Sex, lies, and anesthesia
Jul 12th, 2007 by Terry
Now that I’ve got your attention….let’s look at some of the voodoo and snake oil misconceptions that are out there about anesthesia.
You’ll never be able to anesthetize me - I can fight it
There has yet to be a human being that has come before the anesthesia altar who has not fallen prey to our one-two-knockout punch. Nobody is immune to the stuff, and no documented morsel of evidence has yet to surface about building a tolerance or resistance to our almighty drugs. Sorry, but you’re going to sleep, whether you fight it or not.
Did I say a lot of stupid things, or I’m so afraid I’ll embarass myself and reveal all of my deep dark secrets under anesthesia
Much to all anesthesia providers’ disappointment and dismay, we really never get to hear any good dirt, or for that matter anything stupid either. That’s because you are asleep, or so sedated that you are not talking. In other words, you are totally out of it. This misconception of saying something you wish you hadn’t while “under the influence” may be a throwback to Cold War spy tactics, or maybe the old Dragnet TV series, and the administration of “truth serum.” Nope, doesn’t happen.
I don’t want a spinal (or epidural) for my anesthesia because I don’t want to be permanently paralyzed for the rest of my life
A spinal or an epidural will numb you up temporarily and, depending on the technique and the dosing, may either make your legs and mid torso very heavy, and/or temporarily immobile. That’s the nature of the anesthetic, that’s how it works, and the two operative words here are numb and temporary. Not meaning to invoke images of the dentist here, but when you get a shot of novocaine, first you get numb, then it wears off, right? Same idea.
You won’t be able to get an IV on me. “This” is my only good vein
Naysayer! We always get our vein. It may not be the one they always draw your blood from, because for an IV we need to thread a 1 inch catheter into your vein. But you’ve got tons of veins, ALL OVER YOUR BODY. We’ll check out your arms first, rest assured.
I dreamed about sex while under anesthesia
No lie! You may have your typical or unusual or no dreams at all while anesthetized. It’s our drugs, but your mind. Enjoy the high - it’s legal.
* * * * * * * * * *
Special mention must go here to Grand Rounds at Aetiology this week, and Change of Shift at Nursingjobs.orgblog. Looking for some great reading - then go no further.
I’m a patient with chronic pain, and people who do anesthesia are a big part of my care. Saying something stupid is one of my biggest concerns. I generally do this well when conscious (smile). Thanks for writing such an interesting, friendly, blog!
Thanks for putting this information on the web. Your information is removing fear from patients as your first comment to this post advised.
Onehealthpro
Have you ever run into those people who swear they were actually awake during the surgery and insist they felt every cut? Wouldn’t the gauges that measure blood pressure, heart rate, etc. show the trauma they were experiencing?
Just curious if you’ve ever experienced that with your patients.
I clearly remember the anesthetist getting me to tell the surgeon all about how I discovered my latex allergy. (It involved condoms.) This was while I was sedated but not all the way under. The entire operating room cracked up. Luckily, I love to make people laugh and it wasn’t mortifying at all. But I also wouldn’t have just piped up with it if I hadn’t been under the influence.
I’m so thankful I found this article. Years ago, I had to have a number of procedures. My doctor hinted that I talked when I was under. I had a terrible crush on him and have been mortified ever since as to what I may have said. I have been known to sleep walk and sleep talk, so I figured anything could have happened. I do wish I was never made aware of it, but can now be hopeful it wasn’t as bad as I’ve been imagining.