stupid medical question

[KCDem]

Ok, this is a really dumb question... I admit it. I've only had surgery once before, and that was over 20 years ago.

Anyways, I'm having outpatient surgery tomorrow in which they're using general anesthesia. Does that mean I will be FULLY out and unaware? Like, as in, if someone cut my finger off, I wouldn't notice? And how long does it take to wear off?

I'm a bit apprehensive.

[greatauntoftriplets]

1. The one time I had general anesthesia, I floated on clouds of joy.

Warm wafting tropical breezes, the sun, sky and ocean, the smell of oleander and bougainvillea, cold drinks. God, I was pissed when they woke me.

Yes, you will be out cold. And good luck.

[KCDem]

4. mmm, nice images!

Add a few hunky, scantily-clad manservants, and I wouldn't want to wake up, either! :P

Thanks for the info!

[petersjo]

2. Yes, you'll be out

Not to worry. It wears off quite rapidly once the surgery is over and you'll be in great shape to go home.

[KCDem]

6. thanks, I'll have a driver so I'm not to worried about that part.

Have kids to take care of at home, though, so I'm hoping I won't be too groggy.

[depakid]

3. You'll be out like a light

and it's kind of strange waking up. Depending on what combination of drugs they use, it's kind of like coming out of a twilight.

[KCDem]

5. phenergan, or something like that?

Actually, I'm full of it, I don't know. The doc gave me a prescription for phenergan and tylenol 3 for after the surgery.

Guess I'll be a cheap date this weekend. :)

[KC]

14. Phenergan

is normally used for nausea, but it also makes you very sleepy. It usually knocks me out for 24 hours. The Tylenol 3 has codeine and that will help for pain, etc. and will also make you sleepy. I would get someone to help watch the kids.

Good luck

KC

[TrogL]

7. DO NOT PISS OFF THE SURGEON!!!

They gave me some sort of tranquilizer before the general and I was woozy and made some sarcastic remarks to the surgeon before going under.

Woke up in a hallway basically naked.

[KCDem]

12. better to be pissed off than pissed on.

:hi:

Geez, you think he'd forgive you for something you said under the influence. At least he didn't leave scissors inside of you or anything.

[ScreamingMeemie]

8. Totally out by the time you get to 97.

Good luck tomorrow. No you won't notice if they cut your finger off. They usually keep you in recovery an up to an hour, then have you sit up, then have you sent packing. You'll still feel out of it by then. I'll be thinking of you. No worries...:)

[Lars39]

9. Cotten socks.

Sometimes they will let you wear all-cotten socks into out-patient surgery. It's always so cold in there.

[Bronco69]

10. You won't feel a thing

Just take the drugs and relax :-) BTW, a "local" is when you are awake and they just numb the part they're working on.

[KCDem]

11. I'm familiar with "locals",

but since they never _really_ work (as in, you can always feel what they're doing, even if it doesn't hurt), I wasn't sure whether or not the general made it so that I was asleep or that I just didn't really feel much.

Mmm, drugs. Looking forward to tomorrow! :P

[rasputin1952]

13. A General is complete oblivion...

which is cool.

Usually, barring any allergies, you get Ativan to calm yopu down, and forget what you are there for. Once your in surgery, they usually send you into oblivion with Fentanyl, then they use one, or a combination of things to keep you under. Fentanyl is given in MICROgrams, not milligrams, this is powerful stuff! If you can, when they say they are introducing the Fentanyl, brace up, it is one hell of a rush, but then you are asleep.

BTW, most women come out of anesthesia crying, and most men moan or scream. Just a little tidbit there.

You won't feel a thing, and it is good you picked up the T-3 before hand. Judging by what he gave you, (acetominophen 350mgs, codiene 30mgs=tylenol 3), your surgery is not that tough or invasive. Relax, enjoy!

O8)