Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Put Under

Has anyone out there been put under? What's it like?

I'm having surgery next week - in order to start my transformation into a pirate - starting with the eye. Obviously scalpels plus awake patients plus eyes are a heady mix so they are going to put me to sleep - but I've never had a general anesthetic before.

How long does it take to come round? Can I get the bus home - or will I need a helper? Will I feel sick? All thoughts welcome.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Day surgery, eh? Judging from my own experiences, here's what I think you can expect. You'll be out within a few seconds, which can be amusing to experience. You'll come around within a few seconds of the anaesthesiologist administering some wake-up juice at the end of the procedure. (Or it's possible that they'll use something old fashioned, such as ether, that you'll have to sleep off for an hour or so.) Your chances of feeling nauseous or extremely dizzy are probably under 10%. Your chances of feeling groggy, perhaps dozing off unexpectedly over the next few hours, are close to 100%. Obviously, this means it's not wise for you to grab a bus to get home. Good luck!

thermalsatsuma said...

It all depends how long you are going to be out for, and whether you have any allergies or reactions to the drugs they use. It really does seem like falling asleep and waking up again immediately, and you will be feeling groggy for a couple of hours afterwards. You probably want to get somebody to pick you up or get a taxi home, rather than going on the bus.

Hope it all goes well!

Michael Bains said...

If you handled the bus on more 'an 5 pints, you'll be fine after a wee bit o' surgery. Just keep thinking 'bout how you're breathing - deep and steady - and it'll be (relatively) all good.

Good Luck and no worries!

Michael Bains said...

Should've been "If you've handled..." I don't know as you ever have, eh.

Jim Jepps said...

Thanks for these - they've helped calm me a little.

Anonymous said...

Off-topic, I know, but shouldn't you skin those cats before stir-frying them?