Petrified

[Purple_1963]

Hi guys as the title says I'm absolutely petrified I'm due to have operation this coming Friday 11,.10 for gallbladder removal I've copd I've scared of not waking up any one with copd had operation with copd.. I dont want to be put to sleep... I cough alot and wheeze terrible please anyone

[sassy59]

Have you talked things through with your medical team Purple? They have weighed up the risks to you I’m sure and will closely monitor you. Hoping you can be reassured. Xxx❤️🥰

[Purple_1963 in reply to sassy59]

Hi no I got email last week saying my appointment time I'm just so scared. X

[knitter in reply to Purple_1963]

Any contact number on the email ?

I had two operations using local anaesthetic and had a pre assessment appointment first .

Then a visit from the surgeon and assistant

[garshe in reply to Purple_1963]

You will checked before the operationPre Op Assessment. They won't operate unless you are fit enough. Good luck you will be fine xx.Sheila

[Bingofox007]

The anaesthetist won’t put you to sleep if they don’t feel it’s safe to do so, chat your fears over with them when you’re admitted, they’ll assess your chest pre-op. It’s not the kind of surgery where you can have a spinal is it, bless ya. I hope the surgery goes well and your fears are alleviated by the medical team. Get some green tea and extra strong mints in for post op trapped wind. Take care 🦊x

[Purple_1963]

I'm wanting spinal anesthesia

[Ern007 in reply to Purple_1963]

I have spinals for my Bladder Cancer procedures, problem is they seem to work downwards. I have a friend with COPD had same op as you, it was done keyhole surgery - Is that what you are having?

[Purple_1963 in reply to Ern007]

Hi yes

[Ern007 in reply to Purple_1963]

Hi, Yes I have a friend who has COPD and a heavy smoker, she had the key-hole surgery and really came through and recovered well. I wish the same for you.

[armstrong2]

hi purple l had a lobectomy 3 yrs ago op was 9 30 am woke up 3 30pm had breathing tests before op due to emphysema ..the day before op had consultant come to see me to reassure me of the op due to the seriousness of it ...he had put all my fears to one side ...and here l am typing this to you 3 yrs later ! so l hope this can give you a bit of reassurance ...yake care

[beech]

I was exactly where you are about 3 years ago.

I’d been admitted to hospital with an infected gallbladder, with very little time for chatting over things before the operation was due.

My notes very obviously showed my COPD diagnosis and all investigations; I did get a brief chance to say to the anaesthetist that I was bl***y terrified of a GA, both during the op, in recovery and in the weeks following. (On top of being in hospital plus when they were still having strict Covid isolating and testing) He reassured me that he was aware, was not concerned, but all would be ok.

And it was. I woke up fine, hadn’t lost any of my expensive dentistry, no sore throat or cough. Pain, but part of the keyhole procedure, not lungs. I kept to my normal medication regime, made sure I got back to walking (slowly to start with!) and increased my exercise as I recovered. I avoided busy places and people with known colds and coughs as always, and suffered no ill effects of the procedure. Getting along without a gallbladder has been trial and error, but that’s another story!

Silence from the GP 🙄, so I spoke with the asthma nurse and she encouraged me to move about rather than being sedentary, be upright to keep clearing mucus, and go back to normal. But to get in touch if there was a problem!

So please do talk your fears over with the hospital staff; it’s really not unusual, and I very much doubt they’d go ahead if they were concerned you couldn’t cope with the anaesthetic.

Good luck, and keep us updated! 💐

[Purple_1963 in reply to beech]

I'm just so scared my brother had operation yrs ago and died in recovery x

[Purple_1963 in reply to Purple_1963]

But he had op oh his brain x

[beech in reply to Purple_1963]

An experience like that would most definitely heighten anyone’s fears. Mention that to the staff too, they will do their best to reduce your anxiety and allay your fears.

[AsthmaandLung Administrator]

Hello Purple_1963,

Having an operation can be scary and can cause you to have feelings of anxiety. This is normal and hopefully you get the answers you need before your appointment.

Your hospital letter should provide you with the contact details of your healthcare team who will talk you through any concerns you have before you have your operation on Friday. If you can't find the contact details, please get in touch and we will be happy to help you.

We have a friendly helpline team here and also have respiratory nurses who can offer you some clinical advice about your condition and may be able to alleviate some of your concerns.

If you are in the UK, please call us on 0300 222 5800 (Mon to Fri, 9:15 - 5PM) and we will be happy to arrange a call for you.

Thank you and take care,

Helpline Team

[Purple_1963 in reply to AsthmaandLung]

Hi thankyou I've read all diff stories anesthesia and copd I'm so scared of not waking up or having trouble with heart while under anesthesia my anxiety is sky high at min I'm seriously thinking of cancelling the operation please advice

[Poppins23]

Hi Purple, I had the same op last year and like you I was terrified. I’d had it cancelled previously due to a chest infection as the anaesthetist wasn’t happy for me to proceed at that time. The team I had were very good. The anaesthetist listened to my concerns and really put me at ease. I was monitored closely afterwards but was able to go home the same day. Hugging a soft pillow helped me with my airway clearance, that and moving about as soon as I could. It is only natural to feel anxious, but hopefully the surgeon and his team will be able to reassure you.

[janedivney]

The most important person in theatre isn’t the surgeon, it’s the anaesthetist. NO anaesthetist will send you off to sleep unless they are 100% sure they can wake you up again. He or she will visit you before you go to theatre, go over your condition & medication, listen to your chest & allay any fears. They may give you something pre-op to relax your airways & help the wheeze. You can’t cough under anaesthetic because your chest muscles are paralysed. It’s a very straightforward procedure and I’m certain you’ll be completely fine - do let us know 😊

[Purple_1963]

I phoned the consultants secertary to ask if I will be having the operation fri she said no it's just pre op assessment I said well it wasn't on my letter it just said day n time to attend for surgery so ain't got clue what's happening

[Karenanne61 in reply to Purple_1963]

This is your chance to discuss your fears with the medics. I had three major abdominal surgeries shortly after diagnosis, and here I am! (8 years) The anaesthetists were great! Each time a high dependency bed was booked for recovery but I only needed it once. I think it's important the anaesthetist knows how you feel as it's easier to anaesthetise a relaxed patient. Good luck!

[strongmouse in reply to Purple_1963]

A pre-op assessment is usually done with a nurse, who will go through questions about your health and give you a chance to talk about your concerns and what the operation entails. They would not be doing the surgery unless they were happy about your health. Remember if they are doing planned surgery it is because it is important for you to have it. Cancelling may mean that you need it at a later date. Planning carefully and managing it now is a good path to take, including working on ways to lessen your anxiety, such as learning relaxation techniques.

Do you know why your brother died? It might help to talk to someone about it, your GP if he would know, or a family member.

Anaesthetist are amazing and their sole concern during an operation is to sit by you constantly monitoring your breathing and heart. They will speak to you before the operation and know what your health problems are.

[BronchyBronwen]

Ah, unsettling for you, as their communication not explicit. I get it. But obviously, it's very much all to the good if this is for the pre-op assessment, which is a double check to make sure all OK to proceed. Sounds as though they are doing the proper thorough check, as indeed they should, and this will be reassuring for you. I send you my very best wishes. xx💐💐

[Nimrod2]

I had major surgery on my spine in 2011. The hospital were aware of my COPD and I had lung function tests as part of my pre op assessment. I was very anxious like you. Everything went well. I was woken up slowly and monitored for sometime in recovery before returning to the ward. I was up and walking the next day and had no problems. Good luck. I am sure it will be fine.

[Alberta56]

I had a heart bypass op in2014, which involved being anaesthetised for several hours. Like you I wondered if I would ever wake up again (and was quite pleased when I did). I just had asthma in those days, not bronchiectasis, but the anaesthetist listened to my worries and was very reassuring. Good luck- I'm sure you'll be OK. xxx

[PaperQueen]

I do sympathise Purple, but I'm sure they will talk it all over with you and set your mind at rest before the op, if not, bring it up with them asap. I'll be thinking of you, good luck. x

[Keem59]

Hi..there's no way an anaesthetist would put you under if he wasn't 100% sure you'll be fine. I'm severe asthmatic with fixed airways, bronchiectasis and Eosinophilic asthma....I had 2 ops....and both fine. So relax, it's better to get that gall bladder out before things get nasty.

[MoyB]

I understand your fear. As others have said, though, the anaesthetists are used to patients with COPD and should be fully prepared for you. I hope all goes well for you.

Xx Moy

[Chrissca71]

I also have copd and had operation a few months ago to have part of my lung removed, i made sure the staff in the ward and the doctor i saw when i was admitted knew i had copd and i cannot praise the staff enough for looking after me they assured me that coughing would not be a problem when i was asleep and don't be afraid to tell them you are scared .

[Izb1]

I had this op a couple of years ago and was fine. I told the surgeon how nervous I was due to my chest being so bad, he said not to worry and would put something in my oxygen to help. I had to stay in overnight as the op was a little difficult due to me having lipomas but I didn't cough once until I got home. These people are used to dealing with us lungies so try not to worry to much x

[2013mayo]

please trust your anaesthetist, they are used to people with lung problems, he/she will ensure you going to be given the correct amount of sedation needed and will supply supplementarity oxygen, you will be fine, they may also give you prednisolone to help (a big amount), try not to get stressed, you will recover. Go for the op, I’m suffering gallbladder problems and wish I could get some help, I’ve no stones but in terrible pain, once you have the op your breathing will become better. 🍀🍀🍀

[leo60]

After all that amazing advice and support from others, I can only add my support and best wishes. xx

[Loopylorre]

They won’t go ahead until they are sure you can cope under anaesthetic, you will be thoroughly checked out before anything is done, I’m sure you will be fine, gall bladder problems are really painful, so think to yourself how you will be pain free when it’s done, I’m sure all will be fine for you, take care 😊🌷💐🌺 xx

[Caspiana]

Hi Purple. I can absolutely assure you that they would not even contemplate this if they thought there would be any chance whatsoever you'd not wake up.

I had a lung transplant and my lungs were completely buggered. I did wake up. Albeit it with a donor lung which I might add didn't work immediately at full throttle, so I do understand your worry. Your lung function is around 40% correct? They would not give you a general anaesthetic if they thought there was a very high risk.

Go in there with absolute determination that you will be fine. Think about something nice you'd like to do or eat once you get discharged and please let us know how it goes. Sending very good wishes for a speedy recovery.

Cas xx 🙋‍♀️ 🐕

[katieoxo60]

What way are you being operated on ? Key whole surgery is used these days on most patients . In the case of COPD it is the preferred way as they can change your position to improve breathing. However there are lots of ways it can be done. If you have full general aneastetic you won't feel a thing , you will be fast asleep so to speak and your vital signs will be monitored constantly. I am sure you will cope ,have you told your surgeon that cough and congestion are a problem for you. I understand how you feel I had my gallbladder removed many years ago by the old fashioned way arnd spent many days in hospital but I have had no problems with pain ect since. My biggest problem after the old way was no bending or lifting for quite sometime. This new way is marvellous , you will be much better afterwards try to concentrate on being better. Ask the nurse for a bowl incase your cough and a tip try to hold your stomach when coughing, physio may come into see you due to the COPD. it is usual to have physio before ops now if you have other conditions but sadly we don't all get such services depends often on your own hospital Good luck and best wishes

[Purple_1963]

Thanks guys for your lovely words I appreciate it so much I will let you all no Fri after my pre op assessment Love to all ❤️

[Cobalt2sister]

Oh dear purple, I'm so sorry you're so scared. I have no words of wisdom just keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. All best to you.

[primrose123]

Please don't be afraid Purple 1963, when you go in for op, just think of something nice,& before you know,it,,all will be done & dusted, & you will be delighted that you are now on the road to recovery ..Take care Purple 1963, & may God bless you always.... Primrose 123... xx

[Chinadoll81]

WellI have a golf size stone in my gallbladder surgeon here said a definite no to operating because I have COPD, wouldn't even consider epidural. As a result I am.practically bedridden

Opoids and liquid morphine for pain. Now chronic constipation pain every day. Only came back to Scotland in 2020 after 45 years in South Africa . Only came back for family.if I had still.been in South Africa I would have had.this op done no trouble. Now, from being an active person and full.of the Joy's of life. I stare at 4 walls with a hot water bottle as my companion. I'll. Take your place in.a jiffy

Blessings and love xcc

[PteW43]

Good morning Purple (03.59 & awake over an hr 🙄😉) All I can say is, my friend, who has a heart device fitted, breathing problems & a host of other medical problems had a hip replacement op recently.

Six wks post op & she is doing really well with her walking & now able to get out of the house.

Moral of this in my opinion is - The surgeons would not be doing this op if they didn't think you were 1) strong enough for it & 2) benefit from it.

But, it's only natural to be anxious re an op & so glad you posted on this supportive site. Thank you. ..Maggie Mae

[Germantara]

I have copd I had my gallblader out 3 years I was frightened I kept saying to them I'm copd ooo I think I will die oo I can assure I really freaked out I cried oo I was an embarrassing but couldn't help BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU YOU WILL BE COMMING OUT AND THINK IT WAS ALL RIGHT YOU WILL BE UNCOMFORTABLE AFTERWARDS BUT YOU WILL BE OK PLEASE TRY NOT TO STRESS ABOUT

[Bardear]

PLEASE DONT WORRY. I HAD A TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT OP IN JANUUARY A D I HAVE COPD AND ASTHMA. YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS BELIEVE ME. A GALL BLADDER IS OF ABSOLUTELY NO USE TO YOU ONCE IT GOES WRONG SO GET RID OF IT AND ENJOY BEING PAIN FREE.

BARDEAR XXXX