Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 9/20/2006

Question
hi, i just wandered why you have such a weird feeling when you wake up from surgery, i am having a hysterectomy in 2 weeks,i am nervous, i have told them that i have to have something to help me not to wake up sick...throwing up and nauseous. it seems that people are always standing around you calling your name when you come to, can you explain these things?

Answer
Andrea
The first thing is that you should explain fully what you have felt in the past to your anaesthetist when they come to see you before your operation.
For most hysterectomies it is possible to give you a local anaesthetic injection in your back so that you don't have to have a full general anaesthetic - this may be possible in your case. However it may be something you would not wish to have.
The nausea and vomiting is something that we can do much more about these days and your anaesthetist should be able to help.
Now as to the weird feeling you feel as you wake up - there is not a lot that can be done about that as we all react differently to anaesthetics and feel somewhat different about them when we wake up. It is that change from being unresponsive and comatose to being awake that can take a bit of time as the anaesthetic wears off. It does tend to leave you in this twilight state for a period. Again some anaesthetics are better than others for this and your anaesthetist may be able to help.
Sorry can't add much more except wish you all the best for your operation - I am sure you will be fine.
Kind regards
Dr ian Jackson