Went in for my mastectomy today and they could not intubate me. They put me under and could not get the tube in so they woke me up. 2 doctors were working on getting the thing down my throat. I was indicating that I could not breath, they kept saying that I could. So one of the nurses put a oxygen thing up my nose and I kept trying to say I could not breath thru my nose. They sprayed some horrible numbing spray down my throat several times and it was filling up my throat. They putting it down… read more
I'm an ICU nurse of 27 years, and I've seen a lot... including some difficult/ impossible to intubate patients. I can only imagine what that was like for you. I'm very glad you have 3 anesthesiologists lined up for your next surgery. When stuff like this happens, it is really important for you to get the doctors to explain to you what happened, from their perspective. It sounds like it may have been multiple issues that created such a bad situation. You are probably tricky to intubate with the neck issue. But what concerns me more, is how awake you were. Your Drs need to review what meds were given and come up with an anesthesia plan that is effective. It's true that some patients can have a drug effect them in the opposite way, it's called a paradoxical effect. And the wet lungs... well, I suspect a drug reaction. Anyway, I'm speculating... but most important is to make sure they understand what happened to you last time and have a different plan to make your anesthesia go smoothly this time. Hang in there; calm thoughts and good vibes for a very smooth surgery!
I would definitely file a formal complaint with the hospital administration about what they put you through. It should have never happened! No excuse for it at all.
I'm so sorry for you. What a horrible thing to happen given the procedure you were about to have. I would change hospitals or have a lengthy discussion with an anesthesiologist you can trust before surgery. That is not typical proticol.
@A MyBCTeam Member, I responded to the post from a day ago, I do believe the tube was actually put in while u were under. Again, the gag reflux thing. I'm wondering why they woke u up after it was in! I agree with these ladies, this is not medical procedure. Request your medical records from the visit and potential surgery that day. You want surgeon, anesthesiologist and the nurses notes as well. On a different note, I can understand your PTSD, make sure you have talked to the drs abt how they plan to do it next week. Knowing in advance may help you be less fearful! Good luck my friend and prayers are being sent your way!
Its sounds like you might have a lawsuit on your hands too. Request your medical records and go to an attorney.