Question:
Is there any chance of waking during the surgery?
I have put off asking this for weeks tho its a nightmare of mine. I am afraid that I may panic more than a few people. But I figure the fear is only going to grow in my mind unless I put it out there. So here goes...I remember, a couple of years back, reading a magazine article (not a tabloid) about a woman who actually woke during a surgical procedure and was paralyzed by the anesthesia and so could not tell anyone what was happening. She felt the entire procedure. I forget the magazine that I read this in, probably Good Housekeeping or one similar to it. I never read tabloids or other yellow journalism type publications. Nevertheless,I cannot imagine this happening. Has anyone else ever heard of such an occurance? It sounds like one of those urban legends, but I distinctly remember the article. I apologize in advance if I have put new fears in anyone's mind, but perhaps the responses I get can put all of us at peace. Thanks everyone. — Donna L. (posted on July 23, 2001)
July 23, 2001
I also have this concern. I can't believe someone else does too!!!! I
actually had something like this happen to me during my gallbladder
surgery. I was given something to make me relax and the anesthesiologist
(sp) asked me to count backwards and all of a sudden I was paralyzed. I
couldn't move a muscle...not even an eyelid...and I was so afraid they were
going to start the incision while I was still aware and feeling, it was
horrible. Then I woke up in the recovery room. So I guess the anesthesia
took over as it should.
I had one other surgery after this. I told the anesthetist of this
experience and my concern and he assured me he would not let it happen
again. I saw a TV report about this happening to people in surgery. It
really happens. Talk to your doctor before the surgery and make him aware
of your fear. I'm sure he will take care of you.
— [Anonymous]
July 23, 2001
I read that article too.
That is one of my biggest fears,i hate pain and that would be so terrible
to have to deal with,But I figure that there is such a slim chance of that
happening,that I would rather have the surgery and chance it.
— Brandy P.
July 23, 2001
I actually viewed this story I think on 20/20 or something like that.
Turns out the woman was going in for a "minor surgery" that
should have only taken 20-30 minutes. However, NEVER went to sleep, but
was only paralized. Unfortunately, she felt everything and was unable to
verbalize her pain except that at one point her blood pressure rose, the
doctors stopped for a moment until it stablized and then continued. The
surgery last about 2 hours, and needless to say she's been disabled and is
in therapy. The hopsital later discovered the empty canister that had the
meds to put her to sleep.
I also had a bad experience where I was being put to sleep for an emergency
C-section. All of a sudden, if felt as though someone was standing on my
chest, and when I went to take a breath, I couldn't! It was clear I was
distressed, but all I could hear was "you're okay Kimberly", but
they didn't know I couldnt' breathe! Needless to say I woke up fighting
and completely delirious (I can almost laugh about it now.
At any rate, the best thing you can do is verbalize ALL of yoru concerns
with your doctor and anesthesiologist. Make it clear that this is a fear of
yours, and that they can help you relax by just "double checking"
everything when you arrive in the operating room. I plan on doing the
exact same thing. Good luck to you!
— Kimberly D.
July 23, 2001
Hello, I am speaking for my self, but when I had my C-section, it happened
to me. I was takin' in for a emergency c-section, and was to be put out. I
remember just about everything. I was praying to God that i would pass out.
I of course could not speak or move, but I thought, if i quit breathing,
one of the moniters will go off! Anyway, One reason I found out that
happenned is that I was so wound up after being in hard labor for so long,
and also the fact they did not want to harm the baby with too much. I think
that being bigger contributed to this also. When I had three other
surgeries some years after that one, i never had another problem. It will
be fine, just tell dr. of your concerns!
— Marie A.
July 23, 2001
AHHHHH!!!! I've been worrying to death about everything else and now
another worry??? I didn't even think about that!!! But thanks for bringing
it up, I think, haha!!! now I have one more question to ask my Doc on my
preop exam. (((*))) (((*)))
— [Anonymous]
July 23, 2001
Noooo, I wouldn't think so. We would have already heard about it. When they
stuck the IV in me I was out and don't even remember waking up in the
recovery room. I only half way woke up when they transferred me to the ICU
... I made sure to touch my stomach to make sure the surgery had been
done...sure enough, they did it. I never felt a thing even AFTER the
surgery. However, I did push the little button for pain "just
because." Good luck, but I would not worry about that.
— [Anonymous]
July 23, 2001
Wow...am I glad I didn't read this before my surgery last Tuesday. My mind
picks up everything...so this would have taken the cake. Anyway, I
remember going into the room and having my arms strapped down and THAT WAS
IT. I barely remember recovery. I met with my anthesthesia guy right
before my surgery (like, moments before) and with my surgeon again. I
liked that that they both came into pre-op to meet with me and hubby, take
a last minute look at my charts, etc. If you have good, quality docs, I
think you'll be okay. Good luck to you.
— blee01
August 5, 2001
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WAY!!!! They give you enough to keep you under just as
long as they need to. If they see your stats starting to change(meaning
that you might wake up soon) they will just give you another smaller dose
to get you through to the end. Don't worry, it will be fine! These people
are professionals, they know what they are doing.
— [Anonymous]
October 1, 2001
I too have this fear. I have been under general anethesia twice in the
past without problems. I did read the article you are talking about, it
scared the dickens out of me. I just can't imagine what that poor lady
went through. I plan to voice my concerns to the doctor.
— DebbieJ
January 27, 2004
sorry all to be the bearer of bad news but it can and does happen at
times.. when i had my apendix out i felt everything although i couldnt wake
to tell them.. eveyrone pretty much thought i was full of s*** when i told
them afterwards.. then about 10 yrs later i had my next surgery a d&c
for miscarraige and i woke right in the middle of it tried to grab for my
stomache and the drs yelled grab her arms! this whole episode took only
about 30 to 45 seconds before i was out but i remember it all and the pain
was horrifying. just recently a man woke durring wls and pulled his own
breathing tube out.. so it can and does happen, talk it over wiht the
anestsiologist.. if you havent had problems in the past u probably wont
now..for me anytime i have surgery i have to have an extra drug..
good luck
dawn
— alekktra
January 27, 2004
Well, i too hate to be the bearer of bad news but that is exactly what
happened to me during my rny surgery in Aug 2002. My first clue should of
been when the anethesiologist stopped my ability to breath before i was
completly under. So for about 2-3 seconds (seemed an eternity) i could not
breath. Horrible feeling. Then at the end of my surgery, i regained some
sense of awareness. I felt the final 5 stitches that were being put in my
stomach. I tried to scream for help.. To move an arm, an eyelid,
something. I begged (in my mind only) for some kind of a sign that would
tell them...HEY!!!! STOP!!!! I AM AWAKE... But no such luck. When i fully
awakened in recovery. I was crying. My surgeon came in and i told him
exactly how he had closed me up. He was shocked and very upset I went
through that. I learned this was the first time this anethesiologist had
done bariatric patents. Since I was MO and had severe sleep apnea, i was
not given the proper amts to keep me under. I have nightmares still and
dread any type of surgery I may ever need to have again. Sorry to scare
anyone, just the truth
p
— patti R.
June 15, 2004
Yes, it is possible to wake up in surgery (I'm a post surgical nurse). It
happens alot more often than people realize. A GOOD anesthesiologist will
be able to look at your weight, your height, consider your other health
issues such as Sleep Apnea and administer the correct amount of gas and
bring you thru with no problems and no awakenings. This takes skill! Talk
to your doc about this and request to meet the anesthesiologist. Some will
meet you prior to admission to discuss his role in surgery and to alleviate
any fears you will have. He is a doctor too. Have questions prepared in
advance that you want answers to. Most anes. docs will only visit just
minutes before surgery. He has read your chart and probably prescribed some
meds as well to prevent you from throwing up post up until you are more
awake and can handle your body functions. In my hospital it is anesthesia
who handles the epidurals for pain control (CEA's) or the pain pump that
you push the button (PCA). If you decide to meet with him before surgery
find out which doctor will be handling pain control (surgeon vs anesth). If
you have any questions regarding pain control now is the golden opportunity
to get your answers.
— nitengale
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