[sunrise]

I have to have an exploratory laparoscopy next month to look at my problem ovary. They said I would have a choice of spinal or general anesthesia. Based on what they see, they may continue on and do either a laparoscopic surgery to remove the ovary or move on immediately to a conventional surgery, which would mean switching to general if I had chosen spinal anesthesia. But the need to switch to conventional surgery happens only about 10% of the time that the ovary needs to be removed.

Anyway, I am wondering if I should choose spinal or general anesthesia for the laparoscopy? I have never had general anesthesia, and I guess I worry that if they knock me out, I may never wake up (I have sleep apnea and never sleep on my back due to my airway closing off). I also worry about the spinal, and that the needle may hit the spinal nerve or that maybe I really don't want to be awake during the procedure after all--is it weird to have them operate on you while you are awake? Any advice?

[bebop]

me personally would rather have the general. you will have an airway in so you would not need to worry about the apnea. they monitor you the entire time. I am terrified of a needle in my back like that

[ECHOES]

I'm sorry you have to have surgery, sunrise, but I hope they can help you feel better.

I have had general anesthesia many times and it is wonderful. I too have apnea and I tell the anesthesiologist this as well as that I have nausea after anesthesia and they monitor for the apnea, leave the oxygen on longer maybe, and they add an anti-nausea drug. I have had it so much I am completely comfortable with it and I trust it.

I could never let then mess with my spine. That scares me way too much!

[Christina86]

I'd have to say I've had numerous surgeries in my life... always using general anesthetic. It's a bit disconcerting but it's not really that bad.

Good luck, with whatever you decide.

[okiedokie]

Hi Sunrise,
I would make the decision based on my health. Generally (pun intended), I would go with the general anesthesia. Do tell the anesthesiologist about your sleep apnea because what he/she will do is not put you down as far and will bring you up and out more quickly. You will still be asleep, but there are varying depths of sleep, if you will.
Take good care. The surgery you mention is a very quick one so in either case, you won't be asleep for long at all.
Best,
Okie

I've had both... had alot of surgeries in my time... and had a spinal a few times... and general most of the time...

with the spinal... I was also given a drug so I wouldn't remember much... don't know what they would do with you..

I will say .. for me... only my opinion... I didn't like the spinals.... I usually had a very sore spot in my back for like 3 months after... but again.. that is just my body...

so me.. I opt for general all the time now..

[sunrise]

Thanks for all the opinions and advice, everyone. One thing I had heard was that it takes longer to recover from the surgery if you have general anesthesia. But no one here seems to be complaining. It seems like the consensus is to have general!

Good point, okiedokie, abou the length of the surgery. I will have to ask my doctor how long she expects it will take.

[bebop]

I think the added sleep after you wake up from general is well worth it. that and I could not stand to be awake while they do major surgery on me! no way no how! lol as far as recovery taking longer I think it is only sleeping off the general.