Could I REALLY die?

This friday I will have surgery to repair a fractured bone in my face. I had arthroscopic knee surgery about 10 years ago and had complications with the anesthetics, and because of that past history the Dr. is telling me there is a risk of death and asking me if I have an "advance directive" or other legal paperwork in place that will give someone decision making power over me. I AM SCARED AS HELL!!!

Its at Kaiser Permanente, and I personally know people who have died there

well...actually you can die from anesthectics...but its not very likely...especially these days. The only way you could die is if the doctor doing the anesthesia gave you way too much...not very likely...but heard of it in very very rare cases.

Do you have a hit on your head???.................................... you answered no, then I think you will be ok my friend

risk of death with any surgery

you can die anytime you have surgery. The doctor telling you this is normal.

trust me you cant die from anesthectics..and a fractured bone in your face..people get surgury and basically get all their body parts REPLACED! you'll be fine!

Doctors are required to give these warnings, even if you are having a hangnail removed. It is the result of living in a litiguous (sp?) society.

You might ask the doctor and/or anesthetist if there are any real problems or dangers that you should be aware of other than the standard pro forma warnings.

Dont be scared, everything will be ok. God bless u