I feel a bit lost at the moment. I was told around 8 years ago that I have the BRCA 1 gene. I have a HUGE phobia of being out to sleep (apparently stemmed from my first cat, when I was 7, who died under anaesthetic) almost two year ago, I finally agreed to have the double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. Friday gone, I was given a date which is in 7 weeks. I am absolutely petrified! I know I need to do it for myself and my children but I am so scared. I am worried that I will end up coming home in the day without having the surgery. It doesn’t matter if this op is tomorrow, 7 weeks or 10 years, I will never be ready. Please if anyone has any advice pre op/post op, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.
Hi Casey
It’s completely understandable that you are nervous about your surgery and the anaesthetic. I was the same before my surgery 12 weeks ago and I spoke to the surgical team and they were brilliant - remember it’s their job to reassure you, make you feel as comfortable as possible and monitor you very closely during your procedure. Anaesthesia has come on so much over the years and you will be absolutely fine.
The anaesthetist will come to see you on the ward before your operation and you can share any concerns you have then.
Often it’s administered in a small room next to the theatre and this means you’ll be asleep and unaware of any of the proceedings until you wake up and it’s all over.
Happy to chat further if it helps.
Good luck!