I have an irrational fear of a GA. I think it must stem back to my youth (many years ago!) when I had a lot of teeth out and can always remember the smell of that horrid black rubber mask coming down over my face. On the last occasion I was actually sick under the anaesthetic and got a right ear bashing from the nurse when I came round.

So when it came to having an op for a hernia (which turned out not to be a hernia!!!) I opted for a local. I went it for day surgery and I was left to the end of the day, and the anaethetist wasnt very happy with me as I had done him out of a job.

Then I injured my knee at the gym and was told I would need an op to repair the tear and when I asked if it could be done under a local he said no, so I told him I would think about it. To this day I have still not had the op and my knee is much better!!!!

A friend of ours, now living in France, has recently had both his knees done and for both he had an epidural. He said it was the best decision he had made and enjoyed the experience chatting to everyone in the op. theatre!!!