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| Can you spot me in this picture? |
Till recently, the longest surgery I had ever been a part of was a 11 hour marathon about a decade ago for reconstruction of the face and jaw. I broke that record a few months ago with a complicated surgery for cancer of the pancreas that ended up taking a little over 12 and a half hours. (That does not include the 8 calls I attended for the same patient in the ICU over the next 11 hours when a vital equipment started malfunctioning.)
The best part is: the man who came to us feeling absolutely hopeless about his condition would leave less than a fortnight later happy and grateful to not just the surgeon but also the anaesthesiologists who attended his calls and ensured he was free from pain both DURING and AFTER such a huge operation.
Have you ever had an operation? What was your experience like with regard to comfort and pain relief DURING THE SURGERY?
Do let me know via the poll below (Choose One Option and Hit the Vote Button to register your choice) and in the comments section too.
Author's note:
Got some doubts or an experience to share? Type them in the comment section below.
Want to know more about anaesthesia?
I have written articles on:
1. The Magical Origins of Anaesthesia (Featured in Huffington Post)
6. What we can learn from Dr Horace Wells' untimely failure
What are the Various Types of Anaesthesia?
Public Awareness About Anaesthesia:
What is General Anaesthesia?What are the Various Types of Anaesthesia?
No pain, ever, during any op. Afterwards, yes, but pain meds sorted that out.
ReplyDeleteDamyanti
Good to know... yes, there is a possibility always of a breakout pain after the operation.
DeleteNo, never felt any pain during an operation.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that :)
DeleteDuring the operation—no pain ! Comfortable
ReplyDeleteAfter anaesthesia effect goes — why am I alive ??!!
Oh boy... ideally, we aim to ensure that even the post-op process is pain free and hopefully that means you get the pain meds before the pain actually starts
DeleteI have gone through three operation one was very comfortable and painless, other one was painful , n the third one was not good experience with it. So now I scare to go for any operation in future 🙈 though chances are there for one more :-(
ReplyDeletedamn... sorry to hear that. Hope the last one is comfortable again.
DeleteTruth time:I am not good with pain.I had a painless Cs .Great spinal but postop pain was bad!I wanted serious mefication.Obviously I couldnt take it 😑
ReplyDeleteThat is why we as docs need to focus on post-op pain just as much... don't allow the pain to come and then start giving analgesics.
DeleteNo sh**... I've noticed something in the last decade or so, Roshan, and it makes all the difference in the world. GIVE A LOCAL ANESTHETIC at the incision site that won't wear off for a while after the patient wakes. OMG, such a difference in not waking up and going from 0 to 10000 on the pain scale in a nanosecond. I used to come out of surgery wanting to PUNCH the first face I saw. Now, I just want water - f*** ice chips. (I get into battles with recovery room nurses about that. One pushed morphine and wheeled me at breakneck speed to my room, had my lunch tray delivered, and left. First time I EVER threw up post-op. She may have won that round, but I'd never admit that nasty green protein jello wasn't DELICIOUS going down AND coming back.)
Deletei fear that is truly something many surgeons miss out on. For some cases, we anaesthesiologists request them to give local at the end but yes, we need to be pro-active.
DeleteI've heard that an amazing number of people have felt pain DURING surgery (we used to think this was a bizarre anomaly, and now that it's been studied - not nearly enough of one). I'm lucky - I go out like a light and wake up fine (possibly in pain, but they're good about pain meds in the hospitals I have access to, so it's bearable). It's the stuff of nightmares, though, isn't it? The thought that the paralytic drugs will work, but not the anesthetics? (I can't imagine it's less of a nightmare scenario for anesthesiologists than for patients. I hear this is why Versed was invented. ;) Well, maybe not why it was invented, but I hear it helps.)
ReplyDeleteOh, I think I've figured out my issue with commenting on your blog and others. I'm going to blog about it. So you'll have to come over and visit me, now and then. ;)
The scenario you talk about - being paralyzed but technically awake and without pain medicines is a rare but dreaded complication called Awareness which can have significant post-op psychological effects on the patient. The anaesthesiologist has to be aware of the problem intraop and look to correct it at the earliest
DeleteSo there are intraop indications and ways to combat that? Seems to me it would be fairly traumatic for the anesthesiologist and the rest of the surgical team, too. The only problems I've ever had with anesthesia have involved post-op (temporary) "mood disorders" - either crying for absolutely no reason or laughing like even the orderly's face was the funniest thing I'd ever seen. I've actually not had that issue since 1995, though. I wonder if they're using different drugs? One anesthesiologist thought it was just listening of inhibitions, but I'm pretty sure I'd be more fun (or annoying) after a few cocktails if it were just that. 🤣
DeleteI haven't had any major surgery, just a very normal delivery, and eventually some post op stuff, and in that I had more discomfort than pain.
ReplyDeleteTwelve hours is something! Kudos to you, your patience, grit and dedication.
ReplyDeleteLove this shot. Something very hopeful, intense and honest about it.
So glad to have you link up for #WordlessWednesday.
And yes, most of my surgeries have been smooth and seamlessly comfortable, except a bit of a hitch during the C-sec, but eventually that also went off really well.
good to know :)
DeleteNo pain, why'd you ask?
ReplyDeleteAs you can see from the responses and poll, not everyone is that lucky. For various reasons, some do have pain during surgeries at different points of time...
DeleteI haven't undergone any major surgery, just two natural child births and one d&c. The D&C was more than comfortable during the procedure and afterwards. In fact, I went there with excruciating pain and was out pain free.
ReplyDeletethat is lovely to hear :)
DeleteSurgeries are always painful. They are painless till you are under anesthesia effect. Recovering is not that painless
ReplyDeleteI have noticed, doctors always need to give me an extra dose of anaethesia as the prescribed dose doesn't work me and i feel pain and scissor on me. I dont go numb so easily (thick skin you know, lol) I had total 4 surgeries so far and everytime I had the same issue. Apart from my eye surgery and C-Sec delivery, I did not feel anything, any pain. It was comfortable.
ReplyDeleteI had couple of surgeries and all were pain less and after surgery the pain was bearable nothing out of control.
ReplyDeleteMy post op experience was not particularly a good one. My anaesthesiologist was not as proficient as you. And probably administered more GA than was needed for my body weight. That left me drowsy for a long time, and puking every five minutes during the post op period (apparently effects of GA) until the effect wore down.
ReplyDeleteAnd then they say doctors make the worst patients...hmpf!
Mine was a very minor surgery suturing of deep laceration so I don’t think it counts but i was very comfortable just slight pulling sensation. I think it all depends on surgeon or anaesthetist how your surgical and post op period would be.
ReplyDeleteHats off to you and all the doctors. Its not an easy job. I am not good with pain and never had any bad experience but in general, I cant take pain that easily.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had any surgeries till now. And I also haven't visited the hospital many times. God wish this continues...
ReplyDeleteFor one who has been on the operation table a few times, I have faced neither discomfort or consciousness during surgery, thankfully. My deepest regards for you. Conducting such a long surgery is no easy game. Hats off!
ReplyDeleteThe only surgery/operation I've had is for my delivery and boy was I svarsc or what. But the surgery, the post op recovery, eveeytheve was smooth.
ReplyDeleteNo pain both during and after the surgery - but other problems later..maybe those stories for another e-book! :)
ReplyDeleteWell I heard few instances of people feeling pain during surgery. But being a non-medico I cannot comment on that. As a lay person, anesthesia cuts off the pain so what ever the reason of feeling pain can be explained ONLY by an expert.
ReplyDeleteOn a second Note, I had no idea about carrying a camera phone in the OT or during surgery. Is this normal practice? Because my uncle is a surgeon and he swears against the idea of carrying communication devise inside OT. He says we have an intercom and if anything urgent is needed they just use that.
Never got operated for anything, but cannot forget the labour pain.
ReplyDeleteSimilarly reading the operation of pancreatic cancer, can feel the pain of a friend who went through it but lost his life in the battle. :(
I have gone under the knife but never experienced pain during the surgery...post op...Yes. I spotted You...You are in the middle
ReplyDelete#MyFriendAlexa #ilaenjoys #Blogchatter
I did not have any major surgery yet.
ReplyDeleteI am actually quite brave with pain though I tend to avoid hospitals unless it's absolutely necessary. The picture though well taken scares the bejuses outta me as I am scared of looking at pictures in operating theatre.
ReplyDeleteMy second c section I had some amount of discomfort. No pain but I think I threw up a bit before they gassed me more.
ReplyDeleteTouch wood I never had such experiences
ReplyDeleteThis took me back to the time when i was around 8 and undergoing an emergency operation for a burst appendix. The situation was so bad that my doctors wondered how such a young child could bear it all. I was in no pain apart from the retching vomiting. During the actual operation my GA wore off and I was trying to sit up and watch what they were doing. Still no pain.
ReplyDeleteFast forward a few decades and I am now petrified of even an injection.
Thankfully no pain during operation but post that was completely depedant on pain-meds.
ReplyDeleteI have two operations. No pain as such, but there was discomfort for quite some time. pre surgery anxiety is more painful though.
ReplyDeleteThe anesthesia is a blessing... This is what I felt after being in a long labour! God bless Doctors.
ReplyDelete#mannreads #myfriendalexa
I had a very painful c-section delivery. Somehow despite 7 attempts, the epidural anesthesia didn't set in and I had to be given general anesthesia finally. But the pain of epidural stayed on for weeks together.
ReplyDeleteFortunately I have never been under the surgeon's scalpel but both my parents have been operated upon and it is thanks to the anesthesiologists that it was entirely painless for them.
ReplyDeleteLuckily never got any pain during surgery because of anaesthesia provided and post op pain was ocntrolled by medicines.
ReplyDeleteI had not one but two surgeries! The first time when my appendicitis operation took place, I enjoyed it as a vacation. It was during my Master's final exam and my whole batch was there to entertain me post op.
ReplyDeleteThe second one was when I gave birth to my kid. It was a c section and as soon as the baby was taken out, I felt dizzy for few minutes. But otherwise, I didn't feel a thing.
My mother won the battle against cancer and I couldn't thank doctors like you enough. You are doing such a great job!
Surgery over 12 hours that too painless. 😲 hats off to you doc. Is there anything in this world you can't do?
ReplyDeleteYou doctors are amazing...God Bless you always to help people around.
ReplyDeleteNo pain during my adenoids operation while I was 13 years old, I guess.
ReplyDeleteNo pain ..
ReplyDelete#sindhureads #myfriendlaexa
No I never felt any pain during the surgery. .
ReplyDeleteI didn't have any pain during and after the surgery. Team of doctors food a good job.
ReplyDeletenever been on an operation table n dont want to go also. I can spot u Doc. ...u r in the middle looking endearingly at ur patient.
ReplyDeleteThank God! but i have never had an experience in going through any kind of surgery.
ReplyDeleteWow. I truly admire your skills and patience. Hope you keep doing the noble work with as much integrity and devotion as you are now. Thank you for all your service to humanity
ReplyDeleteI ahven't had any surgery yet - so I won't know! But I had no clue we could feel pain :(
ReplyDeleteI had a c-section and it went very smoothly. But yes, the afterwards pain that I experienced was tough to handle.
ReplyDelete#MothersGurukulreads #Myfriendalexa
I had a spinal fusion and it was a hellish experience.I thought i would die.All because of the remorseless anaesthetist. I could not even sue them as the court asks for so many proofs which I could not gather. I could share my experience if you would like to read Doc.
ReplyDeleteI experienced both. For one delivery which is an assisted one that required stiches, the pain was terrible. C section was smooth and no pain at all during the surgery.
ReplyDeleteDuring have been out like a light, thank god for that. Post-op mostly has been manageable.
ReplyDeleteI have gone through a surgery that was the first time I went into the OT and was given anesthesia. I had not heard about anesthesia and how nothing feels after that but for me it was a black out. I only woke up in my side room after the surgery was done. So, it was a super smooth experience. Even I never felt the pain at the time of dressing too. Some doctors are God sent.
ReplyDeleteHonestly the only one operation I went was gaining motherhood and the joy of achieving it was more. May God give strength to patients who suffer the pains .
ReplyDeleteNever been in any operation but have seen many performed. What you are doing here is really amazing. Remain humbled and same forever.
ReplyDelete#MyFriendAlexa #ContemplationOfaJoker #Jokerophilia
12 hours! My God! Have never imagined that surgeries can last so long. More power to you, Roshan. Thankfully, I've never been operated and cannot say about the pain part.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.rohankachalia.com/2018/09/payback-part-4/
My c-section was painless... Other than that no major surgeries.. During operation no pain, but once the effect of the anesthesia was gone, it was major pain! It took some time to reduce as well 😥
ReplyDeleteyes i do have two CS's. after operation the stitches were really uncomfortable. But it was accompanied with tears of joy and that little cute smile of my little one
ReplyDeletewww.poseinstyle.com
#poseinstylereads #myfriendalexa
Haven't had a full blown surgery - just a surgical procedure. I was thankful for the anaesthesia that knocked me out though :)
ReplyDelete12 and a half hours doc... at one go! How do you guys maintain your concentration at such long stretches! Kudos
I have had two surgeries and the anesthesiologists have done fantastic job both times doc.
ReplyDeleteNever needed to go for any surgery.
ReplyDeleteNo, I never felt pain during the surgeries I underwent
ReplyDeleteFortunately , I have never been operated till time . But even name of it induces pain and horror in us :) #myfriendalexa #fotwreads
ReplyDeleteI have had only one surgery so far the C section. It went smooth and while coming back into senses (it was GA) I thought I was not yet drugged and thought they are going to cut me up with me feeling every damn thing! Turned out everything was over!
ReplyDeleteI think it is very important not to have pain and can have measures to overcome pains.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Doctor! I can see that its not easy carrying out a high profile, high pressure, high risk surgery and that too for so long. Must have been nerve wrecking. Thanks to Doctors like you, our faith in the hands of God is reinstated.
ReplyDeleteAs for my experience with surgeries... I had both my kids delivered via C section, courtesy pelvic kidney. It was for my delivery that I first ever stepped inside the hospital and OT! Thanks to the anesthetist, I never felt the pain and enjoyed welcoming the baby to the world, both the times!
First of all congrats on breaking the record and setting a new challenge for yourself.
ReplyDeleteI had a head injury as a result of burglar attack long back and even though anaesthesia was giving to be prior to stitching up my wound I could still clearly feel the needle pricks and pain while the whole process was going on. That was the first time even my parents came to know from the doctor that the effect of anaesthesia on my body is very slow when compared to normal person. Not a major one but many years after that i had my tooth removed. Even then, after giving prescribed dose of anaesthesia around the tooth to be removed, I would feel the pain (which whole intensity) while my tooth was pulled out. The most annoying part was the doctor who removed the tooth, during the whole setting thought that i was shouting unnecessarily. He only came to know about my condition when he complained about it to my dad and when my dad told him what is up with me!
I am a person who gets scared by the name of doctor. Especially gynaecologist. Till date I have no experience of being even admitted in hospital for any issues. So yes, I am scared of my future deals with a gyna. Operation is a far thing to think of ��. But yes may be if I find a friendly doctor, it can be great relief.
ReplyDeleteDoctors aren't Gods. We know that .But instances like these make people believe that God works through you all. Hats off to you Roshan.
ReplyDeleteWe are all thankful to the anaesthesia for saving us from pain during surgery. And, 12.5 hrs is commendable job!
ReplyDeleteNo major surgery...just a cesarean child birth . I realized what I have been thru only after the diminishing affect of anesthesia.
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