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I have these same fears. I am interested to see what responses you get.

I had those fears as well. I had never had surgery before this experience. I was told that the intubation would be gone when I woke up. I woke up in recovery and it was indeed gone. I had risk factors as well and did spend the first night in the ICU. The nurses were great. I was transfered to a regular room the next day after I passed my swallow test. They also removed the catheter before I went to my regular room. The only negative experience I had was from the liquid I had to drink for the swallow test. It is quite vile. When I was back in my room, I could just tell that it was not sitting well with me. I told the nurse. She gave me something for the nausea and that took care of it right away. It is natural to have fears. This is unchartered territory. Have faith. Have confidence. It will be OK.

I have high BP and sleep apnea. I woke up in the Recovery Room and my tube had already been taken out. I'm an ICU RN so this was something I was afraid of also. 3 days on a routine surgical unit...no surprises;uneventful post op course.

OMG!  Thank you all for responding!  I feel some better already.  You can be sure though that I will discuss these fears with both the surgeon and the crew that will knock me out.  Spending the night in ICU is one thing, but the respirator just freaks me out.  I am closterphobis and I am scared to death of the fear I would have if that thing is in my throat and I am aware.  I would be swinging too at anyone around.....hence why they tie your arms down! 

I asked my surgeon the specific question of putting in and removing the breathing tube as this was one of my biggest fears.  I was told they put the breathing tube in after I am asleep and remove before going into recovery.  I was soooooooooo  relieved.    

My Dr puts all of his patients in ICU regardless of their comorbidities.  I wasn't so bad.  Private room and 1 nurse to every 2 patients.  I rec'd very good care.