1:51 and I'm bawling for the validation and realizing that I am not alone in my reaction to having woken during emergency surgery and having PTSD before this I thought I was overreacting to my own symptoms. THANK YOU DOC!!!❤😢😮😅
I have PTSD from having a c section without without anesthesia. I was given an epidural. I kept telling the anesthesiologist that I can feel everything. He kept saying ur just nervous. I finally kicked my doctor and then I was finally believed. I have not been to a doctor since. It's been 28 years. Thanks for ur validating this trauma
NEVER THINK THAT because you sure as hell are NOT ALONE...REACH OUT IF YOU NEED TO...🫂You will get over it, but if you ever require surgery again, ENSURE your surgeon AND Anesthetist is 'AWARE BEFORE your surgery'. Ive had over 11 magor surgeries and told them an epidural anesthetic, WASN'T working for kidney surgery and 'an emergency GENERAL anasthetic' had to be used. I have just had full hip replacement under epidural just 12 days ago.. (7th june '24).. with not even sedation. It went perfectly... (although oddly my left leg "woke up" before the right leg (that hip replaced)... but kept trying to wiggle my toes and Im now hobbling ok/ish) 🤣... you are NOT alone sweetheart 🫂...BUT I DO wish THIS anesthetist didn't look QUITE as glib and amused when throwing out PTSD etc comments though. If a 'SURGEON' was concerned enough about his OWN operation / surgery, that indicates he saw it happen himself, possibly more than once?. So this Dr / Anesthesiologist needs to look and sound 'a little LESS glib and look a little less amused'??.. Because THAT to me is a 'little patronising' to myself and those who HAVE SUFFERED and have ongoing mental trauma BECAUSE of this error, by other (same proffesion) Anesthesiologists. I must add that I eventually went PRIVATE in UK as waiting list made it go from just the hip disc, to non-existant cartiledge and metal ball and socket as well. Told today that it WAS better both done at once, as osteoarthritis would mean the additional surgery would have been required within 2 yrs anway 😳... ❤️❤️
After I had colon cancer surgery I was in recovery and had a bleed out awake. My artery was cut and I was hemorrhaging. They were calling in different teams to help save me. They were going to have to put me asleep again to go in and close the cut. The only doctor worried about my mental state was the anesthesiologist. He and the rest of the doctors couldn’t believe how calm I was. He kept reassuring me that they were doing everything possible to help me. The other doctors wanted me to sign papers for them to perform the surgery. I was in ICU for 10 days. I didn’t realize how much it affected me until a year later I had to have another surgery. All of your videos have helped me by educating and giving me the advice on how to advocate for myself. Many thanks Doctor. Much love and blessings to You and Your Family ❤Please keep these amazing videos coming. You don’t know how many people you have helped ❤
Dr. Kaveh, I've been a registered nurse since 1985 and have worked with many doctors. Mostly cardiologists, surgeons, and psychiatrists. You, sir, have the greatest gift in your passion for explaining the intricacies of your specialty. It would have been an honor to work with you.
I was going thru what was supposed to happen, a small breast biopsy. The surgeon initially planned a smaller area to obtain the tissue for biopsy, the anesthesia would have been adequate for that, but once I was on the table, said surgeon apparently decided to widen the search area, causing me to have excruciating burning pain as he cut away. I was a large “D” cup. I vividly remember hearing the anesthesiologist telling the surgeon he needed to block better (nerve block to area being explored), as he could not give me more drugs to knock me out. So essentially a larger nerve block needed to be done. I went into the recovery area totally panicked and in severe pain, with over a third of the breast was gone. Burning, stabbing pain was intense. The nurses had their hands full with me being so agitated and at such a high level of pain that they could not medicate me for, as the orders did not cover an increase and the doctor was not responding their calls for new orders. What should have been a fairly quick recovery room time, turned into hours, as I waited for post op pain management, prior to me being discharged to home. Pathology found 3 different precancerous tissue in the sections obtained. I switched surgeons, opting for bilateral mastectomies & reconstructive surgeries. I had lost a sister to breast cancer that had metastasized throughout her body and she died at the age of 45. As a retired nurse I’ve learned that when I am the patient I need to advocate for myself, I become a real pain in the butt as a patient! I did advocate for my sister, basically becoming her private duty nurse and was holding her hand when she passed. A few years ago one of my brothers had been diagnosed with dementia and colon cancer that had metastasized throughout his entire body. I was his nurse for his final hours, getting his medication changed so he could pass with a bit less pain, I was with him as he passed. Without the med change he probably would have gone on for at least a couple of days of pure agony, with the change it was 12 hours. Definitely learn to speak up for yourself. There is no need to be afraid to speak your mind to the doctors, yes many have a god complex, bring them down a notch or two if needed, and if you need to become a pain to get the best of what you need, then be a pain. I thank this doctor for opening the eyes of people who have had or are going to have surgery. You need this knowledge to be better prepared for the process, also how to handle issues should they occur.
Same. On several different occasions. Sometimes I'll tell them, otherwise I just pray for it to finish. I love how my implant dentist said, "oh, they always wake up right before I finish." I didn't have the heart to tell her that I'd been awake the whole time lol It was just that the pain became more than I could manage towards the end. The headset they shared to relax me was more bothersome than the surgery. It kept squeezing my eyeballs really hard. I was so scared I couldn't relax lol
I was undergoing exploratory surgery and told my doctor exactly what was said during part of my surgery. She was shocked because I recalled the conversation word for word! I did not experience any pain and agreed that when I had to have major surgery later I would have to be monitored alot closer. We had a good laugh and I was very lucky!
In 1994, at age 37, I met the anesthesiologist prior to going into surgery (my first ever) and could barely talk because I had a severe migraine. I had severe head pain all night prior from the stress of the surgery (hysterectomy). I told him I feared being aware during surgery and unable to communicate. He assured me that wouldn’t happen. It was about 10 days after home from the surgery that memories came back to me of the surgery and recovery. I asked my spouse who stayed in my room with me the first 24 hours afterward, if I had passed out onto the floor walking to the bathroom (he was helping me in there about every 45 minutes,). He said “yes”. I also remembered feeling the knife blade cut and being unable to move or speak to tell them during the operation. I finally was able to gurgle some type of moan and they hustled to help me. I had been home about 6 days when the anesthesiologist actually called to ask me what if anything I remembered! But it wasn’t until several more days after, that the memories came to me. He told me I told him I had a premonition the night before that I would have awareness and he would miss it, after he had put me partially under anesthesia.
I am having surgery on June 27. This week. I am afraid I will experience this as well. Years ago I came to during my surgery...I could not communicate in anyway. I could not move I could not talk. Nothing. I am so afraid this will happen again.
@@coffeegirl6854 I had to have two surgeries for breast cancer last year and I explained my fear/past experience with the anesthesiologist. Both times, I was assured by the two different MDs that I wouldn't have a repeat. They were correct! And, I had a knee surgery about 15 years ago and the same, positive outcome! Talk to them at length before you go to the surgery room. I believe knowing, they are more attentive.
@@coffeegirl6854good luck tomorrow. Let us know how it goes. You will be ok. What type of surgery were you having when you became aware? Was it emergency surgery?
My local anesthesia for a c-section and following tubal ligation wore off. My anesthesiologist caught on and asked my doctors how much longer, informing them the anesthesia was wearing off. Turns out I was bleeding more than I should of been and not clotting properly. It was unnerving hearing my doctor honestly say he didn't know because he was still sponging. Meanwhile I can feel their hands working inside. I absolutely trust that doctor so I wasn't concerned when the anesthesiologist put the mask over my face. It was a relief and I woke up in recovery. Though it felt like a small eternity at the time, I'm sure the whole experience only lasted a few seconds. That was 21 years ago.
First time I woke up during surgery was 5-9-1975 at 7:39pm. That was the exact moment the doctor called time of birth for my almost 3 month early birth of my son. He saw I was awake and I immediately put back to sleep. I said something later and nurses,doctors everyone said oh no that doesn’t happen. The fact that no one admitted to what I knew was true really upset me. The 2nd time was 40 years later. I woke up during bladder cancer surgery. The anesthesiologist put a bag on my face and said don’t panic and said you will be able to breath in 6 seconds and counted down as he squeezed the bag. I remember every spot everyone was in and their reaction. I could not breathe! My chest would not rise. It was 6 seconds but was terrifying. Everyone was calm. No one came to see me in recovery which I didn’t like that. When I went for my check up a week later I said something to the doctor and he said that must have happened after I left but it does happen that people wake up. He was there I watched him leave but everyone except me was so calm he may not have been aware. At least I finally was validated that you can wake up during surgery. Never had a problem till I needed surgery again. I started to panic when I go close to the surgery room. I wanted to stop the bed for just a second to calm my self down. They were ready for me. With out stopping they put something in my I V and I was asleep before I got through the doors. I didn’t wake up so everything is fine.
I've had terrible experience as a kid with dental procedures. As a military dependent, you don't get to see dentists unless you are overseas. This means when families are sent overseas, all the kids get years of dental work done quickly. Military dentists are not necessarily the best at bedside manners or being gentle with kids. Anyway decades later, as an adult, I finally get up the nerve to go back to the dentist. My teeth were really bad, needed a lot of work. One tooth was so bad I needed to get it pulled and prepared for an implant. I paid the extra $600 to be put out. They gave me an IV (no big deal, I've had T1 diabetes almost 4 decades). Next thing I know, they were waking me up and the procedure was completed. Best dental experience I ever had! Well worth the extra money. Thank you, Dr. Borg at Colorado Gum Care! (I'm an actual patient, have no financial interest in their success whatsoever).
I’m sorry you weren’t able to see a dentist on post stateside. Not sure what branch/post you were at but i was born/raised Army and we always saw the dentist- stateside or overseas.
Wow you have to know so much stuff to be an anesthesiologist. I know now why you have so many years of schooling. It is so easy to kill someone with just giving the wrong cocktail and you also have to make sure that the patient doesn’t wake up and doesn’t remember anything. You guys are amazing. I honestly don’t know if I could ever do something with that much responsibility to make sure that your patient survives and doesn’t remember a thing. You guys are amazing and I give you my utmost respect. Every single dr and nurse and surgeon as well. Without the help of these extreme pieces of equipment and the knowledge of the people who are using them. You are all amazing at your jobs and without you all this world would not be able to function the way it does and a heck of a lot more people wouldn’t make it if they get a serious injury without the intervention of any and all medical staff. You all are our heroes
I have a friend whose mom died during exploratory day-surgery. It was due to human-error on the anesthesiologist part of giving her too much propofol medication. This happened several years ago. She was put on life support but she was pronounced brain dead and the family then made the hard decision to pull the life support. My friend and her siblings filed a wrongful death lawsuit and it was eventually settled out of court. (I've had that same medication for a colonoscopy.) I think it's the same medication that killed Michael Jackson??🤔
@@kaylettejett6909yes they are. They can bring a person so close to death but not actually doing so. There are unfortunate errors that happen but they are rare. It’s just crazy what modern medicine today is so so much more advanced and sophisticated. More than half of the surgery’s weren’t done back in the day because they didn’t have the equipment. I mean come on a heart transplant or work on the brain?? These are both crazy ass surgeries that would have never been able to be done back in the day
Thank you for doing a video on this. People think I am crazy because this is one of my biggest fears. Read a story once about a guy that was actually awake during his surgery, they realized it and gave him a drug to forget but he never fully recovered because the trauma was still there in his mind. He committed suicide. Mr. Ballen did a video on it. Terribly sad and frightening.
I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. But I had to have a Bladder Pacemaker put in at 29 [I'm 33] - But before I knew I had EDS, I woke up at the tail end of my first bladder surgery. But it wasn't my first surgery and it had never happened before. - I heard the fear in all of their voices as I started moaning in pain and their actions got quicker because they were almost finished. Apparently, my body metabolizes meds MUCH quicker than others so now, they make sure I have extra everything before I go in for more surgeries. Ive had 3 more pacemaker surgeries since that day. Its always a fear of mine to wake up again. And my husband has family history of Malignant hypothermia, so now that we know this: he's had 5 Chiari Malformation Decompression surgeries and a VP shunt put in. My husband and my kids all have to have a different way of Anesthesia now to ensure nothing bad happens.
When I was 20 I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed at the same time, and I did wake up. I opened my eyes and I heard the dentist talking and I went out again. Thankfully it never happened again for all my 20 other operations & procedures I've had since then. I always remember the second I go out. I never remember dreaming at all.
Wisdom tooth surgery doesn't usually involve real anaesthesia, its more of just a really heavy sedation. IE they give you so many benzodiazapines that you can manage to fall asleep while getting your teeth yanked out. But you technically should still be somewhat arousable, you may even be totally awake for a large portion of the surgery but you have very little chance of actually remembering it. The whole practice of sedating for a wisdom tooth surgery is actually pretty unique to the USA in most countries in Europe they don't give you anything except for some lidocaine. Personally I'm glad I was sedated for my wisdom tooth removal 😂
That happened to me too, they give you Valium or as least that's what I had and I woke up towards the end and the nurse said close your eyes and I was like "OK" I was super messed up cause they we impacted so I needed 2 bags of it and had to pay for the 2nd bag. When they were done I looked at the bag and still seen liquid in it and they seen me lol and they said don't worry we're gonna let you finish off the bag before you go 🤣🤣 damb straight that cost $5,000 and I was in super pain for 2-3 weeks after it wore off so I'm glad they let me. Oh and the first thing I did when they were done was take my Compact out and check my eyebrows because I draw them on, my grandmother was laughing saying that would have been her also. When I went to leave I went down 3 levels of stairs and my mom couldnt catch up with me because I was fucked up and was running down them, I was a little out of control like if I was drunk. For anyone that doesn't know always make sure there's a crash cart in the Dr's office my mom's a nurse and a nurse friend that worked in the ER said you'd be surprised how many kids come in crashed because there's no crash cart in the Dr's office. So something to ask about for anyone in the future if they need wisdom teeth done.
@rylandavis2976 I got 2 bags of Valium for my procedure of impacted wisdom teeth. I can't imagine them doing that without anything else. I don't know how easy it is for regular wisdom teeth but mine were all messed up and took a long time to take out hence the Valium.
I broke my ankle 40 years ago and needed surgery to put it back together with pins, plates and screws. I don't remember waking up specifically, but for several years i'd dream that there all these little Keebler Elves with ladders, hammers, wood and nails working to fix my ankle!
I had to grin at the Keebler Elves being so industrious. Wasn't such a fan of the pounding on my ankle. But no, it was never a nightmare. Thanks for asking!
@@shariehabegger4286What a cool thing! Thank you for sharing. When I had my tonsils out as a little girl, I had the same dream more than one night where I saw this Coke vending machine with somebody saying, "I t is time to eat now". I attribute that to the anesthesics ❤
Thank you so much for your candor and great teaching! I'm a nurse that has worked in both ICU and peri-op areas (where I'm working now). I prep patients for all manner of surgeries and care for them post-operatively. This particular issue haunts so many of those for whom I care. We have a great team of anesthesiologists and CRNAs. The info you provide here will help me provide reassurance to patients (we're also permitted to give p.o. Valium per weight- and age-based dosing) pre-op. On an empty stomach, that Valium can be so helpful. Because, let's face it, sometimes no matter how much kindness I can dispense, a little Valium is in order. I call it my "chemical cuddle"--which gets a grin from the patient every time).
I woke up during an angioplasty and stent. I assumed that I was in the recovery room after the surgery. The surgeon was looking at me and I figured he wanted to know how I was feeling. I told him, “I feel ok but you should know that I’m having some chest pain.” The doctor said, “That’s the tools moving in your heart.” Then everything went away until I really woke up in the recovery room. I wasn’t upset after but i cried spontaneously fairly often for a few days. I’ve since heard from others who have had heart surgery and many of them told me they were weepy afterwards.
I had open heart surgery 2 years ago and yes, I was very weepy for several days and weeks afterwards. My nurse reassured me that he’s seen big truckers and tough guys exactly the same way. It’s a VERY normal response to what your body went through. It was so reassuring to hear that but still didn’t stop the tears. Only time stops the weepiness. Two years out, and I’m not that weepy anymore but a few things do set me off - usually in high stress situations
That happened to me during gaul bladder surgery. I figured no one might believe me. And did speak to my mother's friend who had been a nurse for many years. She said that that can occur. I remember hear the anestheologist speaking though distant...i could not move. But felt complete pain in my side at the operating site. I was screaming inside as hard as i could i tried to move or tell them i was feeling so much pain!! I do not know what happened after that point but came to in the recovery room. My hands had been strapped down though were loosed a bit...i woke up like that the male nurse sitting next to me( who was actually an aquaintance) my hands had been secured because somehow i had started flalling my hands and arms at some point !! I know why that was! I have total recall. I just cannot feel the pain now. But it was bad. I am having surgery in a few weeks...I am going to speak to this doctor asap.
One time woke up during the middle of a dental surgery when i needed to have several unerupted teeth removed at the same time. It was AWFUL, and there wasn't a darn thing i could do but cry. I couldn't even make noise to let them know i was awake. I've been afraid of any surgery ever since. Thanks for this info it helps.
Same thing happened to me. I woke up unable to move, speak, do anything but cry. I heard the doctors and assistants trying to figure out what was wrong. This made me panic more.
When I was 7, almost 8, I had my tonsils removed. They gave me something to make me go to sleep beforehand. I woke up on my way to surgery. That did not tip them off. I kicked the nurse trying to strap me to the chair still half asleep. They still didn’t get the hint I might need more anaesthesia. I woke up during surgery. I made myself believe I had a nightmare during the surgery for 20 years. Until I spoke with an experienced paediatric nurse. She said: no you woke up during surgery. Mistakes like that were not uncommon at the time when treating kids. I was shocked. But it was a relief to get recognition.
I had an endoscopy. I woke up at some point. Couldn’t move, felt I was gagging and choking. It seemed the anesthesiologist was aware something was wrong. I was out again but then though paralyzed I could hear everything going on. The music was “She’s a Brick House.” The doctors were discussing a baseball game that was coming up. I knew another person came into the room, said something and left. I was starting to panic, then lost consciousness. When I was awake I was terrified and told the doctors what I had heard. They were shocked by the details. I basically was aware of everything going on and was actually gagging. Dear God.
I'm so sorry. That would be so scary. I was on HEAVY pain mgmt for 12 years. I always tell them I have a very high tolerance. Thank goodness for my anesthesiologists.
That's true? Same odds as lightning strike? Damn. Guess I'm not very lucky. I woke up mid surgery break (apparently) and freaked out and started ripping out my tubes from all directions. Only one doctor walking by happened to see me and he started yelling at every nurse and doctor in the vicinity to put me back under immediately. They were scrambling. I was moaning and ripping tubes out. Then...I was out...again. Real-life, horror movie.
Been there. I had to have eye surgery. Lasix. The first eye (right side), I was terrified. But, things went smoothly, I didn't remember anything. So, my left eye was ready to be done. I'm calm, relaxing because I remember that I was totally unaware the first time. I get into the chair, the anesthesiologist hits me with a dose of anesthesia, and nothing happens. I chuckled a bit because they do often have to use up to three doses of anesthesia on me. So, the doctor told him to hit me again. And, again, nothing happened. The third dose, nothing. They had to do my eye surgery while I was wide awake. THAT is terrifying. He was telling me to try to stop shaking while a scalpel is coming at my eye. Yes. I do have PTSD from that. Now, on top of all of this, something "rare" happened in BOTH eyes. When he told me that, I said, "No! Something rare happened to ME? You're kidding." Yes. I am very sarcastic. So, when I find a way to get back to my eye doctor, I will trust him again to do the repairs. Oddly, I trust only him to do it.
Yep, me too during one colonoscopy. but there wasn't even an anesthesiologist there. They thought giving me more and more pain meds. Did not work. It was so painful.
In 74 years of living, I have woken up twice during anesthesia. To me, it was no big deal the 2nd time. The first time, I was a little surprised. I now tell the anesthesiologists, and they adjust their medicine to try to keep that from happening. Psychologically, I am fine. I think it bothers them more than me.
@judytaquino6412 My mom had to be awake for eye surgery 😢 & the "dr" screwed up! He called for my permission to do immediate EMERGENCY surgery to save her eye!!
@@terribelle3 So sorry. These docs are not taught procedures. They get a weekend seminar and it's a Do 1, See 1, Teach 1. Same Philosophy as the Military. It is frightening how these docs fumble around. Always check on how many patients the doc did the procedure on.
@@judytaquino6412 I begged her to sue for Mal Pratice! But she "didn't want to be mean" 😠 Well, it impacted me too. I cared for her as she refused help from office of the aging
I became aware while I was having a skin cancer removed from my face.The anaesthetist was not near me. I heard the surgeon flirting with the young intern but managed to say I could feel pain, only for the surgeon to say, no, you are feeling pressure, and get back to stitching and flirting. NO, I FELT PAIN. For some time, I could do no more, still no anaesthetist, so when I was finally taken to recovery, I was in shock. I couldn't explain to the nurse why the pain killers weren't helping. The anaesthetist finally visited, and I told him, he was surprised and just said..sorry. SORRY? I have to have another facial skin cancer removed. I am terrified. I dont get to talk to the surgeon so I will write to him. Thank god its a different surgeon and it will be a general, not twilight. But the first surgery caused such damage, to my looks, to my self-confidence, to my courage, I have medical ptsd. Pray for me.
Thank you so much for your educational postings. I am 4 weeks out from a cervical fusion and corpectomy involving C-2 thru T-2. I was really freaked out until I found your channel and learned so much from you that my pre-surgical anxiety dropped from the stratosphere to a level that did not require any anti-anxiety meds. Bless you and please keep posting.
Thank you so much. I woke up during a major surgery. Many anesthesiologists downplay it or say it can’t happen. It’s been 21 years and I can quote everything that was said, until the anesthesiologist realized that I was awake, and knocked me out. Again, thank you for addressing this issue.
A year ago, I had a spinal pain stimulator implanted. It took forever for me to go to sleep but I did. Suddenly, I woke up on my stomach and my head turned facing left. I said "Hey, I'm awake" Nobody was near my head. I said again "Hey I'm awake and can hear you talking", still nothing I tried to move my head to look around but I couldn't so I said again "I'm awake and can hear you tugging in my back but no pain, then I saw a glimpse of a head and then they said I think he's awake, he's awake? someone else's voice said, I said again I feel you tugging in my back but no pain, someone then without ever saying anything to me put me back out. I'm guessing I was awake a good 30-45 seconds. 1st time I'd used this Dr and hospital and staff. I've had 14 surgeries in my 70 yrs and only woke up 1 time before during a hearth cath when they pushed in the vasoseal into the arterie.
I love your channel! Soon informative! I'm an adoptee (no familial med history) with EDS (Ehlers Danlos) just being diagnosed last year at 59, 23 surgeries behind me. In 1968 at 3 I had a tonsillectomy procedure. The FIRST time I woke up during. Coming to it was an extremely psychedelic dream. I remember 95% of it. As the dream proceeded, me screaming in it, I became conscious. Just wow! 😮 I do not recall the pain, yet the situation and sounds of the instruments clanking as they were being moved, used, etc. Staff was AMAZING in their handling with one nurse talking and comforting me as I was being put under again. You just have helped me so much. To understand what I have been through in the past (being put into true comas after medically induced ones were stopped) to very recently, 2 weeks ago on June 4th. I was walking unassisted within 4 days I just had what was supposed to be simple arthroscopic knee surgery. You educated me as to what to inform not just the anesthesiologist about, but staff from beginning to discharge. I had to be kept overnight, complications happened. I had arthroscopic in the knee frontal, full incision posterior. 2 stitches in front 19 staples in the back. You so much prepared me for this and to keep in mind my surgical history going into this. Thank you, thank you, thank you. My anesthesiologist was very, how do I say this nicely, very egotistical (different from confident). Watching your kids I had the knowledge to ask my surgical nurse questions about him. I was completely calm after that and on the table being prepped after she answered my questions and reassured me he was one of the best, not to let his demeanor concern me. Thank you again
I told my anesthesiologist before surgery that I don’t want to feel anything and I don’t want to see anything. 😂😂😂 He was a genius and I indeed didn’t feel or see anything after I was out but I remember that I had NO filter during recovery and swore like a sailor!
I had to be awake for one of my surgeries which involved my vocal chords. I needed to be able to be able to speak so they could make sure that the inserts were set in the right place. I have always wanted to know what was going on and and in this case which was done twice as I listen to the communications between the doctors and nurses. There were a few times I was not sure I liked what I heard, but the surgery was successful.
15-20 minutes into my C-section I started feeling pain, I had an epidural but the anesthesiologist had left and someone else was going to fill in, by the time the next one came, I was in tears and she asked what was going on, I whispered I was feeling stabs, the gynecologist tried to gaslight me saying that I couldn't be "no one can bear to be opened up like that". Then proceeded to tell the woman to put morphine in my IV. I felt better after that. Eventually, everyone left once my baby was out, and it was just me and a guy I had never met that was stitching me together. Then afterwards left me for two hours in a hallway in the surgery area until they gave me a room. I saw my baby again after almost 12 hours after delivery. A traumatizing experience. I felt like a sack of potatoes. I live in the Caribbeans and private clinics are "the best option" and that's the treatment I got. 😡
I have mitochondrial disease and the anesthesiologists always have to be super careful with monitoring me while I'm under anesthesia because of the severe side effect risk. I've woken up with paralysis more than once not from the paralysis drugs but from the effects of the anesthesia. It's horrible. You better believe I always drill the doc hard to make sure they understand the problem with mito and anesthesia, that they know which types of anesthesia they can and can't use on me, and that they talk to my geneticist first before doing anything! I also have adrenal insufficiency, and appreciated it so much when as soon as I mentioned it to the anesthesiologist the last time I had to be put under, he immediately was like "yep, we're gonna make sure to get you some solu-cortef for that" before I even asked if they'd be giving me any! Always gotta compensate for that drop in cortisol from stress on the body 😊
Love the surgeon but tipped the anesthesiologist because they keep you alive when you’re having your foot whacked off or whatever. I’ve had a few surgeries every time last words to the anesthesiologist. Please keep me alive because that’s what they do. God bless you and thank you.
My late mother woke up during her hip replacement surgery. She sat up and asked the doctors why they were sawing her leg. The anaesthetist put his hand on her forehead and gently pushed her back down. That was all she remembered. My mom was no drama queen, so I know it happened as she related.
My first child was c section and I could feel everything. It was not exactly pain, but I could feel literally everything, and the sensations became stronger. I was telling the doc this and he was ignoring me. I lost faith in md’s. Might rather just check out instead if ever getting surgery again. Guess there must be still ptsd there I could clear. My son survived and is now 26! My daughter was a home birth - 1000% better at home where I felt safe, and the old fashioned way .
When i was a kid somewhere in the 3-5 years of age, i split my forhead open and needed a catscan and stitches to close the wound. They used some form of anaesthesia to put me to sleep for the stitches. I was under a blanket with a hole that they were doing the stitches through. I woke up when they were still going. They noticed, and i think just kept going because i was well behaved. They might have put me back under as my memory gets less clear about the end of it, though i have clear memories of leaving the hospital. I had to be convinced to leave the stuffed animal bunny they had given me to hold behind so that another kid could use it. Thankfullly i haven't required any other surgeries in life yet. I am kind of scared that this indicates that if i ever have surgery, I'm more likely to wake up during and have no one notice. Is that likely?
I awakened during two surgeries but it was not a big deal to me- probably because for whatever reason, I did not feel pain even though I awakened. Had I felt pain, now that really would have bothered me! Also, perhaps it depends on the type of operation whether someone freaks out? Or maybe it is just the personality. The first time I awakened during surgery it was a surgical (rather than needle) breast biopsy. The surgeon was very good and explained to me what was going on- that normally the procedure would have already bee over but he had sent the specimen for examination before closing me up to see if he needed to take out more and they said yes. The anesthesiologist asked if he should give me more and the surgeon said no, that he was about done. The second time I awakened under surgery, I was having a torn meniscus repaired. I awakened to the doctor and everyone in the room working on me having a discussion on jogging. As someone who used to love jogging, I joined the conversation. However, the minute I said something, the room got absolutely silent and no one said a word to me. That kind of made me feel weird. I felt like they should have responded to me. Instead, I felt like I was an “outcaste” at my own “party” and no one wanted me to join the conversation. So that kind of bothered me- not the waking up itself but having everyone talking about something else rather than what was going on with my surgery, and then not even being allowed to join the conversation.
Should you tell your anesthesiologist that you have PTSD before your surgery or before you’re put to sleep? Does that matter or that you have severe trauma from a certain event in your life?
When do you go live? I have a question about anxiety for upcoming surgery. My dad died of medical neglect from an anesthesiologist with an endoscopy. I'm working to become informed and have a therapist to work through this. What questions should I be asking the anesthesiologist, and what should I be requesting, before my upcoming laminectomy? I have more questions, also.
I was aware of everything & could see the tv monitors while having a lung biopsy. I kept feeling like I was suffocating & it was a horrible experience!! I’ve had several surgeries & that was the only time that has ever happened!! I told my dr/surgeon at my follow up appt & he told me that it was impossible until I told him things he & the nurses said!! He was shocked!!
I had a Upper eye lid retraction surgery for Graves disease and I knew ahead of time my eye surgeon said I'd be in and out of sedation but I could actually HEAR her cutting my eye lid. I'm still freaked out by that sound 3yrs later!
oh man I had a fun one. I had an ablation surgery in 22 and during the procedure for some reason. I went into Sudden cardiac arrest. Two yrs later they have NO idea why. I had no blood clots, blockages, they did a TEE right before the procedure and echo, PET and lab work all came back ok. When I came to I was not sure what was going on. I remember hearing them talking ok we got her back let s get her cleaned up and something else. Then I heard the radio talk about the Passing of Queen Elizabeth. I was all??? ..I thought. OK am I awake do they KNOW I can hear them. Am I supposed to be coming to. Then the nurse tells me to open my eyes. I could not because I had CPR so they gave me a paralytic so I could not move. Then I was wheeled out and finally saw the hall signs but could not speak cuz i was still INTUBATED..Please for all the love of all that is holy. GET this tube out of me is what I was thinking. I could not talk or move cuz I had been placed with a temporary pacemaker in my groin and I had to be still. I was supposed to be in the hospital overnight and ended up being in ICU for 4 days. I am fine and all is well but Yeah....That was some really scary freaking moments there.
Super glad I was totally out for my gastrectomy-met the anesthesiologist the night before and again a few days after surgery when he gave me an epidural because morphine makes me violently ill
I woke during surgery and couldnt talk. I felt every stitch the Dr sewed. I tried so hard to groan or something but nothing would come out. Now before a surgery i always tell the Anesthesiologist about it and it hasnt happened again. Its very frightening.
I had three surgeries in my life and was never put completely under. When I told my doctors they didn't believe me. But I told them about the conversations the doctor and the nurses were having during the surgery.
I always wake up during surgeries, no stress or trauma from that, but it is just a thing that exists with me. So I had a cervical disk replacement a couple weeks ago. I told the anesthesiologist that it’s not a big deal, but just something that my body does during surgeries. He downplayed the info I told him and stated that people have dreams and not to worry. It was infuriating, because I know the difference between truly awake vs. anesthesia dreams. I know the actual history of how all my previous surgeries went. This encounter was the last thing before I was taken into the surgery room, horrible timing to discover your assigned anesthesiologist is rude and not appropriately careful. Long story short, surgery was very smooth, but the anesthesiologist attitude was the only negative. I’ve had many surgeries, but only this one negative experience, I know he was the exception to the rule, thankfully.
I had two problems with anesthesia. The first thing is im aware of whats going on around me far too long after im given the anesthesia. Im not able to move at all. Fortunately im out before the surgery actually starts. Then i wake up just before they start stapling me up. The last time i had surgery i told the anesthesiologist the problems i have. He was surprised that i was aware enough to ask if that was the stuff that killed Michael Jackson. I dont remember anything after that. I actually woke up in the recovery room not the operating room. I gave my anesthesiologist a big hug the next day.
If you were having, for instance, were having a procedure done - with a spinal anaesthetic would you insist on having a 'calming' medication? How about people having a gastroscopy - without any form of 'calming' meds? I've had several osteo procedures including wacky limb displacement with just spinal. Because my neuro man doesn't like me having anything silly. Perhaps that's because I'm a grown up English bloke and I'm brave enough to go through a bit of fun!
Thank you so very much for explaining the various ways that patients can be monitored or observed for awareness or “awake-ness” during surgery. Thanks for the reminder of the different drug types that can affect anesthesia for greater or lesser effect. Your videos are so informative and helpful and make all of us wish that we could have you if we ever need anesthesia for a surgical procedure. Thank you for your commitment and efforts to get this critically important information out to patients and to the public. Bless you!
You say being awake during surgery is as rare as being struck by lightening, but at the Shreveport VA I had one surgery where I woke up completely in the middle of my surgery in 2006 before the anesthesiologist noticed and I could feel them stitching me it was not pleasant. I also had a colonoscopy at the same VA where they did not sedate me at all and I informed them I was not sedated. Instead of sedating me properly they held me down and the doctor did the colonoscopy which was extremely painful beyond words. They treated me as if I was being ridiculous for screaming in pain during the colonoscopy. I told my primary care physician that I would never have another colonoscopy because of that. If I get colon cancer one day, oh well. I am not going through that again. Just remember, VA is what government controlled medical treatment would be. You're not a person, just a number. I've even had two neurosurgeons at the VA tell me I need lower back surgery, but the new head neurosurgeon says he refuses to do it even though my lower spine is so bad I am dealing with severe pain 24/7. The new head neurosurgeon also treats everyone like they are faking like he did me even though I could barely stand or walk and sitting is painful along with laying down to sleep. I've learned going to the Shreveport VA that I do not matter to most of them. All the good doctors seem to no longer work there with just a few exceptions.
Thank you for asking. I'm curious if you've had any patients with gaba-related hypersomnolence. Aside from my research physician, I've never had another doctor who has even heard of my condition. I know that there are special considerations anaesthesiologists are supposed to take for patients with IH, but with general awareness of this condition being so poor, I would honestly be terrified to have any surgery requiring sedation for fear the anaesthesiologist wouldn't be informed or take it seriously. The state that you described, where the patient is mentally aware but unable to physically communicate, is a routine part of living with IH, as is much else of what you describe in your videos. I could think of dozens of questions to ask, but I suppose primarily, what are the unique challenges of administering and monitoring patients that present with what is essentially endogenous anesthesia? Or perhaps more generally, would you be open to discussing the function of gaba a receptors as related to sedation, and usage of drugs such as flumazenil in anesthesiology?
Hello ,what if you want to be awake and know wants going on and not afraid of the surgery? And not feel pain? Love your sharing and human condition.😊 I ha d a HOLEP for prostate and wanted a spinal to see or hear the surgery and who was doing what when you chose a senior surgeon and not a junior or a fellow to do it and had a forced consent at the last minute. So I find this not very ethical. This was done in France.😮 It
Can you please post a video about post-operative delirium? A family member's been dealing with it, for over A WEEK after surgery! TY for all of your great videos and demystifying anesthesia!
During a C-section (local), it wore off and I had just been cut open. I started hyperventilating. The anesthesiologist started asking me what was wrong. I was able to get out that I could feel everything. The doctor started yelling at him. I’ve had numerous surgeries since and during the last one I panicked and started crying. PTSD is not even close.
Great live stream man, I learned a lot! I really enjoy donating to the anesthesiologist Foundation, since it was hard for me to go to college because of my cerebral palsy, I really wanted to be a anesthesiologist, I look up to all anesthesiologist and CRNA, it takes a special person and skills to be a anesthesiologist or CRNA and you’re one of them!!! You been hocking loogies? 😂
I had muscle biopsy done , and a fight started over operation room, My surgeon wanted the viewing room hence given anicestic, but when the fight between drs Was over and I was taken into the theatre , I felt that scalpel go in and I screamed the hospital down, hence hospital trauma, He said he couldn’t stop, 🛑 the nurses begged in so I lost all trust, in the medical field, Thx Dr, 💙💙
Thank you so much Dr Anthony Kaveh for another great video! I appreciate you taking time out to do these for us. This is a perfect one to share to my friend who is having very first surgery July 1st -gallbladder out. She’s very afraid going under anesthesia. Thank you again
I wasn't awake, but I had malignant hyperthermia during a simple surgery and now I'm petrified of having surgery. I need a tooth pulled and I need a total knee replacement and I'm so scared. Can you do a video on this condition please 🙏🏻🥴
So, in my experience as an RN, nursing school itself destroyed what remained of my trust in the medical profession. We were invited to observe a procedure, and after setting up the monitor at the patient's head, the anesthesiologist spent the entire procedure with his back to it, talking to us about his wine collection.
My first experience under general anesthesia, I guess the anesthesiologist gave me the medication that paralyzes the muscles first before giving me whatever he used to sedate me (propofol)?? Not sure, but I was wide awake and aware I could not breathe and I seriously freaked out. I thought that I was going to be awake for the entire surgery but I couldn’t talk or move to alert anyone in the room that I was awake. I’m not sure what alerted them (I assume my HR went ballistic and I think I was crying not sure) but I heard someone say, that I wasn’t under yet and that’s all I remember bc I assume the anesthesiologist gave me more sedation. So, after that experience I make it a point to tell the anesthesiologist that I’ve had that happen and tell them to make sure I’m out prior to giving me any paralytics. It’s something I will never forget. Glad you brought this up !
I snapped back to reality three times on sedation. Two pacemaker surgeries and a dental surgery. I was advised to suggest anesthesia every time I go under. I was told I was literally given enough sedation to kill two horses throughout my first pacemaker surgery and I was still almost waking up.
I was given a paralyzing medication 'before' the "KNOCK OUT' medication. I couldn't BREATH! I could 'HEAR" everything. (It was during an ECT.) [I had been having this treatment for approx. 6 months] Needless to say, I will NEVER have an ECT done again. Yep,, P.T.S.D. for years after. Come to think of it, I'm still freaked out about it. During EVERY surgery or procedure where I need to be knocked out,,,,, I always tell the anesthesiologist.
I had a upper GI and I could feel when they started to put the tube down my throat and I fought them for a couple minutes and unfortunately I was not very happy when I woke up. What bothered me the most is they were doing not just a upper GI they were doing a colonoscopy at the same time . I had a black stool that caused that but I believe that you guys should should have paid closer attention because some doctors are clueless to what it takes. Don't get me wrong I have a great respect for anyone that does what you do but Dr's don't listen. I've had multiple surgeries unfortunately but this is the first time this has happened but also it was the VA.
Which VA was it? I had a colonoscopy at the KCVA and I was given versed and Benadryl. I was awake the whole time. And it hurt!! I told my GI nurse practitioner I would never do it again if they gave me those meds again. I have to have them done every 5 years.
@@LittleMonster6887 it was the Birmingham AL VA. I've had two previous and didn't have a problem but for some reason this Dr was not paying attention and if he had have kept going I would be in jail. LoL. If something hurts you have the right to stop the procedure and request a different Dr or nurse. Don't let them hurt you just because it's the VA you still have rights just like a civilian hospital.
Hi, I do have a disability and seizures I do take meds for seizures. Give you I main hint carb. I did wonder some surgeries I had in past why I don't remember anything, thank you for explaining the reason why I don't remember anything during surgeries I had.
About 4 1/2 years ago, I underwent surgery to take a toe off of each foot due to Osteomyelitis. I was uninsured, and the bastard who worked on me didn't like having to work on poor, uninsured patients and made no secret of it. I was already in a full-blown PTSD freeze before they even took me down to surgery. I was having nightmares the whole time he was working on me, was aware of the pain in my feet, and I still remember those nightmares. I have also been awakened during the procedures even with decent doctors because of the pain from the procedures. I think this was because I am more terrified of narcotics than I am of being cut open. Also, is there any difference between the effect of anaesthesia on people with Autuism like me and neuronormals?
I woke up during an emergency c-section. I was conscious for about 10 minutes just after they removed my baby which arrived six weeks early. I was trying to scream as l was in a lot of pain, then l was unconscious for 5 days. I remember saying to my husband “ Is she ok” and what did you call her,but that was it. I had 5 pints of blood. I was very sick. It was horrific.
I love your videos. I had a lobectomy on my thyroid and once extubated I was gasping for breath. It was horrible and the nurse anesthetist wouldn't listen to me as they wheeled me into pacu. It was the scariest thing I had experienced. Gave me great anxiety for a long time.
A cousin of my wife had surgery. She was put to.sleep, but she was awake and could not talk or move. I can't remember if she said she felt pain or no pain . When she was able to talk and move , she told the doctors what happened and was laughed at. They the staff only believed her, when she told them about their conversation in the OR while she was being operated on.
I am afraid of heights, the fear paralyzes me. But this is my worst nightmare. I am having surgery soon. It's at the VA so I am already nervous. I also have PTSD. Thank you for explaining this, even if I am still almost terrified.
One procedure intubated 3 different times . Woke up in ICU on life support. They claim I may have had a heart attack on the table. So they over loaded my right hand and arm with a high dose of potassium. When I woke I pointed to my right hand indicating to nurse I wanted it out as it was ungodly painful. I also think honestly that the potassium was used to send pain in to my right side of my body was affected. To cover up the abuse to my being.
I had two heart stents inserted. I could hear everything and thought I was talking to them. When the stents were in place it felt like my hair stood on ends. But I didn’t feel any pain after the put the tube in my groin area. Cheri in Arizona
Also, I heard you can be paralyzed but aware therefore you can't move. Maybe I missed it in the video, but would you be able to tell that by just monitoring vitals or no?? Tysm.
Two questions. First, in my tweens I had to have minor surgery. I was almost looking forward to it so I'd have a chance to geek out over the OR. But when I got the pre-op shot in my room and that took effect, I guess I had a panic attack that lasted until I was in the OR and was knocked out by the general anesthetic. Is it possible to guess what type of tranquiler or whatever, and how often does that happen to do the opposite? Second, as an adult I had to have my wisdom teeth removed. They told me I'd be out cold. Instead I got an injection into my IV, nothing seemed to happen but the doctor went to work filling my gums with Novocaine. I was okay with that thinking he was just wanting to get right down to business and soon the IV stuff would kick in. The next thing the doctor picked up looked like it would hurt so I said "Hey you know I'm still awake here, right?" He said not to worry about it. Well, it was pretty uncomfortable, not tooth nerve pain, but feeling like he was going to break my jaw and I was gagging from blood going down my throat. I requested suction and repeated that I was awake but he went on working. I turned my attention to the assistant or anesthesiologist and saw she was giving me more. That was enough to make me pretty dis-inhibited and I began flirting or being lewd even though I'm not into women, in the belief that if I laid it on thick enough she might be flattered and give me enough or would be offended and shut me up. Long story short I believe I was awake through having two teeth pulled/cut out and my request to take a tooth home was shot down. I can't say I was in horrible pain, but I did have a lot of anxiety that the medication seemed to not be doing what I was told it would and so I thought something was wrong and that things might suddenly get painful--why else say they'd knock me out. I also didn't like that the doctor seemed to think of me like a hunk of meat on a butcher block rather than a live human like a normal dental experience usually goes. The only other thing I can say about the medication is that afterward I felt very good and against doctor's orders, still bleeding and high as a kite I went grocery shopping and talked with everyone I ran into as if they were old friends. Anyway I'm guessing in hindsight that the drug was intended to relax me, not knock me out or make me forget everything? I suspect they had a change of plans because I was upset. If true, I hope anyone doing this kind of work will do a better job of informing their patients about what to expect. Even if you think it was a weird dream, it would be good tell the patient that dreams are a possibility.
6 procedures from simple to complex, and another 2-4 coming up soon. The only time I think I woke up (rather than being awake the whole time) was my first colonoscopy. I remember wanting to watch the monitor, and I could feel the pressure of the probe in the middle of my belly. Honestly, I think I disturbed the surgeon more than anything. I hate intubation. I have not felt it being placed or removed, but it’s godawful afterward. Given my neck surgery a month ago, my poor larynx has gone through hell, but finally recovering. I’ve always been aware that time passed, just not how much.
Also I can't have gas at all. So even with MAC it's propofol only w versed and fentanyl. It always worries me a little. Which is why I sort of wish I could be awake and only have versed lol and local or a block/spinal.
I have a vivid memory from when I had my tonsils out at age 14 of waking up in the midst of surgery. Apparently, blood was being suctioned out of my throat as I remember a clear tube coming out of my mouth and blood going up it, accompanied by a sucking sound. Almost immediately, I heard someone--probably a nurse--say, "He's awake!!" The anaesthesiologist must have then given me another dose of anesthetic because the next moment I was out.
I know one medication is given to paralyze muscles and another to put you to sleep. Learned that the hard way. New level of pain when surgery begins and you're wide awake listening to and feeling what's going on !......All I could do was pray hard for help and do what came to mind....which was to mentally holler and scream as hard as possible to raise my heart rate and blood pressure ! It worked ! .....I began to feel myself loose consciousness. Guess I set alert signs off PDQ ! ? !
I woke up a couple of times during a procedure, but the doctor was aware at least (I remember him asking me if I did drugs), along with severe pain, but then being knocked out again. It was the AM after Valentine's Day and I made the mistake of having champagne the night before, along with coffee the AM of. Maybe I caused the problem? Either way, ,my boyfriend said he heard me screaming and crying the entire time. I am deathly afraid of surgery now. Thank you for your videos.
I have taken AEDs for longer than 28 years. No wonder I woke during my second cataract surgery.The surgeon was approaching me with the scalpel and I said, “Hello!” He jumped!
Hi Dr Kahve, is there any way you could do a presentation on Stellate blocks the evidence for effectiveness and treatment. I have been dealing with a probable SIH issues for over three years, the doctors I have seen do not think I am dealing with this although I do have imaging from a cisternogram that does show contrast outside the thecal sack but MRI with contrast of head, spine and CT do not show leak. I finally have appointment with a doctor well known for his understanding and treatment of this condition. But might need some help to cope with the hell I've been experiencing.
1:51 and I'm bawling for the validation and realizing that I am not alone in my reaction to having woken during emergency surgery and having PTSD before this I thought I was overreacting to my own symptoms. THANK YOU DOC!!!❤😢😮😅
I am so happy that you feel empowered to speak up for yourself.
I have PTSD from having a c section without without anesthesia. I was given an epidural. I kept telling the anesthesiologist that I can feel everything. He kept saying ur just nervous. I finally kicked my doctor and then I was finally believed. I have not been to a doctor since. It's been 28 years. Thanks for ur validating this trauma
NEVER THINK THAT because you sure as hell are NOT ALONE...REACH OUT IF YOU NEED TO...🫂You will get over it, but if you ever require surgery again, ENSURE your surgeon AND Anesthetist is 'AWARE BEFORE your surgery'. Ive had over 11 magor surgeries and told them an epidural anesthetic, WASN'T working for kidney surgery and 'an emergency GENERAL anasthetic' had to be used. I have just had full hip replacement under epidural just 12 days ago.. (7th june '24).. with not even sedation. It went perfectly... (although oddly my left leg "woke up" before the right leg (that hip replaced)... but kept trying to wiggle my toes and Im now hobbling ok/ish) 🤣... you are NOT alone sweetheart 🫂...BUT I DO wish THIS anesthetist didn't look QUITE as glib and amused when throwing out PTSD etc comments though. If a 'SURGEON' was concerned enough about his OWN operation / surgery, that indicates he saw it happen himself, possibly more than once?. So this Dr / Anesthesiologist needs to look and sound 'a little LESS glib and look a little less amused'??.. Because THAT to me is a 'little patronising' to myself and those who HAVE SUFFERED and have ongoing mental trauma BECAUSE of this error, by other (same proffesion) Anesthesiologists. I must add that I eventually went PRIVATE in UK as waiting list made it go from just the hip disc, to non-existant cartiledge and metal ball and socket as well. Told today that it WAS better both done at once, as osteoarthritis would mean the additional surgery would have been required within 2 yrs anway 😳... ❤️❤️
❤ heal now and be free ☺️
I'm sooo sorry for that. Must have been terrifying.
After I had colon cancer surgery I was in recovery and had a bleed out awake. My artery was cut and I was hemorrhaging. They were calling in different teams to help save me. They were going to have to put me asleep again to go in and close the cut. The only doctor worried about my mental state was the anesthesiologist. He and the rest of the doctors couldn’t believe how calm I was. He kept reassuring me that they were doing everything possible to help me. The other doctors wanted me to sign papers for them to perform the surgery. I was in ICU for 10 days. I didn’t realize how much it affected me until a year later I had to have another surgery. All of your videos have helped me by educating and giving me the advice on how to advocate for myself. Many thanks Doctor. Much love and blessings to You and Your Family ❤Please keep these amazing videos coming. You don’t know how many people you have helped ❤
I would rather die at home ,
I dearly love you at 84 yrs old ,but honey you really are making me never want to go to the hospital again; oh my dear.🙏🥰🌹
Wishing you all the best!
@@sharonkelly5437 Thank you so much. Much blessings to you and your family.
Glad you're ok. I have my first Colonoscopy on Friday.
Dr. Kaveh, I've been a registered nurse since 1985 and have worked with many doctors. Mostly cardiologists, surgeons, and psychiatrists. You, sir, have the greatest gift in your passion for explaining the intricacies of your specialty. It would have been an honor to work with you.
I was awake during surgery, and I was in pain! I couldn’t move or make a sound, finally Inheard someone say, “she’s feeling this”! He was right!!!
I know someone who suffered that. More than a nightmare!
I was going thru what was supposed to happen, a small breast biopsy. The surgeon initially planned a smaller area to obtain the tissue for biopsy, the anesthesia would have been adequate for that, but once I was on the table, said surgeon apparently decided to widen the search area, causing me to have excruciating burning pain as he cut away. I was a large “D” cup. I vividly remember hearing the anesthesiologist telling the surgeon he needed to block better (nerve block to area being explored), as he could not give me more drugs to knock me out. So essentially a larger nerve block needed to be done. I went into the recovery area totally panicked and in severe pain, with over a third of the breast was gone. Burning, stabbing pain was intense. The nurses had their hands full with me being so agitated and at such a high level of pain that they could not medicate me for, as the orders did not cover an increase and the doctor was not responding their calls for new orders. What should have been a fairly quick recovery room time, turned into hours, as I waited for post op pain management, prior to me being discharged to home. Pathology found 3 different precancerous tissue in the sections obtained. I switched surgeons, opting for bilateral mastectomies & reconstructive surgeries. I had lost a sister to breast cancer that had metastasized throughout her body and she died at the age of 45. As a retired nurse I’ve learned that when I am the patient I need to advocate for myself, I become a real pain in the butt as a patient! I did advocate for my sister, basically becoming her private duty nurse and was holding her hand when she passed. A few years ago one of my brothers had been diagnosed with dementia and colon cancer that had metastasized throughout his entire body. I was his nurse for his final hours, getting his medication changed so he could pass with a bit less pain, I was with him as he passed. Without the med change he probably would have gone on for at least a couple of days of pure agony, with the change it was 12 hours. Definitely learn to speak up for yourself. There is no need to be afraid to speak your mind to the doctors, yes many have a god complex, bring them down a notch or two if needed, and if you need to become a pain to get the best of what you need, then be a pain. I thank this doctor for opening the eyes of people who have had or are going to have surgery. You need this knowledge to be better prepared for the process, also how to handle issues should they occur.
Same. On several different occasions. Sometimes I'll tell them, otherwise I just pray for it to finish. I love how my implant dentist said, "oh, they always wake up right before I finish." I didn't have the heart to tell her that I'd been awake the whole time lol It was just that the pain became more than I could manage towards the end. The headset they shared to relax me was more bothersome than the surgery. It kept squeezing my eyeballs really hard. I was so scared I couldn't relax lol
For every surgery I’ve had, it was the anesthesiologist who was most attentive and kind!
Absolutely
I have not been so lucky.
I was undergoing exploratory surgery and told my doctor exactly what was said during part of my surgery. She was shocked because I recalled the conversation word for word! I did not experience any pain and agreed that when I had to have major surgery later I would have to be monitored alot closer. We had a good laugh and I was very lucky!
In 1994, at age 37, I met the anesthesiologist prior to going into surgery (my first ever) and could barely talk because I had a severe migraine. I had severe head pain all night prior from the stress of the surgery (hysterectomy). I told him I feared being aware during surgery and unable to communicate. He assured me that wouldn’t happen. It was about 10 days after home from the surgery that memories came back to me of the surgery and recovery. I asked my spouse who stayed in my room with me the first 24 hours afterward, if I had passed out onto the floor walking to the bathroom (he was helping me in there about every 45 minutes,). He said “yes”. I also remembered feeling the knife blade cut and being unable to move or speak to tell them during the operation. I finally was able to gurgle some type of moan and they hustled to help me. I had been home about 6 days when the anesthesiologist actually called to ask me what if anything I remembered! But it wasn’t until several more days after, that the memories came to me. He told me I told him I had a premonition the night before that I would have awareness and he would miss it, after he had put me partially under anesthesia.
😢
I am having surgery on June 27. This week. I am afraid I will experience this as well. Years ago I came to during my surgery...I could not communicate in anyway. I could not move I could not talk. Nothing. I am so afraid this will happen again.
@@coffeegirl6854 I had to have two surgeries for breast cancer last year and I explained my fear/past experience with the anesthesiologist. Both times, I was assured by the two different MDs that I wouldn't have a repeat. They were correct! And, I had a knee surgery about 15 years ago and the same, positive outcome! Talk to them at length before you go to the surgery room. I believe knowing, they are more attentive.
@@coffeegirl6854good luck tomorrow. Let us know how it goes. You will be ok. What type of surgery were you having when you became aware? Was it emergency surgery?
@@coffeegirl6854 How did it go?
My local anesthesia for a c-section and following tubal ligation wore off. My anesthesiologist caught on and asked my doctors how much longer, informing them the anesthesia was wearing off. Turns out I was bleeding more than I should of been and not clotting properly. It was unnerving hearing my doctor honestly say he didn't know because he was still sponging. Meanwhile I can feel their hands working inside. I absolutely trust that doctor so I wasn't concerned when the anesthesiologist put the mask over my face. It was a relief and I woke up in recovery. Though it felt like a small eternity at the time, I'm sure the whole experience only lasted a few seconds. That was 21 years ago.
I was awake during both my c-sections. That was 39 and 41 years ago.
Wow!
OMG girl.....
First time I woke up during surgery was 5-9-1975 at 7:39pm. That was the exact moment the doctor called time of birth for my almost 3 month early birth of my son. He saw I was awake and I immediately put back to sleep. I said something later and nurses,doctors everyone said oh no that doesn’t happen. The fact that no one admitted to what I knew was true really upset me. The 2nd time was 40 years later. I woke up during bladder cancer surgery. The anesthesiologist put a bag on my face and said don’t panic and said you will be able to breath in 6 seconds and counted down as he squeezed the bag. I remember every spot everyone was in and their reaction. I could not breathe! My chest would not rise. It was 6 seconds but was terrifying. Everyone was calm. No one came to see me in recovery which I didn’t like that. When I went for my check up a week later I said something to the doctor and he said that must have happened after I left but it does happen that people wake up. He was there I watched him leave but everyone except me was so calm he may not have been aware. At least I finally was validated that you can wake up during surgery. Never had a problem till I needed surgery again. I started to panic when I go close to the surgery room. I wanted to stop the bed for just a second to calm my self down. They were ready for me. With out stopping they put something in my I V and I was asleep before I got through the doors. I didn’t wake up so everything is fine.
I woke up during a breast reduction and I've never forgotten it
I've had terrible experience as a kid with dental procedures. As a military dependent, you don't get to see dentists unless you are overseas. This means when families are sent overseas, all the kids get years of dental work done quickly. Military dentists are not necessarily the best at bedside manners or being gentle with kids. Anyway decades later, as an adult, I finally get up the nerve to go back to the dentist. My teeth were really bad, needed a lot of work. One tooth was so bad I needed to get it pulled and prepared for an implant. I paid the extra $600 to be put out. They gave me an IV (no big deal, I've had T1 diabetes almost 4 decades). Next thing I know, they were waking me up and the procedure was completed. Best dental experience I ever had! Well worth the extra money. Thank you, Dr. Borg at Colorado Gum Care! (I'm an actual patient, have no financial interest in their success whatsoever).
I’m sorry you weren’t able to see a dentist on post stateside. Not sure what branch/post you were at but i was born/raised Army and we always saw the dentist- stateside or overseas.
Wow you have to know so much stuff to be an anesthesiologist. I know now why you have so many years of schooling. It is so easy to kill someone with just giving the wrong cocktail and you also have to make sure that the patient doesn’t wake up and doesn’t remember anything. You guys are amazing. I honestly don’t know if I could ever do something with that much responsibility to make sure that your patient survives and doesn’t remember a thing. You guys are amazing and I give you my utmost respect. Every single dr and nurse and surgeon as well. Without the help of these extreme pieces of equipment and the knowledge of the people who are using them. You are all amazing at your jobs and without you all this world would not be able to function the way it does and a heck of a lot more people wouldn’t make it if they get a serious injury without the intervention of any and all medical staff. You all are our heroes
I have a friend whose mom died during exploratory day-surgery. It was due to human-error on the anesthesiologist part of giving her too much propofol medication. This happened several years ago. She was put on life support but she was pronounced brain dead and the family then made the hard decision to pull the life support. My friend and her siblings filed a wrongful death lawsuit and it was eventually settled out of court. (I've had that same medication for a colonoscopy.) I think it's the same medication that killed Michael Jackson??🤔
Love davidbabcock1231's comment
👇
That's why they are the Boss man/woman in the OR! SO MUCH responsibility
@@kaylettejett6909yes they are. They can bring a person so close to death but not actually doing so. There are unfortunate errors that happen but they are rare. It’s just crazy what modern medicine today is so so much more advanced and sophisticated. More than half of the surgery’s weren’t done back in the day because they didn’t have the equipment. I mean come on a heart transplant or work on the brain?? These are both crazy ass surgeries that would have never been able to be done back in the day
Thank you for doing a video on this. People think I am crazy because this is one of my biggest fears. Read a story once about a guy that was actually awake during his surgery, they realized it and gave him a drug to forget but he never fully recovered because the trauma was still there in his mind. He committed suicide. Mr. Ballen did a video on it. Terribly sad and frightening.
You are absolutely correct, this can lead to
@@MedicalSecretsOps, someone seemingly got called away mid sentence :'3 Hope it was no emergency. Hope if it was one, that it went well.
I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. But I had to have a Bladder Pacemaker put in at 29 [I'm 33] - But before I knew I had EDS, I woke up at the tail end of my first bladder surgery. But it wasn't my first surgery and it had never happened before. - I heard the fear in all of their voices as I started moaning in pain and their actions got quicker because they were almost finished.
Apparently, my body metabolizes meds MUCH quicker than others so now, they make sure I have extra everything before I go in for more surgeries.
Ive had 3 more pacemaker surgeries since that day. Its always a fear of mine to wake up again.
And my husband has family history of Malignant hypothermia, so now that we know this: he's had 5 Chiari Malformation Decompression surgeries and a VP shunt put in. My husband and my kids all have to have a different way of Anesthesia now to ensure nothing bad happens.
When I was 20 I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed at the same time, and I did wake up. I opened my eyes and I heard the dentist talking and I went out again. Thankfully it never happened again for all my 20 other operations & procedures I've had since then. I always remember the second I go out. I never remember dreaming at all.
Wisdom tooth surgery doesn't usually involve real anaesthesia, its more of just a really heavy sedation. IE they give you so many benzodiazapines that you can manage to fall asleep while getting your teeth yanked out. But you technically should still be somewhat arousable, you may even be totally awake for a large portion of the surgery but you have very little chance of actually remembering it. The whole practice of sedating for a wisdom tooth surgery is actually pretty unique to the USA in most countries in Europe they don't give you anything except for some lidocaine. Personally I'm glad I was sedated for my wisdom tooth removal 😂
You don't dream because anethesthetized =/= sleep. Two different things.
That happened to me too, they give you Valium or as least that's what I had and I woke up towards the end and the nurse said close your eyes and I was like "OK" I was super messed up cause they we impacted so I needed 2 bags of it and had to pay for the 2nd bag. When they were done I looked at the bag and still seen liquid in it and they seen me lol and they said don't worry we're gonna let you finish off the bag before you go 🤣🤣 damb straight that cost $5,000 and I was in super pain for 2-3 weeks after it wore off so I'm glad they let me. Oh and the first thing I did when they were done was take my Compact out and check my eyebrows because I draw them on, my grandmother was laughing saying that would have been her also. When I went to leave I went down 3 levels of stairs and my mom couldnt catch up with me because I was fucked up and was running down them, I was a little out of control like if I was drunk. For anyone that doesn't know always make sure there's a crash cart in the Dr's office my mom's a nurse and a nurse friend that worked in the ER said you'd be surprised how many kids come in crashed because there's no crash cart in the Dr's office. So something to ask about for anyone in the future if they need wisdom teeth done.
@rylandavis2976 I got 2 bags of Valium for my procedure of impacted wisdom teeth. I can't imagine them doing that without anything else. I don't know how easy it is for regular wisdom teeth but mine were all messed up and took a long time to take out hence the Valium.
@@rylandavis2976 Me, too! LOL! I can't imagine not having it.
I broke my ankle 40 years ago and needed surgery to put it back together with pins, plates and screws. I don't remember waking up specifically, but for several years i'd dream that there all these little Keebler Elves with ladders, hammers, wood and nails working to fix my ankle!
😂 That is kind of cute!
I had to grin at the Keebler Elves being so industrious. Wasn't such a fan of the pounding on my ankle. But no, it was never a nightmare. Thanks for asking!
@@shariehabegger4286What a cool thing! Thank you for sharing. When I had my tonsils out as a little girl, I had the same dream more than one night where I saw this Coke vending machine with somebody saying, "I t is time to eat now". I attribute that to the anesthesics ❤
Thank you so much for your candor and great teaching! I'm a nurse that has worked in both ICU and peri-op areas (where I'm working now). I prep patients for all manner of surgeries and care for them post-operatively. This particular issue haunts so many of those for whom I care. We have a great team of anesthesiologists and CRNAs. The info you provide here will help me provide reassurance to patients (we're also permitted to give p.o. Valium per weight- and age-based dosing) pre-op. On an empty stomach, that Valium can be so helpful. Because, let's face it, sometimes no matter how much kindness I can dispense, a little Valium is in order. I call it my "chemical cuddle"--which gets a grin from the patient every time).
spinozareader, you are so kind and caring ❤❤❤. I love the chemical cuddles thing; it gets a grin and a laugh out of me! 😅
I woke up during an angioplasty and stent. I assumed that I was in the recovery room after the surgery. The surgeon was looking at me and I figured he wanted to know how I was feeling. I told him, “I feel ok but you should know that I’m having some chest pain.”
The doctor said, “That’s the tools moving in your heart.” Then everything went away until I really woke up in the recovery room.
I wasn’t upset after but i cried spontaneously fairly often for a few days. I’ve since heard from others who have had heart surgery and many of them told me they were weepy afterwards.
I had open heart surgery 2 years ago and yes, I was very weepy for several days and weeks afterwards. My nurse reassured me that he’s seen big truckers and tough guys exactly the same way. It’s a VERY normal response to what your body went through. It was so reassuring to hear that but still didn’t stop the tears. Only time stops the weepiness. Two years out, and I’m not that weepy anymore but a few things do set me off - usually in high stress situations
I was wide awake and watching as the doctor inserted the stents, very cool watching as blockages became clear
@@deborahdebcourtharcourt3159 apparently I was talking to the doctor through the whole procedure but that’s all I remembered.
That happened to me during gaul bladder surgery. I figured no one might believe me. And did speak to my mother's friend who had been a nurse for many years. She said that that can occur. I remember hear the anestheologist speaking though distant...i could not move. But felt complete pain in my side at the operating site. I was screaming inside as hard as i could i tried to move or tell them i was feeling so much pain!! I do not know what happened after that point but came to in the recovery room. My hands had been strapped down though were loosed a bit...i woke up like that the male nurse sitting next to me( who was actually an aquaintance) my hands had been secured because somehow i had started flalling my hands and arms at some point !! I know why that was! I have total recall. I just cannot feel the pain now. But it was bad.
I am having surgery in a few weeks...I am going to speak to this doctor asap.
One time woke up during the middle of a dental surgery when i needed to have several unerupted teeth removed at the same time. It was AWFUL, and there wasn't a darn thing i could do but cry. I couldn't even make noise to let them know i was awake. I've been afraid of any surgery ever since. Thanks for this info it helps.
#OMG that sounds #Terrifying!! And Traumatizing for sure!!!😨
Same thing happened to me. I woke up unable to move, speak, do anything but cry. I heard the doctors and assistants trying to figure out what was wrong. This made me panic more.
When I was 7, almost 8, I had my tonsils removed. They gave me something to make me go to sleep beforehand. I woke up on my way to surgery. That did not tip them off. I kicked the nurse trying to strap me to the chair still half asleep. They still didn’t get the hint I might need more anaesthesia. I woke up during surgery. I made myself believe I had a nightmare during the surgery for 20 years. Until I spoke with an experienced paediatric nurse. She said: no you woke up during surgery. Mistakes like that were not uncommon at the time when treating kids.
I was shocked. But it was a relief to get recognition.
I had an endoscopy. I woke up at some point. Couldn’t move, felt I was gagging and choking. It seemed the anesthesiologist was aware something was wrong. I was out again but then though paralyzed I could hear everything going on. The music was “She’s a Brick House.” The doctors were discussing a baseball game that was coming up. I knew another person came into the room, said something and left.
I was starting to panic, then lost consciousness.
When I was awake I was terrified and told the doctors what I had heard. They were shocked by the details. I basically was aware of everything going on and was actually gagging.
Dear God.
I'm so sorry. That would be so scary. I was on HEAVY pain mgmt for 12 years. I always tell them I have a very high tolerance. Thank goodness for my anesthesiologists.
That's true? Same odds as lightning strike? Damn. Guess I'm not very lucky. I woke up mid surgery break (apparently) and freaked out and started ripping out my tubes from all directions. Only one doctor walking by happened to see me and he started yelling at every nurse and doctor in the vicinity to put me back under immediately. They were scrambling. I was moaning and ripping tubes out. Then...I was out...again.
Real-life, horror movie.
I was awake during a procedure and it was terrifying!!!
Been there. I had to have eye surgery. Lasix. The first eye (right side), I was terrified. But, things went smoothly, I didn't remember anything. So, my left eye was ready to be done. I'm calm, relaxing because I remember that I was totally unaware the first time. I get into the chair, the anesthesiologist hits me with a dose of anesthesia, and nothing happens. I chuckled a bit because they do often have to use up to three doses of anesthesia on me. So, the doctor told him to hit me again. And, again, nothing happened. The third dose, nothing. They had to do my eye surgery while I was wide awake. THAT is terrifying. He was telling me to try to stop shaking while a scalpel is coming at my eye.
Yes. I do have PTSD from that.
Now, on top of all of this, something "rare" happened in BOTH eyes. When he told me that, I said, "No! Something rare happened to ME? You're kidding." Yes. I am very sarcastic. So, when I find a way to get back to my eye doctor, I will trust him again to do the repairs. Oddly, I trust only him to do it.
Yep, me too during one colonoscopy. but there wasn't even an anesthesiologist there. They thought giving me more and more pain meds. Did not work. It was so painful.
In 74 years of living, I have woken up twice during anesthesia. To me, it was no big deal the 2nd time. The first time, I was a little surprised. I now tell the anesthesiologists, and they adjust their medicine to try to keep that from happening. Psychologically, I am fine. I think it bothers them more than me.
I woke up during eye surgery. My worst fear. You never ever forget it.
@judytaquino6412 My mom had to be awake for eye surgery 😢 & the "dr" screwed up! He called for my permission to do immediate EMERGENCY surgery to save her eye!!
I did, too!
@@terribelle3 So sorry. These docs are not taught procedures. They get a weekend seminar and it's a Do 1, See 1, Teach 1. Same Philosophy as the Military. It is frightening how these docs fumble around. Always check on how many patients the doc did the procedure on.
@@judytaquino6412 I begged her to sue for Mal Pratice! But she "didn't want to be mean" 😠 Well, it impacted me too. I cared for her as she refused help from office of the aging
I have epilepsy, so I’d think that the anesthesiologist should understand that it would take more to take me out. Guess not. 🤦🏻♀️
I became aware while I was having a skin cancer removed from my face.The anaesthetist was not near me. I heard the surgeon flirting with the young intern but managed to say I could feel pain, only for the surgeon to say, no, you are feeling pressure, and get back to stitching and flirting. NO, I FELT PAIN. For some time, I could do no more, still no anaesthetist, so when I was finally taken to recovery, I was in shock. I couldn't explain to the nurse why the pain killers weren't helping. The anaesthetist finally visited, and I told him, he was surprised and just said..sorry. SORRY? I have to have another facial skin cancer removed. I am terrified. I dont get to talk to the surgeon so I will write to him. Thank god its a different surgeon and it will be a general, not twilight. But the first surgery caused such damage, to my looks, to my self-confidence, to my courage, I have medical ptsd. Pray for me.
Thank you so much for your educational postings. I am 4 weeks out from a cervical fusion and corpectomy involving C-2 thru T-2. I was really freaked out until I found your channel and learned so much from you that my pre-surgical anxiety dropped from the stratosphere to a level that did not require any anti-anxiety meds. Bless you and please keep posting.
A little bit of fear can show respect esp of the situation at hand. Makes you focus. You got one chance. Use it well and do no harm.
Thank you so much. I woke up during a major surgery. Many anesthesiologists downplay it or say it can’t happen. It’s been 21 years and I can quote everything that was said, until the anesthesiologist realized that I was awake, and knocked me out. Again, thank you for addressing this issue.
A year ago, I had a spinal pain stimulator implanted. It took forever for me to go to sleep but I did. Suddenly, I woke up on my stomach and my head turned facing left. I said "Hey, I'm awake" Nobody was near my head. I said again "Hey I'm awake and can hear you talking", still nothing I tried to move my head to look around but I couldn't so I said again "I'm awake and can hear you tugging in my back but no pain, then I saw a glimpse of a head and then they said I think he's awake, he's awake? someone else's voice said, I said again I feel you tugging in my back but no pain, someone then without ever saying anything to me put me back out. I'm guessing I was awake a good 30-45 seconds. 1st time I'd used this Dr and hospital and staff. I've had 14 surgeries in my 70 yrs and only woke up 1 time before during a hearth cath when they pushed in the vasoseal into the arterie.
I love your channel! Soon informative! I'm an adoptee (no familial med history) with EDS (Ehlers Danlos) just being diagnosed last year at 59, 23 surgeries behind me. In 1968 at 3 I had a tonsillectomy procedure. The FIRST time I woke up during. Coming to it was an extremely psychedelic dream. I remember 95% of it. As the dream proceeded, me screaming in it, I became conscious. Just wow! 😮 I do not recall the pain, yet the situation and sounds of the instruments clanking as they were being moved, used, etc. Staff was AMAZING in their handling with one nurse talking and comforting me as I was being put under again.
You just have helped me so much. To understand what I have been through in the past (being put into true comas after medically induced ones were stopped) to very recently, 2 weeks ago on June 4th. I was walking unassisted within 4 days
I just had what was supposed to be simple arthroscopic knee surgery. You educated me as to what to inform not just the anesthesiologist about, but staff from beginning to discharge. I had to be kept overnight, complications happened. I had arthroscopic in the knee frontal, full incision posterior. 2 stitches in front 19 staples in the back.
You so much prepared me for this and to keep in mind my surgical history going into this.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
My anesthesiologist was very, how do I say this nicely, very egotistical (different from confident). Watching your kids I had the knowledge to ask my surgical nurse questions about him. I was completely calm after that and on the table being prepped after she answered my questions and reassured me he was one of the best, not to let his demeanor concern me.
Thank you again
I told my anesthesiologist before surgery that I don’t want to feel anything and I don’t want to see anything. 😂😂😂 He was a genius and I indeed didn’t feel or see anything after I was out but I remember that I had NO filter during recovery and swore like a sailor!
😂😂😂
I had to be awake for one of my surgeries which involved my vocal chords. I needed to be able to be able to speak so they could make sure that the inserts were set in the right place. I have always wanted to know what was going on and and in this case which was done twice as I listen to the communications between the doctors and nurses. There were a few times I was not sure I liked what I heard, but the surgery was successful.
15-20 minutes into my C-section I started feeling pain, I had an epidural but the anesthesiologist had left and someone else was going to fill in, by the time the next one came, I was in tears and she asked what was going on, I whispered I was feeling stabs, the gynecologist tried to gaslight me saying that I couldn't be "no one can bear to be opened up like that". Then proceeded to tell the woman to put morphine in my IV. I felt better after that. Eventually, everyone left once my baby was out, and it was just me and a guy I had never met that was stitching me together. Then afterwards left me for two hours in a hallway in the surgery area until they gave me a room. I saw my baby again after almost 12 hours after delivery. A traumatizing experience. I felt like a sack of potatoes. I live in the Caribbeans and private clinics are "the best option" and that's the treatment I got. 😡
I have mitochondrial disease and the anesthesiologists always have to be super careful with monitoring me while I'm under anesthesia because of the severe side effect risk. I've woken up with paralysis more than once not from the paralysis drugs but from the effects of the anesthesia. It's horrible. You better believe I always drill the doc hard to make sure they understand the problem with mito and anesthesia, that they know which types of anesthesia they can and can't use on me, and that they talk to my geneticist first before doing anything! I also have adrenal insufficiency, and appreciated it so much when as soon as I mentioned it to the anesthesiologist the last time I had to be put under, he immediately was like "yep, we're gonna make sure to get you some solu-cortef for that" before I even asked if they'd be giving me any! Always gotta compensate for that drop in cortisol from stress on the body 😊
Love the surgeon but tipped the anesthesiologist because they keep you alive when you’re having your foot whacked off or whatever. I’ve had a few surgeries every time last words to the anesthesiologist. Please keep me alive because that’s what they do. God bless you and thank you.
My late mother woke up during her hip replacement surgery. She sat up and asked the doctors why they were sawing her leg. The anaesthetist put his hand on her forehead and gently pushed her back down. That was all she remembered. My mom was no drama queen, so I know it happened as she related.
My first child was c section and I could feel everything.
It was not exactly pain, but I could feel literally everything, and the sensations became stronger. I was telling the doc this and he was ignoring me.
I lost faith in md’s.
Might rather just check out instead if ever getting surgery again. Guess there must be still ptsd there I could clear.
My son survived and is now 26!
My daughter was a home birth - 1000% better at home where I felt safe, and the old fashioned way .
When i was a kid somewhere in the 3-5 years of age, i split my forhead open and needed a catscan and stitches to close the wound. They used some form of anaesthesia to put me to sleep for the stitches. I was under a blanket with a hole that they were doing the stitches through. I woke up when they were still going. They noticed, and i think just kept going because i was well behaved. They might have put me back under as my memory gets less clear about the end of it, though i have clear memories of leaving the hospital. I had to be convinced to leave the stuffed animal bunny they had given me to hold behind so that another kid could use it.
Thankfullly i haven't required any other surgeries in life yet. I am kind of scared that this indicates that if i ever have surgery, I'm more likely to wake up during and have no one notice. Is that likely?
I've had 8 orthopedic surgeries . Best sleep I've ever had !!!
I awakened during two surgeries but it was not a big deal to me- probably because for whatever reason, I did not feel pain even though I awakened. Had I felt pain, now that really would have bothered me! Also, perhaps it depends on the type of operation whether someone freaks out? Or maybe it is just the personality.
The first time I awakened during surgery it was a surgical (rather than needle) breast biopsy. The surgeon was very good and explained to me what was going on- that normally the procedure would have already bee over but he had sent the specimen for examination before closing me up to see if he needed to take out more and they said yes. The anesthesiologist asked if he should give me more and the surgeon said no, that he was about done.
The second time I awakened under surgery, I was having a torn meniscus repaired. I awakened to the doctor and everyone in the room working on me having a discussion on jogging. As someone who used to love jogging, I joined the conversation. However, the minute I said something, the room got absolutely silent and no one said a word to me. That kind of made me feel weird. I felt like they should have responded to me. Instead, I felt like I was an “outcaste” at my own “party” and no one wanted me to join the conversation. So that kind of bothered me- not the waking up itself but having everyone talking about something else rather than what was going on with my surgery, and then not even being allowed to join the conversation.
😂
Should you tell your anesthesiologist that you have PTSD before your surgery or before you’re put to sleep? Does that matter or that you have severe trauma from a certain event in your life?
You helped me get over the fear for my surgery in October, 2023 - forever grateful and I had to have TIVA due to Malignant Hyperthermia in the family.
I woke up during surgery and I couldn't move, not even open my eyes. It was the most traumatizing experience.
I'll be having surgery soon...not the first time, but this guy has opened up a whole host of worries I never considered before.
When do you go live?
I have a question about anxiety for upcoming surgery. My dad died of medical neglect from an anesthesiologist with an endoscopy. I'm working to become informed and have a therapist to work through this. What questions should I be asking the anesthesiologist, and what should I be requesting, before my upcoming laminectomy? I have more questions, also.
I was aware of everything & could see the tv monitors while having a lung biopsy. I kept feeling like I was suffocating & it was a horrible experience!! I’ve had several surgeries & that was the only time that has ever happened!! I told my dr/surgeon at my follow up appt & he told me that it was impossible until I told him things he & the nurses said!! He was shocked!!
I had a Upper eye lid retraction surgery for Graves disease and I knew ahead of time my eye surgeon said I'd be in and out of sedation but I could actually HEAR her cutting my eye lid. I'm still freaked out by that sound 3yrs later!
oh man I had a fun one. I had an ablation surgery in 22 and during the procedure for some reason. I went into Sudden cardiac arrest. Two yrs later they have NO idea why. I had no blood clots, blockages, they did a TEE right before the procedure and echo, PET and lab work all came back ok. When I came to I was not sure what was going on. I remember hearing them talking ok we got her back let s get her cleaned up and something else. Then I heard the radio talk about the Passing of Queen Elizabeth. I was all??? ..I thought. OK am I awake do they KNOW I can hear them. Am I supposed to be coming to. Then the nurse tells me to open my eyes. I could not because I had CPR so they gave me a paralytic so I could not move. Then I was wheeled out and finally saw the hall signs but could not speak cuz i was still INTUBATED..Please for all the love of all that is holy. GET this tube out of me is what I was thinking. I could not talk or move cuz I had been placed with a temporary pacemaker in my groin and I had to be still. I was supposed to be in the hospital overnight and ended up being in ICU for 4 days. I am fine and all is well but Yeah....That was some really scary freaking moments there.
Super glad I was totally out for my gastrectomy-met the anesthesiologist the night before and again a few days after surgery when he gave me an epidural because morphine makes me violently ill
Why did I wake up from surgery thanking the doctor???? Literally I woke up myself saying thank you thank you.
I do the same thing! I think in my case I’m just so happy it’s over
I woke during surgery and couldnt talk. I felt every stitch the Dr sewed. I tried so hard to groan or something but nothing would come out. Now before a surgery i always tell the Anesthesiologist about it and it hasnt happened again. Its very frightening.
I have learned so much from you. Thank you!
You are the most caring anesthesiologist i have ever known. Do you meet with patient before thev surgery? Those are always my fav.
I had three surgeries in my life and was never put completely under. When I told my doctors they didn't believe me. But I told them about the conversations the doctor and the nurses were having during the surgery.
I always wake up during surgeries, no stress or trauma from that, but it is just a thing that exists with me. So I had a cervical disk replacement a couple weeks ago. I told the anesthesiologist that it’s not a big deal, but just something that my body does during surgeries. He downplayed the info I told him and stated that people have dreams and not to worry. It was infuriating, because I know the difference between truly awake vs. anesthesia dreams. I know the actual history of how all my previous surgeries went. This encounter was the last thing before I was taken into the surgery room, horrible timing to discover your assigned anesthesiologist is rude and not appropriately careful. Long story short, surgery was very smooth, but the anesthesiologist attitude was the only negative. I’ve had many surgeries, but only this one negative experience, I know he was the exception to the rule, thankfully.
I had two problems with anesthesia. The first thing is im aware of whats going on around me far too long after im given the anesthesia. Im not able to move at all. Fortunately im out before the surgery actually starts. Then i wake up just before they start stapling me up.
The last time i had surgery i told the anesthesiologist the problems i have. He was surprised that i was aware enough to ask if that was the stuff that killed Michael Jackson. I dont remember anything after that. I actually woke up in the recovery room not the operating room. I gave my anesthesiologist a big hug the next day.
If you were having, for instance, were having a procedure done - with a spinal anaesthetic would you insist on having a 'calming' medication? How about people having a gastroscopy - without any form of 'calming' meds? I've had several osteo procedures including wacky limb displacement with just spinal. Because my neuro man doesn't like me having anything silly. Perhaps that's because I'm a grown up English bloke and I'm brave enough to go through a bit of fun!
Thank you so very much for explaining the various ways that patients can be monitored or observed for awareness or “awake-ness” during surgery. Thanks for the reminder of the different drug types that can affect anesthesia for greater or lesser effect. Your videos are so informative and helpful and make all of us wish that we could have you if we ever need anesthesia for a surgical procedure. Thank you for your commitment and efforts to get this critically important information out to patients and to the public. Bless you!
You say being awake during surgery is as rare as being struck by lightening, but at the Shreveport VA I had one surgery where I woke up completely in the middle of my surgery in 2006 before the anesthesiologist noticed and I could feel them stitching me it was not pleasant. I also had a colonoscopy at the same VA where they did not sedate me at all and I informed them I was not sedated. Instead of sedating me properly they held me down and the doctor did the colonoscopy which was extremely painful beyond words. They treated me as if I was being ridiculous for screaming in pain during the colonoscopy. I told my primary care physician that I would never have another colonoscopy because of that. If I get colon cancer one day, oh well. I am not going through that again. Just remember, VA is what government controlled medical treatment would be. You're not a person, just a number. I've even had two neurosurgeons at the VA tell me I need lower back surgery, but the new head neurosurgeon says he refuses to do it even though my lower spine is so bad I am dealing with severe pain 24/7. The new head neurosurgeon also treats everyone like they are faking like he did me even though I could barely stand or walk and sitting is painful along with laying down to sleep. I've learned going to the Shreveport VA that I do not matter to most of them. All the good doctors seem to no longer work there with just a few exceptions.
Thank you for asking. I'm curious if you've had any patients with gaba-related hypersomnolence. Aside from my research physician, I've never had another doctor who has even heard of my condition. I know that there are special considerations anaesthesiologists are supposed to take for patients with IH, but with general awareness of this condition being so poor, I would honestly be terrified to have any surgery requiring sedation for fear the anaesthesiologist wouldn't be informed or take it seriously. The state that you described, where the patient is mentally aware but unable to physically communicate, is a routine part of living with IH, as is much else of what you describe in your videos. I could think of dozens of questions to ask, but I suppose primarily, what are the unique challenges of administering and monitoring patients that present with what is essentially endogenous anesthesia? Or perhaps more generally, would you be open to discussing the function of gaba a receptors as related to sedation, and usage of drugs such as flumazenil in anesthesiology?
Hello ,what if you want to be awake and know wants going on and not afraid of the surgery? And not feel pain? Love your sharing and human condition.😊 I ha d a HOLEP for prostate and wanted a spinal to see or hear the surgery and who was doing what when you chose a senior surgeon and not a junior or a fellow to do it and had a forced consent at the last minute. So I find this not very ethical. This was done in France.😮
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Can you please post a video about post-operative delirium? A family member's been dealing with it, for over A WEEK after surgery! TY for all of your great videos and demystifying anesthesia!
I just love you and love learning from you your the best thank you ❤
During a C-section (local), it wore off and I had just been cut open. I started hyperventilating. The anesthesiologist started asking me what was wrong. I was able to get out that I could feel everything. The doctor started yelling at him. I’ve had numerous surgeries since and during the last one I panicked and started crying. PTSD is not even close.
Great live stream man, I learned a lot! I really enjoy donating to the anesthesiologist Foundation, since it was hard for me to go to college because of my cerebral palsy, I really wanted to be a anesthesiologist, I look up to all anesthesiologist and CRNA, it takes a special person and skills to be a anesthesiologist or CRNA and you’re one of them!!! You been hocking loogies? 😂
I had muscle biopsy done , and a fight started over operation room, My surgeon wanted the viewing room hence given anicestic, but when the fight between drs Was over and I was taken into the theatre , I felt that scalpel go in and I screamed the hospital down, hence hospital trauma, He said he couldn’t stop, 🛑 the nurses begged in so I lost all trust, in the medical field, Thx Dr, 💙💙
Excellent information, Thanks
Thank you so much Dr Anthony Kaveh for another great video! I appreciate you taking time out to do these for us. This is a perfect one to share to my friend who is having very first surgery July 1st -gallbladder out. She’s very afraid going under anesthesia. Thank you again
I wasn't awake, but I had malignant hyperthermia during a simple surgery and now I'm petrified of having surgery. I need a tooth pulled and I need a total knee replacement and I'm so scared. Can you do a video on this condition please 🙏🏻🥴
Thank you for your Amazing Video just enderwent surgery 10 days ago your video was extremely helpful for my Anxiety thank so much Canada
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So, in my experience as an RN, nursing school itself destroyed what remained of my trust in the medical profession. We were invited to observe a procedure, and after setting up the monitor at the patient's head, the anesthesiologist spent the entire procedure with his back to it, talking to us about his wine collection.
My first experience under general anesthesia, I guess the anesthesiologist gave me the medication that paralyzes the muscles first before giving me whatever he used to sedate me (propofol)?? Not sure, but I was wide awake and aware I could not breathe and I seriously freaked out. I thought that I was going to be awake for the entire surgery but I couldn’t talk or move to alert anyone in the room that I was awake. I’m not sure what alerted them (I assume my HR went ballistic and I think I was crying not sure) but I heard someone say, that I wasn’t under yet and that’s all I remember bc I assume the anesthesiologist gave me more sedation. So, after that experience I make it a point to tell the anesthesiologist that I’ve had that happen and tell them to make sure I’m out prior to giving me any paralytics. It’s something I will never forget. Glad you brought this up !
I snapped back to reality three times on sedation. Two pacemaker surgeries and a dental surgery. I was advised to suggest anesthesia every time I go under. I was told I was literally given enough sedation to kill two horses throughout my first pacemaker surgery and I was still almost waking up.
I was given a paralyzing medication 'before' the "KNOCK OUT' medication. I couldn't BREATH! I could 'HEAR" everything. (It was during an ECT.) [I had been having this treatment for approx. 6 months] Needless to say, I will NEVER have an ECT done again. Yep,, P.T.S.D. for years after. Come to think of it, I'm still freaked out about it. During EVERY surgery or procedure where I need to be knocked out,,,,, I always tell the anesthesiologist.
Thanks, doc, I try to never miss an upload. I share you with friends and fam all the time.
Awesome, thank you! That's so nice of you :)
I had a upper GI and I could feel when they started to put the tube down my throat and I fought them for a couple minutes and unfortunately I was not very happy when I woke up. What bothered me the most is they were doing not just a upper GI they were doing a colonoscopy at the same time . I had a black stool that caused that but I believe that you guys should should have paid closer attention because some doctors are clueless to what it takes. Don't get me wrong I have a great respect for anyone that does what you do but Dr's don't listen. I've had multiple surgeries unfortunately but this is the first time this has happened but also it was the VA.
Which VA was it? I had a colonoscopy at the KCVA and I was given versed and Benadryl. I was awake the whole time. And it hurt!! I told my GI nurse practitioner I would never do it again if they gave me those meds again. I have to have them done every 5 years.
@@LittleMonster6887 it was the Birmingham AL VA. I've had two previous and didn't have a problem but for some reason this Dr was not paying attention and if he had have kept going I would be in jail. LoL. If something hurts you have the right to stop the procedure and request a different Dr or nurse. Don't let them hurt you just because it's the VA you still have rights just like a civilian hospital.
Hi, I do have a disability and seizures I do take meds for seizures. Give you I main hint carb. I did wonder some surgeries I had in past why I don't remember anything, thank you for explaining the reason why I don't remember anything during surgeries I had.
I throughly enjoyed this more “scientific” analysis regarding anesthesia. Is dosing limited to amount or type or likely both?
About 4 1/2 years ago, I underwent surgery to take a toe off of each foot due to Osteomyelitis. I was uninsured, and the bastard who worked on me didn't like having to work on poor, uninsured patients and made no secret of it. I was already in a full-blown PTSD freeze before they even took me down to surgery. I was having nightmares the whole time he was working on me, was aware of the pain in my feet, and I still remember those nightmares. I have also been awakened during the procedures even with decent doctors because of the pain from the procedures. I think this was because I am more terrified of narcotics than I am of being cut open. Also, is there any difference between the effect of anaesthesia on people with Autuism like me and neuronormals?
Dr If I have surgery with SPS, and many other heatth issues, am I at higher risk of heart problem, and other problems, Thanks J ❤❤
I woke up during an emergency c-section. I was conscious for about 10 minutes just after they removed my baby which arrived six weeks early. I was trying to scream as l was in a lot of pain, then l was unconscious for 5 days. I remember saying to my husband “ Is she ok” and what did you call her,but that was it. I had 5 pints of blood. I was very sick. It was horrific.
I love your videos. I had a lobectomy on my thyroid and once extubated I was gasping for breath. It was horrible and the nurse anesthetist wouldn't listen to me as they wheeled me into pacu. It was the scariest thing I had experienced. Gave me great anxiety for a long time.
A cousin of my wife had surgery. She was put to.sleep, but she was awake and could not talk or move. I can't remember if she said she felt pain or no pain . When she was able to talk and move , she told the doctors what happened and was laughed at. They the staff only believed her, when she told them about their conversation in the OR while she was being operated on.
I am afraid of heights, the fear paralyzes me. But this is my worst nightmare. I am having surgery soon. It's at the VA so I am already nervous. I also have PTSD. Thank you for explaining this, even if I am still almost terrified.
One procedure intubated 3 different times . Woke up in ICU on life support. They claim I may have had a heart attack on the table. So they over loaded my right hand and arm with a high dose of potassium. When I woke I pointed to my right hand indicating to nurse I wanted it out as it was ungodly painful. I also think honestly that the potassium was used to send pain in to my right side of my body was affected. To cover up the abuse to my being.
I had two heart stents inserted. I could hear everything and thought I was talking to them. When the stents were in place it felt like my hair stood on ends. But I didn’t feel any pain after the put the tube in my groin area. Cheri in Arizona
Also, I heard you can be paralyzed but aware therefore you can't move. Maybe I missed it in the video, but would you be able to tell that by just monitoring vitals or no?? Tysm.
Two questions. First, in my tweens I had to have minor surgery. I was almost looking forward to it so I'd have a chance to geek out over the OR. But when I got the pre-op shot in my room and that took effect, I guess I had a panic attack that lasted until I was in the OR and was knocked out by the general anesthetic. Is it possible to guess what type of tranquiler or whatever, and how often does that happen to do the opposite?
Second, as an adult I had to have my wisdom teeth removed. They told me I'd be out cold. Instead I got an injection into my IV, nothing seemed to happen but the doctor went to work filling my gums with Novocaine. I was okay with that thinking he was just wanting to get right down to business and soon the IV stuff would kick in. The next thing the doctor picked up looked like it would hurt so I said "Hey you know I'm still awake here, right?" He said not to worry about it. Well, it was pretty uncomfortable, not tooth nerve pain, but feeling like he was going to break my jaw and I was gagging from blood going down my throat. I requested suction and repeated that I was awake but he went on working. I turned my attention to the assistant or anesthesiologist and saw she was giving me more. That was enough to make me pretty dis-inhibited and I began flirting or being lewd even though I'm not into women, in the belief that if I laid it on thick enough she might be flattered and give me enough or would be offended and shut me up. Long story short I believe I was awake through having two teeth pulled/cut out and my request to take a tooth home was shot down.
I can't say I was in horrible pain, but I did have a lot of anxiety that the medication seemed to not be doing what I was told it would and so I thought something was wrong and that things might suddenly get painful--why else say they'd knock me out. I also didn't like that the doctor seemed to think of me like a hunk of meat on a butcher block rather than a live human like a normal dental experience usually goes. The only other thing I can say about the medication is that afterward I felt very good and against doctor's orders, still bleeding and high as a kite I went grocery shopping and talked with everyone I ran into as if they were old friends.
Anyway I'm guessing in hindsight that the drug was intended to relax me, not knock me out or make me forget everything? I suspect they had a change of plans because I was upset. If true, I hope anyone doing this kind of work will do a better job of informing their patients about what to expect. Even if you think it was a weird dream, it would be good tell the patient that dreams are a possibility.
6 procedures from simple to complex, and another 2-4 coming up soon. The only time I think I woke up (rather than being awake the whole time) was my first colonoscopy. I remember wanting to watch the monitor, and I could feel the pressure of the probe in the middle of my belly. Honestly, I think I disturbed the surgeon more than anything.
I hate intubation. I have not felt it being placed or removed, but it’s godawful afterward. Given my neck surgery a month ago, my poor larynx has gone through hell, but finally recovering.
I’ve always been aware that time passed, just not how much.
Always such fascinating information
Thank you for addressing this … so helpful🙏
When I had tiva they didn't put any sort of eeg on. Or is that shown thru normal vitals? I've only had TIVA...
Also I can't have gas at all. So even with MAC it's propofol only w versed and fentanyl. It always worries me a little. Which is why I sort of wish I could be awake and only have versed lol and local or a block/spinal.
I have a vivid memory from when I had my tonsils out at age 14 of waking up in the midst of surgery. Apparently, blood was being suctioned out of my throat as I remember a clear tube coming out of my mouth and blood going up it, accompanied by a sucking sound. Almost immediately, I heard someone--probably a nurse--say, "He's awake!!" The anaesthesiologist must have then given me another dose of anesthetic because the next moment I was out.
I know one medication is given to paralyze muscles and another to put you to sleep. Learned that the hard way. New level of pain when surgery begins and you're wide awake listening to and feeling what's going on !......All I could do was pray hard for help and do what came to mind....which was to mentally holler and scream as hard as possible to raise my heart rate and blood pressure ! It worked ! .....I began to feel myself loose consciousness. Guess I set alert signs off PDQ ! ? !
I woke up a couple of times during a procedure, but the doctor was aware at least (I remember him asking me if I did drugs), along with severe pain, but then being knocked out again. It was the AM after Valentine's Day and I made the mistake of having champagne the night before, along with coffee the AM of. Maybe I caused the problem? Either way, ,my boyfriend said he heard me screaming and crying the entire time. I am deathly afraid of surgery now. Thank you for your videos.
I have taken AEDs for longer than 28 years. No wonder I woke during my second cataract surgery.The surgeon was approaching me with the scalpel and I said, “Hello!” He jumped!
Hi Dr Kahve, is there any way you could do a presentation on Stellate blocks the evidence for effectiveness and treatment. I have been dealing with a probable SIH issues for over three years, the doctors I have seen do not think I am dealing with this although I do have imaging from a cisternogram that does show contrast outside the thecal sack but MRI with contrast of head, spine and CT do not show leak. I finally have appointment with a doctor well known for his understanding and treatment of this condition. But might need some help to cope with the hell I've been experiencing.
I was told I went into SVT during surgery when having a new replacement.