Anesthesia: Frightened of surgery after ICU and coma experience

Posted by kcbet2 @kcbet2, Dec 4 12:28pm

I was in a medically induced coma on a ventilator for 7 weeks due to COVID in 2020. I also had the most horrible nightmares. I may be having surgery soon. I'm terrified of " going back to the dark place" under anesthesia. The lost of a month and a half of my life not knowing what was happening in the world was traumatic for me. I know this may be just for an hour, but the uncontrolled loss of time scares me. Thoughts? Thank you!

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vlbondon | @vlbondon | Dec 4 3:31pm

Yes, I have thoughts for you! I had suepsis a year ago and due to fever and extreme meds I had delusions, crazy thoughts, fear, terror really, and no one understood. I was terrified to sleep because the night nurse turned into a ninja cleaning the floors. I was in hospital for nine days, 8 of them with these thoughts. Took same IV meds at home for 6 more days, but the nasty thoughts went away the day before I left hospital. Believe me, you were in a unique state with your coma and covid, it will not appear out of nowhere during a regular surgery. Do warn the doctor and staff of your fears and see if they need to avoid certain anesthesias or meds during the process. They have options. There are also drugs to give you that erase memory of the whole day/night. Just be frank with everyone, you are not alone in these fears. Good luck.

katey122 | @katey122 | Dec 4 6:01pm

I too was on a ventilator with covid, in ICU for 3 weeks. I don't remember a thing for long stretches of time.
Unfortunately, for me , I am looking at having colon surgery and I am terrified. I had to be resuscitate last time. I'm frightened.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 5 days ago

@kcbet2, @katey122 and @vlbondon, I can understand your sincere fears of having to go under anesthesia after the ICU experiences you've had. I agree with @vlbondon that you should let the physician anesthesiologist, the surgeon and supporting staff know about your fears and previous experiences.

You might appreciate reading these tips and background information:
- Pre-Surgery Anxiety? The Anesthesiologist Can Help https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/anesthesiologists-help-calm-surgery-anxiety

@kcbet2, whether your surgery is one hour or 10, your fear is real. Having post intensive care syndrome is real. Have you considered talking with a therapist about the fears and using tools like cognitive behavioral methods to help with the anxiety before the date approaches? When is the surgery scheduled?

@katey122, how soon will you have surgery?