General Anesthesia? Risks? What will it be like?!
Question: I just found out that I have to get a biopsy of my bladder done. I was informed that I'd be under general anesthesia. First of all, I don't understand why I have to be put under for something like that. My doctor said it made it quicker for him when the person "wasn't moving around." Hardly a reason to put someone under, if you ask me. Is it reasonable for me to be put under for something like that? What are the risks associated with general anesthesia? Is there really a possibility you can be awake during the whole procedure (I watch too many movies, I know.)? Will I have a tube down my throat or will I be able to breathe on my own? What if something goes wrong? I'm only 16 years old, something like this is a lot for me to take in, so please be nice. :( Thanks
Answers: I just found out that I have to get a biopsy of my bladder done. I was informed that I'd be under general anesthesia. First of all, I don't understand why I have to be put under for something like that. My doctor said it made it quicker for him when the person "wasn't moving around." Hardly a reason to put someone under, if you ask me. Is it reasonable for me to be put under for something like that? What are the risks associated with general anesthesia? Is there really a possibility you can be awake during the whole procedure (I watch too many movies, I know.)? Will I have a tube down my throat or will I be able to breathe on my own? What if something goes wrong? I'm only 16 years old, something like this is a lot for me to take in, so please be nice. :( Thanks
It will be a lot like just having a nap; except you'll probably feel some groginess afterward. If you've ever taken allergy medication or nighttime cold medication that made you very sleepy, try to think back to how you felt when you woke up - that's how you'll probably feel after the anesthesia.
They will check to ensure that you are asleep before they begin the procedure; and an anesthesiologist will be present to check your vital signs and to ensure that your dosage is correct - not so high that it causes complications, not so low that you begin to wake up, and that you don't have any other adverse reaction to the medicine they give you. It's really not possible that you will be awake during the whole procedure like they show sometimes in the movies - that's so unlikely that you shouldn't even be concerned about it. They will wait until you've been under anesthesia for a while to begin the procedure, so that they know this will not happen.
For the most part; anesthesia is very safe, and you will be surrounded by skilled physisicans and medical staff who see this every day and know what to do in the event that something happens that's a little different for you than for other people. They have lots of experience and training, so you shouldn't be worried.
Also, it will be much nicer to be under general anesthesia than to have just a local anesthetic for the area. It can be disturbing to have local anesthetic - depending on what they are doing and how they set things up with just local anesthesia - you might be able to see what is happening, and if there's any blood involved, it can be frightening. It can also be frightening if they put up a barrier so that you can't see what's happening, but you're aware of everything that is going on around you.
So you'll just have to trust that your doctor has your best interests in mind in recommending the general anesthesia. Relax, and I'm certain everything will be fine!
sleepy, then you won't remember anything. don't worry :) you will be 100% okay.
I've been under general anesthesia twice, once was just a week ago, today.
it was scary for me both times, but I had a positive experience. The anesthesiologist explained everthing to me beforehand, and that he would be watching my vitals--ONLY--and would have nothing to do with the surgical procedure. Also, he explained about the breathing tube, you're still breathing on your own, but the tube is there to ensure that your airway remains open.
My surgery both times was at 7:30 a.m., they told me not to eat or drink after midnight, but both times i stopped at 6:00 p.m., because i heard that a lot of people get sick and throw up--which isn't at all appealing!
Anyway, it is natural to be frightened, but you have to trust that your doctor knows what's best to keep you well.
Good luck!
Also, it is the weirdest thing! One minute you're talking in the OR, the next they're waking you up in the recovery room. So bizarre!