CRS

[iconotakeu]

I want CRS more than anything and know for the first time in my life I not only want it but need it but I have a very serious phobia of going under (never was knocked out, because I never had major surgery. Just minor with locals). I know the risks and I'm scared to death of them. How serious is it to go under general? My main thing is what if I'm

Comments

[varanus]

Death or some other very serious complication from general anesthesia does happen from time to time, but it is not by any means a common occurrence. There's a reason why anesthesiologists are some of the highest-paid and best-trained doctors out there. If you are generally in good health--and your surgeon and anesthesiologist would let you know if any health problems you might have would make general anesthesia a problem--then not waking up from being knocked out would be like a "Final Destination" scenario (i.e., your number was just up and there's no way around it). I can't imagine any surgeon consenting to performing double-incision surgery under local anesthetic. There's just too much tissue being manipulated and too many ways for you to move around and mess it up. Plus, I personally wouldn't want to see someone cut my chest open!

I also suggest talking with your surgeon (no recs for NYC doctors, sorry about that) about your fears. Any good surgeon will walk you through exactly how they work to minimize the risks of anesthesia. I've had general anesthesia three times now, and every time the surgeon has explained to me beforehand exactly how it's going to happen and answered my questions. When they're actually about to do the surgery, the anesthesiologist will usually start an IV that has a sedative in it that will get rid of your anxiety no matter what.

[new2life]

*When they're actually about to do the surgery, the anesthesiologist will usually start an IV that has a sedative in it that will get rid of your anxiety no matter what.*

Exactly! I love when they say.. Ok.. going to put the feel good meds in now.