Question:
Has anyone woken up with the breathing tube still in?

What happens if you wake up and the tube is still down your throat. How do you control the panic I am sure will Occur    — jwd430 (posted on March 31, 2003)

March 31, 2003
I woke up and they were either already about to take it out, or they took it out right then, I'm not sure which. But, I was only awake for a second, then I was out again. That's happened with all the surgeries I've ever had. I wasn't awake enough to panic. As for people that wake up with it still fully in, I would have to assume they are still heavily sedated so they don't fight it. I wouldn't worry about it tooo much. Most of the time, when you wake up fully aware, it's already removed.
   — Diana L.

March 31, 2003
I don't mean to scare you but ask about this before they wheel you in. I was warned before they knocked me out that due to my sleep apnea and over large front teeth they planned on waiting to remove the tube until they woke me up. I have a major gag reflex, so it was actually the worst part of my entire surgical experience. My PCP was there holding my hand and keeping me calm until they were able to remove it, and even told me it was perfectly normal when I started vomiting after it came out. I wish I didn't remember any of it, but the rest of my recovery was a breeze, and I'd do it again in a second!
   — Melissa F.

March 31, 2003
I had my gallbladder taken out and when i woke up in recovery i still had my tube in. the nurses rushed over to me and gently took it out and they must have given me a shot of something because i remember laying back and the next thing i knew i was waking up with an O2 mask on. I dont remember any pain only a little discomfort. but the recovery room nurses in most any hospital are very attentive to their patients and if they see that you are starting to come around they are right there for you. You'll be okay. they take good care of their patients.:)
   — harleigh2002

April 13, 2003
I did after my first c-section. It was a horrible experience but I lived through it - since that was 15 years ago. The worst part was that I couldn't move my body yet and it took a minute for the nurse to see the panic in my eyes. I don't remember them taking it out - just panic and feeling like I was choking. I also don't remember any terrible pain - just discomfort.
   — jnc