mo2 Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 When having endotracheal anesthesia, is the patient asleep before they put the tube in the throat? Also, is the tube taken out before they awaken the patient? Just wondering if the patient is ever aware of being intubated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hana Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 I've had four such surgeries. I never remember the tube being put in. I think I remember groggily starting to come awake as it was being removed one time (it's one of those vague "do I remember that or am I just imagining it?" kind of thoughts, but I'm pretty sure it actually happened), but not the other times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mo2 Posted November 10, 2011 Author Share Posted November 10, 2011 I've had four such surgeries. I never remember the tube being put in. I think I remember groggily starting to come awake as it was being removed one time (it's one of those vague "do I remember that or am I just imagining it?" kind of thoughts, but I'm pretty sure it actually happened), but not the other times. Thanks. One of those weird things I worry/wonder about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 They give you IV sedation before intubation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassoonaroo Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 I've been intubated a few times and don't remember any of them (either going in or coming out) but did have a scratchy throat afterwards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plain jane Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 I've been intubated a few times and don't remember any of them (either going in or coming out) but did have a scratchy throat afterwards. This has been my experience too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myeightkiddies Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 I've had several surgeries. In all of them the tube was inserted after I was put under, and it was removed before I was awaken. A few times I recall hearing coughing and hearing the nurses telling me it is alright; however, I never saw or felt or was aware of the tube being removed. I just heard someone coughing (never realized it was me). Don't worry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angel marie Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 as someone posted earlier, you get sedation via your IV and you don't remember a thing so you are "out" when they intubate you. you are usually extubated in the recovery room (PACU) and you are coming off the meds so again you don't remember a thing. the only thing you may notice (if anything) is a slight sore or scratchy throat from the endotracial tube. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HS Mom in NC Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 For my crash c-section they knocked me out with a mask over my face first and then they put the tube down to breathe for me. It was out before I woke up. I have no memory at all of it going in or coming out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 I believe they have to knock out most people first or the gag reflex would prevent the tube from being inserted easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forget-Me-Not Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 They put it in/remove it while you're out. If you're conscious you'll fight it. The anesthesiologists can usually intubate really fast once you're under. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laundrycrisis Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 I have always been asleep when it was put in. One time I woke up before they took it out though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 I've been intubated a few times and don't remember any of them (either going in or coming out) but did have a scratchy throat afterwards. :iagree: though my throat felt sore and dry for about a week after. My memory of coming out of anesthetic was I was having some sort of fit. Turns out they had cooled my body temp down during the operation, and my body started jerking to try to warm up as I was coming out of anaesthetic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 They always wait until you are under (from stuff in the i.v.) before sticking something down your throat. After the one time I woke up with a tube still in me I have made sure the doctor/nurses KNOW I have a major gag reflex and have to be un-tubed (de-tubed?) BEFORE I wake up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigger Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 They always wait until you are under (from stuff in the i.v.) before sticking something down your throat. After the one time I woke up with a tube still in me I have made sure the doctor/nurses KNOW I have a major gag reflex and have to be un-tubed (de-tubed?) BEFORE I wake up. it's not always....sometimes a patient has what might be a difficult airway and will be intubated while fully awake (morbid obesity, palate deformations, enlarged tongue, existing breathing difficulty, extreme emergency, etc.) and given a local/topical anesthetic prior to starting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kristin in Hawaii Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 ...if you really NEED to be intubated. After years as an EMT and Nurse I have no desire to be intubated/bagged unless I REALLY need to be. Ever since I questioned it I have been successfully anesthetized by spinal or just IV sedation with a med like Propofol or Versed which works quickly and side effects are easily handled by the docs and nurses. Most intubations and general anesthesia goes fine, I've just become really finicky about it after realizing I just don't want it done to me if I can help it :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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