Question:
air tubes, scared!!!!!

Hi, I'm 19 from the UK and don't know anyone who has this surgery who I could ask, I've been reading about people's experiences when they wake up from surgery, I'm really worried about waking up with tubes down my throat, as I gag very easily, also because of my weight (320 lbs)doctors have always had difficulty inserting IV tubes into me and have always caused me alot of pain when trying, the actual surgury doesn't worry me but the needles,epidural,cathiter and tubing terrifies me, my operation isn't for a few months but I'm already having panic attacks thinking about it. How bad is this, am I worrying over little things. One other thing(sorry for moaning on) I am very ashamed of my body and tend to hide it under clothing, so I'm worried about having doctors and such going near me, I know this is stupid as they have seen it all before but I'm still worried, have any of you had the same problem and if so how did you over come it? Thanx for you time Jeni, Liverpool, England    — Jeni M. (posted on August 27, 2002)

August 27, 2002
Hi! I just wanted to tell you to that when i had my surgery 1 year ago on thursday the 29th. I don't even remember waking up with the tubes in my mouth. The doctor said 9 times out of 10 people don't remember. I would just tell the anastesiologist (?) your worried and they can give you something to make it easier. Believe me you want to be as comfortable as possible. Good luck and you will do great.
   — Yvonne C.

August 27, 2002
Hi Jeni...I was intubated and catheterized after I was "out". In fact I was out before I ever left the holding room. I woke up with the device they use to open your airway (but not the actual hose attached) in my throat and I just motioned to the nurse to remove it, and she did immediately. They just wanted to leave it in to see how I began breathing on my own (I have sleep apnea), before they extubated me. It was not scary at all. Most people, from what I have read, are extubated already when they awake. I didn't even notice the catheter being in until I had to get up and walk and saw the bag there collecting the urine. I didn't really feel it in there...the pain drugs pretty much give you a numbed out feeling all over. I suffer from anxiety and have had many panic attacks. Trust me, you will not CARE what people are doing to you because the drugs zone you out so much. I was astonished that I didn't care a whit that I had a male nurse and a female nurse BATHE me the evening after my surgery. They were so gentle and caring, and you just know they are there to help you feel better. When the nurse removed the catheter (I was about to take a shower the second day post-op), it took like 2 seconds...zip and it was out and no stress at all. I was so pleased with the care I got the three days I was in the hospital that I wrote thank you notes to both the ICU nurses and the floor nurses. I'm sure your experience will be as good...try not to worry too much. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 27, 2002
Hi Jeni - I had the exact same fears. I had never been in the hospital before for anything and was pretty panic-y about being naked, etc. Turned out OK. They put all the tubes in while I was under and I didn't really feel any of them. I didn't even feel it when they pulled them out. My throat was a little dry from the ng tube, but improved quickly after it was gone. I am self conscious even around my husband, but somehow I just didn't care while I was in the hospital. I was VERY surprised that it didn't matter to me. GOOD LUCK!!
   — jen41766

August 27, 2002
I had the surgery July 5 th. I didn't have any tubes when I woke up.I just had an IV and a cather. Unless you need insulin I doubt you'll see any needles either. All medications are but in your IV. I know it's scary, I was scared too but it turned out to be much easier than I expected and I have already lost 44 lbs. You'll be glad you did it!
   — Sharon M.