Really Nervous and scared

My surgery is coming up in 5 days and I am SOOOO nervous and scared. It doesnt scare me about being in pain afterwards, because I have been living with one form of pain or another most of my adult life, so I know that I can deal with this. I am scared of going to sleep for the surgery and not waking up. I am sure that this is probably normal for most people, I mean most people dont just say hey knock me out and operate on me, and not be scared. I think mainly I worry the most because I have always been the strong one in my family and the one who handles everyone elses problems, and this one time I feel like I will not be in control of anything, and if something happens and I dont survive surgery or there are complications, then I dont know how my family and loved one would carry on without me. I know that may sound egotistical, but I honestly beleive it to be true. I also worry about how stress affects people after surgery, and my WHOLE life has always been stressful, and I honestly dont know how to just shut my eyes and the outside world off, and give myself the time to heal that I will need. HELP!!!!!!! Do you ever get the feeling that you are just being pulled in 1000 different directions, and that you just have to take some time out for YOU but you dont know how?? thats me.

Yes, Anita you just described my chaotic life! EVERYONE depends on me for survival, and Ive been stressed out for YEARS over this to the point that it affected my health and I developed high pressure as a result so I finally had to put a stop to it. It hasn't been easy. Once I made the decision for this surjury I also decided I was going to change other things in my life as well. I went into surjury confidant that I would have no complications and so far I haven't. I was more than happy to be knocked unconcscious for awhile The first week home my daughter goes to work and leaves the 2 grandchildren with me. I love them dearly but I was not able to run after a 3 yr old and a 16 month old, so I talked with her and they are now in daycare. This is one less thing on me to worry about. I make changes daily, if something is bothering me or I am feeling overwhelmed I do stop and speak my mind. Life is just too short, to have to deal with so much stress and anxiety on a daily basis. I am 46, I think it is time for me to take control and share some of the burdens with the rest of the family. I have been much happier since surjury and since I delegate some of life's daily problems to others. I now take time for ME and do not worry how it will affect anyone else but ME. It may sound selfish but my kids are adults and it is time for them to solve their own problems and understand that their actions do have consequences in life. I am not going to live forever and the day will come when I am not around for them to run too so I would like to see them stand on their own, while I am still alive.I will offer advice if asked but as far as being the problem solver for the world, the buck has stopped here. Best of Luck! Sandy

The anesthesia fear is absolutely common (I had it, too). Remember that they know what they're doing and it is so rare that there are complications that the odds are almost 100% in your favor. Your surgeons and staff have done this hundreds of times and you will be in good hands. As I tell everybody in here, put your body in their hands and your faith in God's hands and you will be home and getting better before you know it. Also, remember, the chances are far greater that you might not be around for your family very long if you DON'T have the surgery. Be strong for you this time, and let THEM be the strong ones for awhile when you are home and recuperating. Give 'em Heck, Anita!

Hello Anita. Check this out - I'm a single mother of two. My boys are 7 and 12 and involved in everything so we are in the same boat girlfriend! I'm stressed to the maxxxxxx too, and excited and nervous and etc.... I get really nauseated from being put under and am worried about repeatedly vomiting. But, I am going in for a revision and have always said I would have the surgery again in a minute, so I guess here's my chance. Your family WILL help, you WILL be fine, and you WILL wake up. I can feel it! Please keep in touch. Are we soul sisters or what? Man can I relate to it all!! We are going to feel so much better!

Hi Anita, I thought you were describing my life. My surgery is in 6 days and I am very nervous also. I fear that I will leave my daughter behind and I just try to push those feelings aside. This will be my 4th major surgery and I had no problems with the others. So, I have to remember that and also remember that I do trust my surgeon. I am not sure about the people that depend on you, but the ones that depend on me are mostly adults and they are going to have to take care of me for once. So sit back and relax and concentrate on you for once and think of how much more healthy you are going to become. Good luck with your surgery and have a speedy recovery. Heather T

Hi Anita, I am 12 days post-op and have never had surgery before this !!! I also was scared of the anestesia and waking up, I think from the things you see on tv where they are rubbing your chest and screaming your name!! they gave me something in the pre-op to relax me and that almost knocked me out I barely remember going into the OR, when I woke up it was just like waking up in the morning I opened my eyes and there was a nurse at the side of my bed and she said Hi Jennifer i was a little confused but told her hi and then they brought me up to my room. I was scared I would wake up fighting but I didn't so all of the stress was for nothing !! I am a single mom and of course I was frightened about what would happen to my daughter if something happened to me, I am fortunate to have a wonderful mother that treats and spoils my daughter as if she were her own!!! Everything turned out just fine so far, and I am sure it will for you too!! Best of Luck !! ~Jennifer

Don't be nervous. I am only a couple weeks post op and can say I don't regret it at all. It is a change, and the surgery is surgery, but the pain is manageable. Good luck on a speedy recovery, the rest of the april people will pray for you. natalie