Beech Tree News Network

Two of my daughters have surgeries scheduled soon, causing me to think more about such procedures. I read that an American has an average of 9.2 surgical procedures in a lifetime (This estimate is based on a 2009 study by two Boston researchers, Drs. Peter Lee and Atul Gawande.). I am thankful that modern medicine can do so many things to enhance our comfort and extend our lives. I am also very thankful that anesthesia allows these procedures to be more comfortable.

Thinking along those lines, I wondered about the side effects of anesthesia people have commonly encountered. So, I asked friends and family: “Many of us have had surgeries or procedures that required anesthesia. Have you been ‘put to sleep’? If so, how many times, and did you have any problems or side effects?” Their responses are listed below.

-I’ve had numerous surgeries and had to be put to sleep. I’m blessed that I’ve never had any problems with that. My husband has been put to sleep numerous times also without any problems.

-I’ve been put to sleep five or six times. I feel groggy afterwards.

-I have fortunately never had surgery or had to be “put to sleep.” When I worked in the salon, I had clients who would suffer from hair loss afterwards.

-I have, unfortunately, had to have a lot of surgeries that required anesthesia. I’ve been under for different surgeries approximately 10 times. I do really well for the most part! It’s the best sleep ever! I do tend to get a little queasy afterward, but I can manage it with Sprite and meds. I’m always pretty sleepy and groggy for about 24 hours afterward!

-I’ve had six surgeries and have had only mild nausea afterward. 

-I was put to sleep when I had my gallbladder removed. On the way home from the hospital, I asked for Wendy’s chicken nuggets. But then I became consumed with the plight of chickens and cried and prayed out loud for them for the rest of the trip.

-I’ve been put to sleep seven times for surgeries – I’m not sure about the number of procedures such as colonoscopies, dental work, etc. I’m usually a little queasy in my stomach. The longer I’m under anesthesia, the more likely my stomach will be totally upset. But I always tell them so they give me something early for it. 

-Too many times, but now the medical process has it down to a fine “art.” Little or no side effects except I like to sleep a little longer.

-I have been under general anesthesia five times with no issues, thankfully.

-I have been put to sleep one time. I was young and getting my tonsils removed. I do not remember any problems or side effects.

-I have been put to sleep five or six times and never had any real side effects. I’m thankful for anesthesia staff who are good at their jobs!

-I have probably been put to sleep six times. It’s hard to remember them all. At least one time, I woke up very agitated and angry for some reason. Apparently, I acted poorly but I barely remember anything about it. My wife let me know later.

-I’m put to sleep for colonoscopies which I’ve had at least five times. I’ve had no major side effects, but am sleepy for a while.

-I have been put to sleep. I had nausea after, which is common, especially in women. As an anesthesia provider, I have witnessed everything from nausea after surgery, aspiration (when a foreign substance, i.e. spit, vomit, bile, gets into the lungs) to running a code blue (when your heart stops). Anesthesia is typically very safe but I’ve seen a lot of complications and side effects of surgery!

Based on these responses, the side effects of anesthesia generally seem manageable. I have had anesthesia ten times, and the side effects of which I am aware were sleepiness, nausea, and speaking senselessly. I am thankful for the professionals (including a granddaughter) who work to keep us as safe as possible through these procedures.