I’ve had general anesthesia 5 times (3-4 for surgeries) and was given ketamine for another procedure (in a vain attempt to not need the 3rd surgery). None of them were bad. The one time I requested not to use gen anesthesia but they insisted it was required, they were at least light on the dosing, so I was functional quickly and back to normal within a few hours of that.

Most of the times, my parents were there as I recovered from the anesthesia and never did I say anything I didn’t want to say (the ketamine and most recent gen anesthesia were both after I realized I was trans and hadn’t told my parents yet, but one of them had a tendency to ask prodding questions… And post-anesthesia was no exception).

I haven’t had any issues with any particular problems with my surgeries. Some of my other preexisting medical conditions may have caused some inconvenience for the doctors/nurses, but those are just my normal problems.

My wife was going under for minor surgery and wanted to ask if any of the staff were watching Game of Thrones. (which hadn’t gotten bad yet)

Apparently she crooked out Game of Thrones! and then passed out.

Whatever you do or say… you do or say. And this is their everyday job, you aren’t going to offend anyone. The worst you can do is give someone a good story.

But more to the point, those drugs remove your filter for a moment. It’s not your fault.

As for the rest, I cannot say. Some things you have to take a deep breath and accept that it’s out of your control. You cannot change the reactions of others. Will your family coddle you? Or are they going to show you that they love and care about you during a rough time? How are those necessarily different?

I hope it all goes well for you. It sounds routine, so there’s that, and then hopefully your symptoms abate.

I am on the spectrum but not diagnosed. I’ve only had anesthesia a few times in my life and have no idea what I said or did when I went under.

I worried more about the after effects and healing, and everything went smoothly. Just for what its worth from one overthinker to another.

I’ve said some wild stuff when waking up from anesthesia but the good thing is you probably won’t remember it and they’re used to it.

I can tell you how septoplasty went for me. I had a serious deviation that was causing recurring sinus infections and I got the surgery to correct it. The anesthesia was a total blackout, I remember being in the pre-op room getting anesthesia and then the next thing I was groggily waking up post-op. I think for a while after I would just say word-association nonsense as I saw colors and objects, I don’t remember anything specific and it wore off fairly quickly, and my partner doesn’t remember me saying anything specifically so I don’t think I said anything too embarrassing or memorable, I doubt they would conceal something just to spare my feelings. My nose / sinuses were sore for a while after and I took OTC painkillers to deal with it, unpleasant but not intolerable. Overall, worth the medium amount of hassle, would recommend if your septum is deviated.

TW: Gross

The worst / best / grossest part was when (after several days of healing) they took out the plastic sleeve/splint things they shove up there to keep your bones in place while they heal, they’re bigger than you think and they come out covered in bloody mucus and it feels like pulling the biggest booger you’ve ever had out and suddenly you can breathe better than you ever could before, like the nasal equivalent of putting on glasses for the first time (I assume, I’ve never worn glasses).

As for the family, it’s more down to your experience with them and how well they respect boundaries. People who care about you will naturally want to dote on you more post-surgery, which may or may not be what you want, just need to set clear guidelines about what you want the same as when you’re not recovering from surgery.

Hi, I had my first ever surgery back in October because I somehow broke my nose and deviated my septum in the process. I am 40 and I was super nervous but was a breeze the surgery was! But let me warn you, the postop stuff is a bitch, specifically the removal of the wicks, yikes! Good luck you’ll be fine

I don’t think it’s unreasonable to have the concerns you have at the moment, but it sounds like you’ve already weighed the pros and cons and made your decision re: surgery and it seems like a reasonable decision to me. It’s just facing the uncomfortable reality of it that you have to brace yourself for now. I think the vulnerability will be your actual biggest discomfort.

I’ve had a few surgeries and the only thing I feel you might dislike physically is the needle they put in the back of your hand to feed the anaesthetic etc into. It’s really only a slight sting but I find it unpleasant - certainly not any kind of “hitting” sensation like your ear situation. I only tell you this so you know what to expect.

There’s really only a short period after surgery where you might (and maybe won’t at all!) say something nonsensical, but it’s usually dreamlike nonsense (not confessions of inner secrets!). Your parents/other half have probably heard you talk in your sleep already - maybe that’s an easier way to think about it.

Regarding the coddling: Perhaps some pre-prepared responses could help keep it to a minimum, reassure people (who sound like they care which is nice), and make them feel useful at the same time. Some suggestions/prompts:

• Thanks (person), I’m actually quite tired at the moment, can you make sure there’s some water and (drugs) nearby and give me a call at (insert much later time) if I’m not up by then please?

• I’m a bit tender at the moment but I think it’s healing well enough, it probably looks worse than it is, don’t worry!

• I’ve got everything I need here but thanks for checking in.

• You know what, I would actually love some (ice cream, soup, whatever believable post-surgery food). If you’re in the store could you grab me some please?

• Sorry I have a bit of a short fuse at the moment, it’s just the (pain/meds) making me grouchy. Thanks for caring, I think i just need a bit of rest for now.

These are all dismissive though, don’t be too proud to ask for help if you have any concerns while you’re healing! And good luck, I hope the surgery brings you immense relief!

Edit: formatting

Okay, here’s where I can help.

So, two years ago, I had an FESS, and a septoplasty as a result of a severely deviated septum. Also on the spectrum and man, let me tell you- when I was ramping up to my surgery, I was losing my shit. Terrified of all the possible things that could go wrong! I’d also never had surgery before in my life, so I was an absolute anxiety-riddled mess. I must have copped-out like 5 times. Barely slept.

Let me tell you, it was an absolute breeze! I’d do it again in a second. Minimal discomfort.

The day of the procedure coming home I was in a daze. Then the following morning, just a little bit of discomfort. Was prescribed heavy pain relief that I really didn’t even need to take, but did… for about a day. Then it was just Tylenol after that.

Use the NeilMED nasal irrigation and you’ll be all set. It’s nothing at all! You’ll feel SO much better when it’s over.

Ask any questions, I’m glad to help.

My mom had surgery to fix a deviated septum after she’d had it for a long time. Recovery was super painful and took a long time, and the results didn’t last. She regretted having the procedure done.