So terrified, I am thinking of backing out of having surgery.

I wrote this on my profile: Pre Op went well. I am all cleared for surgery. I have my instructions...no more starches, fluids only on Saturday and Sunday, and a list of meds to clean me out all day Saturday and Sunday with some antibiotics on Sunday to clear my bowel of bacteria. Sounds like I am going to be on the toilet alot this weekend. I met with the surgeon, the anesthesia and pharmacy departments, had some blood drawn, etc. Came home with a migraine, dizziness, and vomiting. No food, information and anxiety overload I guess. I am so afraid. Terrified about the surgery and scared about the huge life changes and adjustments afterwards. Scared about pain, JP drains, G tubes. Just plain ole' shakin' and sick with fear. What do I do?? I am scheduled for surgery on Monday and I am terrified. I have been waiting and waiting for this day, and now I don't know... Any advice?

I am right there with ya! I am much more terrified than excited. My surgery is the 19th. I find myself wondeing if I shouldbe listening to my fear or ignoring it, but I keep moving ahead. So soryy no advice, but I will be watching this thread very closely to see what others say.

Hello, I too find myself thinking about backing out. I think it is sooo normal to be scared. As a matter of fact I think you should be worried if your not. This is a life altering decision we are making. And THIS IS MAJOR surgery. Ofcourse no of us can tell you what to do it has to be your decision. But know that the fear and anxiety you are experiencing now is so normal. But the end reward is so amazing. And you say this is something you have wanted for a long time, so trust yourself, trust the decision you have made and enjoy the new life you are about to embark on. All in all I am sure you will make the right decision for yourself. I will keep you in my thoughts. Tiarra

((( Delana ))) I understand the fear factor. I was going thru that also... up until the time that I had to postpone mine, ( I was scheduled for the 29th of Nov. ) due to a cold, Now I'm waiting till Dec. 21st. When I had to postpone I was soo upset, now I am (im) patiently waiting again. I know this is the right choice for me. Like you, I have trouble walking.... the surgery will help that, but I also need both knees replaced. I have 1 son, 2 beautiful grandaughters, and a wonderful loving fiancee.... I want to be around for a long time yet, and I want to be able to enjoy life to the fullest with them. I also read your profile.... how much you have to live for, your list, and your joy in finding that you are able to have this surgery. God led you here for a reason, He wont dessert you now. Also, from everyone I've talked to.... this is allll so normal..... the nerves, the fear, the lack of sleep.... all normal. You will do great Delana, and I'll keep you in my prayers...not only for your surgery and speedy recovery, but also for inner peace in the days before. Huggs & Blessings, Lori

Dear Delana, Your fears are very normal. The day before surgery I had a migraine like I haven't had in years. After relaxing and getting a good nights rest, I felt great. Yes, there will be changes, but in comparison to the life we've been living, I don't think the changes are all that difficult. From my personal expierence (had surgery 12-4) the pain isn't that bad. With my doctor we had the Patient Controlled pain meds. It was great, if you felt you need something for the pain you just push the button. By the third day (12-6) I was only taking liquid pain meds every 4 hours. I never even felt the G-Tube coming out, the only thing was I did have a slight sore throat that first evening. And the JP drains don't really hurt either. I guess I just want to give you a big hug and tell you that everything is going to be fine. Try to keep yourself busy. Anything to help you pass the time, anything that will keep your mind occupied. I wish you the best and will praying for a peaceful heart, mind and spirit for you. Joanne

Honey, don't think you are alone, I am also worried sick. I have totally different instructions...only clear liquids for two days before, no bowel prep or eating restrictions until then. I have been trying my best to drop a couple of pounds on my own but I think I am having too many "last supper" moments! I have an angel I got her on OH and she has been my lifesaver! I ask her all kinds of questions and she has assured me that the journey will be hard but worth it. She has also let me know that these anxieties are perfectly normal! I have been considering cancelling but at the same time I can't imagine going on the way I have. That is the one thing that keeps me going and my angel has told me that this too is perfectly normal. I think we are just forseeing the huge changes and that is scary no matter what area of life the changes are in. Hang in there...I really believe you will be okay! Email me if you need to! P.S. I finally bought a recliner today!

Hi No advice, just empathy. I have pre op tomorrow and surgery on Friday. I have not wanted to eat any junk so and I think that is just because I have been preparing for this for a long time. I am ready to get it over with and yes, I have some anxiety and nervousness but I have not had enough time to really get scared as I just found out today that I am having surgery in 2 days. Good luck to you and let us know how you did. Angela

I know EXACTLY what you mean. My surgery was on November 2, and I felt exactly the same way. I was terrified, and I MEAN TERRIFIED. I have two young sons and a husband, and I just KNEW something was going to go wrong. Guess what? Everything went JUST RIGHT! So far this journey has been uneventful--except for the weight loss! I know everyone is different, but if you are in good health, and you have a talented surgeon, you will be just fine. Keep the faith!

Talk about knowing exactly what you are going through....well I too am having my surgery on the same day as you and there isn't a feeling you have that I don't. Backing out is one of the things I thought of too..but then, why? I am morbibdly obese, have trouble walking, have one knee replacement already, and going to have the other one. Trouble breathing going up my stairs one at a time, and so many other problems I can't even tell ya. But this I can tell you, I have had numerous surgeries....and there is no way you feel anything exceplt calm...gotta love those drugs, when you are wheeled into surgery. Next thing you know, you are awake and things are over. Heck I even broke down and cried before one of my surgeries and the docs just gave me more stuff to calm down with. It's fine, you will be ok, you will have some pain, there are meds for that. Just remember this, it's all good afterwards. I wrote every friend I have been in contact with last night, and I am more than amazed how everyone cares. Don't worry we will both be fine, and write if you need anything!

Thank each of you for responding. I really appreciate it. I am feeling a little more at piece today. I hope I can stay this way until the surgery is over and beyond. I am still very afraid, but better. I hope you are all doing well. Thinking of you. Delana