~*sleepless in Rothbury*~

Good Morning everyone! I have to say as my day is drawing near I am having a very hard time falling asleep I am so tired this morning I have tears streaming down my face! I laid in bed last night and tried really hard to go to sleep but all I could think about is my Dr. appointment tomorrow (my pre op) about what it would be about. If reality would set in once I seen all the stuff they use and he discribes my surgery. (that is what Dr. Gluck does, he shows you what he uses and goes step by step through the whole surgery so you are truly informed about what he is going to do.) I ended up with a horrible stomach ache which made it even worse to fall asleep. Any suggestions guys? As I have posted in the past I do suffer from horrible anxiety I have never taken it but thought of asking my Dr. for some Valium just to keep me sane. LOL Any suggestions would really help. Thanks guys. Today looks like it is going to be another beautiful day in Michigan! Get out and enjoy it!!!! Hugs, Di

I understand anxiety....I had it terribly myself til I got on medication for it. If you don't want to know all the gorry details, just ask him to make it brief...that it makes you too nervous to hear it again, that is if you know what he is doing. I'm sure you're informed about the whole procedure. Also, the day of surgery, have them give you something to relax right when you get there...they will. In fact, tell your dr. to put it in the orders when you are getting your iv. You will do great! And just think...very soon you will be thin and healthy!!!! (I tell ya, the weight drops so fast, it's just incredible!) No more meds, no more achy joints, tons more confidence, the benefits just go on! Try to stay busy til surgery day, get your cupboards and fridge in order with the right drinks, protein, etc., get any housework done that needs it, etc. The day will be here before you know it. Tell your Dr. how you are feeling, maybe he can help you. Best of luck! Hugs, Theresa

Hi there Theresa, Thank you so much for the advice. I plan on telling them to drug me as soon as I walk in the door. LOL I know I will need it. I can't WAIT for the pain to ease in my back. I am sooo looking forward to that day. I am working on my closet today but it is going very slow due to the heat. It is frigen hot out there! LOL. Thanks again for the advice. I have to tell you I was excited when I got the emails because for the first time when I read them I knew who you all were without having to go the site to see your pics. LOL Small things like that make me giggle. LOL thanks again! Hugs, Di

Try to fix in your head that this is "technical". Don't focus on the personal aspect of it. Look at it from his perpective as a technician. If that doesn't help, drift off in your head somewhere else! LOL! Seriously, I don't think it is necessary for you to know what exactly they do as long as you understand your part in the whole process. And have a good general idea of the way the procedure works. So go to your happy place and smile at him and nod every now and then so he thinks you are paying attention! Some people may think I am terrible for saying that, so I want to make sure you understand that you still should research for yourself what your part in all of this is and how the procedure works. But I think Theresa is right and you don't need to know all of the gory details! Wendy

Hey Wendy, I just can't get over how HOT you look. It is going to be a great year for you girl!!!! I LOVE your advice. LOL I know all he is going to say but my husband does not so it is going to be a real eye opener for him. I'll do what I always do at the dentist I sing christmas carols in my head to focus on something else. Isn't that the silliest thing ever. But, hey it works. Thanks again for the advice. You look great girl! Hugs, Di

Dear Diane: I understand your anxieties. Though we prepare ourselves for this, we get anxious. And sometimes it seems to take us over. But here is some "sugar free/fat free" food for thought: 1. Stop telling yourself anything is wrong. It isn't. Nothing has happened yet. So stop worrying over it. It doesn't do you any good to get nervous and it won't make it go any faster. So stop it. Now. 2. When you feel nervous, try doing something to occupy your mind. A walk, a bath, play with your kids, read an article from a magazine or cook something. Anything it takes to take your mind off what it is causing you nervousness. 3. Think positive. Be positive. Have a positive attitude. Set it up in your mind right now to be perfect and that it's all going to be great. Set it up to be that way, and it will be! Don't open the windows for disaster when nothing has really begun. Why open up that opportunity? Then don't!!!!!!!!!!!! 4. We already set up in our minds how it's going to be. You have a choice to change how you feel by practicing that it's going to be wonderful, that you'll be just fine, and that this change is the best thing in the world you have chosen to do. Now, take into consideration the possibilities and start setting goals for yourself, and that will enable your mind to see the positive effects rather than worrying! 5. Start the sleep process a bit earlier. No caffiene, no anything that might disrupt your settling down. Dim the lights a bit an hour before bedtime. Take a warm - not hot- bath with lavender. Take care of your body as well as your mind and think of places that are soothing and comforting to help you drift off. and finally: 6. Remember that each day brings new glory to your world and that God is overseeing every step of your walk and is right beside you and "HE will never fail you" ............and trust that 100 percent, leave the worries to HIIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Every day gets better, and every day will make you stronger. God Bless Stacey

Stacey, I just want to say thank you! That is so what I need to hear. I copied and pasted it so I could print out that response and put it on my fridge so when I feel nervous I can just go read it. It is people like you and the ladies here who help us all so much. This is the advice I would look for from my mom I know that sounds weird since my mom isn't that gracious. So from the bottom of my heart Stacey I tell you thank you! Hugs, Di

Hi Di, Sending hugs your way!! I know all to well about the whole anxious thing... believe me... atleast 2 weeks before surgery I was on an emotional rollercoaster. I was happy, scared, sad, proud everything you name it. Before I got my surgery I asked God to open my eyes to everything that I needed to learn to be successful. I knew that I could not possibly learn, or remember every single thing they were telling me. I took good notes, and asked questions when they came up. I think sometimes we tend to overthink things... One of my favorite preachers calls it "Stinkin Thinkin" I decided it would be best to take things one day at a time. I agree so much with what others have said here. Now on the day of your surgery if you are still all nerves they will give you something to relax. They did for me and I was HAPPY!!! LOL You can do this Di, keep telling yourself that. Trust me, I am the biggest wuss sometimes. In fact... My last name is Consolino and a really close friend of mine calls me "Punkalino" cause I am a wuss!!! If I can do it.... ANYONE can do it!! Keep coming here and asking for support. It helps sooooo much. And let us know how the DR visit went. Hang in there girlie~~~ Love, Kathy

Wow Kathy, Boy do you sound like me!!!! I have all those same feelings. I am so glad when I hear someone else feels that way. Well glad but in a good way. You are so funny! I know what you mean I feel the same way about alot of the things you say. I know that I will be fine it is just getting there and the wait is killing me. I put ALL my trust in the Lord. He is soo my strength. I don't know where I would be without my faith. He truly is amazing! Thanks Kathy. I hope you are doing well. Don't forget to post. Hugs, Di