11 replies to this topic

[Izziwhizzi]

Hiya

I would love to hear from any tetras who have had a General Anaesthetic for an operation, and what happened to them.

I'm having to have mine in a general hospital. They have been good with me, tested my lung function (I can breath 2.5l!! whoopee!), listened to me about my concerns on AD and pressure issues. They did presume though that I may go straight to ICU after the op, whilst I want to just come round as fast as possible.

Its about a 2 hour op and I'm very concerned about it as its not an elective thing. I must add its my first general ever, and I am 28 years post injury, yep a knackered aging tetra.

I'm concerned about breathing issues as I come round, how chesty I will be, will I need to cough? How long do people take to feel human enough to get into their chair? I hate staying in bed and would want to be up within a couple of hours, drains out of the surgery and all.

Any feedback much appreciated.

I xx

[Apparelyzed]

Hi,

After having a General Anaesthetic, my lungs were ok, but ask them for some physio for your breathing afterwards to get all that gas out of your lungs.

The main problem I always have following a General Anaesthetic, is a drop in body temperature. It's very easy for quadriplegics to go into hypothermia during a General Anaesthetic, so make sure your surgeon is aware of this, and has a few blankets ready for when you wake up.

Also, the Intubation Tube always gives me a sore throat afterwards, so take some throat lozenges just in case.

I doubt you'll be up after a couple of hours, depends what time your surgery is.

Simon.

[sh1wn]

I have been under a few times, I have someone quad cough me before and have no problems but a sore throat after.

Edited by sh1wn, 17 September 2010 - 06:14 PM.

[mellowgator]

i had general anestesia when i was first injured to fuse my neck. the aftermath was frightening to me. i had severe breathing issues and came very close to having a trach inserted. this was the worse thing i have ever been through. several years later i had a c-section but was only on local anestesia so none of the earlier issues with the general anestesia were present.

best luck to you. i hope you are able to get up soon to avoid the breating issues i had to contend with.

mellowgator

[pinkcloud]

[quote name='Izziwhizzi' timestamp='1284738488' post='183175']

Hi

I walk and incomplete - however part of my 'slab' procedure was having something done to my lung (was explained to me - I chose to quickly forget).

Come round, felt I couldnt breathe..... apparently I had been screaming for half and hour in recovery (they told me they had took me to MRI - cant remember it but man i must have been having some bad trip)

Anyhows seriously I thought I was gonna suffocate.... must have fell sleep as woke up on the ward, all I remember is saying is 'what the heck have you done this to me for - this is shite - I didnt want to come back and live a life like this anymore'....I soon got over that part of the anaesthetic trip.

Anyhow oxygen mask on for a bit -and other terrible shite I wont bore you with - but hey here I am. And I am a smoker. You may be absolutley great - you may not be. But I am sure they will look after ya - and it wont be forever. Go in with fears it will be worse - what will be will be - your bodys in their hands - grab ya mind and put yaself back together again after... no other way. Stay strong

[Izziwhizzi]

Thanks guys for your feedback.

Glad you've flagged up the hyperthermia Boss, its not something we've considered and my spinal unit in their wisdom didn't mention it either.

I'm in a bit of a tizz at the moment as the op is only the beginning and I need all the info possible.

Thanks again,

I xx

[jules]

Just wanted to say best of luck Izzy, I completely agree about physio, even though I am a para I have my lung disease on top so I have to have daily physio to clear my chest, when I had an operation recently I really needed the physio. One other thing to say is during my last surgery because I am so thin at the moment they used a special mattress on top of the bed in theatre which prevented any chance of pressure sores, I think it was an air/sand mixture but don't quote me on that. It meant that I sank completely into it once I was in the correct position and therefore still but also I was protected in all my vulnerable areas from sores.

Hope this helps

Jules
xx

[Izziwhizzi]

Thanks Jules for your feedback.

Because of the nature of the op it won't be too easy to manually clear my chest, apart from some enforced diaphramatic breathing pushing up from under it (under my belly button). And also my arm movement will be limited/restricted and I will have at least 2 drains in. Really really dreading the op as well as the recovery, I have it on Tuesday.

I x

[Trinity]

Oooh good luck Izzi, will be thinking of you and keeping everything crossed for a speedy recovery.xxx

I think one of the key things is to get up and mobilise as soon as possible, at the latest the following morning (depending on what surgery you have) this will help keep your lungs clear also there are devices such as the Cough Assist which the physio team should either have or be able to get hold of. If you can speak to them pre op then it may give them time to sort out anything extra you may need including allocating more time to you.

There hot air blankets to keep you warm during the procedure, you can use this afterwards if you do get cold. Theatres are really air conditioned and can feel freezing! Mention this to your anaesthetist

The final thing I could recommend is printing off some info on AD to give to both the nursing staff and the medical staff and discuss this with the anaesthetist. It is really not the norm to have person with a SCI in hospital and people are just not aware of the potential dangers of AD. Also make sure they are aware what is normal FOR YOU in regards to blood pressure, heart rate ect

[Izziwhizzi]

Thanks Trinity for your thoughts,

Nope, its not good news but we are getting there. After 26 years of being happily unmarried to my fella, we got married on Tuesday. Was lovely.

I x

[edlee]

Good luck on the op, izz. Can't give much advice on that score,,, but getting married after 26 years together,,,, The only question left to ask is,,, why bother???

Congrats just the same,, the next 26 will be even better.
ed

[Izziwhizzi]

Simple answer Ed, Inheritance Tax aka Death Tax, so marriage was purely to sign a contract.

Even though we've been together that long, got 2 kids together, we are not an item in the eyes of the law.

I'm not planning on turning my toes up soon but I've got one a heck of a battle on these next 8 months not to do so.