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This patient was really nervous and scared of doctors so we hit on a good idea - we'll let her girlfriend put her to sleep!

I love that moment where the anesthesiologist is standing over you and you’re watching the mask descend onto your face by her tightly-gloved hands. “Chin up, take some deep breaths for me,” she commands.

Then, the mask is on. She’s holding it on with enough pressure to create a tight seal, and you feel it on the bridge of your nose. The oxygen is pure, but the mask smells plasticky.

The other nurse then reaches over and holds the mask while the anesthesiologist attaches a large, white syringe to your IV and tells you that you’re about to feel sleepy. She starts to inject the propofol, and you feel the warmth in your vein.

The propofol is almost gone, and so are you. Your vision softens and blurs, sounds feel further away, warmth creeps up your vein. A brief moment of euphoria, then your eyelids flutter, and you’re gone.

You’re blissfully unaware of everything happening now. The anesthesiologist takes control of the mask again. For a brief moment, both nurses have their gloved hands on the mask, making sure it is on tight.

The anesthesiologist lets the nurse hold the mask once more. She picks up a medium, clear syringe and attaches it to your IV. She injects the paralytic quickly, lavender hands working in practiced precision.

She asks the nurse to remove the mask. She rips off a piece of tape, shuts your left eye, with her right pointer finger, and secures it with tape.

She rips another piece, closes your left eye with her left pointer finger, and secures it with tape. She runs her fingers over both eyes, ensuring the tape will stay in place.

The anesthesiologist retakes control of the mask. Her left hand clamps it on, her grip much more firm than before. Her fingers wrap and your chin and squeeze to ensure a tight seal, while her right hand squeezes the breathing bag, forcing oxygen into your lungs.