Experience description: 

I was in the hospital having Ureteroscopic surgery (kidney stone removal) and was given a general anesthetic.  Sometime during the operation, I awoke.  However, while I could hear, I could not open my eyes or move.  In fact I felt quite different, kind of like a ball.  It was dark and void.  The only senses I could realize were sound and a sense of being a small ball surrounding my intelligence.  I was very conscious and could here doctors and nurses talking.  I knew I was suffering from pulmonary aspiration, and this was later verified.

I believe this was the first stage in an NDE.  And while I never left my body, I definitely had a disconnecting from the body experience.  I call it my in-body experience.

Any associated medications or substances with the potential to affect the experience:  Yes

      Explanation:  Became conscious during a surgical operation following a general anesthetic

Was the experience difficult to express in words?  No

At the time of the experience, was there an associated life threatening event?  No

What was your level of consciousness and alertness during the experience?  Very conscious, could hear doctors and nurses talking.  I knew I was suffering pulmonary aspiration, and this was later verified.

Was the experience dream like in any way?  No

Did you experience a separation of consciousness from your body?  Yes

What emotions did you feel during the experience?  Just wondered what was happening

Did you observe or hear anything regarding people or events during your experience that could be verified later?  Yes

      Describe:  Talking with a nurse 

Has the experience affected your relationships?  Daily life?  Religious practices etc.?  Career choices?  It simply reinforced my religious beliefs

Have you shared this experience with others?  Yes

      Describe:  None

Has your life changed specifically as a result of your experience?  No

Following the experience, have you had any other events in your life, medications or substances which reproduced any part of the experience?  No

Did the questions asked and information you provided accurately and comprehensively describe your experience?  Yes