Question:
I've read some people have breathing tube in when they wake up

from surgery and some don't. I'm so afraid I'll have a panic attack if I wake up and it's still in. They say it might be in for hour after surgery to see if you can breath on your own but I don't know if I can stand it. I thought the NG tube would be bad enough but this is worse. I'm having surgery Wed. Sept 29. Any suggestions appreciated.    — hannah R. (posted on September 27, 1999)

September 27, 1999
Hannah, I'm still pre-op for WLS, but I had to have a breathing tube several years ago when I developed complications related to having my gallbladder out. I, too, am subject to anxiety attacks, yet the worst I can say about the breathing tube is that it was mildly uncomfortable. When it was removed, it was moderately uncomfortable for a very short while, and then it was over. Hope this helps, Kim from RI [email protected]
   — kmcgarghan

September 27, 1999
Hi Hannah: Jan Terry here. Most people do not have a breathing tube when they wake up. If you should happen to need one after surgery, believe me they will keep you so drugged up that you probably won't even remember it. I didn't feel any anxiety before my surgery because I just knew that this was what was right for me to do. I hope you have the same peace and good experience that I had. I'll keep you in my prayers that all things go extremely good for you and that you recover fast. Good Luck and God Bless, Jan Terry
   — Jan T.

September 27, 1999
There, there. Take a deep breath. Don't panic. Many of us never even feel the "nose hose" at all. It's more gross to SEE than to feel. If you feel it, it is just an irritated feeling in your throat. I've had it for 3 surgeries, one irritated, 2 did not. It's really NOTHING and the alternative would be nausea, so nah, it is nothing. Its job is to vacuum up the left-overs in the pouch. I didn't wake up with the beathing tube, so can't help with that one!
   — vitalady

September 27, 1999
Please don't panic.....the likelihood of them waking you up with the intubation tube still in place is VERY unlikely....they can check your breathing without waking you....they usually wake you a few minutes after the tube is extubated....you will do fine.....jsut keep thinking positive thoughts..and remember if a wimp like me made it you can do it too.....
   — pam.leach

October 12, 1999
Don't worry about the breathing tube. I awoke from surgery earlier than expected and the tube was still in. All I remember was trying to swallow and not being able to clear my throat. It is not painful of uncomfortable. Believe me, when the nurse see you trying to take it out yourself, (which won't hurt you either) she will be right there to take it out. It is not unusual to wait until a patient awakens to remove this tube.
   — [Anonymous]

January 8, 2000
Hi, I had surgery on Wed, 12-22-99. I woke up and the the breathing tube was in place. I was so out of it that I did not really note it. My complaint: I was in ICU and they were monitoring my breathing. Each time I fell asleep the darn thing would start beeping and my husband would be squeezing my hand and telling me to breath deeply. Point? Don't worry about the breathing tube. The naso gastric tube if you find it in place might be a bit uncomfortable, but it will not hurt you and you can ask your doctor about removing it. For the most part just try to relax and if you can, allow your body to recover from the stress of surgery and "go with the flow" as much as you comfortably can and if possible have a loved and trusted one there to watch out and advocate on your behalf.
   — Andrea P.