I Hate Medical Stuff

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I know exactly what you mean. I had a similar minor operation a few months ago - I was only out for about 15minutes - but I had the biggest meltdown I've had since I was about five (when I had my last operation, haha).

The only thing I can say is... take lots of Rescue Remedy in the two weeks leading up to it, like several times a day (leave 20mins without food/drink either side of taking it so it works best). Then just tell them you've got Aspergers and make sure they're aware you might go into meltdown. And tell them to anaesthetise you as fast as they can so you don't have time to flip out or wait around or think about it. I was waiting for mine for about 45mins before they called me in which gave me plenty of time to get worked up and panic about it, I was totally calm and then WHAMMO all hell broke loose, I totally lost control. Get a morning appointment if you can too so you aren't waiting and thinking all day.

That said, the experience itself was fine. They just slip the IV in, which I didn't feel, then I vaguely remember them putting something in there that they said would make my chest feel a bit tight, and then putting a mask over my mouth/nose and counting to what I guess was meant to be ten, but they only got to about four... then waking up again!! It was absolutely fine, I don't know why I panicked so much (other than the 'they're putting those tools in me and I have no control' thing. It's the loss of control I hated most. Woke up completely shaking from the anaesthetic and absolutely exhausted but they gave me some juice or something and it stopped as soon as I had that first sip.

You'll be fine, just try not to worry about it too much. When it's done you'll wonder what the fuss was about!

Make sure they give you something to relax you prior to going down to theatre.

This will make you feel all calm and relaxed, lovely feeling.

Anaestethics (sp) are amazing, one minute the doctor is counting down, and then it seems like 30 seconds later you are awake in recovery, where it is very quiet and calm, and the procedure is all over and done with.

So the most difficult part is getting yourself to hospital, from them on you will be looked after really well and people will be caring.

Let the doctor and hospital know how you are feeling prior to going into hospital, let them know how anxious you, and they should document it so that those taking care of you, know to take extra special care.

I hate medical stuff, too-despite knowing, intellectually that it's necessary for treating a valid problem and will eventually be to my benefit (returning me to better health or at least preventing further deterioration/damage to an area). Can't convince my emotional system of this information, though.

Regret that I'm devoid of advice, haven't managed to conquer this phobia myself. Just going to dentist involves massive preparations & anticipatory dread, trembling, and panic. I take Ativan beforehand (in hopes of slight sedation, making me sleepy)-the shot they give (novacaine) makes my heart leap & zoom which worsens my fear/anxiety. I also bring an incense stick with me into exam room-I don't light it, obviously-but it still smells. I use that as "competing" sensory stimuli, to counteract that wretched smell of medical offices-from time to time, I'll sniff the incense, for at least a few seconds of relief.

Has been suggested to me to get knocked out for various dental things they've wanted to do to me, but I can't tolerate that, either. I can't deal with pain & gruesomeness, but neither am I willing to have my conscious awareness revoked (via general anaesthesia)-am too afraid of not waking up. So I do have some small sense of the uncomfortable position you're in, even though I've never had to endure anything so invasive & significant as you are facing.

If nothing else, one doesn't want to have to "feel bad for feeling bad". Your concerns & upsetment are valid reactions to have, I share those views towards medical procedures. Doesn't help for me to say "you're not the only one"-but this is true-and yet I still (ever-so-reluctantly !) go to my dental appts. & undergo things that I didn't think I could survive.

I'm right there with you guys on the fear-of-loss-of-consciousness thing. Not that I want to go through surgery awake - I just dread the thought of the general anesthesia that goes along with it.