What should I do if I had a bad anesthesia experience before?
Tell your anesthesiologist about it before surgery, including what happened, any side effects you had, and whether you were aware during surgery. That history helps them plan safer care for you. It also helps to share all your medicines and supplements, your health problems, and any alcohol or drug use, because these can change how anesthesia works. If you are worried or afraid because of the past experience, say that too.
If you remember waking up or feeling aware during surgery, tell the team after surgery as well, and they will take your concerns seriously. Some people also benefit from counseling after surgery if the experience felt upsetting or traumatic. Verify the exact plan with your surgical or anesthesia team in case they want something different for you.
Sources
- American Society of Anesthesiologists, Made for This Moment · retrieved 2026-07-16
- American Society of Anesthesiologists, Made for This Moment · retrieved 2026-07-16
- Royal College of Anaesthetists (rcoa.ac.uk) · retrieved 2026-07-17
Generated from licensed sources, medically directed by Jack Neil, MD.