So it has been 4 days since my operation. The night before and day of were very rough due to my fear of anesthesia and drugs, my anxiety was unbearable. I could not handle my fear and I was up most of the night tossing and turning. The hour and forty minute drive was the shortest drive of my life of course and within a blink of an eye, I was in Dr. Shah's office.
The environment was very comfortable and the staff very welcoming and understanding. Because of the short notice procedure (A cancellation allowed me to go through with the procedure just 9 days after my initial consultation), I had to fill out all the paper work less than 1 hour before surgery.
For anyone else that also has irrational fear of strong drugs and/or anesthesia, my advice to you is, MAKE SURE YOU READ AND SIGN ALL THE TOA AND CONSENT FORMS AT LEAST A WEEK BEFORE SURGERY!!!
Now, I was given ample time to read and sign the forms and this was well before any meds were administered. However, reading through the list of the negative outcomes of anesthesia right before going under when you have spent the last 72 hours crippled with worry, is not something you want to experience right before what is supposed to be a life changing event. (This occurrence was entirely my fault as I agreed to take an appointment less than 2 weeks out from my consultation, with the understanding that I could not get a pre op appointment before the day of surgery.) And yes, I realize the odds of any serious problems with anesthesia are very slim.
After almost leaving the office and driving away several times, I finally signed the final paper and handed it to the office staff. Minutes later, I was in the preparation room taking the first dose of all my meds, changing into my gown, and taking pre-op photos. 10 minutes later, I got to meet with the Anesthesiologist. I expressed my fear and as I'm sure he hears this 5-10 times a day, he immediately did what he has been trained to do, comfort and distract me. I immediately knew he was playing mind games with me and despite being aware, I gave into them and it worked wonderfully.
Dr. Shah came in next, marked me up, and asked if I had any questions. All I said was, "You think this is doable?" He laughed and responded, "You are going to be very happy!".
Another 10 minutes passed and I was walking into the surgery room with my IV bag. Though it was a standard operating room, it was more pleasant than any other I had seen. I saw the supports where my arms would lay in a crucifixion pose. I mounted the table anyway and within a minute or two, the anesthesiologist told me he was about to introduce a concoction into my IV bag that would make me very relaxed and sleepy, I replied, "that's exactly what I hoped you were going to say!". He released the drugs and though I didn't get tired, I got super relaxed and careless. I immediately spoke up "That is exactly what I needed!", I heard a couple staff members laugh so I cracked a few more jokes in my care free state of mind.
I was finally ready to go under without freaking out. I fixed my eyes on a certain ceiling tile waiting for him to tell me to start counting backwards. Minutes passed and he still had not interacted with me. I could see the top of his hair net moving about the room as well as a few other staff members. I began to fear that they had already administered the Anesthesia without warning, to keep me calm. Maybe they thought I was out but I was completely aware of what was going on. I went into WebMD syndrome depression and then all of a sudden I was sitting up in another room slobbering on myself trying to communicate to my girlfriend and a new nurse. There was no 2 minute super nap, I had a zero latency surgical procedure. I never closed my eyes but 2.5 hours had passed without developing a single memory of my surgery.
I felt wonderful and was without a single ounce of pain. In my drunken state, they quickly went through post op directions and paperwork with my girlfriend and I was being pushed out the door in a wheel chair and loaded into a car.
I remember the ride home but I was pretty drugged. My girlfriend told me that Dr. Shah, the Anesthesiologist, and one of the OR nurses separately confronted her and told her the procedure went perfectly and the results are going to be amazing. Maybe this is a standard office tactic but it made me feel good on the way home. I rate the procedure day a 9/10.