Preoperative Preparation: What an Anesthesia Resident Tells Patients Right Before Anesthesia Starts
What do patients hear from their doctor in the minutes leading up to anesthesia? In this video, I explain the typical - and not so typical - conversations I've had with patients during my first five months of training in anesthesia.
0:00 Start
0:28 Pre-anesthesia routine
4:53 The "usual" encounter
5:37 The funny patient
8:01 The talkative patient
8:57 The nervous patient
10:25 The pediatric patient
Music: Subtle Swagger by Ron Gelinas: / atmospheric-music-portal
The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional.
#Anesthesiology #Residency #MedicalSchool
I have had the counting backwards but what helped me the most was the anasthesiologist holding my hand, look at me in the eyes and say 'I will be right here throughout surgery'. I know it's what they do anyways but their sincerity and kindness was everything. A big thank you to all medical staff x
Mine said the same thing:)
I had a PA to my plastic surgeon come in when I started losing it come in and hold my hand. It made a difference.
I don’t like anything covering my nose or mouth. I told the anesthesiologist this and he said ok, I’ll let you hold the mask. It REALLY did help.
You are definitely one of the “good ones” as far as doctors go. You’re real. You actually seem to care about your patients. Please don’t ever lose that.
I wish many more drs could expose there knowledge just like him. We would feel more comfortable when we meet for strong long procedures. Trust is number 1# to making us feel comfortable. Thabk you dr
@@mariag9029 best way to do that is to talk with them, sometimes you meet them during preop (the day before or a couple of days before the surgery/procedure). If there's no preop you'll definitely meet them da of surgery and you'll have plenty of time, its not a quick in and out they spend a lot of time preparing so that means you get plenty of time to interact.
Yes…your bedside manner means so much and is very rare and far between! 😢
you know.. nothing about this dude.
@@tericandeloro4082 I’ve had ones that come in before I go back, talk to me about what’s going to happen and then leave when I have no questions. Then when I get back there they tell me what they’re going to do and then once they put the mask over my face, wait until I fall asleep and barely talk to me. I want to tell them that if they continued to talk to me, it would help me to stay calm, but normally I don’t 😢 Wish I could have this guy as my anesthesiologist
I have been under general anesthesia probably 12-15 times in my life. It is my opinion that as a patient, meeting the anesthesiologist before surgery is one of the most important steps. He (or she) is the one who will guide you though the process of your surgery. The surgeon and surgical assistants might be the reason for the trip, but the anesthesiologist is the one who conducts the excursion. And meeting that person and gaining reassurance from them is terribly important. I thank you and all of the wonderful tour guides I have had for your dedication, expertise and care.
He and she aren't the only pronouns. Be more inclusive.
@@looksirdroids9134 No.
@@looksirdroids9134 get over it
@@looksirdroids9134 Sir Roids: OMG...you need a hobby.
And my guide sucked...Actually, the first time I met my anesthesiologist 5 minutes before the surgery. And he overdosed me so badly I almost died from STEMI
In my last surgery my anesthesiologist never said a word to me in the OR. He just talked to the others in the room about misc stuff. I felt very alone. Thanks for showing me that there is a better way to treat the patient.
That stinks. My last surgery the anesthesiologist hollered at me for raising my head, I lost consciousness arguing with him. 😡
Disgusting
@@thedrywallsavant4021 Very poor form. Find a different hospital next time.
I swear that my anesthesiologist was trying to kill me.As he was putting something in my arm it began to feel as if it my arm was on fire.I was screaming and hollering as he just stood there and looking at me like I was crazy.I don’t think I am going to that hospital again😢
@@sunettaferguson326 that's normal for propofol. Relax.
Back in the day, I had surgery at a pediatric hospital and I distinctly remember the anesthesiologist acting like I was about to launch into space with space monkeys. He made the oxygen mask and everything part of the story, and as he administered the anesthesia he started counting down for blast off. It was cute, but here’s the kicker… I was 16. 😂
I think that would actually give me some comfort going into surgery. To know that the doctor had done this a thousand times, enough so they could perfect that story gives me confidence in the competence of the anesthesiologist.
Hahaha that's quite the kicker indeed. I would maybe try something like that on a 16 year old who has already received some relaxing Versed.
@@MaxFeinsteinMD I was 7 with my first surgery and they called the mask "Monkey Perfume" and it stunk to high heaven
Could you do like instrument-to-instrument rundown of the story if you remember something, because that sounds hilarious...?
And @ Max Feinstein, MD , this is one of the things you could try with children.
An anesthesiologist once told me that they were upset because every time they met people that they fell asleep on them XD
LOL yes
I was scared to death , having never been operated on. Just petrified and think that’s why my heart was so excited and they said I had A- fib. Wish I could have spoken to the anesthesiologist later.
You’re funny.
I must be a very boring person everyone I talk to falls asleep lol😅
I’ve been under 3 times and the best thing my anesthesiologist did was pet my head and said everything was going to be ok. I was so comforted and all my worries melted away and it was the best surgery experience. I woke up in a good mood and not scared.
Same
So true
Best experience is when the doctor came in and he was real happy and said I'm your mixologist today and it free pour for you ma'am. He had me laughing all the way to the OR. Out of my many surgeries that was the best experience , I went under laughing.
I’ve had 2 surgeries and both time my Anesthesiologists were super humorous! Made me forget about the surgery totally! And, more important, I never had any bad experiences going in or coming out.
Similar...Once had a Anesthesiologist say, as he was adding the Versed to my IV....."Here comes that big frozen Margarita you were waiting for.."
The most important thing my anesthesiologist did for me was hold my hand and tell me I was going to be okay. He was going to make things go as smoothly as possible. Your explanation of the overall process has been extremely helpful for the three surgeries I have had this year.
I’ve had 3 chest surgeries and possibly need another and I’ve had the same experience. Especially the last one. That was a hard surgery.
I don't remember jack from my surgery 😅. Last thing I remember was them hitting the button to open the door while wheeling me out of pre-op, then I woke up in recovery.
@@mdgnys there’s some I remember more than others.
ay mine also did that but I wouldn't let go
Im scared my surgery soon .im scared with general anesthetic
I love this guy. I am a medical malpractice attorney in MInnesota and I found extreme value in the videos. I would totally want Dr. Max to be my anesthesiologist, if the need ever resulted. My wife just had a surgical procedure and because of Max's info, I totally tracked what my wife's anesthesiologist said. I think he was shocked beyond belief when I asked if he is going to pre-oxygenate my wife. Thank you Max.
I grew up in Minnesota! The U of M did my kidney transplant when I was a baby. Great hospital!
I am the nervous patient. Best thing to do for me is keep talking and explain what’s happening to me. Knowing what’s happening helps with the anxiety 😀
I remember my first surgery (I had JUST turned 17). My face/jaw was broken into about 11 different pieces (don't fall off cliffs, kids). When the anesthesiologist came in, she asked how I was feeling and if I'd ever had surgery before. I gave her the so/so hand wave because I was nervous, but my face was getting fixed, so I was excited! I showed her it was my first surgery. She had on Marvel scrubs, and I excitedly pointed to her scrubs and gave her a thumbs up. She asked if I liked Marvel, and I gave even more thumbs up. She explained everything using Marvel analogies, which I loved! When she asked what music I liked, I wrote down AC/DC on the whiteboard, and they had that playing as I was transported into the OR. Absolutely my favorite doctor! (edit regarding the "things to tell nervous / pediatric patients") - some of my other anesthesiologists have explained that it's safer than driving a car or flying a plane - one anesthesiologist joked, "you survived falling off the cliff, the car ride, and the ambulance ride, so it appears the odds are in your favor!" I've appreciated explanations of what is happening, like "I'm going to do this, and it will do this...." or "You'll feel/smell/hear this when..." or using analogies / references to a favorite movie or TV show to explain what everything is. I'd say my anesthesiologist at my first surgery did an excellent job of being friendly, being interested in how I was doing, and also making everything understandable so it was less unknown and scary.
How are you feeling now after the surgery to fix your face? How long was your recovery?
Ive have a variety of pain killers on board for mot of my life so my rx tolerance is quite high. Its surprisingly sad that docs don’t believe me that it takes a lot more to knock me out. I can vividly remember on at least three occasions the anesthesiologist asking me “how was i still awake” Dude i TOLD you
love this, thx!
Dr. Feinstein did my anesthesia a while back... He was excellent! Didn’t know he had a channel till I searched his name.
Cool!
nice
Sick
Why would you search your anesthesiologists name up though? I can't even remember mine, because he drugged me up good.
@@quasarproductions2690 At Mt Sinai you have to have Pre/post op appts with the anesthesiologists as well as surgeon
the best experience i had when i was little, was when they put a mask onto my teddy and everything that was done to me was done to my bear. It was a great distraction. After surgery my bear had a dressing like mine.too. I was around 6 years old and at 47 i still have lovely memories of having surgery.
Genius! This is definitely definitely what everyone should do. Really would help children
Aww wow that's so awesome. It would be cool if you kept the bear. Nice to have a good memory of something that could be so scary. I had joint surgery few years ago & I was so scared eventhough hospitals aren't a new thing for me. I was the extremely nervous patient (almost crying). When my surgeon asked what music I liked I said Justin Bieber but actually my fav is backstreet boys & NSYNC but I couldn't think. Thank goodness for midazolam. What is that stinky gas they give you & why do we need 100% O2 in our lungs before surgery if normal air isn't like that?
Totally a child life (CCLS) move right there!
I've always felt hospitals should give pediatric patients a special doll with the "same illness". I believe it would help the children understand what is happening to them. Also, medical play - giving the doll shots, taking temp, etc - helps them deal with their own experiences emotionally. I remember at the age of 4 I was sitting outside a room while my parents were registering me for surgery (procedure...there was no cutting)-tubal dialation. A lady sat down beside me and told me she was a petient, too. Then she asked me why I was going in the hospital. I told her, "Because I wet my pants". She said "oh!" And left. 🤣 I thought I was being punished for wetting my pants. When I finally got answers years later (I still don't completely understand it all), I told myself I would always explain these things to my kids. You can't just assume kids know everything that is happening to them.
hilarious and beautiful, i just wrote a comment about how when i was five after a car accident the anaesthetist gave my teddy a shot in front of me to show it wouldn't hurt me because i was scared of needles! ... the shot still hurt me, but cute in retrospect
I remember every single thing from the moment I woke up in the OR (after surgery) and hearing someone say "heart function normal" (so relieved to hear that) and then someone telling me your bff is waiting for you outside the recovery room. I still remember all of that.
Had my first surgery a little over a month ago. I was so nervous, but the anesthesiologist I had was super nice and explained what she'd be doing for me clearly. She gave me medicine to help me relax and even gave me some nausea medicine even though I said that I normally don't suffer from any sort of motion sickness as sort of a just in case thing, which I'm glad she did, I was a bit queezy when I woke up, it could have been a lot worse without it. They even put a lavender scented sticker on my gown so I could enjoy that scent before and after going under. Passed out after a few breaths from the oxygen mask, I don't think they even had the chance to put other sensors on me aside from the finger one before I passed out. Lol, thanks to them my experience wasn't so bad and that's saying something when it comes from someone whom is always scared/ nervous of just BEING in a hospital, whether they're a patient or not. Shout out to the doctors/ nurses that helped me through it! 😘😘
The lavender scented sticker is a great idea!!
6:20 “You can knock yourself out!” That was genius.
LOL glad this didn't go unnoticed
@@MaxFeinsteinMD Excellent video.
@@MaxFeinsteinMD My last surgery I tried to ask the anaesthesiologist if they'd let me push the propofol to actually knock myself out as well as see how much I'd even be able to push. They didn't go for it sadly.
Just went under anesthesia this morning, first time going under in 22 years for a ruptured Achilles. Honestly it happened so fast I don’t remember feeling dizzy or anything. I remember talking with a nurse about trying to snag a teaching spot with the oxygen mask on for this upcoming school year (after I hopped over to the surgical table) then honest to God I was waking up in the recovery room it was amazing. Before I even realized it was starting it was over, and the sleep was extremely peaceful. Extremely impressed with how I was taken care of at Minnesota Valley Surgery this morning g , and I want this comment to rest anyone who might be nervous to be receiving anesthesia!
Do you know if they used propofol? It sounds like it. (Rusty)
Thank u for your post bro..im going in for the same thing in a week..this calmed me down alot!
I had a similar experience getting my tonsils out. Hop over into the table, mask goes on, blink, and already in recovery
Thank you for comment. I really appreciate you trying to make anyone feel less nervous about this. Just know your comment helped me. I’m still very scared about this whole process and I cried until the iv was out the only time I had one before.
Same! I had to have surgery a week ago and as they put the mask on they were asking me questions about my job. Next thing I knew I was waking up and coughing about an hour and a half later lol!
My anesthesiologist during my gallbladder surgery held and stroked the top of my hand when I started tearing up just before surgery. It comforted me so much and I was so grateful for it.
Never lose your caring, honesty and being authentic. I'm impressed! Thank You❤️
Five years ago I had emergency surgery, as they wheeled me into the hall to the surgery door I asked for 5 minutes, to get a few things straightened out in case I didn't make it. They said ok, and I was saying I was sorry for this and that.....and I was out. In recovery, people around me were laughing..... waking up I was still babbling about this and that. Next day when my surgen came in he was smiling from ear to ear. "I really wanted to stay and hear the rest of what happened in the back seat of Jimmy's car, but I got called away". "You went in confessing, and you woke up confessing......Bobbie, you were a busy girl" he giggled.
I enjoy your videos very much. I wish the nurses weren't allowed to tell the patients how hilarious they were while they were under.This is NOT something I wanted to do (having yet another surgery) and I am so upset that a medical person has to let me know how "chatty" I was while I was out. This is so creepy that my private life and I were so amusing to her. I would have loved to put a pencil in her eye.
@@Mozartandme My Mom felt the same way when I told her after her Gallbladder Surgery (as a teenager). It never occurred to me, having never been around it before, that it could be hurtful. I always regretted that. Cannot imagine getting it from medical professionals, though, that's especially uncool. 😕
@@Mozartandme I wish they had ever told me how I reacted after waking up. I would really like to know what I did. Probably just groan and mumble.
@@Mozartandme same. I horrified that I’m going to say horrible stupid things and not remember it.
My grandmother was going under for an e,regency heart surgery and started adamantly telling people I’m the family that they will NOT get her Lincoln from her ad that she’s going to live. Lol
When they wake up from surgery, tell them “it’s a boy”
LOL
LOL!
@@MaxFeinsteinMD Excellent video.
Omg 😱
Wow things just took a 180 pretty fast.
You're phenominal, caring, funny, real. I hope you never change.
I had surgery in a small hospital and woke up feeling like I was floating on a cloud. The next surgery was in a major city and I had to fight to wake up, which seemed to go on forever. It was a horrible experience, so I will definitely be talking to bring this up next Monday!
I actually remember hearing the nurse anesthetist telling me “wake up, the surgery is over, we’re taking you to recovery”, the next thing I know I’m waking up in recovery. I also remember asking the recovery nurse for a little anti-nausea medicine, and she told me, “oh we gave it to you 15 minutes ago when you asked”. Lol. Trippy stuff, time moves fast.
Aw geez that reminded me. Apparently I kept asking if I woke up screaming because of a previous experience of a wisdom tooth surgery that didn't go that well. That's embarrassing enough to ask once but I asked several times before I was conscious enough to remember the answer.
I've remembered a few times about being brought out of an anaesthetic in theatre.
You couldn't remember because of the versed ( sedative)
I had surgery a couple years ago. Although it wasn't the first surgery I'd ever had, it was one of those situations where nobody was 100% sure what exactly needed to be done until they got inside and saw what was going on. So being nervous for the outcome, during the few seconds between administering the anesthesia and going under, I looked at the medical staff and said, "Don't f*** it up." Imagine my embarrassment when I woke up and my doctor informed me of what happened.
🤣🤣🤣
BOSS! 👍🔥🤣
I have a couple surgeries coming up and thoroughly intend to tell the anesthesiologist with a dead straight face, "Don't kill me! I'm not ready to go yet!" I've had several surgeries, and I just feel like at 68 something is going to happen this time around. I'm also going to ask him/her, "You got something nice in your pocket for me that I can have now to take this anxiety away. Something like a fat bolus of Valium via IV or IM? Pretty please!"
I was told that I asked my anesthesiologist to marry me. After another procedure I told the nurses to get out of my kitchen. No telling what other beans I've spilled while sobering up.
@@infledermaus I told them not to Micheal Jackson me for my last surgery
I go into surgery in 8hrs and while I can’t bare to think about my actual spine surgery. Your video really helped me focus on the less nerve inducing anesthesia portion. Thank you ❤
How are you doing after your spine surgery?
@@patriciaraysin8309 thank you, I recovered very well and am able to do many things I haven’t been able to do in years. While I’m very young for a laminectomy & discectomy procedure I’m very glad I chose surgery.
@@lah1097 Had the same thing at L4/5 when I badly herniated a disc at 37yrs old, I was in way too much pain to be nervous about the surgery. The surgery was done at an outpatient surgical center. I remember going into the operating room, having a mask placed on my face and then waking up in the recovery area. The worst part of the whole think was when I woke up in the recovery room I was shivering uncontrollably for what seemed like an eternity and having the worst case of dry mouth I ever experienced. I've had other surgeries since but never the shivering and dry mouth, I suspect it was due to the type of anesthesia used as the other surgeries were in patient surgeries and I was in the hospital for several days afterwards.
@@lah1097YAYYY!!!! ❤️
Evidently I proposed to everyone in post op, including my post op pain pump. It was my first surgery after 27 years as a Paramedic/Firefighter. I did love my intubation rotations in surgery with the anesthesiologists, as l learned a lot. 🙂
When I was 10 I had a second operation on my hip. The doctor called the Anesthesia a space ride and had me count back from 10, last thing I remember was his face warping over the bed say 5 really slow motion like and then chuckling. A day before the doctor asked what kinda music I like but both me and my mother were lost as to why. When they wheeled me into the operation room the beach boys was blasting loud and everyone was in a Hawaiian shirt and Hawaiian flower necklace things.
Great story!
What a nice staff!
That is so cool!!
brilliant
That really is a caring doctor and staff!
I have chronic kidney stones and have had surgery dozens of times. Two summers ago I had general anesthesia 4 times in 48 days. Years ago I had a really bad experience being induced into anesthesia. No one's fault, the staff handled it well, but I now panic with surgery. It usually starts in preop with severe anxiety which turns into panic most often as soon as I see the OR, mid transfer to the table, or when the mask gets near my face. I start sobbing and/or hyperventilating, I have tried to climb off the stretcher/table a couple of times. It's bad. The main thing that has helped has been amazing OR staff. This is all documented in my chart along with what has helped/worked. Not only do they allow me to bring a stuffed animal in with me to hold and keep my hands and mind busy, they will ask and make sure I have one. They pre-medicate in pre op so that I'm very relaxed and half the time don't remember even seeing the OR. I've had anesthesiologists ask my stuffed animals names and make them their own wrist bands (silly for an adult but it made me laugh. Would probably be great for a kid) The biggest thing is that I have felt heard and seen. They have asked me whether I want to hold the mask or have them do it, they have asked about timing for the arm boards and straps. I also haven't felt judged or like a "difficult patient" Sorry this is long winded. You seem like a great doctor with a lot of heart and compassion for the work and especially for the patients. Thank you for being one of the good ones.
Same. Being thought of as difficult only makes it worse and increases my anxiety. Some docs insist on giving the versed on the way to surgery but by then it’s too late…I’m in a full-blown panic attack. The good anesthesiologists recognize the need the pre-op sedation and it makes a HUGE difference in how it goes.
I enjoy your videos so much. As a very young girl I suffered a severe break in my arm. Upon reaching the hospital I was quickly rolled into a cold, sterile room with a huge light above my head..."Where am I? was my thought. Not one member of the medical staff explained what was about to take place. A nurse placed a horrible smelling mask over my face. It was ether. I felt as if I were smothering. I fought that mask until I went under. I was terrified. The truma I suffered from that experience has lasted a lifetime, requiring therapy to overcome my fears. If someone in that OR has just taken time to explain what I was experiencing, I believe I would have advoided my life long fears. I appreciate that you do explain to your patient what you are doing and what they can expect. From my own experience I know it is important to understand what is happening by someone who cares enough to make you feel secure. You are a skilled doctor, a kind doctor, and I wish you continued success in your career.
Wow!!!Either me too !!!!Horrible!!!!!Horrible experience.😢 God Bless you !!!!I. I agree.
I had to have my first surgery when I was 12 years old, and it was for a 7 hour brain surgery (at the time I didn't realize how big of a deal it was). I remembered seeing signs during presurgical testing that said you could have one parent go into the OR with you until you were asleep as part of the Child Life program. That made such a huge difference for me, even though I didn't remember any of it afterward.
I am terrified of getting anesthesia, and this showed up in my recommendations somehow. Hearing about how it works, what fail-safes there are, makes it somewhat less scary. You've got yourself a new subscriber.
I have trouble falling asleep at night, and I enjoy the feeling of going under.
I like anesthesia. It's amazing.
I just had thyroid surgery.. the anesthesiologist was amazing he and his sweet assistant had me laughing right up until I was out. I woke up still laughing 😂.
Same. I've only had local numbing. I chose to be awake for wisdom teeth removal since it's the being asleep and not in control of my own body that scares me, not the procedure. The channel is helping me feel a bit calmer if I ever need surgery but I'm still gonna do everything I can to request it's not general anesthesia (I don't want a tube in my throat I will freak out)
@@damomajanet similar experience when I had an oral surgery a couple months ago. I loved it lol, honestly wish they could dole that stuff out for other things you’d rather sleep through like long car rides. The anesthesiologist was hilarious and we discovered we went to the same college, so kinda bonded over that. There’s no telling what I said or did immediately afterwards, it was exactly like he said in the video, I was awake, but I remember nothing until I was in the recovery room and the surgeon was going over post-op instructions with me and my mom. My mom said when she got back there I was just sitting there wiggling my finger back and forth smiling at the pulse-ox 😂
Finally, a KZhead video that explains what I want to know!
Glad you enjoyed, thanks for watching!
@@MaxFeinsteinMD But where does the thermometer go? Lol
I was having an endoscopy, my 1st, and was a little tense...my anesthetist knew this and the last thing I remember was her saying 'here comes the good stuff, sweet dreams'.....
My brother is an anesthesiologist! It’s really incredible what you guys do! I’m so proud of him! He’s been doing this for 30 years! Just incredible! Thank you for sharing.
Did he had any bad experience? Did anyone ever die from anesthesia which he administered?
Anesthesia has always been my favorite part when it came to having a surgery done. The Anesthesiologist has the magic power to make you fall asleep and make all your worries about the surgery go away 😁, they're all awesome!
Propofol is the s&%t !! No hangover, don't remember anything they did to me. I just hope they didn't put me on KZhead. (Rusty)
They can also put u into a coma too or G-D forbid thats it so not looking forward to it
I was really anxious so my anesthesiologist came in and said he was giving me a pre dinner cocktail that cracked me up and made me less nervous
what does it feel?
I just had my first general anesthesia experience last week and I came to this channel to try to reduce my stress. It worked, because understanding things makes me less nervous. As for the patient type, I think I was the talkative kind. After they gave me the first light sedative, I started chatting with a nurse who happened to be from Zimbabwe. I remember asking her a million questions. Too bad I don't remember any of the answers, because I would have been an expert at everything about Zimbabwe. I hope she didn't find me too annoying!
I been in a number of surgeries and I have to remember to say" I will let you know when I go to sleep". I am an engineer and usually very interested in the OR and the tools in it. I have a couple of Robot surgeries and I always ask to see it. It is amazing how far medicine has came in my 70 years. Love you talks about Anesthesia. I usually remember leaving the OR and going down hallways to recovery rooms. I seem to wake up quickly.
Fellow anesthesiologist from Brazil here. The best induction I’ve ever had was with a neurologically impaired 10 yo girl. I also use music to give patients some comfort and when I randomly chose an online rock station it was playing Joan Jett’s I Love Rock’n’roll. The girl, who was already on some sevoflurane, shouted out loud that it was her favorite song and went to sleep while singing along. Years later I still feel emotional about that day.
I had surgery when I was 14 and the anesthesiologist gave me something to calm me down and then told me a silly pun I’d definitely heard before and the last thing I remember was hysterically laughing. That was a good way to be put under.
My nurse anesthetist happened to be an acquaintance who had kids at the same preschool. We laughed so hard about it, what are the odds? Anyway, she was incredible. She could tell I was nervous, and she put something in my IV bag that she called the “happy stuff.” I relaxed immediately, and she kept asking questions about the upcoming school field trip on the way to the room. That’s the last thing I remember, after that, I woke up. It was very helpful because I had never gone under full anesthesia and I was afraid. Very helpful when the practitioner acts like it’s not a big deal.
I got hold of a book about anesthesia once and was amazed at the minutely fine accuracy you need about the patient’s physiology and awareness of their individual concerns in administering the drugs. So much to account for simultaneously! Maybe more complex than playing a Bach fugue with multiple keyboards on a church organ!
Just had surgery the anesthesia guy was Russian. He acted like he was interrogating me. Commander, in a heavy Russia accent, I busted out so hard. He had to put me to sleep.laughing
Ahh that must’ve been so funny! I had one Russian anesthesiologist and apparently as I was going under I said to him in my limited Russian,”good morning, are you a good doctor?” And i spiraled saying “Da, vodka!” As I knocked out..🤦♀️😂😂
I'm having major surgery in a couple of weeks and this video really helped me feel more relaxed. Thank you!
I’m glad to know that! Best wishes for your surgery.
Legit! I have surgery next month and this is helpful
@@MaxFeinsteinMD your videos are amazing. Next month I have wrist fusion
Knee replacement in 3 weeks
Hope your surgery went well 👍
You're amazing. I wish you were in the operating room when I needed emergency surgery. You have a wonderful personality and will really make a difference in the patient's lives you touch. God Bless
Great video! Had surgery multiple times and I'm DEFINITELY one of the nervous patients every time. Nobody ever put on music, but one asked me to describe where I would like to go on vacation (I said 'Sudan' bc my then-bf did a stint with the international red cross - 'that's nice' he said unfazed and I dozed off) . I've asked one other to talk me through what they were doing, which I find really helpful. Honestly, just a few nice words, a brief calm conversation, and even brief touch (some touched me gently on the arms or wrists to calm me down) have been really effective.
Hilarious. Especially the talkers. I’m a nurse and I love the talkers because you can just do your job and focus, as long as you throw in an occasional “really?”.....”wow”.
Good on you for this very informative video. The whole process of losing control was very anxiety inducing for me. My anesthesiologist said to me "you have absolute control here, and if you don't want surgery, you don't have to have it." When he framed it like that, I realized that I was being overly nervous for no good reason. I relaxed, had a very good outcome.
Undergoing Anesthesia is very nerve racking. I ask the anesthesiologist for my Versed “cocktail” (funny) I’ve discovered placing your mental state of mind at peace right before inducing anesthesia creates the same state of mind when waking up. Imagine your favorite restful place in your mind, mine is on the beach 🏝️ and I ask the anesthesiologist for a few seconds prior to propofol (milky white) I speak softly, ok now I’m going on vacation, laying on the soft beach sand, listening to sounds of waves rolling upon the shore and feel the warm sun on my skin…then POOF.. I always wake up feeling rested and calm.. Thank you for addressing this very important discussion to help patients relax.
“Let me know when your asleep” “That’s not the first time you used that joke” BHahahahaha! That’s amazing.
Thanks!!! I especially like when the Anesthesiologist is funny and kind. Joking really makes it a wonderful experience!
My doctor and the fellow kept me chilling the best, everyone else was just a face coming towards me.
Bravo! My dear Dad was a graduate of the University of Louisville in 1920 and was, therefore, a surgeon and an MD. He practiced surgery for 20 years before antibiotics came out and when we were chatting at his death bed he proclaimed the antibiotics to be the greatest thing of his life! His stories of having parents assist with the administration of ether haunt me as it did not always go well. Thanks for your videos and thanks for sharing and the very best of luck to you!!
I was a pediatric patient undergoing surgery and it was such a scary experience. I remember getting the mask and being asked to count backwards from 100. It felt like the breath was knocked out of me. I will never forget how awful that was
i had a lot of general anaesthesia procedures done as a kid, my favourite thing between the ages of seven to seventeen was the guys that talked to me a lot, asked me to imagine my favourite most comforting place or cracked heaps of dad jokes. Always helped me be comfortable + the anaesthesiologist and nurses that let me hold their hand and say see you soon on the way out so I knew I was always safe
Just stay with the kids. I was 7 and left alone in a white room with metal instruments everywhere pre-surgery. Felt like hours. It was probably around 15 or 20 minutes in reality but I was so scared.
Aww yeah I definitely wouldn't leave a little kid alone, or an adult for that matter. Sorry you had that experience.
@@MaxFeinsteinMD Thank you for being such a conscientious doctor.
Hi
This has been helpful to me as I am having a tumour removed from under my tongue in a few days and I have been nervous about it. I am elderly with heart problems and emphysema so I was very worried about having anaesthesia this time. These videos have helped me to trust that the doctor will be keeping a close check on me the whole time I am under.
I had surgery today. I guess I had a panic attack going from bed to table. Anxiety was the last thing I remember hearing mentioned. Giving the fact that this video produce a panic attack solidified it so you are really really good and efficient at storytime...great job.
as an adult who is 2 months away from getting major heart surgery I just want to say.... I really want the bubble gum oxygen mask!!! Great video, helped calm some of my nerves and learn something, keep up the awesome work Max!!! Health Care Workers are Heroes!!!!
You should ask your anesthesiologist if they can grab it for you, just for fun haha. Let me know if you do! Thanks for the nice feedback.
I remember one time I went in for a procedure and met this lady anesthesiologist - and let me tell you, she was a real knockout!
I'm watching this two years later...I'm praying you are still the same sweet guy as in the video! The world needs more doctors like you. I've had my fair share of the opposite 😖
I've found with the kids in my life, the more information we can give them about what will happen or what is happening, the better they handle the situation. Think of what it's like as an adult, not knowing what's going and feeling nervous, then imagine that as a kid and everyone is 2-3 times your size. They feel utterly helpless and scared. Telling them what to expect, in terms they can understand, can change the entire experience for everyone involved. Not surgical, but when my son was 5 he needed a blood draw for the first time to determine a medical diagnosis. I found a video of a phlebotomist doing a blood draw with a butterfly needle. He must have watched that video 20 times before the date of his lab appointment, including right before he was called in. While we were there, he sat happily on my lap and told everyone in the room about what they were doing to him, and why - very calm, and he was even able to watch the entire thing from the needle going into his arm to the bandaid going on after. He only briefly said "ouch" when the needle was inserted, but he didn't flinch. They were so impressed that others came to watch. I credit this to him knowing exactly what would happen. So my advice, Dr Max, is to tell kids honestly what will happen when you meet them in preop, and what is happening when they're in the OR with you. (Obviously this may not be possible with very young kids, but even their parents will appreciate knowing what to expect.) Anything else you can do to make it seem fun or silly is just bonus. It sounds like you're an incredible doctor!
I'm amazed how well you can manage your time to be able to make these great quality videos for us.
Thought the same thing. Must be super disciplined when it comes to time management!
Thanks for the kind words! I'm not perfect with time management, but I definitely improved my time management skills while in medical school.
@@MaxFeinsteinMD Try distract childrens using Ipad or tablet computer. Schoolaged children can play games before he/she going to sleep.
Yes. Thank you for these excellent videos.
@@MaxFeinsteinMD I got epinefrin injections 2 times because I'm allergic to penicilin. It was adrenalin on it. Then I feel better. And I have nausea and little pain and I feel dizzy and I been very "high" when I woke up at the PACU. I got allergic reaction to antibiotic called Zinacef. I got Zinacef infusion on my iv because the stopping infections just in case. I'm alive . Putting intrauterine device went well on october 2019.
The internet is so powerful. It’s such a privilege to be able to watch your videos Dr. Feinstein. The amount of information you are able to give prospective students is incredible. I’m a sophomore in college, but I hope to some day be in your shoes. Again, thanks so much for these videos and the insight into your life!
Well said!
Thanks for the nice feedback! Wishing you luck on your journey to become an anesthesiologist 💉
Hi Max. You did my nerve block before my shoulder replacement by Dr. "L.G." a few years ago. Didn't feel a thing. And I liked the portable block you gave me to take home. It made my recovery much easier.
I had to have general anesthesia twice in two days last week unfortunately, but I bounced back so quickly thankfully! The staff and Dr.s made all the difference. And positive mindset! Grateful for doctors who truly care ♥
Wonderful to hear you had a great experience. Sadly, my Mom didn’t survive her back to back surgery because they didn’t give her body time to process the first anesthesia before administering the second.
@@mrs.c5471 I am so sorry :(
@Mrs. C that’s horrible. Yeah they don’t make videos about that now do they? It’s all presented like it’s a joke, meanwhile your life is very much at risk. You have to sign a waiver acknowledging you could be severely injured or die from the anesthesia and everyone just laughs about it and recalls their cringe little anecdotes. Jesus Christ humans are so stupid it’s amazing.
I had sinus surgery a year ago and my anestheologist and all the nurses were the kindest group of people I ever met during my surgeries. I wasn't nervous at all and I was the talkative patient. We talked about life, food, my career and since I'm a scientific translator who wants to specialize in medicine I was asking lots of questions and paying attention to everything this kind man was doing. I remember him saying: "well, Erika, I'll see you in a bit...bye bye, good night, sleep tight!" And just like that, in a blink of an eye he was welcoming me back with enthusiasm and happiness. I woke up with a smile. We need more people like him! He even came to check how I was doing when I was in the recovery room. Having had a PTSD after my last surgery, him being that nice made my day 💜
When I had emergency surgery a couple years ago I was crying in pain. I’m not sure what the anesthesiologist administered but all of a sudden I felt pain free and started apologizing to everyone for being a big baby.
Super helpful. You’ve made the concerning/confusing Part of surgery much more understandable!
You are such a great conversationalist and so approachable. You inspire confidence. Things I've heard you say track exactly with my experiences in some recent surgeries I've had. Your patients are lucky to have you.
Nice video. Recently had an outpatient procedure. I've had quite a few ops in my life, but the nervousness never goes away. Anyway, this last time, the anesthesiologist was cool, friendly and really tried to put me at ease. Right before the propofol took effect, I asked.. "A little singing and dancing, maybe?" to help calm me down. He did it! It's the little things.
I've literally had over 30 surgeries and because of my PTSD, Versed is like a miracle drug to me. I'm 23 and still have to request Versed and make absolute certain they remember it.
I Pray for your healing in the Loving Mighty dear sweet Precious Healing powerful Name of our HEAVENLY FATHER through his dear sweet Loving Mighty Wonderful Healing Precious Son JESUS CHRIST our LORD that you don’t have to go through no more trauma or surgery and that you live a long blessed life I Pray this in our dear sweet Loving JESUS Sweet Name Amen🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾😇😇😇😇😇❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏾
@@starbeautysix3967 AMEN
Glad you like versed, I make sure they don't use it- I had it about six times within a 3-month period when I was in my fifties and it took me almost a year to get my memory back using nutraceuticals and have refused it since.
@@l.c.345, my memory is crap anyway due to the sheer number of surgeries I've had.
@@mandymorrow5473 I'm going in for first surgery soon an it's freaking me out a bit. Is it not as bad as you think? Sort of like going to sleep and waking up suddenly
I have also been given general 7 times. I was given the moderate kind having and angiogram and then they started general because I was headed to OR right from the angiogram. It took them around 2-3 hours to get everything ready for emergency bypass surgery. In fact I had a 5 way bypass that day. My day started really early in the morning and I woke up at around 9pm. What a day. When I woke up in ICU I was still so drugged that I didnt even realize that all limbs were strapped down. I was so very out of it. I was in ICU 5 days. I had 2 anesthesiologists that day because I was under for so long and a couple of CRNA’s. I am sure they were great but I had very little conversation with them and I was sleeping 99% of the time. Lol
Only ever been put under once - and I felt so bad for the anesthesia docs. I'd already told them I was really nervous, and suffered from anxiety disorder. So they were trying to be as calm and chill as possible. Unfortunately... my veins totally disappeared. Took the poor guy 4 attempts in both hands to actually find some plumbing! He was so apologetic though, and the other guys in the room were tearing him apart - and he kept promising that I could beat him up if I went to find him afterwards!!
I've always remembered waking up in the OR, with my name being called. Would fall back asleep and go to recovery, but it sucks that they never let me sleep in recovery, always telling me to wake up :(
Surgeries that require general anesthesia are always a little nerve wracking for me even though I've had many of them in my lifetime. One of the last surgeries I had, they were having a hard time finding an anesthesiologist who hadn't already worked a full shift. This delayed my surgery by several hours, and when they finally did find an anesthesiologist who was okay to work, he came in the pre-op area to meet me, and I remember sitting up and asking him, "Are you sure you are alert and okay to do this?" He smiled and assured me he was well rested and ready to go. Kind of scarym thinking that an exhausted, overtired doctor might be administering your anesthesia.
I have had several situations ( mainly MRIs) where they used General anesthesia (GA) and propofol. All this info is 100% true. I would sometimes get nervous, even though I had been through it several times before. But the pediatric team did the best to make me feel more comfortable. They would also crack jokes with me, just so I would feel comfortable.
I really appreciated my anesthesiologist, I was having a full blown panic attack well I was brought down, but was unable to take my normal panic medication before hand. Was super calm super fast and explained everything that was happening even though I was really not in a state to understand, I also vaguely remember being shown pictures of someone’s dog though I’m not sure if that was the anesthesiologist or the nurses.
My son had hernia surgery at 11 months (in Germany). I was allowed to be with him up through induction. They went through everything that was going to happen but "neglected" to tell me that in infants, the arms and legs shoot out rigid when they fall under. It was a pediatric hospital so I'm sure they say that 100x per day and just forgot with me but it was not a fun sight to see. And I can still see it vividly now, 26 years and one 6ft healthy son later!
As for peds-just do what you do for all your patients, which is distract when they're nervous. Ask if they collect things, what is their favorite video game, their favorite color, do they play sports, etc. I find, in dentistry, if I just ask them a whole bunch of questions like that, it gets their mind off things. With your personality, I can't imagine that wouldn't work for you!
So compassionate! I’m sure your patients appreciate that.
Distraction from feelings does not feel good as a kid or adult. Nurses tried to do that with me recently and I felt so frustrated. Similarly, many kids who feel scared find acknowledging and then validating their emotions of fear and worry very powerful and re-assuring.
Just hard to answer when you have a drill in your mouth :D
I had surgery a year ago and as I was going under the anesthesiologist gently took my hand and squeezed it. It was one of the kindest things I have ever experienced. Had I not woken up that would have been the last thing I experienced , what a beautiful soul to risk taking the hand of another man to reassure him at that moment.
I really appreciate your videos. I have to have surgery (dental surgery, my gag reflex was too severe for conscious sedation), and I’ve been nervous about the general anesthesia! Your videos have eased my mind a lot!
After waking up from propofol, I can tell you that you CAN form new memories almost immediately after waking up. You should not assume that patients are going to forget what they hear. Also, and this is important, you need to tell the patient if they had any problems. After going out one time, I had a sore jaw (i couldn't figure out) for about a week after surgery. When I mentioned this to a medical professional later, she said that someone probably saved my life during the procedure. It would be nice to know if I have problems so I can inform the next guy to watch out....
Anesthesia affects everyone differently, so yes it’s possible to start making new memories upon waking up but in my experience, that represents the minority of cases. But I agree- never assume a patient is going to forget anything they hear. It’s possible, even likely your jaw soreness was from a very common maneuver called a jaw thrust that is done to stimulate anesthetized patients to breathe when emerging from anesthesia.
@@MaxFeinsteinMD ... omg .. now you've really scared me 😰 I've never heard of a jaw thrust .. i nearly died from my injuries from a car wreck when i was 17 with the results being my jaw was broken and is 'wired' together with three metal clips just below the left corner of my mouth. Both hinges also were broken and have been deformed ever since. Six months ago i had to have my remaining teeth extracted from lower jaw and was out of my mind terrified because a previous dentist had told me it would likely break my jaw again when having extractions. So i took a red sharpie and circled the area of my jaw that is 'wired' as a reminder to this dentist while he was working on my teeth. Thank God in Heaven he didn't harm my jaw. But the thought of someone not knowing the history of my jaw, doing something to it while i'm unconscious is VERY SCARY indeed! 😱 Now i've got to research this jaw thrust thing.
Yup the last surgery i had they used the versed and propfol. The versed was like the i don't care drug to be sure. Propfol... count to 10... more like 1. 2. 3.. waking up in the recovery room. In actuallity they just said "You are in good hands, it will be over before you know it... you will be feeling a little sleepy soon" and lights out. 🤔 They did it right like a pause button on consciousness, and very glad it was. Surgery was pretty much cutting my ear off, flopping it over, cutting into the ear canal, posibly grinding away some skull, and rebuilding my eardrum. 😲Would not want to imagine how bad this would hurt without anestesia, but would imagine the pain would make you throw up and pass out at least. 😲😵 Greatful for you guys ⛤❤⛤
@@briannab5296 One of the routine questions an Anesthesiologist will (usually) ask is if you have any dental implants or bridges - that would be a great time to tell them about your jaw.
When doing IVs on patients, if they tell me that they're afraid of needles, I look around & say quietly "I get it, I'm scared of needles too and today's my first day. Hah! Just kidding, that was yesterday." Also having the patient hold the small instruction sheet that is packaged with our IV kit, or tegaderm, to act like I need step-by-step instructions. Other patients I will ask if they've had an IV, and if they say yes I sigh in relief and tell them they can walk me through it. Another is when I'm attaching the SPO2 to the patient, I say "I know you've been holding it back, but now's the time to give me the finger." Stay safe!
Does that seem to work with them?
@@candywilson3884 gets a laugh like a quarter of the time.
lol youre a piece of work ;] You can also ask them if they want the movie afterwards. Not the one of the surgery, oh no, the other one. Thats prolly a bit over the edge ;p
@@AndrewJordan23 If you said that to me, I would ask for a different person to put int my IV. I have a horrible fear of needles, especially IVs and this would most certainly put me over the edge!
I am having back surgery this week. I have been watching your videos for the last month and they are so helpful. You do a great job of explaining what is going on and this has helped considerably. Thank you.
You are and will continue to be a great doctor! In my opinion, of course. The best thing an anesthesiologist ever said to me was, "I will be right beside you the entire time, I promise." I relaxed immediately and completely. Good luck young man.
As a person who has had >50 surgeries over my life, it’s nice seeing a doc who clearly CARES about his patients. My only difficulty over the years is the sound of the monitors. I’ve been fortunate to have most of my anesthesiologists respect that and my wishes. ALSO - FART JOKES FOR KIDS AND MEN!
When I was a kid, I’d have taken that “tell me once your asleep” thing DEAD serious lol.
Rofl as someone who was a very literal minded child I can imagine myself getting very stressed about making sure I let them know
Great video. You explain things well & really care about what you’re doing.
I’m going under GA for the first time in a few weeks. I’ve had sedation many times but i’m very nervous for this especially because they will be planting a pillcam through an endoscope, knowing I will have lots of tubes in my throat scares me, but this has made me feel a little more at ease! Thank you!
My husband recently had back surgery and when they wheeled him out of the recovery room, he tried to get up. He told me he was going to go back and talk to the anesthesiologist so they could finish their conversation about airplanes. That anesthesiologist must have had the same philosophy that you have!
Haha either the anesthesiologist had great conversational skills or great medication that had your husband believing he had a conversation.
Being able to turn the bright lights down to some nice purple mood lighting for the induction could help too, as long as it's a mask induction. As soon as they've been breathing gas for a minute, the lights can go back up and the procedure recommence.
I've had surgery a few times (hip stuff) and I had the first one in 1988. People usually didn't meet the anesthesiologist back then and It was a hassle to set it up. Most times the anesthesiologist was OK with meeting me once they heard my concern. My concern was/is that I have a lot of crowns and I understand that sometimes a crown can get broken by the stuff you put in our mouths. So I would give them a tooth chart. I hate to wake up from surgery with a broken crown!
That was enjoyable and informative. I once remember looking up at my female Anaesthetist, she was lovely and I told her so before reaching up and stroking her face. I’d had a dose of ‘happy juice’ so wasn’t totally in control and It was lights out very soon after that. I was told later that I had done this and duly apologised, everyone in the area seemed to be waiting for my response it was all quite hilarious to them. I was in terrible pain afterwards and for many days that lady came to my bed checking up on me. I did appreciate the way I was looked after. History now. Thankfully. Thanks for the vid.
Listening to music is probably the one thing that would help calm me. I have surgery coming up in June and the anesthesia is the part that is causing the most anxiety.
I hope your surgery goes well!! tell me how it went 😁
Me too, my surgery is in August. Good luck Jason!
@@jeanalarson3108 what surgery r u having?
@@mikasus9491 I'm having a partial thyroidectomy due to a potentially cancerous nodule.
@@jeanalarson3108 goodluck!! hope ur surgery goes well.. update us anytime
Had to watch this again. 5 mo into your rotation we can tell u are going to be awesome? I've had alot of surgerys and only 1 was like u. Most dont say a word once they ask questions in pre op. As there getting ready in surgery its slap the leads on put a mask on and your out. Not 1 word is spoken to u. Id so like to be your pt!
I enjoyed this episode very much. Thank you Dr.Feinstein
Great video, Dr Max! I’ve been “under” many times! Recently as two weeks ago for shoulder surgery. Love a talkative anesthesiologist!
When asked what music I would like to listen to I am going to answer "Knockin On Heavens Door."
That's an interesting request 😂