Extreme fear of anesthesia

I am in a terrible spot right now in my life. I need surgery on my uterus in order to ever get pregnant again and I am terrified. Um, I actually walked out of the OR. I am so ashamed. I have been terrified, but I figured I would suck it up in the end. I didn't. I am almost still in denial about how bad my issue is, but I have seen three doctors who say it would be dangerous if I got pregnant. I am seeking mental help therapy starting next week. I want to reschedule the surgery for as soon as possible, but am terrified again. Also, I refused anti-anxiety meds because of my fears.

Re: Extreme fear of anesthesia

Its OK. I was too! 5 years ago I needed a D&C from a Pregnancy loss and had to meet the Dr at Good Sam. I was PETRIFIED! Crying to DH that I was afraid to be put under. But. I had no choice. Not much preperation. Since then I have been put out 2 more times.

I made sure to tell the Anesthesiologist how scared I was. They will put you at ease. Its all a mind game and only you can control it.

They telll you to close your eyes and think of somewhere sunny you would rather be. I closed my eyes imagining myself on a beach in Aruba. Before I knew it; I was in recovery.

You have to trust that everything will be OK. YOU are also very closely monitored during everything. These doctors do this numerous times a day.

Extreme fear of anesthesia

I just had a D&C last week and was put under. The last thing I remember was feeling the best high of my life from some relaxer they gave me, double doors, then I woke up and it was over. When I got home I slept the whole afternoon, but it was a piece of cake.
Please do not be nervous, the reward in the end makes all of this crazy stuff so worth it, and you will not feel a thing during surgery.

Extreme fear of anesthesia

I was too but unfortunately had to go under for two surgeries to remove ovarian masses (cause of my infertility) Between those two surgeries and being put under a few times for retrievals, I am so used to it- and weirdly like it! Ha! It is true- the best feeling when they put you out- you feel on this high and then you are out- you are tired the rest of the day- and I slept but it isn't bad at all. Trust me. I was also deathly afraid of needles and low and behold IVF made me get over that quickly.

Re: Extreme fear of anesthesia

I know it is scary but it is ok. I have had many surgeries. One of them I was under for 14 hours. Ask the doctor for anxiety meds to take before you even leave your house! then have them give you more once you get there. You will be ok! I know its terrifying though

Extreme fear of anesthesia

the good thing about anesthesia is you have no idea you are under and you wake up before you know it... one of my best friends is an anesthesiologist.

Extreme fear of anesthesia

I was scared too! I would suggest Xanax and practice with it before your surgery so you know you'll be ok. hUgs!!

Extreme fear of anesthesia

I had a patient today who was terrified of her surgery. I stayed with her during her procedure . We worked on taking deep breaths. In through the nose out through the mouth. As you feel your body tense up acknowledge the fact you are feeling that way, breath and your body and mind can relax. talk to the RN or DR.

Just breath, this is a normal fear. GL

Re: Extreme fear of anesthesia

You sound like you know you need the surgery.
Why the fear of anesthesia? Presumably, you are young and probably healthy. A short anesthetic will be a piece of cake (the surgery is the more risky part).

If you are having the procedure done at a hospital, I would contact your anesthesiologist a few days before (call the anesthesia group & they will put you in touch with someone). Tell them specifically that you walked out of OR last time.

Def take the anti-anxiety meds.

You just have to get through the part where they check who you are & what you are getting done in the OR.