Let's get some "stuff" off of our shoulders...

OK, I'm guessing your all having the same thoughts I am so let's see if we can all help each other prepare for this big event in our lives. What is your biggest concern with what we'll all be going through in the next month? Way back in my head I'm concerned about complications and not making it through the surgery, but really I'm feeling all will be well, but how painful will it be? will I throw up and tear the stitches? will I notice any complications after I leave the hopital in time to get the proper medical attention? What are you looking forward to the most? My back, knees and ankles not hurting anymore! God I can't wait to not feel that pain all the time, struggling with stairs, walking, etc... What are you bringing to the hospital? Blistex comfey sweatpants/shorts change of underclothes magazines and my usual travel toiletries. Renee

I am right behind you on the surgery date. Mine is Sept 20th!! Right now the waiting is driving me crazy!! I have very similiar thoughts/feelings as you. Initially, I was very afraid of dying during surgery or getting some god awful leak or infection and dying a slow miserable death. (I spent way too much time on the memorial pages) Now, as you, I feel very confident that the surgery will be a breeze. I worry a little about blood clots for some reason. I have a lot of aches and pains in my legs now as it is, and I worry that after the surgery I will think that every time I get a leg ache I have a blood clot, and I may die! I don't want to be paranoid, but at the same time I want to be cautious and not afraid to report any problems. I am really looking forward to living pain free again. My back, legs, feet, ankles hurt all the time. It is so hard just to get myself dressed in the morning to go to work. I get out of breath so easy, just walking from my car to the office - heck just to get dressed to go some where makes me tired and out of breath. I want to cross my legs again. I am so tired of being fat, sick and tired!! I bought some new pajamas and slippers for the hospital and home. I will bring chapstick for sure - everyone seems to recommend it. A change of clothes - very loose - for the way home. I am thinking about going shopping now for the stuff I will need right after surgery. I have my pre-op appt. of Sept 15th and at that time I should get a list of what I can eat and when.

Hi Renee, well I'm not part of this board, but I was going to post something and then saw your post and thought I would respond. I had surgery a year ago, September 16. Of course we're all concerned with complications - and we should be. This is a serious procedure!! But nothing we can do about that except worry, and that doesn't set good chi for going in to surgery. So have confidence in your surgeon and feel like you are in good hands and relax! As far a what you're bringing to the hospital, I didn't take any magazines and I was fine. Jus****ched tv mostly and walked! Slippers are helpful, and don't worry about bringing your own nightgown and robe, I just kept on the hospital one. Also, don't worry about shampoo stuff!! Like someone said if you feel good enough to start doing that you're good enough to go home. Now, what I was going to write to you all for advice -- don't push the limit on things. Don't try to find out how much sugar you can eat before you dump! Don't start eating carbs to see if you can before you dump!! So my advice to all of you is to follow the rules and stick with them. For me, since surgery, I have not had any sugar at all. Would I dump, I don't know, but I haven't tried it. And so far, I haven't had any dumping episodes at all. I remember hearing people say 'oh gosh, I just ate french fries and mcnuggets and nothing happened and now I know I can'!! Yeah ---- So there you go little September babies, take it for what it's worth!! love and good luck to all of you!! donna

Hi. I'm scheduled for 9/19. I'm so ready to be done with this part because it's the fear of pain that's killing me. My last daughter's birth was the WORST pain I've ever felt, so I'm not looking forward to feeling like a bu**** me when I wake up, but whatever will be, will be. I'm most looking forward to dressing young again, to feeling confident and pretty AND to NOT huff and puff up a flight of stairs. I have no comorbidities nor any knee aches and pains, but I can't breathe when I walk and I'm just too sedentary, so I can't wait for that to change. I am definitely taking a jar of vaseline for my lips....I love it. Comfy PJs, change of undies, IPOD and a good book. To all, good luck and God Bless!