What is Intubated?

Would someone please explain to me what intubated is? I have had 2 major surgeries but I am not familuar with this proceedure or I might be and did not know what it was called ... what is it for? Thanks, Georgeann

They put a tube down your throat / esophagus and hook you up to a breathing machine...they usually wait until you are asleep and remove it before you wake up.

Thank you for your responce. This sounds like the ventilator my Surgeon said that I would be on during surgery and a day and a half afterward. I have sever sleep apnea and being 500 plus lbs I can see this being a very vital precautionary measure. Thanks again. Georgeann

Georgeann, Have you already had your surgery? If not and the doc has told you about this then that is good so you will understand what is going on. Explain to your family about the tube also. Because if they are not prepared they may think that something is seriously wrong. But if they know that you will be on the machine for a bit after surgery as a precaution then everyone should be more relaxed, including you. I have severe apnea also. So I am telling myself these same things, even though the doctor hasn't said that this will happen, I realize that it is a possiblity and therefore I hope I will be mentally prepared. Hope things go very well for you. Vicki in Indy

Yep that's it! It will definately be an important precaution. Especially when you are trying to come out of the effects of anesthesia. Plus pain medication has a respiratory depressing effect. SO, to keep you comfortable and breathing at the same time it will be important. Plus it will help to keep your lungs sufficiently inflated to avoid getting pneumonia. Coughing and deep breathing are really important after surgery and as soon as you are off the vent, they should be working with you on that as well. It isn't the most pleasant thing in the world, but it will help you get the residual out from the anesthesia and continue to keep those lungs good and open! Jaimee's case is unsual (I am sorry you had to go throught that sweetie!) but you will (or should be) good and out of it before they put the tube down. Just keep that in your mind, that way when you do come out of anesthesia you will hopefully remember that it is there and it won't be a horrendous suprise. Be sure to let me know when you are gonna be there so I can come see you too! Big Hugs! Val

Thank you Val for this information. I really don't like anything up my nose or in my throat but I realize it is necessary. I have to keep telling myself that the discomfort is only temporary. I will let you know when I am rescheduled for surgery. On 1/11 at 8am I will be in OSU OR having the Vena Cava proceedure done. I'm looking forward to having this surgery and meeting you. Georgeann

Will you be inpatient or out for the vena cava? Are you having it in the Ross Heart Hospital? (sorry 20 questions!) My office is right by there! My husbands favorite line is "pain is progress" I think it's a little on the harsh side, but truly it is those things that are the hardest that make us the strongest! You know you are in my prayers!

Valerie, I will be in the OR in Rhoads and will outpatient. I have to report to room 105 in Rhoads at 8:00 am. I was told to bring all of my medications and prepare to be there for the majority of the day. Thank you for your prayers. Georgeann

Gee****yped this in once but it must have been lost in cyber-space! They put a tube down your throat / esophagus and hook you up to a breathing machine. They usually wait until you're completely under anesthesia and remove it before you come out of it. But some people remember what happens to them when they are supposed to be completely under...it's rare but does happen.

I had to have mine put in without being totally under. I was on twilight medication, but I don't think they gave me enough. I remember it very well.