Question:
I am probably being psychotic (sp) but

during my initial consult, the surgeon said I WOULD have a n-g tube as well as being on a respirator for at least the first day or so. I don't think I am a whiney baby cause I plan on having my tummy cut open and my insides redone (how tacky) but for whatever reason these two aspects really bothered me. Have all you post ops had these two items in your experience and if so, am I just being silly. Thanks    — Beth C. (posted on November 14, 2000)

November 14, 2000
I had the NG tube, but whatever breathing aparatus they used to keep me alive during surgery was GONE when I woke up. Just the little oxygen canula. They DO install them while you are out, you know? Annoying, but the world does not end. And yes, I think that you are NORMAL for fearing having your guts spread out for all to see and wadner through and having pices of hardware inserted into your various orifices. My doc says if you are not afraid of surgery, THEN they call in the shrinks! However, now that you've had your panic attack, do bear in mind that you do not feel the installation and these are what keep everything running smoothly, so they are "normal" in a surgical situation.
   — vitalady

November 14, 2000
I had those wonderful contraptions & made it through. I smoked for 13 years & have asthma,so my breathing tube was still in when I woke up. Not a pleasant experience,but much better than suffering complications! It was the worst when they took it out,but that took about 2 seconds. You will be fine. Just be sure to hit the button on your morphine pump before they pull it out! (It really does help)
   — melmas

November 14, 2000
I was in so much pain...I never cared about the tube or the catheter or anything else for that matter.
   — Tracey D.

November 15, 2000
I agree with Tracey..I was so pumped up with morphine that I didn't notice the contrapments they had on me. I was just wanting to get out of there and get it over with. I doubt if you even notice. They put all the contrapments on you or in you while you are under the influence anyway. Don't worry about it. But, I can see you imagining all of this. I did the same thing. It is not as bad as you invision it to be. God bless you on your surgery date. May he renew your strenght afterwards also. Good Luck!!
   — Angela A.