A friend underwent knee replacememt some yeaes ago, and as an experiment, he decided to resist the anethesia by telling the operating room staff a joke. So....he starts the joke, and halfway through, everybody started laughing. He asked why they laughing, he hadn't reached the punchline yet. They told him when he was telling the joke as he went under the anethesia, the knee was replaced, and he started back into the joke at the same place as he regained consciousness! True story.
Hi, nurse here. Many years ago we did a study in which we spoke to the patients as if they were awake, told them all about the procedure and played their favorite music throughout the procedure. We found those patients woke up easier, had less pain and then an easier recovery.
I woke completely up during two separate knee replacements. I could smell the cauterization, feel the vibration when they sawed off my bone, heard the staff and music in the OR…..finally, although I felt NO pain and couldn’t move I was fully awake and started to cry . When the Dr heard me moan he looked down and saw my eyes looking right at him , crying…..he said “Oh my God” and that was the last thing I remembered. It was AWFUL. I am not afraid of surgery …..I am afraid of waking up in the OR again.
I had a not too invasive operation on my leg. I woke up when they cut into my ankle. It didnt hurt, I could just feel it. I remember that I wanted to say something and realised I couldn't, then I thought I raise my hand and realised I couldn't, then I thought I would move my foot so they noticed I was awake. I couldn't. Then, the anaesthetics kicked in. It was a horrifying experience. Recently I had a 3-4 hour operation (mastectomy). I woke up after the operation, fully aware of everything and I felt like I just had a great night's sleep.
I woke up during a 10 hour cancer surgery at age 14. Terrifying. I was gaslighted, told my memories were just a dream, by physicians, nurses, even my own parents. Suffered with devastating PTSD for 37 years until knee replacement surgery last year. Based on my history, my anesthesiologist agreed to use unusually heavy doses and I was fully unconscious throughout. Most fascinating is that once I regained consciousness I felt an intense relief and sense of inner peace. My PTSD symptoms were gone and I remain free of them to this day. The mind is a fascinating and poorly understood phenomenon.
That is horrible! I always have to tell them I’m high tolerance, I just had surgery two days ago, it was such a rejuvenating sleep I was wired awake the next 24 hours + High tolerance to everything runs in my family, except, our skin, we all have sensitive skin! But if you are high tolerance you wouldn’t of known so young probably!
Thanks for sharing this. I too have woken up part way through a surgery and have been severely traumatized by it. That was about 25 years ago and I learned a couple weeks ago that I need surgery again. I’m absolutely terrified to the point that it is nearly debilitating. I hope I can have the same outcome as you.
I have been under twice in 77 years, it's a wonderful feeling, one that should be given to terminal people, peaceful and with dignity, Like my poor late husband who had none of the dignity when they allow people to suffer, when there is no hope left.
@@Runtothefire There is nothing uplifting, purifying, or holy that comes from people suffering until their death. There is nothing spiritual or inspiring watching your loved ones suffer and die. When good people are begging to die in agony, it wrecks your belief system. We can be more humane to our pets then our family in the worst moments on earth. It doesn't make sense.
@dfgivens Christ gave value to human suffering when He suffered and died on the cross. Anyone who joins their suffering to His does purify and uplift it, and can use it to atone for their own sins or the sins of others. It might not look that way or feel that way to an onlooker. Pain is still gonna hurt. But the pain on earth hurts a lot less than the pain in the next life. Animals don't have a soul or a will to give value to their sufferings, so it is a mercy to put them out of their misery.
I’ve had numerous surgeries, with different experiences in recovery room. Then on my 9th surgery which was for a Lung resection surgery, my anesthesiologist talked to me prior to surgery and told me that if I go to my “Happy Place”, such as a vacation spot, or something that brings happiness or joy. He talked to me about my “Happy Place” while putting me under. I woke up in such a wonderful, carefree mood. So I utilize that method every time I am being put under. It works great and I recommend it to everyone I know that is going to have surgery.
When ever I have to have a MRI I try to relax and imagine laying on a beach and feeling the warmth of the sun, to keep calm and not get anxious.🤗💕works for me. I do the same before surgery, I have had 11 surgeries in the last 10 years.
I had wisdom teeth removed I think was about 17 and woke up asking for my dad who had died a year earlier and the nurse said she would go get him, my mum came in after a little while saying they had come out and said I was asking for my dad when she told them he had died a year ago she said the nurse started to cry and didn’t want to come back to tell me he wasn’t there. Some people are the nicest people
When I had my wisdom teeth removed they gave me a shot of something , I'm thinking to my self that it's not working . To me it had only been a few minutes when the nurse pulled bloody gauze out of my mouth
Here in Sweden it's super rare to be put under anesthesia during wisdom teeth removals. It's a bit of a gnarly feeling them cracking and pulling, i also once had a titanium screw inserted in my jawbone - that was intense! 😅 I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder, and often we need LOTS of numbing shots. I didn't know I had EDS back then, unfortunately.... Now when I go to the dentist I make sure they know beforehand I have EDS, and they've switched to another kind of liquid numbing shots.
I woke up from knee replacement in 2022.. The anesthesiologist asked how did I feel. I said,"I feel good, I feel good." Iwas singing James Brown song as loud as I could. Everybody in the operating. room was laughing!😂
I have had eleven surgeries, and I love being put under. It is an instant sleep and for me is deeply refreshing. My sign off before I go out is always, "See you on the other side." and I have never had a negative post op issue.
I’ve had more surgeries than I can count in 70 years. Anesthesia has gotten soooo much better since ether. Sodium pentethol was much better but made me talk like a magpie-about everything. Today’s protocols are easier, faster and smoother to administer and handle so all I usually say is, “Just give me the call brand and have your way with me”. The only thing I wish docs could work out better is for most orthopedic surgeries, the operative site is injected with a local anesthetic that has a tendency to wear off after 12 or so hours and do it with a bang ‼️. I’ve had some very severe pain when all that wears off. Of course, once you leave the OR it becomes someone else’s problem. 😢
Back in 2002, I died for 8 minutes on the operating table & saw heaven. They shocked me multiple times bc I wasn't responding. I woke up after hearing a voice say it wasn't my time & I had to go back. Later that day, my Dr discovered I had died from a latex allergy. Every tube & line into me was latex! So please be honest about any allergies, addictions, alcohol or smoking habits, Before going into any surgery.❤
Thank you for your courage in sharing that frightening story. I hope others will read your comment and be inspired to advocate for themselves in the medical setting
I had a bad reaction to anesthesia. I knew it was bad when I went unconscious. While unconscious, I had like a dream thing. I was sitting on a seat and appearance of like a subway. (I've never been on a subway). There were a few others. Most notable an older couple. The woman wept quietly while the man beside consoled her. Next to me standing beside me. And suddenly a big bright light appeared from the front. I was just sitting there a bit tired like, yet no sense of where or why I was going there. But I also do know. Suddenly a loud voice said, "Take her back, it is not yet her time." I had this sense of being hanked back. Then I began to feel this headache like pain from the back of my head. I was being pushed back into my body, and there was a pain in my right arm. I could hear a female voice, then became aware she was beside me and taking my blood pressure. She gasped a bit and walked away. Then I hear a female voice again and a male voice. She was telling him about my blood pressure being too low and my heart beating too low. He told her to keep an eye on me, put some 02 on and let him know of any changes. I felt the oxygen tube go into my nose. And I could hear a beep noise. I opened my eyes and saw a heart monitor beeping, and it said 45 on it. Shortly after that, I started to be more aware and move a bit. I was 23y/o. I will be 63 in a couple months. Aging, and later discovery of 6 autoimmune diseases. Early stages of congestive heart disease, kidney failure, and most recently possible liver failure. I know there is a God. I have an intimate friendship relationship with God and Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. I will not die until He says so. I don't fear death. But that experience did play a part in God bringing me back to His arms of grace. That's all He wants. A friendship like He had in the garden of Eden. Jesus bridged that great divide between God and man. So you must include Jesus and receive Him as the Son of God into your heart and life. Its not about rules, its about a relationship with Him. The being good stuff comes because you want to, not because you have to.
@@MeagainIA2011 let me be the first to give you a like! 👍 Such an incredible story and you seem like an amazing person! We're the same age which isn't old. You're in my prayers sister! 🙏❤️
Whenever I've been under anesthesia, I was extremely suprised that the surgery was actually over. And I always feel a wonderful sense of joy bordering on euphoria, when I am awakend and realize I'm ok and that I made it.
I have Alzheimer big time in my family and have asked not to have gas during surgery. It has been a big help and they keep gas close in case I need it. After 20 surgeries I am doing ok and learning as I go on. At 85 I take only vitamins and do everything to keep going. Thanks to a generation of new Doctors who listen to their patients. Believe me, coming from Europe it is nice to talk to Doctors who know that patients have a brain also.
@@muchasalud2011eally??!! She's 85, whatever she's doing, she's doing it right, for her!!! My parents are 87 and at this point they're basically healthy, independent and everything they're doing is right for them. I don't tell them what to eat or if they should take vitamins or not, they've made it to 87 without me telling them what to do. Remember, just because people get older, doesn't mean they revert back to children, unless there's a medical reason. Nothing bothers me more than when young people think they know more than someone with so much life experience, just because they've aged, age is a virtue, not a disability!
You are ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!! Everyone could learn something from you! I worked in a Alz Dementia unit for 15 years. We had young healthy people come in for procedures all the time. So many of those went into surgery being of sounds mind. But came out being in full blown alzheimers. Refuse the head yall. She is trying to tell you!!
@@muchasalud2011why go to the animal that eats the grass when we can go directly to the grass? I'd actually just rather go straight to the food. Not what ate something that ate the original source. I understand sometimes this Jeffers but if someone's taking herbs and vitamins that I always tell them go straight to the source if possible. I made toss my dog in the frying pan is economy ever hits dirt😢😅
I had a mastectomy November 2022 and asked the nurses at 7 pm when I would be having surgery. I'd been in the hospital since 6 am the same day. She looked at me incredulously and said " It was done 8 hours ago"....I had no recollection of the surgery or anaesthesia whatsoever! Recovery is taking more time though ! 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
@@dianeohara3900 Thankyou for the information. I thought that I may be going a little bit weird. The last thing I could remember was sitting bolt upright talking to a nurse. Then I was in a ward with 3 other ladies who'd all had their ops. Realisation slowly dawned. I looked down my front....my right breast had gone! I was discharged the following morning with a " drip pipe" in my side. I can't recall ANY operation AT ALL! So very strange 🤔😱
I've had multiple surgeries & have no fears or anxiety about anesthesia.. i actually enjoy the peacefulness. Modern medicine is amazing when politics stay out of patient care...
I was put under for a cardioversion but sat bolt upright when they hit the button and was aware that a crowd of young people stood around my bed wearing shocked expressions. I dropped immediately back down and was out again. When I fully came out from under i asked my nurse who all the people were in the room with me when i was cardioverted. She looked shocked. "there were five or six, I said, "all young..." wondering if maybe i was crazy. she swallowed and admitted that they had invited a bunch of interns and some EMT trainees into the room to witness the cardioversion. i told her that was fine but that I charged admission, especially since i gave them a great show, and figured two bucks a piece would be suitable. I got a ginger ale.
@@brendawaggoner7555 I have been in on many cardioversions as an echo tech. Outcomes vary depending on the condition of your heart and body. Eventually people may not respond to cardioversions and that option is not available to them. Many people stay in permanent A. Fib.
Medical ‘professionals’ use our bodies like we are unclaimed cadavers when we are under GA. Just goes to show how unscrupulous many of them - and the hospital administration are!
Six months ago went through kidney transplant. Thank you unknown donor. I'm 65 yo female had other surgeries in life. Nothing this long. Told me it could take 3 to 5 hours. Mine lasted 3 hrs. Nothing to complain about. New procedures, new meds, robot did the surgery. Forty years ago had emergency c-section and anesthesia was ok, but what they used then nade me nauseous for a few weeks after. Thank you to all those people who dedicate their lives to medical research and study to continue to improve this difficult but sometimes necessary, or life saving undertaking, less painful and less stressful. God Bless.
My Mom has the doctor talk to or call me because she takes a long time to come out of it. I'm just the opposite. As soon as the "happy juice" is turned off, I'm awake and want a cold glass of apple juice!
I know right I mean that is so crazy why do doctors do that I mean do they really expect you to remember what they told you right after you wake up from anesthesia that's absolutely crazy
I had recent heart surgery. Filled out a long anesthesia pre-surgery but then didn't even get to meet the anesthesia before surgery started. Maybe that saves the team time, but I think the patient should at least get to meet the person who holds your consciousness in his/her hands.
I completely agree! I'm so sorry that you had that experience. How did your recovery go? By the way, have you seen my video on talking to patients before surgery?
@@MedicalSecrets Thank you! Recovery did not go well. The incisions were much bigger and more numerous than the surgeon's description. There was a lag in prescribing strong enough pain meds and it got ahead of me. I have an underlying medical condition that was not taken into account. And, I am allergic to the main heart med the doctor wanted me to take. I told him that clearly in an early discussion. Reminded him of that one month before surgery and the day before surgery, because he kept forgetting it. Then when the surgery was not successful, he said it was because I was unwilling to take that same medication. A lot of pain and expense, and 3 months out my heart condition is worse than before. Folks like you are a blessing so that we can learn information that is otherwise missing. I am putting this in the past and exploring what treatments might be available to me.
I went through 9 hours of surgery in January to remove a section of my colon that had been damaged by cancer and chemo - as well as correcting the resultant passageway from the colon into my bladder (i.e . A slight, but continual leak between the two). I was told by the surgeon two days later that as I went 'out' I said to everyone present that "I miss the beach." I moved from Southern California (LA and San Diego areas- where I'd lived for 30 years) in *1992* - for Western Washington and, now, Alaska. I do miss warm California beaches, but hadn't been dwelling on that for the last 30 years. But, apparently, my mind had a secret:)
@@MedicalSecrets Is there a clear explanation for what causes this? ... My friend has bad reactions to General Anastasia. While the anesthesiologist says he doesn't have an allergy to it, he couldn't give an answer to his reactions (basically extreme dehydration for weeks along with unable to digest food can only sip water or else it comes back up, has to get an IV every time)
Kooky; I left SoCal after 10 years moving back home to Texas. I certainly miss the beach; but the mass of people all in a hurry to get to, they don't know where or why, not so much. Move forward to 8 years ago going from the high plains of Texas to the foothills of the Smokies; the horizon, I miss seeing for miles and miles. ✌️
I have never had an anesthesiologist call me before surgery. That’s unique I think. I bet they were surprised. Keep up the great work you do for your patients❣️
Right, I’ve had them come visit me before surgery (as I’m waiting to go in for surgery) but never call ahead. I do, however, recall one anesthesiologist that was with me in the OR and she said “I’m going to be right here with you the whole time, taking care of you.” (She was sitting right next to my head - probably where they always are?) She had her hand gently on my head and used her thumb to lightly rub my forehead as I went under. it was honestly so sweet and so… maternal..? Felt like a mom caring for me yet I was almost 40 years old. We don’t realize how much we need these signs of “extra care” in very vulnerable moments!
Had a terrible experience two years ago waking up in the recovery room after gallbladder surgery. Hour surgery went by in 3 seconds. Woke up crying and hyperventilating from massive pain. Two two shots of Dilaudid to calm me. Actually had a nurse verbally tell me to calm down. Turns out I carry a redhead gene who metabolizes pain meds faster. A year later I had stomach wrap reflux surgery but told the anesthesiologist what happened a year before. This time they filled me up full of pain meds before I came off the table so I didn't wake up in dire pain.
I had nose reconstrution after cancer surgery. I was a long surgery and i was very annoyed by hearing the beatles over and over again. The anesthesia had me paralyzed so i was very frustrated. Later, i spoke to the plastic surgeon, told him about it. He was surprised; said it was his favorite group, and told me whether its death, or anesthesia, HEARING is the last sense to go.
When I was 50 I had 3 back surgeries. 1 each week for 3 weeks. The anesthesia completely killed my short term memory. When I went to work my boss sent me an email. I thought I answered it. Not only did I answer it, I answered it more or less exactly the same way about 100 times. I had not idea. HR was called in to meet with me and my boss as he was ready to fire me on the spot. He asked one question do you like working for me? I said yes I love working for you. He sent the HR group away. Lesson learned stay away from any work or communications until you get your short term memory back. Have a loved one check you to see if you have good short term memory before driving or going back to work.
I had a five hour surgery for ovarian cancer. I had a 29cm scar. I came out of surgery with 6 IV infusions controlled by pumps. I am in awe of the medical science and the medical staff who not only did an amazing surgery but made sure that I was the same person after surgery as I was before-
I recently had a 4 hour total hysterectomy minus my ovaries, and it was the first time I’ve ever had surgery. It was the most amazing experience because my surgeons, anesthesiologist and nurses comforted me before and after surgery. I woke up starving and was eating dinner within an hour post surgery. I loved this video- very informative.
Continued. This lady had a sheet draped over the mirror. I asked her Ma’am did you know you have a sheet around your mirror. She said yes. That is to keep those people from coming out of the mirror and getting me. I replied. Well we will keep it there. Older patients out of their normal surroundings can wake up so disorientated. You just have to go with the flow and humor them. By daylight that’s are generally back to their normal selves.
@@MedicalSecrets Great video for public although I think it can be confusing to talk about memory turned off without explaining what is consciousness. Penrose-Hameroffs Theory is nearing to explain it at last. Working perfectly well. Wherever consciousness is anesthesia turns it off. But that's why it biggest mystery in the Universe
I have to have a hysterectomy in the next 3 months. Have to have blood work and an ultra sound. Once that's done and than my biopsy, to determine what kind of hysterectomy. Propofol is an excellent anesthetic. I can't wait to get this done, because I have 4 other surgeries after that. Prayers to everyone who has undergone surgery and safely made it thru. Please be honest with your anesthesiologist. Your life depends on it. 🤗 😉 ♥️
I've had more surgeries in my life than I can count, starting from when I was a newborn until a few years ago when I had a full hysterectomy with an exploratory surgery at the same time. Being put under has always been a traumatic, panicked experience for me, wondering if I'll survive or wake up, but I can honestly say that I have never knowingly awakened or had a bad reaction to any anesthesia during a surgery, thank goodness! It always helps to have a humorous Anesthesiologist or Doctor who actually explains what they are doing before they do it, so I know what to expect. I hate surprises! It's been rare, in my experience. Kindness & humor are good medicine! Thank you so much for sharing these very odd, but interesting events. Hope I never have to have another surgery in my life! I'm running out of useable parts!
The last time I had surgery I was napping in pre-op. The nurse who came around to calm down the worried patients had to wake me up to see if I was worried about my surgery. It appeared to surprise her. I never worry about my surgery because if the surgery doesn't work out and I die I was already essentially brain-dead from the anesthesia, so I'd never know. When they hit you with the anesthesia your mind is shut down. You have no dreams, no memory of the surgery, nothing. You fall asleep, then seem to wake up the very next moment, but it's 8 hours later. I know. I've had 6 major surgeries on my spinal cord. One of them was for nearly 9 hours. And again, to me it was as if they just put the mask on me then took it off and said , "OK, we're done." Kind of amazing process. But for a few months afterward you may find you seem to have forgotten some things that you should know quite well. In my case it always seems to return, but for a while, some things will just disappear from your memory. Shrug it off, look it up, and carry on.
I was down for 12 hours for quadruple bypass surgery. Right after the put me out, one of the crew members spotted a fly in the OR.😱 That delayed the start of work for over 2 hours for cleaning and new instruments! I knew nothing of course. But, as you described, no dreams, no conciseness whatsoever, you are gone, dead. The next thing you know, you’re starting come out of it, and hear someone say “Ok, we’re going to take the tube out now” that’s when you get a small sample of what it’s like to be waterboarded. In the aftermath, I had drop foot and tingling in my left leg. The drop foot eventually went away but the nerve damage (tingling) did not. That adventure was in 2017 and I certainly do not care to repeat it.
It’s wild how different everyone’s anesthesia stories are. I had surgery last month on my ears and nose. I was in pre op for about an hour-hour 1/2. Even though I’ve had 14 ear surgeries already, it still makes me very very nervous. I remember going back and because I have glasses I’ve never seen the OR itself, only a very hazy and blurry version of it so I got to wear my glasses back there. It was awesome and very reassuring to see the people and the instruments/anesthesia cart. They put me to sleep and once I was in recovery (surgery was about 2 hours) it’s like I forgot how to breathe without a tube. I’ve never had a breathing tube places before because my previous ear surgeries were putting tubes in which literally takes 10 minutes. Once i came to, it felt like I was “asleep” FOREVER. It was like I had just woken up from a 10 hour sleep. I was so incredibly refreshed and pain free thanks to fentanyl. Recovery was a breeze and thankfully no complications because there was a 50/50 chance this surgery would work, and it did!
I've been put to sleep for over 50 times. Several major surgeries, including not kidneys.Thecrest were minor surgeries or procedures. In the early '80's when I wasn't comfortable about what was going on,I'd wake up ,upset,stirring around in the bed and they'd have to give me something to calm me down. When I had the first kidney surgery in 1987,I didn't recall anything for three days 15 months later,surgery was done on the other kidney and I recalled almost everything right after surgery. A nurse said they didn't keep anyone out for three days.I said," Well,they said me!!!". They went to get me up in the afternoon and the nurse who was trying to lift me on surgery side pulled too hard and I yelled.Shectaidcthey had to get me up.zi said," Not that way!!!" I had a horizontal incision with 33 staples & it felt like she was pulling me apart .I recall nothing from the first kidney surgery except a little with visitors that evening.
I have a tumor in my spinal cord, (it is called Brown Se'qaurd Sydrome) ,I was under for 9 hours to. And I loss some memories. And would not realize that I lost anything until someone would bring it up. It took me awhile. But I have that Dr. For my pain management.
I had one bad experience during a surgery. I had bilateral carpal tunnel surgery 8 weeks apart. The first one went normal and the second one as I was being out to sleep because let's face it, it feels amazing when your mind goes to sleep lol however the second time my body went down to where I felt paralyzed but my mind didn't. I was trying to scream but couldn't move and I felt him cut my hand and I heard what was being said and I guess I panicked because it was at least 5 mins before my mind finally went or they noticed I was not all the way out. I never understood why or how this happened and they told me this was my imagination and I am sorry it wasn't my imagination. I know this was really happening. Very terrifying...
Sorry this happened to you. My X also had this happen during heart surgery. Afterward when he told me and I asked the nurse she flippantly said... it's his word against ours. Then, when I asked the doctor about it - he said... it very well could have happened. His heart rate went sky high and they attributed it to having a stroke during surgery. He said he felt the whole thing. We didn't pursue it further because he had many things wrong with him and he thought he needed the docs to continue living - but was a nightmare for him - and has made me very much afraid of having a general since then. I would like to know is why isn't this known by the anesthesiologist at the time and do something about it. The procedure was done at a teaching hospital - made me wonder whether it was a student doing the procedure rather than the doc.
Mine was surgery on my thumb because a cat bit me through the joint and caused all kinds of damage. I felt them tape my eyes closed, tie my hand up in the air, cut and crack a bone. I heard my surgeon talk about his fishing trip and how the fake worms worked better than the live ones. When they were “waking” me up I was a mess crying and I told them I was awake. They said no, and then I told them what they were talking about. He was shocked and apologized. I’m so afraid to ever need to go under general anesthesia again.
This also happened to me. I heard them discussing their golf scores, felt everything, but couldn't move at all. Tried so hard to blink or something as a sign, no use. Scariest thing ever.
This happened to me during an endoscopy procedure. I could feel myself gurgling as instrument went into my throat and could here doctor and nurses talking until I guess they noticed and I was given more anesthesia or it kicked in.
I’ve only been under 2x in my life and what really made a difference was the night before the surgery, the anesthesiologist called to tell me to have a restful nights sleep. He had a very calming and reassuring voice. Just a small thing can make all the difference.
I've had really BAD experiences with anesthesia.. I suffer from pernicious anemia and I told the surgeon I would need extra oxygen because of the blood disorder etc. He didnt listen and I almost died. People with pernicious anemia have abnormal blood cells that have very little oxygen. I really hope this is a very valuable lesson and it helps other sufferers with this disease.
That might be because you told the surgeon, not the anesthesiologist, the guy who actually would be giving the oxygen to you. The surgeon doesn’t know much at all about anesthesia. Although, any anesthesiologist worth his salt, would be familiar with your medical history, and shouldn’t need to be told to give good amounts of oxygen.
My first time under anesthesia was a good experience for me. I just relaxed and remained calm. He came in introduced himself and then asked me a few questions. I was taken into the OR and the last thing I remember was seeing his face and he touched my cheek and said don't worry, I'm going to take good care of you. When I woke, I was already back in my room and there was a male nurse there and I said is it over? He said yes and I just fell back asleep.
I had same experience, not only was it the coldest I've ever felt, but I was flopping around on the table, and it took over 5 nurses to hold me down. When I woke up again and asked about it they lied to me and said it was a dream.
I had a knee replacement in February '24. I woke up literally shaking from the cold and my teeth were chattering, it was awful. The Recovery nurse, female, said you poor thing, I'm so sorry you're so cold. Makes me want to just hug you to warm you up. Next thing I knew, I was in my room perfectly warm.this is the only thing I dread when I have to do the other knee.
@@Melindaeeyore1966I am from India and here anesthesiologists don't make you asleep by giving anesthesia if it is not a major surgery. During knee surgery in India you will be completely awake but unable to feel pain or move because of anesthesia. I had a surgery done 2 months ago. I was chatting with the surgeons the whole time. 🥴
I had a complete vaginal hysterectomy on January 9th 2023 due to very severe prolapse. My anesthesiologist was amazing! He used laughter to calm me and really was caring. Surgery was 5 hours but felt like 5 minutes. I had no complications and I have COPD.
i have copd and am terrified of upcpming surgery,i may not go through with it am that afraid was never before but various factores in place and again scared shitless
@@andreasobuaculla9511 Believe me I was extremely scared going under being I have COPD. But I had to get surgery so I prayed and kept reassuring myself everything would be fine. I will pray for you 🙏
All my surgeries under propofol I was prepared, physically, emotionally and mentally . All three the going under fade was calm and relaxed. The waking was the same, aside from the obvious pain which was soon taken care of. No confusion, delirium or violence from my side. Very impressed. My last surgery was only yesterday, laparoscopic pyeloplasty and stone removal. Very bruised, a fair amount of pain but stiff and uncomfortable due to the stent. On with recovery. You health care professionals are the real heroes, the real angels. You guys are the closest thing on the planet to god. You have our lives in your hands. Thank you for looking after us when we most need it.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😊
Before I had surgery I had a Pre-med. It's given to relax you around half an hour before you're wheele into theatre. It's quite a pleasant experience and then the anaesthetist put the needle in. 10.... 9....8.... gone! IF you reach no. 8 ! I had every confidence as I was well looked after by all these wonderful people in our NHS.🇬🇧
My husband had major vascular surgery two years ago in his late 60’s. He spent three days in the ICU. When he came onto the post surgical floor, he suffered from severe delirium for four days. It was the scariest thing I've ever had to witness. It makes me so fearful of ever having to go under anesthesia myself.
I had vascular surgery a month ago. The week after was a nightmare for me. The delirium made me think I was developing Alzheimers or dementia. Maybe it's my age 62. They did my Iliac artery.
@@tracymarie5184 My husband had a graft to repair an aneurysm of his abdominal aorta. The delirium was bad but when he got home, all was well. He's 70y/o and has started jogging!
I went under for a life saving brain surgery, post nearly dying from anesthesia allergy and again from trach tube slipping and sucking lung 2 years earlier from different issue. Point is, I trusted my surgeon and my anesthetist. They had listened and believed me. I woke up in ICU saying get me my physical therapist, i am ready for recovery and daylight is burning... mindset...
OMG....Never Again! After my last anesthesiologist experience, I swore I would never have surgery again! He was mean and totally stressed me out. Then he told his assistant to put something in the bag that I was hooked up. She looked at him with dismay and he said sharply "Just do it!" Before I had the chance to question any of it, I was out-this was before going into the OR. When I came to after surgery, I vomited violently for hours ( this after one of the nurses reassured me prior that that would not happen!). I feel like this anesthesiologist was not at all on my side. And I had multiple dental problems post surgery!!! Ugh, ugh, and triple ugh! I appreciate you explaining what transpires, but unless the anesthesiologist is a decent, caring, and considerate being the patient is screwed. I still have PTSD from this traumatic experience which happened over a decade ago! I also do not like that the surgeon and the anesthesiologist are strangers to one another. The whole thing gives me the creeps!
Dr. K do you have any idea what might have been added to my bag that the assistant was dismayed by? I think it was why I went out so fast and threw up so much after
Just had my surgery today and was under general anaesthesia. This was my third general anesthesia and I've always been fascinated by it. I always go into the surgery room thinking I am going to resist this time but could barely make it to the third count. Today they didn't even count. The last thing I remember was them asking which movie I watched recently and all I rember after waking up was saying Spider and I was already gone. Fortunately, I haven't had bad experiences yet but good to be aware that I am just lucky and grateful.
I was anesthetized three times in my life, twice for colonoscopies and once for a hernia operation. All I have to say is I am thankful for anesthesiologists. It is literally like being turned off during something I don't want to experience. I only had a little bit of memory loss the first time and the next two times I had no memory loss at all.
The last colonoscopy I had was approximately 35 minutes long,I was asleep for only 10 minutes of it but the rest of it I was watching on the monitor. You just become a relaxed observer.
Do you know what anesthetic caused you a bit of memory loss afterward? I have a hernia operation coming up and I would like to avoid anything like that. I also had a colonoscopy and they used propofol and it was indeed like turning off a switch with no memory loss or even brain fog afterward. Thanks
Excellent video! You described what I experienced when I was 13 and had surgery to remove my tonsils and adenoids. According to the nurse afterwards, it took two male orderlies to control me as I was exiting anesthesia. While in my thirties I had my gall bladder removed and vividly remembering fighting my way out and thinking I had died. When I needed knee surgery I had a long discussion with the anesthesiologist and he thanked me and reassured me that the new medication they were using would prevent having an issue. And he was correct.
@@ladyofthecreek279 yes I’ve had many surges at age 70. All went great except my last one at 63. I woke up fighting like I was trying to escape from something above me. It was a horrible feeling.
Clark: I have been wondering why I never hear of anyone having tonsils or adenoids removed anymore. Knew of one with infected appendix. That's in last 60 years.....
Yeah...I know EXACTLY what happens during surgery. I had an emergency c-section and I was not unconscious. I felt no "pain" (although I was aware of all of the tugging and slamming and abuse) and I was immobilized (I could not move). When they started the operation, I could see them (my eyes were open slits) and hear them talking about their weekend plans at "the cottage". I tried to get someone's attention by calling out....all I could do was moan. A nurse said, "is she TALKING?". A doctor answered, "of course not". When I told a nurse in the recovery room that I had been awake, she told me not to be ridiculous. It was the most horrible experience of my life (despite getting my sweet son out of it)
Im very thankful you didnt feel it There are some people that have experienced it w pain i always fear that I also had vertical csec under general anesthisa
I had anesthesia recently and at he very beginning, They asked what year was my favorite music and immediately began to play it. Then the anesthesiologist asked me my name, I gave it and a wonderful peace came over me and the operation was over immediately it seemed , and waking up when the bed got moved to another room. Have to say, it was a wonderful experience . I have to say it beat a spinal by a mile which I have had. Thank God for anesthesia doctors.
I'm 72 and I have been "friends" with the medical field starting at 7 years old with my first hernia operation. Since then, I've had 3 more hernia operations, 1 toncilictomy, 3 colonoscopies, and their counter parts(down the throat), 2 heart caths, and recently, a thriple bypass, topped of by COVID. And I've watched how things progressed in the operating room. How they use to use ether for everything and now a variety of medicines to put you to sleep. The one thing I learned early on and I tell my friends, never lie to your doctor OR your anesteiologist. Not if you want to come out right and alive. And because I've been fortunate or lucky, I did that, and I've never had a bad operating room experience or recovery room problem; except when I tried to sit up after my toncillectomy and vomitted all over. I'm not perfect!!
Interesting reading your experience...and good you included the tip about not lying to the drs! I remember ether and the crazy cartoon I "saw" while having my tonsils removed over 6 decades ago.
My husband has been dodging his hernia surgery for 63 years because of the fear of what happened to me that's going to kill him I told him he probably would happen to him. My daughter's been to a lot of heart caths I always feared for her when she was little. My grandson actually had a surgery when he was an infant. Now that he's 10 years old he's in the spectrum of autism and he has savant so he remembers everything he remembers being born he remembers his surgery it didn't put his mind to sleep I don't think I think it put his whole self to sleep but he just remembers everything he hears everything is amazing and scary
It’s so nice to see a surgical professional talking about the positive psychological effect of nature, or even the mental VISUALISATION of nature. When I was in 1st year and asked a young surgeon about whether he felt the improved green space in stroke recovery ward had a measurable, observable improved outcome in general for many patients, he actually chuckled at me. I was so shocked at how little he rated the power of these things to make a positive impact on patients, possibly even reducing the amount of time they need to be on the ward altogether. To him, I think that stroke recovery was all physiological, all medical. But to that patient, there’s no separating the trauma of that often sudden loss of mobility and the psychological. To that patient, it’s all one experience. Thank you for being the guy who acknowledges these things for the world to think about… not least the medical and researching community!
I had a very bad experience at a hospital That I didn't know really. It was a gyni scan which was so painfully I asked her to stop and she didn't. I tried to get up and a nurse lay over me holding me down as I was crying and begging her to stop because the pain was unbearable.. I had to go for another scan and insisted I go to my usual Hospital. I couldn`t believe the difference. A lot of staff came individually to check every thing most of it were repeats , but they were so kind and compassionate and understanding of my fear I had an anaesthetic and woke so calm with no pain and lovely staff members who checked everything was ok. I was a day patient because I needed and anaesthetic after previous experience. The Other Hospital would learn a lot from watching those teams In this theatre and its teams. Thank you JCUH
In 2009, l had a procedure to remove gallstones and after waking up from the surgery, l felt the same as l did before the procedure. Tests were done and it was discovered that my bile duct was knicked and my whole abdominal cavity was filling with bile. I was rushed into emergency surgery and it took seven hours to repair the damage and my gallbladder was removed because it was gangrenous. I was on a ventilator and in an induced coma for four days. My family was told l might not make it. After being taken off the ventilator and was brought out of the induced coma, l had a lot of anxiety and didn't even feel like l was the same person. I had three tubes with drainage bags for weeks after. To make matters worse they told me l had to undergo another procedure to remove stones that were still in the bile duct. It was a long road to recovery but l made it through. Then in 2015 l had to have a heart valve replaced and after waking up from that surgery l once again didn't feel like myself and was anxious for weeks and could not sleep much at all for two weeks. For months after both surgeries my sense of taste and smell was affected. Even Jello tasted bad and the smell of coffee which l love turned my stomach. It was probably two months before my senses recovered. I hope l never have to have another major surgery.
What a nitemare for you ! I had gallbladder removed and went home with drains for 2 weeks and they found they had left gallstones in , so I had to wait 2 more weeks and they went down my throat to remove the stones , I remember everything and had to be held down and the pain was horrible and I’m still traumatised , and I had a procedure the other week and told them what I’d experienced and I needed more anesthesia , I’m from the uk
I wish I was able to express my gratitude towards my surgeons! When I was 12, on Christmas morning, I had to spend the whole day in the ER. I was diagnosed with acute appendicitis, and I almost had to stay the whole night, as the main surgeon didn't want to come in on the holiday/wanted to spend it with his family. I remember my nurses being so upset about this, and outside my ER, I could hear angry voices speaking on the phone. They were so nice to me, always speaking to me in a gentle tone and giving me warm blankets when my old one became cold. They managed to convince the head surgeon to come in- though, this was because another person came in with another case of acute appendicitis. I was already being wheeled to a hospital room, as everyone was told he wasn't coming in, and all of a sudden we switched directions and I was pushed into the operating room! One of the nurses held my hand as I went under, and I remember her saying, "You are so very brave." And I replied with a lethargic "Thank you, ma'am," and then I woke up in the post operating room, and I was placed in a wheelchair and left the ER in 5 minutes. I was still a bit loopy after the procedure, and when I got home, I felt so bad for not thanking those staff members personally. You all do amazing jobs, and even if it's just a small smile or a little squeeze of your patients hand to show encouragement, it truly means a lot to people. Whether it be a shy 12 year old girl, or an overly sarcastic 79 year old man. I appreciate all of you so much, you really do change lives!
I love learning more about what anesthesiologists do. I've learned so much these last few weeks. You guys keep running that OR and taking great care of your patients. All in the name of giving everything up to the doctor performing the surgery ;) unspoken heroes you are.
I've had several surgeries and have had memory problems after each one that never got better, until the last one. The anesthesiologist tried not giving me the med that starts making you loopy before they wheel you to the surgery room and I could definitely tell a difference afterwards. I didn't have any additional memory loss! Also, the last few times I've been put under, I wake up having a lot of problems breathing, like I have to force myself to remember to breathe.
The breathing issue is because you aren't breathing on your own while you are under. The anesthetist is there giving you oxygen, breathing for you. Your lungs are paralyzed when you are under.
I had some cognitive *issues* as well as some fatigue after a surgery. Did a deep dive learning about medicinal mushrooms and adaptogens. Anywho, I tried MudWater and it helped me feel like myself again.
I have that breathing problem too! The nurses in post op are always yelling (not really yelling, but they talk loud to get your attention) at me to breathe because my blood oxygen is always so low my monitor goes off. Once I'm fully awake I don't have the problem.
Thank you. I have surgery Jan 23 2024. It is my 8th spine fusion and supposed to take about 8 hours. I have thoracic fracture pressing on spinal cord. You make me a bit calmer but surgeon has already told me that I have a 50/50 chance of surviving and 75% paralysis. Listening to you I can try what you said just have to pray surgeons do a good job. Thanks for your videos.
Blessed to have had no issues with anesthesia after 4 surgeries: hysterectomy, bariatric, and total knee replacement on both knees. If you have good thoughts going in, all should go well.
Was only under general anesthesia once. They had a hard time getting me to come to. I didn’t like the struggle to wake up when they told me I had to. I found it scary, so I have always chosen to use local anesthesia since. Much rather know whats going on and be able to respond too .
When I had back surgery the anesthesia was such a strong memory wipe that I couldn't remember the story I'd been working on writing for years. I had already written the first three books and started the fourth (of five) before surgery. After surgery, it was gone from my memory. Thankfully, I kept really good notes and was able to recover most of it by reviewing my notes and reading the first three books, but it added a year of waiting for my readers. The next time I had surgery, I mentioned it to the anesthesiologist and he indicated he knew which drug caused that and used a different one instead. Afterwards, no memory loss! I'll remember that for all future surgeries!
Very informative. I came out a bit combative. My surgery was at a level 1 trauma hospital. So no planning ahead. I’d fainted which broke my jaw in three places. Spit pieces of 10 teeth in the sink. I will say I was in good hands once I arrived at the final facility. I learned a lot. Had never heard of a maxillofacial surgeon before and I know what a mandible is now! I’ll never be as I was before, but I’m grateful. Could have been a lot worse.
I had major surgery about 40 years ago, and I apparently started thrashing and grunting. The anaesthetist upped my anaesthetic, and after I was wheeled back to my bed, (obviously after first being woken immediately after surgery), my surgeon was beside my bed and woke me with questions about what I remembered. I told him "nothing Doctor." He told me that I had thrashed about and grunted, and he said that I need a higher dose of Aenaethesia. He made note on my chart for further surgery that I had a resistance to being put under. I've since had 5 other major operations and have never had an issue since. I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. Thank you, regards, Cecilia Hyde, Australia.
I was a medic in the military I had a pretty good idea of what to expect when I had a stroke. I remember raising my head up during the doctor's conversation and asking if we were talking about angio. I remember one of the doctors looking right at me and saying yes. The next thing I remember was waking up in restraints. They said I got agitated. How well, great team. I walked out 3 days later.
Very good explanation and having had a bilateral lung transplant,which is a big operation,explaining very well doesn’t get any better Thanks 🙏 very much DR✅
My GF is a neurotechnologist, and has sometimes had to do intraoperative monitoring. If certain body signs seemed to be getting too subdued, it was her responsibility to call this to the attention of the anesthesiologist.
I underwent surgery yesterday - my first cancer surgery - and my mindset going in was terrible. I’ve had more than a dozen surgeries under general anesthesia throughout my life, including several when I was a child. I have bad PTSD from those experiences. Just walking into a hospital can trigger a panic attack. Anyway, between my recent cancer diagnosis and the need for surgery so soon after the diagnosis, I’ve been in a state of extreme anxiety. I’ve had trouble sleeping and haven’t slept well even when I do sleep because I awaken about once every hour due to nightmares. I discussed this with my doctor when she was going over the details of my surgery, and the response I got from her was, "Oh, you’ll be fine!" That was it. I had surgery on Tuesday and I didn’t sleep at all on Sunday or Monday. I went to the hospital utterly exhausted and in a state of complete anxiety. When I came out of surgery, all I remember telling the nurse was to let me sleep. I just wanted to stay asleep. Once I was out of recovery, all I did was sleep except when they’d wake me up - which was frequently. I came home today in terrible pain (I have a five-inch incision with a whole bunch of stitches) which I feel certain is being heightened by my lack of rest and overall sense of anxiety. I slept for about 14 hours and now I’m awake at midnight. No pain meds; I was told that Tylenol would be all I needed. Tylenol helps a little, but the pain is still quite significant. My question is about communicating this sort of thing to my doctor. I told the doctor about my anxiety and lack of sleep. She appeared unconcerned. One of the things I hate most in life is the feeling that I’m not being heard (or understood) when I’m trying to communicate something, especially when it’s someone I don’t know well. I have ASD, so my communication skills aren’t good to begin with, but they get worse and I get frustrated when I’m stressed and I feel like people aren’t understanding me. It’s bad to the point that I don’t want to see this doctor again. I have to go back to get stitches removed in a couple of weeks, plus it’ll be about a week before we get pathology reports that will indicate if my cancer has metastasized or if the doctor removed all of it. If I need further treatment, I’m not sure I’ll be able to do it. I’ve tried all sorts of things to reduce anxiety, but nothing I do on my own helps. Supplements and aromatherapy/acupuncture/meditation all do nothing at all to reduce anxiety. Music helps to an extent, but only for a limited amount of time and then the anxiety returns. I guess my whole point here is that the tips in this video might be great, but they’re easier said than done.
Do this , set down and type a letter on whatever format best fits you. Explain all your concerns , your fears, and your expectations you would like met. Now certify it to the doc , signature only.
My mom had a similar situation with her cancer surgery her mindset was just crazy she's scared and the doctor told her that they had to reschedule because she was so upset and he said that when you're upset that the surgery doesn't go well so you have to be in control of your mind and your feelings I guess I mean I'm always nervous and if I have to go I mean they should give you some kind of exercises mentally or sometime breathing focuses or something to maybe help stabilize your mentality to go see such a thing. I'm sorry you had cancer or you were going through cancer surgeries and that's horrific it is very scary but I hope you have a very good support system because that's very important
You need to have a talk with your doctor and let him or her know you're all to hell with having cancer and surgery and having a hard time sleeping. Let them know this is not easy on you and you need something to help calm & relax you. Tell them you're going to need a referral to another doctor that can help if this one can't." Good luck and I hope you make a full recovery. I know the anxiety that a person gets when having to go through an elective surgery so going through one with something like cancer has to be a nightmare on a person. I have ask my doctor for something one time and he gave it to me. I was all to hell and needed it. Once I didn't need it I didn't use it anymore.Tell the doc you need it and you wouldn't be asking if you didn't. Again I hope everything goes well for you.
I am ASD and have gone thru 16 surgeries since my 1st cancer dx. I have cPTSD as well. Get in therapy, of course. Meds for anxiety, panic attacks. I also recommend bringing someone with you to all appointments. I had a meltdown at an oncology appt after 7 years of seeing them every 3 months and I was alone. They made false accusations. You need to protect yourself in case of meltdowns. They won’t see it as a meltdown but as you reacting/behaving badly. You will not want the ASD to get in the way of getting treated properly by your doctors. I now have to go to another state for oncology appointments.
Thank you for taking the time to shoot this video. It is amazing what you have to do to keep a patient functioning and sedated at the same time. You’re doing the Lords work, and it’s not easy. I had to go under for a 360 degree lumbar fusion, and it took 6.5 hours . All I remember was counting backwards 03, cause I never got to 02 let alone 01. I am very facilitated by the way you all can make sure the patient is comfortable and alive and not feel pain , all that and more. 👏🙏😺
Me too I had a L1 S5 surgery a fusion surgery on my back for 6 hours that was my third surgery I had in my life always do good on the Anastasia always lose weight before surgery eat healthy and fast and relax and reduce stress in my life
I had my first surgery at 19. I am now over 70. I have had more than 15 procedures (I've lost count) for a variety of reasons, mostly unrelated, that I will not detail here. I have seen a great deal of change in anesthesia in this time, but I have learned an important piece of advice. Talk to your anesthesiologist, both before and after your procedure. Listen to what he tells you. Follow his directions. And if a previous anesthesiologist told you important information, relay it to your new one. They are not mind readers, and what might seem unimportant to you could be critical information for them. During my first surgeries my anesthesiologist told me my body fights "going under", but once unconscious it takes very little to keep me there. My first surgery I woke up terribly nauseated, but had the same anesthesiologist the next time and he had adjusted the amount I was given. I've shared this information with every anesthesiologist since then, and have never had any nausea from any surgery since. I also had trouble waking after one procedure, and told the anesthesiologist about it for the next one. He also dropped the calming medication before surgery, and that eliminated my recovery problem. Be proactive about sharing information. It's YOUR body to take care of!
Thank You for sharing,I had surgery a few years ago and in the middle of my operation I woke up, and I told the Dr every thing what they were talking about, while doing my surgery, but then was given more medication to keep me asleep, it was amazing that I was talking and being operated on, and didn’t feel anything, to this day I can remember every word 😊
Just over my 5th surgery under general anesthesia last Friday! My last memory before 'lights out' was struggling with the mask (probably trauma from a Saddle PE where I felt like I was suffocating) and the anesthetic nurse telling me to breathe deeply and that my heart rate was elevated. Next thing, I'm awake again, begging for pain meds with no recollection of ANYTHING! Every time it's different as I had some type of awareness from my previous op. Thankfully, it went smoothly and I woke up lol. It was really hard for me this time though as I have chronic blood clots in my lungs, unfortunately, but no CTEPH. LOVE your videos and find them really educational, and you have a great way of easing the anxiety by explaining everything so well. Thank you, Doc :)
I just had surgery last week. This anesthesiologist was very curt and pushed the mask on my face hard and said "breathe deep" and it sucked down on my face and made me panic, while saying "I said breathe deep ". I started to kick and beg to get the mask off and someone said give her some Versed, and someone else said " she hasn't had any yet" then the doctor said your arm will feel hot. Lights out. That mask thing was awful. Then after I got home the nausea hit big time. The whole thing was awful.
In August 20 20 I had a quadruple bypass. When I was in anesthesia I had a dream. I may have met Peter. He and I had a discussion. I was not happy but he sent me back. I woke up in a dark room, not knowing where I was at, not knowing that I had open heart surgery. I was in no pain. The nurses, thank God for the nurses, help me in the ICU when I woke up. They filled me in on what happened. They told me I had a quadruple pass and I was in a coma for nine days. I look back after two years in a maze, and wondering what happened prior to my surgery till I remember being in the emergency room. I was checked via EKG and I believe the doctor panicked little bit when he saw my EKG and rush me into the emergency room. They're the rest is history.
I have just discovered your videos. First, I’d like to tell you that I think that the way you connect with your viewers, and I would say with your patients too, is phenomenal! You are so knowledgeable and also personable… You combine the absolutely necessary seriousness with just the right amount of humor, making listening to you a great learning experience! I have subscribed to your channel so I can continue watching your videos but also so I can recommend them to anyone I know who might need to have any kind of surgery, so they can learn what to expect. Thank you for educating people and hopefully alleviating the fears that many of us have about anesthesia. Of course, like everyone, I hope to not have to undergo surgery, but if I do, your videos have greatly informed me! Thank you! 😷👏
Thank you for the kind comments! 🙏The elegance of this knowledge of the human body is that it's highly applicable outside the operating room, too! These same techniques can help overcome depression, anxiety, and reduce medication requirements regardless of surgery
@MedicalSecrets Great video for public although I think it can be confusing to talk about memory turned off without explaining what is consciousness. Penrose-Hameroffs Theory is nearing to explain it at last. Working perfectly well. Wherever consciousness is anesthesia turns it off. But that's why it biggest mystery in the Universe
My daughter is a UCSF/Stanford trained board certified anesthesiologist- you do an amazing job teaching! I am always disappointed by the general public’s lack of understanding what an anesthesiologist does. She’s had people ask after mentioning that she’s an anesthesiologist, “ are you a doctor “.
I had my gallbladder out some years ago and being a former medic in the Air Force took care of a lot of people coming out of surgery and remember the gas they used in the early 1970's that would make me physically ill and wanted to puke, but didn't and had guys come out swinging and hitting. Things are SO MUCH better now. My anesthesiologist explained the newer drugs used and I was relieved. My surgeon had Cat Stevens on the stereo in the OR (I was so glad HE is a fan) and I was watching the Propofol running down the tube and said "see you in Hell" as Cat started singing and woke up the next minute (when 4 hours had passed. No dreams, no bad experiences.) It is easy in, easy out and I woke up with a nurse sitting calmly beside me and I looked over and said "Am I dead?" and she just laughed and said, no you are still among the living. No memories at all. I had a neighbor several years ago who had a tumor at the base of his brain that was intertwined in his spinal cord nerves. I had read a story in Readers Digest back in the mid 1960's about a young lady that had the same tumor and it was very experimental surgery back then and she was on the table for 8 hours and came through fine. My neighbor said that if he died, he wouldn't know it because he would not be conscious so he wasn't concerned. After surgery I went over for morning coffee and he looked to make sure his wife wasn't in hearing range and told me while he was under, he found himself in a large field and on the other side of the field were relatives and friends that had passed and he said he wanted so bad to go and join them and they said "no it's not your time yet" and woke up in the recovery room. He said he had never thought about something like that and it didn't spook him (he said, but I could see it did). He had a return of the tumor two years later and this time they couldn't do anything and he passed in a hospice facility. I have my own thoughts on death and dying but came across an AWESOME video a few years ago that I recommend everyone watch (whether you are a believer or not) "This is my story, parts one and two" by Ben Breedlove. All that I will say is he "cheated" death 3 times. I urge people to watch it.
I remember everything before and after my surgeries. The surgical team I had were great. Calmed me down before my surgery and when I woke up, they reminded me to breath. I was so out of it when I woke up I had to focus on breathing so I wouldn't forget it. Luckily it only took 20 or so minutes before I felt relatively awake when I was concious.
I’ve had too many surgeries and each has lead to a different mood outcome. However, the knee arthroscopy was amazing. I woke up in the operating room just as they were finishing stitching. Everyone was clapping. It seems I was giving my acceptance speech for the Nobel Prize in both Peace & Physics😂 No grandiosity here, folks. I’m prett sure they told me the anaesthesia used was Ketamine but I could be wrong
@@MedicalSecrets Best recovery from a knee surgery ever. I could walk without pain immediately and within the week I left on a planned 3 month solo cross country drive, still in a good mood and contemplating the likelihood of that Nobel 🤔
I would like to thank you Dr. For all your informational videos. I just had Cancer surgery early this Tuesday morning. When I went into the hospital that morning I was already prepared for what was going to happen to me. Everything went well I'm told I had other health problems as well I have a bad heart. So many times day and night I would look up your videos and educate myself as best as I could. Now if only the rest of my journey would go that well. ❤
THANK YOU for this video! I love anesthesiologists, and I know that when I am under, my life rests securely in their hands! I make a POINT of thanking them during the pre-op visit and letting them know that I understand the importance of everything they do!
I'm having my first surgery of my life on March 29, 2023, first time under anesthesia. Watching tons of videos to learn and hopefully lesser my pain of the unknown. 💕💯 #vestibularhypofunction #vestibularwarrior
It should well for you. Experienced people will care for you. Don't be afraid to ask any questions or express any reservations you may have. Bless you and gave a speedy recovery.
Your comment on anxiety before is a very good one. I’m the first survivor in Australia of an MHA response with no family history, and I had many operations earlier as a kid (I was 18 at the time). During covid, as a result of an accident, I had 5 or 6 operations on my shoulder, ending up with a reverse shoulder replacement (which still left me with a disability). Now and again, even though I know most of the good sides of dealing with it, I can freak out (and I discovered I was out of touch as well with the latest theories). At one stage, with the frequency and the prior operation going for 5 hours when I thought the limit was 3), my anaesthetist, whom I had developed a great relationship with, decided to bring me in the night before the next operation and provided some medication to make it easier for me that night before. When he came to visit me, he wasn’t happy with the room I was in (the smallest room on the ward, and I am a big fella) and insisted the nursing staff move me to a much better room (I ended up with the best room and on the side with the better views). Unfortunately, that operation also had many complications and from then onwards, I needed to come a week in advance for special antibiotic treatment. My next procedure on my vocal cords, which the surgeon tells me will take about 2.5 hours, apparently has to be done under local anaesthetics so we can immediately test if the inserts are the correct size. I am nervous about that, but your video has provides some good reminders to help me prepare for that.
I've had so many surgeries I can't count anymore my third was internal hip fixation due to army injury that. That was the only time I had a bad post op experience I cried uncontrolled for hrs afterwards. The most recent was two years ago after I developed sepsis an abdominal abcess the size of a grape fruit and double ileus after a total hysterectomy for ovarian precancerous tumors and adenomyosis. Complications due to posy of infection spent 10 weeks in icu but had all the aromatherapy there in hospital after 4 ops and procedures I did heal. I am a cna 2 and he is absolutely right! As a lupus patient listen to him! Thank you Dr for open honesty truth and blessings to you! Love is always key. Thanks for comforting patients as you do
I have never taken pre-op sedatives or sleep meds the night before. I'm always talkative and fully awake when I'm wheeled into OR and they start setting up for surgery. They give me a warm blanket to begin with but I know they take it off after I'm asleep. (OR is REALLY cold!) I always joke around with the OR team, telling them where my best veins are and talking about the awake intubation they have to do because of my neck and throat. I'm actually pretty sedated when they do the "awake" intubation, but sometimes I'm still aware of it to a degree. I've learned to relax all the muscles in my throat and neck and relax my breathing and trust they won't let me suffocate. :) It takes lot of will power sometimes. My anesthesiologists always complain that I'm just as stubborn when I'm asleep as when I'm awake because my breathing rhythm does NOT like to be messed with and I'll just stop breathing all together if they try to speed my breath rate up or slow it down. More than once I've awoken to find my surgery cancelled because I had a respiratory arrest. I ended up with a tracheostomy because I had a respiratory arrest in my room and they couldn't get my breathing started again or something. I still have an open stoma even though I was allowed to remove the cannula about 4 years ago. I haven't asked for a surgery to finish closing it up, since I fortunately have a double chin (due to my neck problems, not weight as I'm only 83 lbs) and I just have to lower my head a bit to cover the stoma to talk or wash my hair. Lol I figure leaving the open stoma is better if I have to have an emergency surgery - it will make it easier to intubate. I think knowing one's fate is in God's capable hands really helps when you have had the kind of health issues I have had. I know He has filled me with peace with every crisis I've had to go through from my first surgery at 17 to my current age of 63.
Headed into my first surgery ever in a couple of months. Total hip replacement @ 39 y/o. Your posts have provided some relief from pretty severe anxiety I have regarding the procedure. Look forward to your posts; pick a new one to watch every week. Great useful content. Thank you Dr. Will recommend to friends & family, anyone who is having a procedure that requires anesthesia.
I’ve had a hip replaced. I kinda figured there wasn’t much choice since I needed the surgery. I figured I’d wake up fixed then just heal up from what is essentially a pretty significant knife wound. Sore and stiff I was able to deal with. Take your meds as directed. You do NOT want to get behind the pain curve. Don’t worry about those drugs. The body tolerates them when used like this. You will be up and walking right away. Do what the physical therapist says, but do not over do it. Your body will heal on its own schedule. You’ll be fixed. Most of my friends that had the same procedure were golfing or riding their bicycles in about 30 days. The hip is a fairly straight forward surgery from which to heal. Take Care.
I have had a few endoscopies, since I had some issues in my GI tract. I got colonoscopies a few times too. I have a hard time with the anesthesia because when I wake up my B hole is sore but I have no memories of what took place. That’s such a hard thing to deal with mentally. I’m sharing this because I hope you are doing everything you can to comfort and guide your patients through their procedures. It sounds like you do, so thank you!! I’ve had some anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists who have been very brusk and that is not helpful.
I was informed that I had 1 each of the types of polyps in my colon, … they snipped the single ball type, during my colonoscopy, but told me that the other 2 types were that in a couple of bad spots that would require a surgical resection in of my colon, with the 1st one being a tubular type, that generally causes colon cancer, the other was a flat type, that could also cause colon cancer, but generally not as likely, …. And that I would be kept in the hospital 3 to 5 days, … ok, …. I awake from this surgery, finding that they quite literally cut me in half, as I have staples from my far right side across to my belly button, … and I’m sore as all hell, … and it was a 10 day stay, the surgeon that operated on me, had finished this part of her schooling, and yes, I was pissed, but they had4 successfully removed a 1/3rd of my colon, with the bad news being that they cut one end, and took it all the way down, past my appendix, roughly about 3 feet of my body was just cut, and discarded into the trash, … including the polyps being removed and sent to a pathologist for review, .. it turned out to be the opposite of Normal, with the flat polyp (attached to the colon, & my appendix), … being the one that would have turned cancerous, … in about 5 years according to the doctor, … what no one was looking at is the fact, that yes, I had been cut in half, then sewn back together, and was not healing properly, as a massive blood clot, was in the process of forming inside of my body, and that before I was released to go home, I was cramping pretty badly, but was told that it was just taking it’s sweet time healing,… what I did not know, as the cramping continued to just get worse, & worse, is that gangrene had set in where the small intestine, meets the large intestine, the part that they cutout, ant threw in the trash, was the ileocecal valve, (the door flap), responsible for the de-watering process, allowing the stool to firm up, before being … I was home for 6 days, and the cramping had gotten so bad, I had my wife return me to the hospital, where they gave me a couple of shots of morphine to get me calmed down, and just sent me home again, … the next morning, I was hungry, & my wife made me some French toast, with a small OJ, … then she left to go wash the clothes, out near her sisters house in Steger, Illinois, … I poured myself another small glass of OJ, then one more, as my thirst required to be quenched, … and the OJ, tickled that spot in my throat, … then I got increasingly more painful with the cramping again, … I did not know it then, but realized later that I was having a very hard time keeping anything down, as I tried again, and again to get some relief, for the pain the cramping was causing, … my wife, finally returned home around 4 pm, (I was about to try, & take a taxi, to our local hospital, but she got there 1st, … put me in the car, and took me to the ER, ok, then I had to wait for almost 4 hours to be seen, and was given a C-Scan, then they had to do it again, because the staff had used some 87 year old man’s name, on my scan, … damn, was all I could think about, and trying to ease my stomach from cramping, the Dr, saw what he thought was a blockage, and wanted to do surgery right then, but I told them I was not sure if the VA would pay the bill, and had them call an ambulance to take me back to Jesse Brown, VA, in Chicago, … a 45 minute ride, hitting every pothole, and bump in the uneven roads there, they got me in there asap, the head of the department greeted me, and I told him to just make the cramping stop, in order to ease my pain, he told me a few vague things about what they were going to attempt, but all I wanted was for the pain to cease, … he said something about waking up with a bag taped to my leg, or the other leg, one would be temporary, but the other would be permanent, yeah, I do remember that, but I woke up with no bag, on either leg, and thought that they decided they could not save me, and that I had been left to die, … but was eventually told that no, the surgery had been successful, … after letting me know that they had removed a whole lot of vascular ends that transport the food nutrients to the heart, which had been the source of the massive blood clots, which led to the forming of the gangrene which, had killed off about a foot or so of my small intestine,and all but causing my premature death, … the head of the blue/orange department said I had been within a 10 minute window of dying, when they got me there, … and was put under the anesthesia almost immediately, … that old man saved my life, .. at the JBVA, hospital, in Chicago, … thanks to the staff, & this quick witted Dr. I am still kicking around at 69 years old, and if I can get my back issues pain free, I will return to a semi normal life, … the anestesiologist, they used, were true pros at their employ, … I do truly believe that they kept me from suffering from these maladies, which were brought about by a person who acted like a God, but we’re only the lowest of the low, with a big head, and an illiterate level of education, … those who think they are so gifted, should stand aside in the magnitude of true greatness, …
Me too, wish they would have explained how the throat scope thing works. I was pretty sure it was going to be difficult & painful. It wasn’t. Ask for the wakeful anesthesia for colonoscopy like the news woman had. It doesn’t hurt. I caught a nurse? or tech? Going thru my clothes bag with my wallet cause she thought I was out of it.
I am fascinated by anaesthesia. I quite like the bit where I'm asked to count backwards from 10. It's always instant blackout. The bit I struggle with, literally, is coming round afterwards. Although I can hear voices telling me to wake up, I can never respond. Last time it happened I heard a loud conversation right by my head and it was annoying the hell out of me. I just wanted peace, but a nurse was loudly telling a colleague how much she is paid. I desperately wanted her to stop yelling but I couldn't speak or move. This was interspersed with "It's time to wake up now" before she'd continue braying to her colleague. Eventually I managed a huge groan of frustration and burst into loud sobbing. I wan't in pain, but I could not stop crying. The after effects of anaesthesia stay with me for days. I just want to sleep all the time. What an incredible field of science though.
You describe an unpleasant experience during the emergence phase of a general anesthetic, and I am saddened that this preventable event happened to you at all. Somehow, the OR team attends to the emergence phase with less than a minimum of concern, even though potentially significant and dangerous events can occur as much as in any other phase of general anesthesia (induction = first phase; maintenance = second phase; emergence = third phase)
I'm a retired Anaesthetic nurse in Scotland. When I first qualified I went straight to the only job I've ever had in the Operating Theatre. I spent the first five years as a scrub nurse, first Gynae, the Trauma Orthopaedic (3 years) General, Urology, Max Facial, Neuro, Cardiac, Plastic & reconstructive surgery. Then I did a University and Anaesthetic dept course. I began my time in the Anaesthetic room ( in the UK we have a seperate anaesthetic room for each theatre. The Consultant anaesthetists prefer this so their patient isn't being disturbed by people going about their duties. Also the anaesthic room has everything you would need, from different kinds of endotrachael tubes, to special metal ones with two balloons that's filled with 0.9% saline for laser throat surgery. I spent 25 years as an anaesthetic nurse, I now miss the work, but not the paperwork. I'm wondering if you use Entropy electrodes? they were being used about two years before I retired.
I was scared when I had my first surgery(appendectomy) and I tell you that it was the most important thing for me to wake up and see my children standing there when I opened my eyes
I'm so sorry you had that experience, but I greatly admire your vulnerability in sharing that. I'm happy to hear that you had such a powerful rooting coping mechanism after surgery. How did your recovery go?
I never went completely under during emergency c-section so I felt and heard everything. I was unable to speak or move but felt the burning and pressure of the cutting. They told me the baby would not make it but I never passed completely out till I heard my baby cry.
I was awake during both of my c-sections. Of course I had an epidural & morphine during the procedures, but I was alert enough not to miss the birth of my sons!
I underwent the gastric sleeve surgery for weight loss in 2019, I was surprised how things have changed as I was told that I was allowed to have clear liquids until I arrived at the hospital, the anesthesiologist explained everything that was happening until I went under. When I remember waking up, I asked the nurse if I was in recovery, she told me there had been no complications. After my vitals had been checked I was offered ice chips. When I was taken back to my room a nurse brought in 2-bathroom cups of water that the surgeon's instructions were I could go home if I was able to drink these. To make a long story short, I was taken to the operating room at 12 noon that day and was on my way home by 6 that evening.
I found this interesting because I was diagnosed as CKD as a kid and throughout my (so far) 50 years I have had so many surgeries and my doctors have said my memory issues are due to how many surgeries I had. I never understood that. You covering this in this video I found fascinating. Thank you for making this video.
I had a tonsillectomy in high school and my anesthesiologist told me I would be totally under. I woke up in horrific pain as he was cauterizing where my tonsils once resides. Thankfully I was awake enough to scream and I heard my doctor say “uh oh, she’s coming alive”. It was a horrific experience. The burning and the smell of my burning flesh are something I remember over 40 years ago.
That happened to me as well. Hearing the saw cut my and smelling the burn akin to what having a tooth drilled smells like was terrifyin.g to my eight year old self. So sorry you had to endure that.
The kindness, gentleness & sense that the anaesthesiologist was very focused on my pre-op feelings & possible needs became really obvious to me just prior to my last surgery. I was really taken aback by the level of his care. I remember feeling so reassured and appreciative just prior to the anaesthetic. I did share that I was a little anxious. Not long after that he commented that I now had a huge smile on my face & I then realised I did & laughed. I thought to myself, he must already have done something to reduce my anxiety. From start to finish it was such a good experience. What skill! So thankful. What a gift to stumble on your videos today. So interesting & helpful. Many thanks. 😊
Critical care nurse, now retired due to medical conditions. Having had 43 procedures and 6 surgeries over the last 4 years, I’m very grateful for anesthesia. It does mess with sleep for about 24 hours after. I do enjoy that they play music. Don’t be afraid to request a certain type of music. It does help going under. I do use melatonin the night before and the night of the procedure.
I have had quite a few operations, the worst being repair surgery because my doctor made such a mess of things during my full hysterectomy. They had me under for a long time and my doctor came out at one point to tell my husband they couldn't bring me out of the anesthesia. My poor husband freaked out and called my mum in tears. They finally brought me to (obviously) but ever since I have had pretty severe brain damage and now, at age 63, I am rapidly losing my memory, body functions etc. That is why they make you sign disclaimers before surgery.
I'm so sorry you had that experience, but I greatly admire your vulnerability in sharing that. I hope you've had a support system to help you through that complicated recovery
I had my left arm twisted while being moved off of or onto the operating table during a full mesh repair hernia surgery. Permanent nerve damage for life. Yet the hernia repair was great.Surgeoun even admitted it was one of the persons fault in the operating room.
In two separate but related surgerys years ago, I was totally awake & screaming in my head. Each surgery was 5-6 hours putting in then taking out a Medtronic Infusion pump. I can't begin to express what I went through. And yes, PTSD from it.
You have to distinguish between general anesthesia and sedation. Most of us non-doctors don’t really understand the difference. I’ve had 3 knee surgeries and was sedated (plus an epidural) for all of them. For all practical purposes I was unconscious; I have no memory of most of my time in the OR. But I did not have a breathing tube or vent. After the first surgery I had a lot of post-surgery amnesia. I clearly remember when I “woke up” in terms of my memory and full brain function returning, but everyone thought I had been awake for at least 30 minutes before that. Apparently the surgeon told me about the whole procedure after it was done, and I can’t remember any of it. The second one I explained what happened the first time and they reduced the drugs. I woke up near the end of the procedure still in the OR and was comfortable, but they did have to give me a supplemental injected pain killer in the recovery room because everything wore off too fast.
Some people like me have reactions to different types of anesthesias. It's important to let your doctors know (and to get the info into your medical charts) if you end up having a bad reaction to a certain anesthesia. I cannot tolerate succinylcholine- and after a surgery I woke up with EVERY single muscle in my body hurting at the same time. The pain was so bad, that the actual surgical site didn't hurt! It's what's known as succinylcholine myalgia. Now that I know this, the anesthesiologist can make an informed decision on how to prevent this.
The most valuable thing I learned is that with two major surgeries requiring general anesthesia, neither time did the anesthesiologist have a conversation with me prior to the procedure to discuss anything. I suppose I’m just damn lucky; however, IF there’s a next time, how about you hoof it down to the Keys, doc. I’ll let the team know I’m bringing my own anesthesiologist!😬
I'm a complete dental phobic, I had all my teeth except for my bottom front 7 removed under sedation...i was told I'd be awake and alert and that absolutely terrified me but , I've been twice and absolutely love twilight sedation, I actually think it's like hypnosis because my second first I skipped in with zero fear ... I don't remember anything and it was over in the bink of an eye , you don't dream or anything there's something in it to block you forming memories so you don't remember anything... I wish I knew about this years ago it's magic juice
I just had both the EGD and colonoscopy without general anesthesia, versed, etc... The only thing that I had was a numbing medicine put in the back of my throat. I'm so glad for the experience. It was like watching a live documentary about your upper and lower digestive tract. I also had the best surgical team 🎉. I will try to be awake and alert for any procedure.
4 Colonoscopies without any medication. They've been fine. Some doctors are better than others. I worked with a pulmonologist who did many bronchoscopies with just numbing medication. He said the OR staff hated it because it takes longer to get the patient numb enough.
I woke up about 5 minutes into my colonoscopy. After being awake for about a minute I asked for more anesthesia. I was curious as to what the inside of my colon looked like. Plus, I thought surely someone would notice that I was awake. As soon as I said something I was out again. I don’t know if i need to be concerned if I go under a general anesthesia surgery.
Wow, this was such an enormously helpful video. I couldn’t understand why I was asked about loose teeth and acid reflux before I had my operation. Also, most if all, I’m relieved to understand why, after my op three weeks ago, I’ve been dopey and forgetful and felt that I could sleep for England. Now I feel SO much happier after watching your video. Thank you very much ❤️❤️🇬🇧😗
I’m so happy I found your site; and I truly believe things happen for a reason instead of just being coincidental. I will be undergoing hip surgery in the very near future to repair a labral tear and to remove two bone spurs. I’m relieved to learn my lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, eating clean food, no drugs, no smoking, and minimal alcohol consumption puts me in a better position to endure the rigors of surgery. This episode has been very informative and helped me to feel more empowered by learning what my body will experience while under anesthesia. Thank you for being gracious in sharing your knowledge and infinite wisdom with the world.
I've had 3 brain surgeries due to moyamoya disease and a partial hysterectomy. They all went well with the exception of one. I suffered a stroke at the end. I never had any issues with anesthesia besides the common side effect of feeling sick and vomiting after eating too soon. Usually I get the royal treatment being that every I has to be dotted and every T has to be crossed prior to because of the complexity of the condition I have. This was still educational and I will definitely remember the recommendations going forward.
Thank you so much. I'm learning so much from your information. I have a yearly surgery, I'm up to 47. I used to have panic attacks and can attest to breathing exercises to overcome fear.
