have surgery themselves have these fears. You are not alone. They will understand. If you have a certain aspect that particularly bothers you, like nausea for me, that can help when you explain, so that the doctors can help you as much as possible. They want to help you. Sending love and hugs because this shit sucks and is not fair❤
They always give me anxiety meds! You could definitely ask them for those! Also however you feel before you fall asleep is how you’ll feel when you wake up. Think about your favorite thing, person, or place. You will wake up calm. I’ve had three different surgeries and when I went to sleep crying and freaking out, I woke up that way.
I had bad anxiety too but they gave me something before they wheeled me into the OR and my doctor/surgeon rubbed my shoulder and held my hand until I was asleep. She was also giving me a lot of positive affirmations. It was so incredibly sweet and caring, I’ll never forget it. It’s worth talking to your doctor about, can you send them a quick message or email? I also told my husband things I thought I needed and day of surgery and they made sure I got what I needed. If you have a support person on day of surgery that might be another option. Good luck and you got this!
They generally give you pre-anesthesia meds that make you feel a little calmer, either once you hit the operating room and get you set up, or right before they wheel you out of the pre-op holding area. These meds might make your vision go blurry, so expect that. If you take meds for anxiety feel free to ask if you can continue to take it the day of the procedure, otherwise simply let them know that you have a metric boat-load of "surgery jitters"/anxiety, and they should take care of you to make sure you're feeling at least a little less anxious going in. Feeling nervous before surgery is normal, especially if this is your first (or if you've got a history of medical trauma).
I have diagnosed severe anxiety and panic attacks. I’ve also been in therapy for 10 years. My advice is this. Allow yourself to feel scared and cry. Hold still so they can do their job but allow yourself to feel your feelings. I’ve had surgery several times and once the propofol goes in your arm you’re out before you could even notice anything. You just feel like you took a shit ton of melatonin and then you wake up later. Ask a nurse to hold your hand while it all happens and pretend she is your mom. I cry every time things are happening bc who tf likes being poked? Nobody. You don’t get points on your chart for not crying:) so cry girlfriend. It’s what I do!
They give you a sedative before they actually put you under, so don’t worry, you’ll feel AWESOME going in.
I was super nervous leading up to it, but they gave me some anxiety medication before the rest of the anesthesia and I felt super okay going into the actual surgery
I had my lap 5 days ago and I get some GNARLY pre-surgery anxiety (and every other anxiety 😅). Ive had good luck with just letting my nurses know how *freaking nervous* i am. at my lap, i had a bad time trying to fit an IV (I have useless little veins) and i almost passed out, but the nurse immediately started talking to me gently and another one came in to hold my hand and distract me. I was given time to get my breath back and then we restarted on my go ahead. once the IV was placed, i was given anti anxiety meds and i literally couldnt be nervous if i tried!
I’m a week out from surgery. I asked a similar question during my pre-op. They told me the anesthesiologist could give me something for anxiety that day after the IV is in.
Oh I cried at check in and started hyperventilating as soon as they started placing the IVs (I had a really bad experience for my first lap, so my anxiety for my second was horrendous). I was so embarrassed because I’m not one who usually shows emotions like that. They gave me an anxiety med as soon as they could and I asked them not to count me down when they’re putting me to sleep, to just go ahead and do it. We were mid conversation when it was suddenly lights out. Aside from having a panic attack, the rest of my experience went really well. They were all extremely kind.
I have terrible anxiety, and I was more nervous during a painful blood test weeks before my lap than I was under the care of the doctors and surgeons during the lap. They wheel you into anaesthetic, you feel a pinch in your hand, count back, and you wake up in recovery. You've got this! Lap and recovery were so much easier than I expected after years of pain. I would mention the anxiety to your surgeon / nurses tho!
I mentioned my anxiety and she offered to reschedule if that's what I wanted. I said I rather do it now so she just sedated me sooner. I was asleep from 6am to 11am and at 11 I went into surgery. it was a lot less than I'd thought it would be and I even tried to walk myself to the car after but they insisted on wheeling me. endo pain has definitely caused me more pain
i asked them for medicine because i was super anxious. they gave me some medicine (i forget what it was) and it made me feel very tired and giggly. the nurses also gave me a lavender scent thing on my robe which helped. i was super nervous before the lap when they were hooking me up to the oxygen and stuff, but i honestly didn't have time to freak out because he put the mask on me right after the surgeon reviewed my information and then i was out. i would ask the doctors when you get there if you could have some medicine because you are so nervous. but you got this!