Question:
I was told that I may have to be intubated while awake

I am having surgery on monday 3/26/01 and just finished my pre-ops yesterday. I saw the anesthesiologist and he said that because of my size that they would probably have to intubate me while I'm still awake prior to surgery. I am terrified. Has anyone else been told that before and did they do it? I thought I was prepared for everything but boy was I wrong. I am definately having pre-op jitters and any info at this point would deffinately be appreciated. Thanks, April B    — April B. (posted on March 20, 2001)

March 20, 2001
April, I watched a show on Discovery Health where they were doing a gastric bypass on a husband and wife. He was over 700 pounds so they attempted to intubate with an endoscope while he was concious. They couldn't get it to work because he wasn't able to relax and breathe. I would definitely ask my surgeon to give me some sort of relaxer before your surgery. When I went in for my surgery in January, for a myomectomy, they gave me Verced (sp?). It is like Valium. Anyway, I was REALLY relaxed when they took me to the OR. I wouldn't be terrified. You will be all right, and just focus on getting it over with so you can start your new life. I will pray for you and hope everything goes well.
   — Diana M.

March 20, 2001
It seems like I just told this story recently on another question. But, I had an n-g tube inserted once (years ago with another surgery) while I was awake, several days after surgery to drain off stuff that just wasn't moving. they had me chew on crushed ice and every time I would swallow, they'd push the tube in further. It wasn't pleasant and I wish I had been given something to relax. Apparently things have come a long way according to your other answers.
   — Cindy H.

March 20, 2001
I have had two neck surgeries in the past year and with both neck surgeries, I was intubated awake. Due to the fact, they were afraid of bending my neck too far backwards. And if done while I was awake, I would be able to let them know how far back my neck could bend without causing additional damage to my spine. I too was extremely nervous, especially the first time. I'm not going to lie and say it was pleasant...but afterwards, you won't remember a whole lot. They do heavily sedate you. They don't force it down your throat. I do remember choking a few times, each time I started to choke they took it out. I remember the doctor saying, "she has too great of a gag reflex, we need to sedate her more." That's it! That's all I remember. It's not that bad...don't let yourself get worked up because of this.
   — Elaine D.

March 20, 2001
April, a friend of mine had wls recently and they did this to her also. She said that they did not tell her until it was time to do it, which she appreciated. She said it was so fast she didnt even know what hit her. She did however lift her head up slightly and her voice is a little hoarse. She said that it takes a while to heal but doesnt hurt. Best of luck!
   — Lesa B.