Nervous and looking for support

Hello everyone! My name is Cheryl Thomas and I'm scheduled for surgery by Dr. Gibbs on the 11th of March. I'm so very excited about the changes that are coming, but to be completely honest, I'm PETRIFIED of the surgery itself. I've heard so many horror stories about people not making it through the surgery or suffering from horrendous complications afterwards. Then I called my mom today and she begged me not to do it because she saw an Oprah show and they had a panel of folks on it who had horrific complications. I think I'm in need of some hand holding here. Did anyone else have these same fears? Thanks, Cheryl

Grab my hand, girlfriend! It is a bit scarey, but remember that going on without the surgery has risks too. You need to remind your mother of that and explain that you have carefully evaluated the pros and cons (I'm assuming that you have!) When is your surgery? Mine is 3/1 with Dr. Baker at Baptist. Write down your reasons for doing this and keep rereading them. That will help you put the bad press in perspective. There are definitely risks, but from what I am learning, the risks (particularly of death) are very concentrated in a small number of exexperienced or unskilled doctors. There are actually some who do not tell their patients how to eat or what to watch for. I hear good things about Dr. Gibbs--you should not be having those problems at all. Ask your family and friends to please not add to your natural anxiety by relating media horror stories. It is too late--you are past the decision point. (It is exactly that reason that I have not told my mother!!!) I will tell her afterward when she can see I'm fine. I have enough issues of my own without having to deal with hers at the same time!!! LOL. What can I do to help you? I live in Little Rock. Do you have questions, or just jitters? This support group is TERRIFIC. Stay tuned! And check out the March surgery board as well. Joy (3/1)

Thanks Joy. I've just got the jitters. I'll be looking for your posts afterwards to see how you're doing! Make sure you keep us updated! I think I'll try the support group. At first I didn't see the point, but the more I read, the better I think the idea is. Take care, Cheryl

hello cheryl, i'm amanda and i had my surgery on 9-30-03 with dr. baker. as to date i have had no problems and i feel great. i have lost 75 lbs. in 4 months. listen anyone that is having any surgery minor or major willworry about the outcome. i worried like crazy, i kept thinking maybe i wouldn't see my husband or kids again. my insurance doesn't usually pay for that kind of surgery, but they did. i prayed on it and god made it happen. i know that everything happens for a reason.if you really want to do this then put it in gods hands and let him take care of you. hope this helps you. have you alredy been approved? take care and god bless- amanda

Thank you for your positive words! I prayed and prayed on my decision and I believe it's the right one. I think it's just pre-surgery jitters. I've heard excellent things about Dr. Gibb and the team at St. Vincent's. A lady I work with had her surgery with him 4 years ago and says that she'd do it all over again. I've been approved and the date is set. I just get nervous when people talk about the complications of the surgery itself. I'm SO glad that I tripped over this website! I needed to hear from others outside of the folks I know (that I've questioned to death) about their experiences! I've researched and researched this and I know it's for me. My mom said to me "How would you like it if your father had a triple bypass and I didn't tell you?" lol...point taken mom. Thanks again for your supportive words. I needed to be reminded that no matter what happens this is in God's hands. God bless and take care, Cheryl

I should add that my mom is 89 with a heart condition and she does not handle stress the way she would have even 10 years ago. You undoubtedly made the right choice for you in telling her. The march surgery board is really good. Check that one out. We are all in the same boat! Joy (3/1)