Experiences Under Anesthesia: What It Really Feels Like

Undergoing surgery with anesthesia can be both a strange and surreal experience for many patients. While anesthesia is generally used to ensure that patients do not feel pain during surgical procedures, the exact sensations and memories can vary widely among individuals. In this article, we will explore common experiences under anesthesia, discussing what patients can see, hear, and remember. Additionally, we will touch on the differences in anesthesia methods and their effects on patient memories.

Personal Experiences with Anesthesia

I recently had my thumb reconstructed, which involved a somewhat unusual sensory experience. During the procedure, I could see people moving around my table and the surgeon performing the operation on my thumb. Interestingly, I could also hear people talking, but I could not make out the words at all. Perhaps most surprisingly, I never felt any pain during this brief period of surgical intervention. This scenario was unique, as it contrasts with my experience in other surgeries where I had woken up shortly after my operation.

Common Anesthesia Experiences

While anesthesia is intended to block sensations and ensure pain-free surgery, patients can vary in their experiences, especially when it comes to memory and awareness. In general, many people do not remember any details of their surgical procedure. Some may even forget the journey to the surgical suite if given a sedative such as midazolam or propofol prior to arrival. From my personal experiences of over a dozen procedures, there is a significant difference between receiving sedation and full anesthesia. The latter can lead to a state where patients may be completely unaware of their surroundings, which can be both reassuring and concerning.

Types of Anesthesia

Different anesthesia methods can result in varying levels of consciousness and memory. For example, a light sedation with a clinical nurse specialist (CRNA) or anesthesiologist can make a patient drowsy but still somewhat aware. On the other hand, a deeper anesthesia achieved with propofol and paralytics can create a dreamless, soundless, and painless experience. This type of anesthesia is particularly beneficial for procedures that require the patient to be completely relaxed, such as abdominal relaxation. Patients undergoing propofol anesthesia might not remember even being in the post-anesthesia care unit, where they are carefully monitored and assessed by specialty nurses.

When preparing for a procedure that requires deeper anesthesia, it is common to first administer lidocaine to prevent pain from the medication used. In my recent surgery, the CRNA used lidocaine to numb the injection site before using propofol. As a result, I did not remember getting my electrocardiogram (EKG) tags, Bovie pad grounding, the skin prep, or the urinary catheter insertion. My postoperative instructions were given preoperatively, which means the healthcare team was aware that I might not recall these steps. Nevertheless, I was able to walk and go to the bathroom within half an hour of the surgery.

Even if a patient receives only a light sedation with midazolam, which is a benzodiazepine, they may not remember details about the operating room setup or moving to the table. Personally, I have little anxiety about this process and tend to be relaxed. Some surgical centers provide patients with pamphlets that remind them they cannot choose their surgical team based on personal preferences such as sex, national origin, or religion. This information can help alleviate anxiety and ensure a positive experience.

Conclusion

Experiences under anesthesia can be unique and vary significantly from person to person. Whether a patient can see, hear, or remember details of their surgery depends on the type of anesthesia administered and the individual's physiological response. Understanding these various experiences can help patients and healthcare providers manage expectations and ensure a smoother surgical process.