Afraid of Intubation

Hi Deb,  here are my answers to your questions:

Why did they have to put a light down your throat- was there a camera attached to it? They told me it was to be able to scope down my throat.  I didn`t realize it at the time they were also putting the tube down too.  Yes there was a camera.  I couldn`t look at the tv screen as they had asked me not to move my head.

How long would you say that it actually took them, from when they first started putting the tube down your throat until they were done & you saw the light again?  
Hmmm, maybe 15-20 seconds.  It did seem like an eternity since I had no idea how long it would take.

Could you feel the tube going down your throat?  No, I thought it was the light that they were putting down.  The only thing I knew is that my gag reflex kicked in.

When you woke up in the recovery room, was the tube still in or had they taken it out while you were asleep?   They must have taken it out earlier.  When I awoke in recovery, I felt good.  My mouth was a bit dry.  I asked for ice chips and the nurse brought some.

If it was still in, when did they take it out?

Were you able to talk once it came out or was your throat too sore?  I was able to talk and sip fluids and suck on ice chips (the BEST!).  The nurse brought my Mom and one of my daughters who were waiting for me to come out of surgery into the recovery room.  They were so happy to see me.  My Mom is 79.  I spoke with them for a bit and even got to use my blackberry to send a message to the folks that were waiting to hear how I was doing.

Aw Judy, thank you so much for being so patient and answering my many questions. I guess that I'm luckier than you - at least (thanks to you) I know now that it will only be for 15-20 seconds likely so I'll just keep telling myself that it will be over quickly. I'm glad to hear that you couldn't feel the tube going down your throat - that makes me feel a bit better. I'll remember to ask the nurses for those ice chips - lol! You've made me feel less frantic about it than I was. Mind you, I'd rather they didn't have to do it at all but I guess it's kind of like having to kiss the toad before you find the handsome prince - LOL! Thanks again, my friend!

Deb

Hon - you have done an endoscope and survived just fine - this won't be any worse.  They freeze you and they normally give you something to relax you before you even go down.  Just make sure you get something to relax you in the OR waiting area about 1/2 hour before you go down. That should ease your anxiety. 

Hi Paula - thanks for the tip. Actually, I've never had an endoscope - after I had 2 Upper GIs, the doctors decided that I didn't need a scope, which was just fine with me! I guess it's just the idea of possible pain & gagging that is scaring me about it, but I feel a little bit better after the responses I've received.

Deb

I didn't even have the same anestesiologist at surgery as was at my pre op, they have to cover all their bases at PATTS so you can't claim later it was never discussed. It sounds like a few seconds of unpleasantness but you can get through it!

Dontcha just LOVE  that word.....DISCOMFORT !!!   Grrrrrrr

Why can't they be honest???  "PAINFUL"