Scared of having a General Anaesthetic

No you’re not being silly. People do die during operations but very rarely from the anaesthetic itself. The procedure you are going to have whichever it is is not normally high risk. You will have a pre-op assessment and you could talk to the nurse then about your fears and ask if that can be put in your notes. On the day you’ll meet the anaesthetist but that’s a bit late for helping you get through the time from now to June. Generally GA techniques have got better and better and I think anaesthetists have too. I had a GA in February and the day before unbeknown to my husband I made sure all my paperwork in the study was sorted out and all my passwords available - and I was having a low risk procedure too. What would have helped me in recovery room would have been knowing in advance what I might be hooked upto post operatively so it wasn’t a surprise ( and a bit of a worry). So I’m not saying don’t worry, don’t be silly etc but just try and keep your mind busy. I only had to wait a week so it wasn’t so long to worry in but I watched loads of mindless TV and went on MN as they do wonderful supportive threads on these issues and I got loads of great advice such as what nightwear to have and clothes to come home in and likely recovery times and all that distracted me and was very informative, supportive and kind. It’s better than GN for this sort of thing simply because there’s so many more members - I found several people in exactly my situation

The lady that passed away was probably very ill which you aren’t but I realise however practical you think you won’t actually get rid of the feelings but keep going over and over them I think talking it through with a professional should help

I would imagine that there are a few people who die under anaesthetic but very limited in number. You need an operation and it will make life better for you. I am sure the risks are low but ask the doctors. People are afraid of many things and I don’t mean to make light of your fears but I am sure you will come through this ok and feel much better after. Hope all goes well for you.

Tell your care team about your fears. They understand that people are nervous and are skilled at putting people's mind at rest. Good luck!

I understand your fear completely as it is one I share. I have never had an anaesthetic. You have survived two and you will do so again no reason for you to think any different. The other lady is not you. You will feel so much better once it’s done and you’ve recovered. Plan a treat for yourself later for being brave

Believe me times have changed and for the better. I had my knee replaced last year and was talked into having a spinal anaesthetic- I knew nothing about it. Before, I have always had a GA with no ill effects. Go for it.