Anxiety Over Upcoming Surgery - Any Suggestions?

[barefoot]

You don't sound all over the place at all @j13 - I totally understand what you're saying.

Yes, I would advise giving them a heads up beforehand if you can - either a phone call or an email. I felt some relief when I did that even though it didn't all go 100% as planned with the anaesthetist on the day.

Think it's also a good idea to ask them if they can put your shorts on you before you come round. Am sure they would be happy to do that for you and it sounds like it would make an important difference to you.

And definitely ask for a pre-med - I didn't keep reminding them and didn't end up getting one and I really wish I had. I think it would have really helped. And if you get some anti-anxiety med from your dr, check with the hospital whether you can take it before the surgery. If they say you can, take it! Again, i didn't take mine because I thought I felt ok - a few hours later, I was having a meltdown!

When are you having your surgery?

 

[Gadgie]

Ive been in hospital a few times recently, and am presently waiting for another operation, and to be honest I'm not stressing over it.

I've already had theee operations cancelled at the last moment, but the fact that I've waited sixteen months for it, I just want it over and done with.

Years ago I would have been nervous about it, but as this operation is a life or death thing, I'm actually looking forward to it!

Try and think of something nice, be positive, look back over your life, and remember the humorous things that made you laugh, good luck.

 

[j13]

@barefoot My surgery is next Thurs. They are doing general anesthesia and a femoral nerve block, not the epidural. My surgeon has reassured me that I will be awake only for the IV, and then unconscious for the rest. The thought of being unconscious while they operate is terrifying, but not as terrifying as being awake!!
I went to my Dr. yesterday and asked for an anti-anxiety med. They said I can take it right before I go to the hospital, as well as as needed in the days leading up to the surgery. The closer it gets, the more panicked I feel. I keep trying to distract myself with work, my kids, anything, but distraction is not working too well anymore.
I'm glad your surgery was successful and it sounds like your pain was manageable. Were you in a lot of pain prior to surgery? My husband keeps saying I'm going to feel so much better once it's done - was that the case for you? I am definitely going to talk to the nurses and see what they can do to help. And I will definitely pre-medicate. If I could run, I'd probably bolt out of there at the first needle! Thanks for talking through this with me. This is bringing up issues I thought I had moved past and as amazing as my husband is, he doesn't get why I am so freaked out!