Anxious

[Jhedwards]

Hi everyone,

So I have my lap on Saturday and it’s the first time I’m ever going under anesthetic so I’m super anxious.

Can anyone give me a little advice on how to prepare myself for before and after I have it done please?

Thanks x

[Kittykat8989]

Hey lovely!!

I’ve had 2 this year so feel a bit of a pro ha ha.

I was most worried about the anaesthetic but it’s absolutely fine. One minute your being wheeled down and the next your waking up.

I have always been a very anxious person, if I can get through 2 ops then you can definitely do this!!!

I know the build up to the op is never nice but it will be over before you know it xx

[Jhedwards in reply to Kittykat8989]

2 already this year must have been a lot to deal with! Hope you’re okay and thank you for the advice x

[lizzyxx]

Hey hun, the first time going under is definitely daunting but trust me you have nothing to worry about. I've had 7 ops and I can honestly say it's not bad at all, in fact I find it quite relaxing lol. I know it's easier said than done but try not to worry too much, If you have any more questions feel free to ask xx

[Jhedwards in reply to lizzyxx]

Was it 7 ops just for endo?x

[lizzyxx in reply to Jhedwards]

No hun for different things, was only diagnosed with endo in June so I've had one lap for that and having my second next month x

[Jhedwards in reply to lizzyxx]

Oh okay. I hope everything goes alright with your second lap xx

[Dee1345]

Hey Jessiehedwards!

You will be fine I was once like you are now I had my first lap in July 2 years ago and I was so nervous 😟 petrified of the thought of being wheeled into that operating theatre but it’s routine for the surgeons and anesthetiser, the staff will reassure you and male ypu frel comfy and explain to the anesthetiser you feel nervous and they give you a little something to relax you and before you know it you are awake feeling a little uncomfortable 😣 and they give you something for pain so nothing to worry about it’s a bit like the pain of a period only you have had surgery so you need to recover and take it easy probably take 2 weeks off work everyone is different though, anyway try not to worry and I wish you a speedy recovery xxx

[Jhedwards in reply to Dee1345]

Thanks Dee. I’m sure it will all be fine but it’s just the initial thought of it that makes me feel nervous and then the outcome of what they find. Thank you for your reply, I really appreciate it xx

[Dee1345 in reply to Jhedwards]

Yes I know what you mean sometimes it’s very hard but let me know how you get on Saturday, stay positive and know your in the capable hands of the experts. Xxxx

[Jess96]

Hi. I had my first ever operation on Monday and I was terrified. The days leading up to surgery day are really tough when it comes to being anxious. To help, I listened to a playlist full of upbeat songs, which put me in a positive mood on the day. Being organised also helped me feel more in control, so I packed a bag well in advance. It's totally normal to be scared but all the nurses will be really nice and they know what they're doing, so they will look after you. I think it is very tempting to try and talk yourself out of it on the day, especially when you're scared, so before surgery day I fully accepted that I was having it done. Tell the doctors how nervous you are and they will give you a pre-med. Having the pre-med made me feel drunk, which was quite fun. I don't even remember falling asleep. And afterwards, you just have to take it easy and be a good patient by doing what the nurses tell you.

By the way, I have anxiety and I'm scared of even having blood tests done, so if I can do it, anybody can 😊 I'm only 3 days post-op, so I'm still recovering. Feel free to message me if you want to talk about it, ask any questions, or even just to take your mind off it. I'll be hoping that it all goes well for you x

[Jhedwards in reply to Jess96]

Thank you for your reply. I hope everything is okay with you. Xx

[princessk09]

Hey, I had my lap last week and honestly was scared of being put to sleep but it’s fine.

The cannula hurts for a few seconds and the oxygen mask smells so bad but you’re asleep within 10 seconds. The room went a bit blurry and then I just woke up in recovery.

I felt completely fine when I woke up because of the drugs etc but after they wore off about 2 days later that’s when I felt like crap.

It kinda felt nice to finally sleep haha as I was starving and so tired. And if you’re nervous tell the anaesthetist and they put you at ease. The nurses are so nice and we’re just talking to me about random things and asking about university xxx

[Jhedwards in reply to princessk09]

I’m so knackered all the time so I’m excited to be able to be in bed and just sleep for how ever long I won’t and have a reasonable excuse for it!! Haha. Thank you for your reply xx

[Angellouise]

Don’t worry you will be asleep and then you will be awake.

[applebird]

endo-resolved.com/laparosco...

The info here says it better than I can! Try and relax, clear the decks of any stress and expect that although you'll be back on your feet in a few weeks, it may be up to 6-8 wks before you feel totally 'you' again so take it easy on yourself and don't do anything too strenuous during this time i.e. if you're back at work rest in the evenings and wkends, go to the cinema rather than night on the town. The more you rest and take care of yourself the better your recovery and outcome of surgery will be.

With regard to the day itself, bring a book or magazine, they will have you in a small ward waiting in gown and dressing gown for a bit, then you'll be wheeled towards theatre, they will put in a canula, inject some drugs and then you won't remember anything until you wake up. You'll be sore - but there are more drugs, great drugs, don't be afraid to say you're sore, they'll give you morphine or similar at this point and it will get rid of any nasty pain pretty quick. By the time you are back on the ward you will feel stiff, bloated and as if you have done an incredibly hard work out, combined with similar to how you probably feel when you're on your period. You'll also feel very sleepy, sleep, take the drugs as often as you can to keep on top of the pain (i recommend to keep a note on your phone of what you've had and when you're due it to remind nurses if you need to as you will have difficulty keeping track of it otherwise).

The bit before the surgery isn't much different to waiting for a gp appointment except that you're in your nightie, then there's about 10 mins of busy activity until you're out of it and then you open your eyes and begin to get better. If you are very anxious on the day I would ask them for some diazepam or similar to help calm you down and I think you are allowed to have someone stay with you until you are taken down for surgery. It will all be fine xx

[Jhedwards in reply to applebird]

Thank you so much for your advice and sending me the link - really do appreciate it! Xx

[Hayleyrose28]

Hi

I’ve been under anaesthetic multiple times now, most recently last week, so I guess I know what to expect.

It is best to just try deep breathing and this helps me to calmly take my mind off things. As I have a needle phobia, and am generally anxious, I have had my mum in with me as it helps to have a reassuring face close by. It may be worth asking the surgeon and/or the anaesthetist if this is possible to bring someone into the room with you, especially as you’re feeling anxious. Each time this hasn’t been a problem for them, and it has certainly made me feel more settled.

It just feels like you’re falling asleep, and the next minute you wake up in recovery. The build up is definitely the worst part, but it will soon be over and you can just focus on recovering! Just as a side note, it affects everyone differently so be prepared to ask for anti sickness medicine if necessary, as well as pain relief (sometimes they will administer this while you are under anyway but it is different with each anaesthetist).

Best of luck for Saturday, and wishes for a speedy recovery! X

[Jhedwards in reply to Hayleyrose28]

Thank you very much. Really appreciate everything xx

[Katy_in_the_house]

Please don't worry! I was TERRIFIED about having my first general anesthetic, this was the thing that most bothered me about the lap - BUT THERE IS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT! You will be absolutely fine!!!

Someone on this forum advised me to prepare nice drinks for when I woke up (YOU WILL HAVE A VERY DRY MOUTH!) e.g make yourself a proper lemonade or something. In general, I would recommend preparing some nice treats for when you wake up*, or getting someone you love to do it for you!

*by the way, forget bread or anything you have to chew - ask the hospital for soup or porridge if they give you sandwiches

[Jhedwards in reply to Katy_in_the_house]

Thank you for your reply and thank you for the advice on the food, I was wondering what I might be able to eat afterwards! X

[applebird in reply to Jhedwards]

Toast and tea anyone?! x

[Katy_in_the_house]

P.S. applebird very good advice to take note of the timings of the medicines! I didn't have a clue what they had told me

[applebird in reply to Katy_in_the_house]

Took too much when trying to manage paracetamol, codeine and tramadol etc at home after so it helps to keep on top of it! Plus they have cut the nurses on the gynae ward where I am by half so it's harder for them to keep up I think, without a nudge x