“It’s like…your spirit leaving your body and then floating up to the ceiling above you.”
-Author Unknown
For most people, being under anesthesia is an unknown. They have never experienced it themselves before. And if they have, they are not aware enough to remember it. Without experiencing something, how can anyone understand what it’s like? Through research, I have collected some of the most common responses to this question.
First off, it is difficult to know what it’s like under anesthesia because everyone experiences anesthesia differently. The only thing that every person has in common while under anesthesia is that they are completely unconscious and unaware of anything that is happening around them. Some people feel very little, if any pain at all. Other people describe the pain as “strange” or “bizarre.”
While under anesthesia, there are typically two stages of sleep:
Stage 1 – This is a transitional stage between being awake and asleep.
Stage 2 – This is a more relaxed state, but not as deep as stage 3. The patient is still aware of noises and voices surrounding them, but they do not respond to these stimuli.
There are two different types of anesthesia (regarding the type of anesthesia given):
General Anesthesia – This anesthetic causes total loss of consciousness which represents Stage 3 sleep.
Local Anesthesia – This anesthetic only numbs specific body parts while the patient remains conscious. This is considered Stage 1 sleep because there is still some awareness of surroundings.
Typically, an individual will remain in stage 3 for about 60 minutes before being transferred to stage 2. At this point, the patient has not yet regained consciousness because it usually takes about 15-30 minutes for them to fully regain consciousness. They will then be taken off of the anesthesia machine and transferred to their hospital room where they will completely wake up.
Anesthesia is administered through a breathing apparatus called an “anesthesia machine.” The patient’s vital signs are monitored throughout this process because it is possible for the patient to stop breathing during surgery. That is why nurses are required to stand by the patient’s side during surgery.
On average, most patients fall asleep within 60 seconds after anesthesia is administered. As soon as they are asleep, their blood pressure and heart rate drop so doctors have to constantly adjust the amount of medication being given through the breathing apparatus. The patient has to follow certain rules when under anesthesia, just like drivers have to follow certain rules when driving a vehicle. For instance, they cannot operate heavy machinery until 24 hours after their last surgery because it is considered unsafe for someone who has taken anesthesia.
The most common types of surgeries performed while under general anesthesia are:
Orthopedic surgeries (such as knee replacements)
Cardiac surgeries (such as angioplasty)
Gynecological surgeries (such as hysterectomies)
In some countries, it is becoming more popular for patients to receive local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia. This type of anesthesia causes localized loss of feeling, meaning that the patient can still be awake while the certain body part that is to be worked on is numbed. Some people decide to stay awake during surgery because they are afraid of the risks associated with general anesthesia. Others feel that since there is no need for machines or tubes connected to their body, it’s not as scary as being put completely asleep would be.
When a patient chooses local anesthesia, they are typically given medication through an intravenous line to make them drowsy and will then be given more medication that makes them fall asleep. While under local anesthesia, the patient is monitored very closely because there is a possibility of waking up during surgery.
Local anesthesia can be used for:
Dental procedures
Orthodontic procedures
Inpatient surgery
Phlebotomy (blood drawing)
There are some risks involved with being under anesthesia, including:
Reaction to the medications given by the breathing apparatus. This is especially likely in people who have allergies or underlying respiratory conditions.
Reactions to medication given intravenously. Some of these medications can cause drowsiness or other side effects.
Reactions to medications given by the breathing apparatus. These medications may not be compatible with certain drugs that are being taken at home or certain medical conditions that the patient has. The anesthesia machine used requires a calibration check before every use so these checks must be done precisely and carefully.
Anesthesia is usually administered for about 30-45 minutes. It takes around 60 seconds after anesthesia is given for the patient to fall asleep. A lot of patients are aware of their surroundings before falling completely asleep. Most patients typically stay in stage 3 for about an hour before being transferred to stage 2 so they can have enough time to come out of the anesthesia sedation before moving to the recovery room after surgery is complete.
Most people feel groggy or sore in their surgical area for about 24 hours after anesthesia is administered. Pain medication that will be given by the breathing apparatus, through an intravenous line, or by mouth can help relieve pain during this time. Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting. This may be caused by a reaction to the anesthesia medication or to other medications given for pain. If these problems are not resolved, the doctor may switch pain medications. Patients will typically feel more like themselves after 24-48 hours after their surgery.
People who have had local anesthesia describe the grogginess differently than those who have received general anesthesia. Some people feel groggy or dazed after their surgery is complete. Others report feeling tired but having a clear head sooner than people who have received general anesthesia.
People who are under local anesthesia can go home within an hour of waking up, whereas those who receive general anesthesia will be required to stay in the hospital for several hours after surgery is complete to be monitored.
General anesthesia is intended to cause a loss of feeling so the patient does not feel anything during their surgery. General anesthesia can be used for any type of surgical procedure, including long or complicated surgeries that require advanced medical equipment. It means that the patient will experience complete unconsciousness and lack of muscle movement while they are being operated on.
General anesthesia is typically given through an intravenous line and then a breathing tube. The patient may react to medications used or be aware of their surroundings before falling asleep.
The most common side effects associated with general anesthesia include:
Unusual dreams, feelings of detachment from reality, and hallucinations.
Some people say that they felt pain or pressure during their surgery after they woke up.
Some people experience vomiting, nausea, and/or sore throat because of the breathing tube used to help them breathe during their surgery.
What is it like under anesthesia?
– People who are under anesthesia often feel groggy or “out of it” for one to two days after their surgery.
– Different types of anesthesia can cause different side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and pain while the patient is recovering.
– It takes about an hour for people who have received local anesthesia to go home but those who have received general anesthesia will stay in the hospital for several hours after their surgery.
What are the characteristics of anesthesia?
– Anesthesia is intended to cause a loss of feeling so the patient does not feel anything during their surgery.
– General anesthesia can be used for any type of surgical procedure, including long or complicated surgeries that require advanced medical equipment.
What can you do if you’re going to be under anesthesia?
– Prepare yourself for the recovery period after anesthesia by thinking about what you need to do once you get home.
– Talk to your doctor or nurse about any questions or concerns that you have before surgery.
– Ask your doctor or nurse if there are any alternative treatments that can be done instead of general anesthesia.
How can you help someone who is going to be under anesthesia?
– Talk to your loved one who has received general anesthesia after surgery.
– Offer to help them with their needs before, during, and after they are discharged from the hospital.
– Ask how you can help them recover at home once they have gone home from the hospital.
Conclusion:
General anesthesia is the most common type of anesthesia given to patients. It causes a loss of feeling so patients do not feel anything during surgery and usually lasts for just a few hours after surgery. There are many side effects associated with general anesthesia including pain, vomiting, nausea, and sore throat because of a breathing tube.
Thank you for reading! Learn more about what it is like to be a surgeon too!
