I'm Going In For Major Back Surgery...

[Steely_Dan]

...in about a month. They are going to fuse my back. I'm 57 years old and I have never been "put under" (gone under general). I'm a little anxious about it. Am I worried about something I shouldn't be worried about?

-P

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. Good luck. I hope they fix you right up!. I have been under a couple of times, and I am looking

at the possibility of going under again to have my wisdom teeth out. I'll admit it makes me a little nervous.

[emilyg]

2. I've been under 3-4 times. You'll be

ok. Just be honest with doc as to smoking, etc. Best to you.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. My dear Steely_Dan...

It is entirely normal to be nervous about being "put under." Remember that they will be monitoring every vital sign you have: heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and etc.

You will be fine. I've been under general anesthesia several times, and no problem...

As the other poster said, be honest with your doctors and answer their questions truthfully. Allergies and current medications are important.

I hope your surgery will bring you the relief you want!

:hi:

[lunatica]

4. Neurosurgeons are pretty close to God

Since you have to believe you're God to be one. I heard one say that once. You're most likely in excellent hands. Everyone I've know who has had back surgery comes out fine in the end. Everyone of them has gone back to work and they feel and look so much better. It takes a while but it's worth it.

[Robeson]

5. You have all my sympathies, Steely. I've been there...

...:hug:

[handmade34]

6. no worries

I am your age and have been put under too many times to count (motorcycle accident - seven surgeries - and a number of female thingys) The anesthesiologist will keep a close eye on you and will make sure you are safe and comfortable. I always thought of it as a chance to catch up on needed sleep ;) good wishes

[Steely_Dan]

7. Thanks Guys

I appreciate the encouragement. I know...I'm a little nervous. But you made me feel better.

-P

[murielm99]

8. I have been put under a couple of times for surgery.

The first time scared me pretty badly. The second time I was not so scared because I had been through the experience once. I think it scares everyone.

You will be back soon, as good as new. Please check in as soon as you can after your surgery. I am not the only one who will be waiting to hear from you.

[Steely_Dan]

10. Will do.

[Steely_Dan]

11. Will do.

[csziggy]

9. It will all go fine - they really do try to take good care of their patients

But this is a good time to make sure you have your medical directives in order. Pick a health care advocate. Make the choices about what should be done if things go wrong and make sure your advocate knows what your wishes are.

For one thing, that will take any pressure off your loved ones and hopefully relieve your mind. But it is important to make those decisions ahead of time just for those reasons.

You will not need these papers, but you should have them ready to go. The out patient center where I have had three surgeries requires them and hands out the forms to the patients. You may want to get them early along so you can think them over.

[kimi]

12. I haven't been through that type of surgery

but have witnessed it. Yes, the the anesthesiologists will do their darndest to do right by you. They do play God, in a way, never thought of it that way before.

If you follow instructions, do all the preliminary work-ups, answer all questions honestly, it should all go according to plan.

I hope it all goes well, and improves your quality of life for your back!! Best wishes!!

[WinkyDink]

13. Best wishes for your health! But not to worry about the anaesthesia!

P.S. You've not had a colonoscopy yet? That's a big "tsk-tsk"!

[Steely_Dan]

14. One Thing At A Time....

Having that done after the surgery.

[WinkyDink]

15. You'll love the drugs! :-)

[mnhtnbb]

16. Be sure to tell the anesthesiologist you do not want to wake up without

morphine--or whatever is the strongest pain killer they'll give you--on board. And if you do (wake up without pain killer in effect),you will personally come back and kick ass after you've healed.

Voice of experience.

Good luck!

[applegrove]

17. vibes.

[rurallib]

18. take inventory before you go in. Want to make sure that the back

is in the same place after as it was before.

Here is hoping all is painless afterwards.

[joeybee12]

19. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress

:hi:

I don't like anthesia...but you are almost 100% safe...it weirds me out the idea of having absolutely no control, but you'll be fine.

[LibertyLover]

20. Not only will the anaestheologist be monitoring everything

there is usually a technician monitoring your nervous system during major back surgery and will call out if there is so much as a minute twitch of his or her instruments so that the surgeon can better determine what he or she is doing. My husband used to do it at Johns Hopkins Bayview.

[bif]

21. I had major ulcer surgery a couple years ago

I was put under to be scoped and for the surgery. It turned out to be no big deal. They give you a shot and you doze off. Next thing you know, it's all over. It's like nodding off for a quick minute. I couldn't believe I was under for a couple hours. It's especially nice waking up with a self-administered morphine drip.