Operation Awake?

[kevo2k7]

Can i choose to have an operation awake if i dont want general anaesetic?

[jiggy-gb]

depends what the op is for i suppose, a little more info from you will help?

[carrust]

I think it depends on the operation. A friend of mine has just had his torn achilles tendon operated on, & he chose to have an epidural.

[Panic Button]

Had an operation on my wrist under a local, and it was not easy.

I can understand you not wanting a general, but if it is anything major I wouldn't think twice about having one.

I doubt the doctors will give you much choice.

[kyra16]

yea you need to be more specific...but regardless if you don't want general anest. they can (dep. on the oper. of course)l give you a drug where you're "awake" but afterwards don't remember anything of the operation itself . but unfortunately can't remember the name of the med.

[Panic Button]

Kyra, does that mean you could have been in severe pain, but forgot it?

[stewey]

Would you really want to be wide awake while they took out your gall-bladder? Those are quite hideous, slimy things to see!

[kyra16]

good question panic...i had a br. tumor removed and they gave me this med. and i think there is pain control in it, because honestly all i remember was discomfort; not pain. that was just my experience though.

[Goodsoulette]

I had 2 operations on my back with a spinal. Makes you go dead from the waist down.

[stewey]

Kyra, your response sort of implies that the drug is still working!

[kyra16]

breast tumor; not brain sorry thought i should clear that up; quite a bit difference!

[kyra16]

lol thanks stewey

[jiggy-gb]

LOL @Kyra 16! Bless you! I had a very personal lady op with a local and although after the initial whince from the injection i didn't feel anything, i saw more than i would ever have wished too, so think carefully before opting to be awake. You can see an awful lot in the reflection off those mirrored lights above!

[kevo2k7]

thanx for ya advice guys its to do with having a cyst removed from my left testicle,any1 any clearer now?

[Panic Button]

I would discuss it with the doctor.

[jiggy-gb]

I had something similar near my 'on button', if that makes any sense? I opted for local after being given the choice. I felt very little, just the tugging sensation from the stitches. But, and it's a very big but, if you are lay on your back in the op, as i suspect you may be, the temptation to look in the light above you is overwhelmind, like rubbernecking at a car crash! And the amount of blood i saw almost made me pass out, so if you think you can be ok with that then go for the local, means you can get away quicker if it's an out-patient op.

[kevo2k7]

thanx again guys an jiggy i wud put up with any kinda shame mate if it means stayin awake lol i wont be seeing the surgeons ever again (hopefully) so im willing to put up with anythin other than bein knocked out lol

[Goodsoulette]

If they wont give you a local then a spinal is deffo an option. They'll have a little screen up so you can see and a lovely nurse to chat too the whole way through no doubt.

[jiggy-gb]

LOL Kevo, after all the stuff women have with smear, child birth etc, we have no such shame about baring our bits when we have to!

If the docs will let you have a local then i agree with you, for the 2 seconds that the injections hurts it's far better to know just what's going on with your bits!

Good luck and i hope it all goes well for you hun :o)

[~Wingnut~]

My hubby has had a few operations awake. He had a fistula put in his arm and watched them doing it. He said they gave him a drug that makes you drowsy and gives you the effects of being drunk but you don't remember any of it.

He had themeral (sp?) lines put in his groin and neck when he was awake and all they did was give him lignicain (sp?) which numbs the area but I'm not sure if that would even be a possiblity for your op.

Your best bet is to discuss it with your Doc/consultant and tell them your fears and that you don't want to be put out.

Good luck with your op :o)

[kevo2k7]

thanx again for ya support guys and jiggy i just thank my lucky stars that im well hung lol x