Before Anesthesia:
- To try and avoid dissociation by being in the here and now - looking at something in the room, feeling a blanket, working out what I could hear.
- Try and have someone with me before (and after surgery)
- Ideally be relaxed, aware and calm as possible
- Prepare self - for the altered sense of consciousness
- Have a local anesthesia/pre-med (relaxation) - e.g. Diazepam which was my suggestion after discussion with other doctors
- Counting backwards from ten to zero before having the anesthetic. My idea also - but so I could hear myself saying the numbers etc.
- Let them know of all of my various needs
- Use my imagery (e.g. 'feeling at peace with myself, deep and strong inside), feeling like a king.
- Bring in my Guardian Angels (as I felt they were - to the right of my body)
Post Anesthesia:
- It will be a gradual return - ideally have someone there (but if not, fine too)
- When you are able to open your eyes - look around, say "I'm in hospital" I can hear... I can see... I can feel... etc
- Try and make early eye contact with someone as coming round from the anesthesia
- If you feel shivery, let the shivers play themselves out, whilst asking for extra blankets
- Notice needs - e.g. can you hold my hand, give me my glasses back
- Try and regain a sense of yourself and your body (e.g. could use palpation).
