Nervous

Well my surgery date is fast approaching April 20. At one point I thought it would never get here but now that it is I am getting quite nervous. I am thinking of all the things I thought I would have time to get done and all the things that I didn't. Getting apprehensive. I saw my family doctor and discussed these feelings with him. All of a sudden I have developed bad stomach pains as well as chest pains. He said that I was probably having anxiety attacks. He also said something that made a lot of sense at least to me. He said that my biggest fear should be about not doing anything about a condition that far exceeds the risk of the procedure. I know the risks involved we all do but it doesn't help to hear a lot of horror stories before the surgery either and it seems like everyone feels it is their duty to tell me. They think they can change my mind but they don't realize with the medical condition that I am in I really don't have an alternative. My husband is very supportive because he sees the rapid deteriation in my health over the past year. He said that scares him more than the operation. Naturally he says you will be fine. I hope so. God Bless all and Happy Easter.

Hi Karen, 3 weeks post-op here and I know exactly what you are talking about. I swear to you I went through every emotion known to man and invented a few new ones along the way. It gets very weird when it becomes a reality, I was happy, sad, terrified ( almost called and cancelled ) every horror story no matter how loosly connected found its way to me. When I hit the weekend of my clear liquids a strange thing happened, all of a sudden I was at peace with my choice. I just knew inside it was all going to be ok. I knew I was as mentally and physically prepared as I could ever be...and trust me when I say a good 80% of recovery is mental ( in my opinion ) because if your head is in the right place your b ody can follow. I cried the morning I kissed my boys goodbye and went off to the hospital but I kept going because I knew deep inside it was the only thing for me to do. I made up my mind I was going at this full force, gung ho and going to do everything in my power to make it as easy as possible. I kept this attitude all the way through, fought my way awake from anesthesia because I hate the feeling of no control. I am a major control freak about some things and that actually helped me ALOT lol. I got out of that bed 2 hours after they broughht me to my room and haven't stopped since. It helped that I had 2 previous c-sections and that was really the only thing I had to compare recovery to...omg let me tell you this was a cake walk! lol it was nothing like when I had my kids. I could hardly stand up. This time after having a lap procedure I felt more like I had done way too many sit ups or maybe been kicked, more a soreness than acute pain. The drain was the most uncomfortable part of the whole thing and any discomfort I did have was nicely taken are of by the pain pump. Take a deep breath, continue to prepare mentally..even beginning a walking program ( nothing huge, just some extra walks ) and deep breathing exercises now can go a long way in helping your recovery. Pretty soon it will be your new birthday and your new life begins! I didn't mean to make this so long, I just wanted to take the opportunity to pass on some of the things that were most helpful to me. Positive messages did so much for my state of mind. You will do great! Linda

Karen, Good luck with your surgery. The nerves are natural. I went thru the same thing. I can tell you that this surgery was definately worth it. My asthma is great, blood pressure normal, energy level is unbelievable. Best of all, my cpap is gone. I heard the horror stories also. Just keep thinking about your new life and what it will have to offer. God Bless, Deb

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery. Nervous is normal - in fact, if you said you weren't nervous I would be nervous for you! I think it shows that you've done the research you know the process and you have made the choice to be a healthier you. What a wonderful gift to give to yourself. And, it's great that you have support at home. These last few days before surgery are going to fly by, hang on and get ready to begin a new lifestyle - It sure is worth it! Happy Easter! ((hugs)) Carla

Hey Karen, Nervous is understandable. Luckily you have a good support base to lean on. My wife was my rock prior to my surgery (and going forward) on October 6 2003. She knew how my health was deteriorating and that We had both done all the research (good and bad). Next Tuesday will come quick. Keep talking and posting. We will all be thinking about you. Rob PS. Make sure you take a pre picture and get your measurements prior to surgery. It can be your #1 motivational tool post-surgery.

Karen I'm also pre op. My surgery is May 4th. I am so thankful that you had the courage to post this. I have the same feelings. I knew that everyone goes through this, but I didn't realize to this extent. It is helping reinforce the (very well informed) decision that I had made for myself along time ago. Thanks to the post ops. I read EVERY word, at least twice. Dianne

Hi Karen, I wish I could be there with you, going through this too, but it doesn't look like that is going to happen. So please know you will be in my thoughts and prayers through this part of your journey, and when it is my turn, you can tell me all about it. Take care..(((HUGS))) Dana

May a peace that passes all understanding settle upon you now as you walk these final days through the process that you know will improve your health and your quality of life. . . and you can remind me of this when I'm days away from my surgery. I'll be praying for you. Diane C.