I think I have written before about my fear of General anaesthetic. I am due to have surgery for lymph nodes clearance and lumpectomy and am terrified. Have tried three lots of hypnosis but no joy. I have tried to persuade my surgeon to do local and regional anaesthesia but not keen.
I know I sound ungrateful for the amazing care I’ll be receiving but I am an absolute wreck. I know all the stats are in my favour but I can’t seem to get my head in the place and I am worried that I’ll bolt from surgery because I am so terrified of dying. Has anything worked for others?
I had a mastectomy 10 years ago and, a few weeks later, lymph node clearance on the same side. Prior to the first operation, I shared your feelings of dread. Despite trying to be rational and reading extensively about the very small risks of having a general anaesthetic, I was convinced on an emotional level that everything would go horribly wrong so I wouldn’t wake up from surgery. My irrational conviction meant that I even tried to make a will just before surgery but couldn’t find a convenient solicitor’s appointment.
My conversation with my very kind and empathic anaesthetist on the day of surgery helped to allay some of my fears but I was still extremely anxious and quite tearful in the hours before I went for theatre. The ward charge nurse offered me some light sedation which worked well to calm me down. This, coupled with another very helpful conversation with the breast surgeon, meant that I went into surgery with less trepidation - not exactly calm but ready and willing to have the general anaesthetic.
I suppose my point in writing all this is just to reassure you that others share your very real concerns. I found that by being open and honest about my fears, I was offered enough support - both emotional and pharmaceutical - to get me through the mastectomy surgery. The experience of this first surgery meant I was much less anxious and much calmer when I had to return for the lymph node clearance a few weeks later. I did not require any sedation prior to the op and actually walked unaided into the theatre.
I hope you can find the support you need for this difficult but necessary step. Sending you loads of positive vibes. Let us know how you get on. x
I too was petrified. It’s a very scary thing. It’s good that you’ve told them about your fears. If you can take someone with you - I was on my own and just had some films on my phone to watch. You will need something to distract you from what’s going on. I would also recommend that you take some food and a big bottle of water with you. I was extremely thirsty when I came round. Sorry I can’t be more help about your nerves, just know you are not alone! Before all this I had never had a blood test, so I’ve found it all a bit overwhelming. I went under crying and woke up crying lol. They are there to look after you. There will be a team to make sure everything runs smoothly. Good luck. Xx
I to am scared, I am having my second surgery in six weeks to remove all lymph nodes after having a lumpectomy and two nodes removed, unfortunately spread into the two that were removed. I have been in total shock for the past week. I found it helpful with my first surgery to have a really good chat with the anaesthetist before the operation. Ask for all the help and support you need during this week and whilst you are in the hospital. I was actually discharged by one o’clock on the day, it wasn’t too bad at all. I shall be telling them exactly how scared I am this time around. Just keep telling yourself this time next week it will be over. Keep your chin up you can do this xx
Hi Newbie 1.
I was terrified of the anaesthetic having had bad experiences in the past. I was tempted to cancel the operation. Like others have said, I explained everything to the anesthetist. She was wonderful, took my fears seriously, explained that anaesthetics have changed a lot over the years and promised me a good experience this time.
Once in theatre the staff were wonderful, talked to me continuously, we had a silly conversation about who was going to cook dinner and the non-existent cooking skills of my husband, and distracted me while others did what they had to do. The next thing I knew I was in recovery.
Be honest with the hospital staff, they are used to dealing with fears and will provide you with the support you need.
Hope all goes well on Wednesday. x
Hi, I had 2 operations in 4 weeks and was feeling very nervous before each of them. It is understandable to put control into other peoples’ hands. But remember, they do this day in, day out and have trained for years. I have shared a link below to a meditation produced by the Royal College of Anaesthetists which I listened to every day before my ops. Practice deep breathing, it can help to calm you down. Good luck for Wednesday
I know how you feel. I find the whole process traumatic. I had surgery 4 weeks ago lumpectomy and lymph nodes. I now have to have further surgery for margins in 2 weeks.
But you will be fine. They are all really kind. This is my 3rd bout of breast cancer and i have come through all the surgerys absolutely fine. But i understood your fears. I think it is because it is all out of your control. Good luck for tomorrow. It is good it is early my last one didnt happen until 3pm which was very stressful early am is by far the best xx
Am hoping I will be out in the afternoon. I think they want me to plan for overnight because of lymph nodes but if it’s early then I might get lucky and go home x
Hi Newbie1,
This is the very 1st time I have posted a message on a forum, as I was so moved by your story. That’s because 3 months ago I was in exactly the same position as you - I’d never had a GA before & was petrified! Like you I thought I wouldn’t wake up. I considered hypnotherapy too but it was all too late to organise. Anyhow on the day there were 4 or 5 us ladies going for surgery & 3 of us were petrified, so it is a very common fear. The anaethetist will see you 1st thing in the morning and like others have said, tell her exactly how you feel. The staff are clearly very used to it & know how to look after you. I am also needle phobic (another huddle I’ve had to handle with my breast cancer treatment) so the anaethetist put some cold spray on my hand & hardly felt the needle go in. She also explained what would happen in the anaesthetic room, not to scare me but so I knew what to expect, & that’s exactly what did occur, which actually did help. In fact the process from going in the room & going to sleep took 5 minutes max. All the time the staff were preparing me, they kept me distracted, talking about holidays & all sorts & even jokes ! And what I didn’t realise til later was at no time when I was in the anaesthetic room (& it was a small one!) did I see any clinical equipment including the needle they put in my hand or any anaesthetic equipment ! because they kept my attention elsewhere.
And when I woke up after my op (for a WLE (lumpectomy) & SNB) I was elated ! Not just to to be rid of my cancer, but also that I’d made it through the op & woken up after too!!
I hope you can draw strength from this & all the other messages on here & wishing all the best for your op tomorrow. Let us know how you get on xx
