Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group

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Reed31 07/05/2015

Hello All, I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with twilight anesthesia. I had it decades ago and was fine but need to do it again and I'm a bit nervous.

Would like to know of the experience of others. Trying to see how it could actually help with the PTSD - providing an opportunity to see things work out, that people can be trusted and so on. It's a tall order and I'm concerned if anything goes badly (mean people, bad reaction) it could cause a setback.

I have the option of going under general anesthesia, twilight or none. They're saying twilight makes the most sense. Short, simple surgery that should last about 30 minutes.

Thoughts?

min63 07/05/2015

twiligth years ago i did not care if they cut off my head i dont about its safety hugs min

mujicaptsd 07/05/2015

If I recall correctly I had it for a knee surgery years back, and came through fine, Reed. It's a rather individual decision when given the option, I'm sure. Bear in mind I'm no doctor, just a patient, but I preferred not to go under general anesthesia as my choice.

silverlining4hope 07/05/2015

Hi Reed, I'm not sure what type of procedure you are going through but I had twilight anesthesia about a month ago for something minor as well. I was very nervous about getting it because I've had general anesthesia before and I had a bad reaction to general anesthesia. I found that twilight wasn't as bad (in comparison). Your doctors are right, twilight would be better for a 30minute procedure. It's not as heavy as general anesthesia and you wake up about an hour later. I woke up groggy but it was nowhere near as bad as general. I didn't have any side effects from twilight other than drowsiness and difficulty concentrating. I had far more side effects with general anesthesia. And I should probably mention that even though I prefer twilight over general, it still had challenges of it's own and it is not a perfect cocktail. But the experience did prove to me that doctors will try and do everything they can to help you stay comfortable. So my review is still positive.

As for PTSD, it made me feel so calm when I left the hospital. The feeling lasted a couple of days too and it was a very nice break from my symptoms. I slept great for a few days too.

CrazyCanuk 07/06/2015

I am not sure if this is the same, but I had a C-section and was awake for it. It was weird, I was shaking and really cold from the
anesthesia. I could also feel the pressure, of the cutting and removing my son. It did not hurt, but there was a lot of pressure which was weird to feel without pain.

I just had a colonoscopy and I choose to be out for it. I thought it was the best and it worked out fine. It took only a few seconds for the anesthesia to knock me out. I had a great sleep and woke up feeling refreshed and a little groggy. One of the best sleeps I have had in a long time!! Wish I could do that again but for longer

All the best in your decision ((hugs))

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