Intubated.... awake! Yikes!

When I talked with the anesthesiologist last week, she said that I should be awake when they intubate me before the surgery because of my reflux problem. I will also have the tube removed AFTER I wake up from surgery. Anyone else have to do this? Is it as bad as it sounds? She said that the residents will be excited to do this because they don't get the opportunity very often. Trying not to get too paranoid, but it just does not sound like fun to me. I guess in the realm of things, it could be a lot worse. I don't want to take the chance of aspirating acid into my lungs during surgery and then getting pneumonia. I would appreciate all of your prayers! Thanks so much for all that you do, my OH family. Tammy

Hubby says that is really rare... it is typically a method used in trauma, he says it is called rapid sequence intubation. They will give you some funky meds which will paralyze you but you remain concious through the whole procedure. They are supposed to do it quick and fast so it will be a matter of seconds. He says it does not hurt but now that they have told you this is gonna happen you need to prepare yourself mentally so you don't freak out. I would have smacked the doctor personally if he told me the residents were gonna be like kids in the candy store... not a way to "CALM" your patient! GEEZ Brightest Blessings for a Wonderful Day~ Jamie M. 257 lbs./5' 4"/44.2 BMI Surgery Date: 1/19/05 No matter what size, we are all Goddesses inside!

Hi! I am 3 days post op from an open RNY, so let me give you my perspective. (I'll be brief because I am still sore and tired). Have you done your research? If you have carefully chosen the surgeon and hospital where you want to have the procedure done, and you think that they are the best...TRUST THEM. They would not have a good reputation if they were not good at what they do. A good surgeon will not work with a poor hospital,,, a good surgeon will not work with incompetent anesthesia. Pick a great doctor and then have faith in them. In other words...don't sweat the details. Pick good caregivers and let them handle it. As a parallel...My wife and I drove quite far for OB/GYN apptments when we we expecting our children. It was worth it however, because our OB/GYN was the BEST! Choose great providers and have faith in their abilities! Unknown Comic

Thanks for the replies, Jamie and "unknown". I will put my trust in my surgeon and realize that they have my best interest in mind. I guess that I am just feeling out of control right now. I will concentrate on what I CAN do before hand, like riding my exercise bike and taking my vitamins. Also, getting things prepared for my sister who is coming to help out while I am in the hospital (I have 4 kids and my hubby will be staying with me). Anyway, thanks for the great insights! Tammy

Don't worry honey I work in an OR and believe it or not this happens more than you think. The "happy" drugs they give also have an amnesia quality so more than likely you will wake up and go to sleep but not remmember most of. You may remmember the fear but not the actual feeling. I know you will do well and good luck. B