Operation fear
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4 posts since
27 Nov 2020
Hi. Has anyone else been afraid of of staying at hospital overnight to have surgery? I got through my chemotherapy even though I was frightened but this terrifies me more. I keep feeling like not having the operation even though I know I need it. Has anyone got any tips to get through this?
1569 posts since
12 Jan 2011
Hi Tracyan.
I was very nervous when I had my prostate cancer surgery just over 10 years ago. I’d had a bad time back in 1980 when I had sinus surgery and the anaesthetics 40 years ago made me feel very sick. But anaesthetics had moved on and I found the modern anaesthetics to be very gentle indeed.
I’ve subsequently had two more general anaesthetics, and each time I’ve had no recollection of dropping to sleep, just waking up in recovery, feeling a minute or two of minor disorientation, and then five minutes later drinking tea and eating biscuits! With absolutely no feelings of nausea!
There are actually videos on YouTube showing patients being put under anaesthetic using the magic drug Propofol (or “Milk of Amnesia”). There’s really nothing to be scared of.
4 posts since
27 Nov 2020
Thank you for your reassurance. I am feeling much more positive after reading your reply
1569 posts since
12 Jan 2011
If it helps, I can talk you through the process as I recollect it from my last two surgeries. If you’re aware of what’s going to happen, it will probably be less frightening.
5865 posts since
15 Jul 2010
Hi Tracyan,
I once stopped breathing on the operating table and my operatiion had to be aborted and rescheduled two weeks later. This was for a major gall bladder operation and, I was unaware of any problems with anaesthetics prior to that, I have since discovered that I have a very narrow gullet, which makes anaesthetics a problem for me and, I now need to have fibre-optic intubation for any surgical procedure. I also have to stay awake until they get the camera down to where they want it, without coughing. As well as that I have bilateral lymphoedema, so cannot have a canula in my arm, which is another problem.
As you can imagine, this makes every operation a worry. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 11 years and have had both a lumpectomy and a double mastectomy without any problems. Both procedures were much more straightforward than I imagined. I don’t know what I expected, but our imaginations can sometimes go into overdrive when we don’t really know what to expect.
You might find it helpful to take Telemando up on his offer to explain the procedure step by step, so that you know what to expect. Whatever you do, don’t turn down the operation just because of fear. This is far too important to your future.
Have you got a date through for surgery yet? Do please keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on. We are always here for you.
Kind regards,
Jolamine xx
8 posts since
28 Feb 2021
Hi Tracyan, I had my operation for breast cancer on Tuesday afternoon, and found Telemandos comments true to me. I felt I was fairly tough but still feared being put to sleep. I had cancelled the operation 2 weeks earlier due to indecision on the full options within the operation but my partner was straight with me and said this was a life and death matter and I was givena new date again. The walk to the theatre was awful (my mother never woke up after surgery) but I was told it’s like going to sleep then waking up. It took over 4 hours but felt really quick. I woke up to tea and biscuits, so cosy and felt like it was the best sleep in ages and was discharged a couple of hours later. I didn’t feel sick and could walk to the loo. Everyone is different and you have to make your own mind up. I was diagnosed in January, my dad 2 weeks later with terminal stage 3 cancer but he is refusing treatment. I respect his choice. Good luck with everything and take care.
25 posts since
24 Oct 2020
OH my Jolamine.
I don’t think tracyan wanted to read the fact you stopped breathing on the operating table. very tactfull.
She wanted any tips on how to cope with a overnight stay
Tracyan, I was asked to go in the hospital the night before having an Ablation procedure on my liver cancer..
The reason for having a overnight stay was so they can keep check on your bloods any medications you may required, such as antibiotics which required a couple of hours before going to theatre. there’s no ulteria motive.
Keep your chin up and wish you a speedy recovery.
5865 posts since
15 Jul 2010
Hi Blobs,
It wasn’t my intention to scare Tracyan. My problems were for a totally different type of operation, where I had breathing problems and, was informed that because of the size of my gallstone, they might not be able to pull me through. They eventually relieved me of a 3″ gallstone, so no wonder!
What I was highlighting was that, despite having a problem with anaesthetic, with prior knowledge of this, my breast care team were absolutely fabulous on both occasions and both operations went swimmingly.
Kind regards,
Jolamine xx
25 posts since
24 Oct 2020
Hello Jolamine
Perhaps I came across a bit strong, it was not my intention. if it did come across that way I apologise unreservidly.
I had an over night stay before having an Ablation to burn away a cancer tumour.It was explained to me the reason for it. and that’s what I was trying to pass on to tracyan. But I know from experience, people can try and put them at ease. But when it’s you/me having anything done for the first time, you can not help but worry.
Again wish tracyan as does all on here for a speedy recovery.
5865 posts since
15 Jul 2010
Hi Blobs,
Thank you so much for your apology, but there was no need. I thank you for pointing this out. You were absolutely right in what you said and, I only hope that I didn’t scare Tracyan any further. This certainly wasn’t my intention.
Anyone who has read my past posts will know that I always answer a question as honestly as I can. We all know that some anaesthesia can be problematical. What I was trying to get across was that, despite already having a known problem with anaesthetic, the anaesthetists at my breast surgery were totally on the ball both times and, I’m sure that hers will be too.
I shall be more careful how I word my posts in future.
Kind regards,
Jolamine
5865 posts since
15 Jul 2010
Hi Tracyan,
I sincerely hope that my post didn’t upset you any further. If I did scare you, I apologise profoundly. This certainly wasn’t my intention. As I said to Blobs, I was hoping to reassure you, that, even with known pre-existing problems with anaesthetics, both of my operations went without a hitch.
I hope that you have managed to discuss the process with Telemando and, now that you know what is likely to happen, that you feel happier about your operation. The unknown is always a worry. Remember that these people do these operations several times a day, almost every day of their working lives. If there was a problem with the procedure they certainly wouldn’t be doing it.
Is it your stay in hospital or the operation itself, that you are more scared about? You will find your care team to be very understanding and helpful throughout your stay. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if there’s anything that you don’t understand.
Have you got a date for your operation yet and, do you know what surgery they will be carrying out? Once it is all over, you will wonder what all the worry was about. Please keep in touch and, remember that we are always here for you.
Kind regards,
Jolamine xx
4 posts since
27 Nov 2020
Thank you to everyone for their reassurance. I could not have gone ahead with it without hearing about your experiences. I had my operation yesterday and all went well. I am relieved it’s over but glad I had it
5865 posts since
15 Jul 2010
Hi Tracyan,
I am so glad to hear that you have your operation behind you and that it all went well. I hope that you are not too sore today and that you have a speedy recuperation. Was our stay in hospital as bad as you imagined – mine certainly wasn’t!
Please keep in touch. Don’t forget that we are always here for you.
Kind regards,
Jolamine xx
8 posts since
28 Feb 2021
Hi Tracyan
Well done for being so brave. I hope your recovery is swift and everyone is looking after you well now.
Best wishes and good health in the future.
Take care.
25 posts since
24 Oct 2020
Great news tracyan.
Good luck and best wishes in your recovery.
Operation fear
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