Anesthesia!?!

[dmoses1]

I hope this doesn't get me kicked out!!!

I watched a show on The Discovery Health Channel (or TLC) recently about how some people had awakened during surgery and were aware of the procedure and the pain.

After the show went off, I swore to my husband that I would never have surgery for anything. Shortly after that, I found out that I have aortic regurgitation which can only be repaired through surgery.

I have had two surgeries before, two hernia's fixed and a tubal ligation; but nothing like open-heart surgery.

Does anyone know anything about this anesthesia thing?

 

[geebee]

Check out this thread:

http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13059

 

[ALCapshaw2]

NBC ran a similar (or the same) story a few weeks ago on one of their news magazine programs.

First, you need to know that such instances are quite RARE.

Second, the program pointed out that there is a device called a BiSpectrum Monitor (BIS monitor for short) that can be used to determine the level of brain activity. This monitor can alert the anesthesiologist that 'more juice' is needed. SO, when you decide to have your surgery, be sure to ask the surgeon AND anesthesiologist about using a BIS monitor to be sure this doesn't happen to you.

FWIW, I've had two Open Heart Surgeries and was NEVER aware of anything. Incision Pain was well controlled, being more of a 'discomfort' than pain, although I did have some back muscle pain that could come on quickly and INTENSELY. MASSAGE worked much better and faster than pain meds for the muscle pains.

Also, NO ONE on this site (over 1000 registered members) has ever reported being even remotely conscious during their surgeries so don't let that 'scare story' keep you from getting the surgery you will need to continue to live a full and productive life.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Mary]

Read the thread that Geebee supplied. During valve replacement, you are basically cooled to a temperature that stops the heart so you can be placed on bypass. There is NO Way you could feel anything. This surgery isn't like any other that you've experienced; totally different way of using the anesthesia.
This worry should be the very least of your worries!

 

[dmoses1]

Whew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks so much for the reassurance. None of the cases they reported were OHS; but I wasn't sure (before I read your posts) that that mattered.

I feel much better. I don't know how long it would be before mine progressed far enough for me to need surgery; but I like to be informed about everything. I'm sort of an information nut. I like to research, read and analyze.

This site, and your support/info. have both been a real help and consolation.

 

[Karlynn]

If they can knock me out, they can knock anyone out. I'm very hard to put under. I had an EPS done (catheterization with an electrophysiological study). The idea was to give me a twilight sleep for it. I talked all the way through it. The person administering it said "Honey, with the amount I've given you, you should be out like a light." When I had my OHS, the anesthesiologist gave me something in my room and said I would be sound asleep by the time I got to the OR. Well, my eyes were closed and I was drowsy, but they were rather shocked when I said OW! as they started to put in the main line in my neck. Someone said - oh no she's still awake, someone get her under!

So I've had those concerns from seeing those reports, but I was completely out for my OHS. It's almost like they place you in suspended animation. But if it does concern you, be sure to speak to the anesthesiologist about it. I'm sure they get that question all the time and are so very thrilled with networks doing those reports!