What does intubation feel like?

[WilliamJE]

Typically the cath is installed while you are asleep, however on my 2nd trip into the hospital they had to install one while I was awake. That really sucked, nothing else I can say about it.

Taking it out is a non issue.

Someone just needs to read my signature line to know how I feel about re-inserted catheters.

 

[COLLEEN S]

Now is that supposed to make me less worried?

I'm not concerned about the pain and discomfort so much as HOW it will feel and how I can cope with the experience. My fear is I'll panic and be uncertain of how to "breathe" correctly. I suspect I'll be too groggy to panic and the nurse will be right there, but just in case, I want to be able to talk myself down. I remember panicking a bit when I had my first TEE because I wasn't used to the oxygen going up my nostrils and I couldn't swallow after the numbing spray, which made me feel like I was choking. Breathing on my own through my nose calmed me down, but I had never read about the choking sensation you can get from not being able to feel yourself swallowing, so I was unprepared. I hate being unprepared.

I was the same way. I woke up after the 1st surg. intubated and panicked. I couldnt breathe. So now that you know that, you will know NOT to panic...right?

 

[BigOwl]

Having made it through a second intubation less well than the first, even, I have one piece of advice. If you have a strong gag reflex (can't get your toothbrush too far back in your mouth without gagging?), make sure the anaesthesiologist knows this. I had trouble communicating the problem, and a nurse kept saying she was going to give me something for the nausea--and I didn't have any; I was simply gagging.

Be prepared for sore throats through the hospital stay and possibly longer. They gave me a spray-in topical anaesthetic that tasted like sweetened carbolic acid, but it helped. So did ice chips. And remember that the process doesn't take very long, especially if you're not freaked out.