Question:
Worried about intubation

I've read several profiles that said people had to be intubated(air tube down throat) while awake. I have sleep apnea but do not use a machine. I have a horrible gag reflex and am worried about this. Should I be? Any tips as how to get through this?    — Michael H. (posted on November 5, 2003)

November 5, 2003
I actually don't remember being intubated... I do remember someone saying (after surgery was over, obviously) "we can get this out now", and I am assuming they meant the tube. I don't have any memory of any sensations from the tube at all, just of hearing someone talk about it.
   — Tim W.

November 5, 2003
If you have undiagnosed apnea DO NOT let work on you without a ppap or cpap. I had serious troublefrom this. small airway and hard intubabtion made me go into respertory arrest. They could not get the tube in at first. I was out for that, but they also could not get the tube out. I sat tied to a bed for half an hour tubed, concious and in unbearable agony while they used narcan to try and get me breathing. They jerked the tube out finally and I guit breathing. I remember thinking Im dying, but didnt care, just get it over with. I dont want to scare you but make sure they have all information and correct equipment to intutabe you correctly, or it could cost you your life.
   — MIKE S.

November 5, 2003
I was asleep, thank god. But ask your surgeon to make sure.
   — mrsmyranow

November 5, 2003
Michael, why are you not being treated for your sleep apnea? I don't wish to scare you either, but I have read of several complications and even a mortality on here because someone with sleep apnea went into surgey untreated for it. Shelly H.
   — Shelly I.

November 5, 2003
Hey Michael, The vast majority of surgeons/anesthesiologists intubate once you are asleep. I have heard of people awakening from surgery a little early - while still intubated - however, and the best advice for that is to just try and relax. Most often, the wakefulness lasts less than a minute, and you go back to sleep. The more agitated you become, the worse the experience is. I had horrible sleep apnea, and have a VERY strong gag reflex, too. I had no problems with this at all. Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

November 5, 2003
First of all I highly suggest that you tell your surgeon that you have untreated sleep apnea if you already haven't people have died from that. Yes there is a chance that you could wake up with the tube still in especially if you have apnea, It just depends on how well you breathe on your own. If you do wake up with it in, you must try and relax and let it breathe for you. My friend had a very hard time with it but thank goodness he only had it in a few hours. Good Luck To You!
   — Saxbyd

November 5, 2003
Michael, sorry I can't answer your question regarding your intubation, but just a word of advise - PLEASE get treated for your sleep apnea before you have surgery and make sure that not only your surgeon, but ALL medical personnel at the hospital know that you have it. Also, please make sure that they make provisions for the fact that you have sleep apnea. My best friend, Ginger Brewster, who's story is on the memorial page of this website, died because she had the surgery with undiagnosed/untreated sleep apnea. Best of luck to you for a safe and successful surgery.
   — Hackett

November 6, 2003
They will start anesthesia before they intubate. They often start anestesia with Verced, so you won't remember a thing, even if you are awake.
   — Cosmo K.