Hi everyone, I’m booked in for a wide local excision next Thursday and I’m feeling quite nervous about having a general anaesthetic. I have never had one before so I don’t really know what to expect. I am hoping some of you lovely ladies may be able to tell me it was ok!!!
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Hi, this was me 2 months ago, same operation and same unease.
It was a breeze though. I walked down to the operating theatre, had a good look round (it was like TV’s Casualty) as I’d never been in one before.
I laid on a not very comfy bad, they put a cannula in my hand, chatted and then I was waking up the other end, with a nurse supporting me in recovery. She helped me drink through a straw, I was a bit blurry for 20 mins, then ok, back to the ward. They kept checking, I had a coffee and flapjack, and 3 hours after the op , I went home.
But I did not sleep very well that night. I’m not sure if it was the anaesthetic, Adrenalin, or ? I couldn’t switch off my brain.
So I was knackered the next day, had an afternoon nap, and then slept fine the next night.
Good luck 
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Thank you, that’s made me feel better, glad you felt ok after a couple of days x
I too walked into the operating theatre. Laid on the table, was told to count to 10 (and open my eyes) and next thing I knew was waking up in recovery. I felt like I had a good night’s sleep but was very thirsty as I had been nil by mouth since 6am and it was 6pm by then. I was the last of three who operated on that day and saw the first come back after her op and she was totally alert too. I then had a couple of rounds of tea & toast and then home. I slept like a log but was a little tired the next day but nothing excessive.
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Hello, so pleased you have posted on the forum, I must say I agree with all the other ladies who have already replied to you. I wish you well with your surgery and most of all an excellent outcome.
Take care of yourself, rest up for a few days, Health and happiness going forward and lots of luck for 2024.
Hugs Tili 
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You will be seen by an an anaesthetist on the ward before you go to theatre. Talk about your fears and they will be able to talk you through it and reassure you.
I’ve had a couple of bad experiences in the past and was terrified. She explained that the drugs used are very different now and promised me a good experience. The theatre staff were wonderful, talked to me and distracted me from what others were doing and before I knew it I was in recovery alert and being offered a cup of tea. Back to the ward for more tea and fish and chips then home once my obs were stable. I’m having more surgery in January and while not looking forward to it am not as terrified as before.
Take care, concentrate on knowing that the cancer will soon be out and you’ll be on the road to recovery. x
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Hi there I had a mastectomy on the 21st Dec I’m 48 first GA ever. Like you I was apprehensive and absolutely dreading it. Now on the other side and have to say it was absolutely fine. My anxiousness was relieved as soon as I got to hospital tbh had my op recovered fine in hospital and was home the same evening. Wish you well x
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My MX op was also my first experience with general anesthetic and I was really nervous. I was crying when they walked me to theatre, but the staff were fantastic. They lie you down, put your cannula in, have the oxygen mask ready and one minute your talking, the next you’re coming out of what feels like a really deep sleep so youre a bit foggy. Take your time waking up and you’ll be absolutely fine. But its also perfectly normal to be nervous. Best wishes!
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Hi My advice to you is to discuss your concerns with your Anaethetist who you shall meet before you op. I asked mine - to shorten its duration so that i could remember speaking to the consultant post op, i hate not being able to remember that conversation or how i get back to the ward, and this ensures you don’t miss out on any late meal if stopping in overnight. I found talking with the operating team before hand very refreshing, many are so young, so helpful and equally so knowledgeable. it does them good talking with the patient, i was told.
Try and focus on the outcome what you want to read or watch on your device if you take one in, and the days to follow.
Love and hugs, M xxx
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Hi, I had general anaesthetic as a child and was a little sick as a consequence of the nurse giving me a tumbler of water which I drank straight away, but another nurse said I should have had just a few sips at a time. That was a long time ago and things have improved a lot since then no doubt. When I had general anaesthetic to remove cancer and then lymph node, I had no problems at all, and in fact felt so well afterwards it was as though I hadn’t had surgery at all. I had surgery at two different hospitals. The first anaesthetist pulled the skin tight at the back of my hand when he inserted the cannula, and although I thought that surely it would hurt being in a tender area, it did not. On the second occasion a different anaesthetist did not pull the skin tight and it did hurt (a bit) and as they had told me to tell them if anything hurt, I told them that pulling skin tight meant no pain as with my experience the previous time. Although the anaesthetist seemed not to take any notice of what I said, I asked the lady in the ward who was in theater after me, if she felt anything when they inserted the cannula in her hand, and she said that she did not feel anything because they pulled the skin tight. I felt that I might have helped anaesthetist and patients that day!!
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Hi honestly the anaesthetist team are so nice and caring, they will really look after you . It will be over before you know it and you will be fine 
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