HELP!!! Surgery 12/16 and I'm freaking out!!

It seems that the closer I get to the surgery date the more anxious and scared I get. I find myself freaking out about everything that needs to be done and taking it out on my family. I don't know why because I have been working towards this for so long so why the nerves now?? I feel like I am pushing everyone away and getting mad over the most trivial things. I feel like I am outta control - my emotions are all over the place. Is this normal? Has anyone else felt like this??? Paige

Paige, Dont feel like you are the only one. I was at work last week, and me and a co-worker had it out. I mean we were yelling at each other for all it was worth. My boss came around the corner and just stood there until we were done. Then he pulled us into his office one at a time and asked what had happened. I finally started to cry and said, I dont know what is wrong with me. He sent me home for the rest of the day. But, he also suggested I go and see my family doc and ask him to give me something to relax. I also cannot go into places that I use to love. For example last Saturday I was going to get grocieries (sp) at wal-mart. I love wal-mart walked into the store and had to leave shortly there after. I could not deal with all the people. It was like they were all staring at me. I dont know if its normal, I just know that I am also going through it. If you find something that works for you please pass it on. Melissa 384/378/358/347/345 (post op) since October 2005 [email protected]

Hi paige, my surgery is TODAY. I have been through what you have. someone on this site called it "a real head banger" which made me laugh. seriously though, i went through feelings of being really afraid and incredibly irritable (especially at work-people drove me nuts) toward the end. And there were days I just didn't want to deal with anyone. It was just all the stress and I swear the liquid diet made me feel hormonal. It did however pass, as surgery got much closer, strangely I felt calmer! Now is the time to take care of YOU, relax when you can, do the stuff you need to do- but prioritize in case you can't do it all. I've been checking around and its totally normal. Sounds like a lot of people take this rollercoaster ride. Hang in there, you will be fine! Kelly

My date is the 16th as well, My emotions are all over the place, but I think this is normal.. Just make a list of all the reasons you are having this surgery.. then make a list as to what new exciting things you will do after your surgery.. I did this and put it on my mirror and every morning I either add to it or just reread it... I was really nervous and someone told me to do this.. It works pretty good. at work I talked to each staff member, (ONLY 5 of US) and told them about the surgery and apologized in advanced if I got short with them or yelled at them or was just plain rude. I found that I have no patience with people now because I am using every bit of my energy gearing up for the surgery.. Don't worry with the small stuff, Its the boulders that will crush you, stay away from the boulders!! (hmm my 11 year old told me this last year Im not sure what it was supposed to mean but it makes me smile) (((HUGS))) Dori

Paige, You are really not alone. I feel so overwhelmed like I have too much to do for just me to handle and I do. I am starting to take it out on my daughter and my family. The folks at work is a whole other story, I just try to avoid them totally. But, you know what calms me is just accepting the fact that everything is not going to get done right now. Somethings may have to just wait until after the surgery to get done. I don't want to cause my body to stress out and have any anxiety attacks and that may cause me to have to postpone the surgery. My mother and I was about to get into about the littlest thing last night and I had to close my eyes and count to 10. She probrably thought that I was crazy but it stopped me from saying things that I might regret later on. Then, I just walked away. Its hard to do but doing this stressful time when it seems that time is moving too fast and there is not enough hours in the day I have to avoid getting myself upset and causing heartache on myself. Don't worry, this is normal. Just make sure that you relax and get much needed rest prior to surgery. JaNae

Same here.........it is an epidemic! Hold on honey!! Vicky 12/14 is the BIG day