pre op question...

this is kinda dreary to think about, but did any of you write a will or something before you went in on the very very off chance you would not make it through the operation?

I did not make a living will before my surgery, but when I was getting all checked in, on the day of my surgery, I let them know my husband had all rights to make decisions for me if anything should happen.  I also gave my husband specifics about how I would want things incase something did happen, but again did not put any of this in writing.  If you have the time to get it done beforehand it's probably not a bad idea.

I already have a will and did at the time
but I DID try to write letters to my kids...but cried every time I got into it and never finished a single letter LOL

Well we all think of the "just in case" senarios...

You'd want to set up a healthcare directive. Thats what our patients do where I work.  You can either set one up yourself or contact the hospital you're going to have your surgery at to get the forms to fill out.  Basically that is set up to say who would make decisions about your medical care if you were unable to.  I know Abbott provides a small booklet about it and the forms are in the booklet to fill out. They will provide you this ahead of time if you request it, so you can fill it out and have it ready the day of your surgery.  I was asked by the admitting RN if I had a healthcare directive on file or if I had one I wanted put on file.

For all other matters outside of your medical care you would need to set up a will yourself.

I didn't do a will, but I did do a living will/medical thing (it's getting late and I can't remember what the proper name is for it at the moment.)  I left my mother and my sister with the right to make decisions about my medical care and status, and I discussed my wishes with them beforehand.  I also made sure that they both had copies, as well as my surgeon's office.

I did write a will, and letters to my husband and kids.  A dear co-worker held on to those letters for me, and gave them back the day I returned to work.  The will was filed in our desk, and has never been touched.

Yes, it's kinda morbid.  But then again, it bought me a little peace of mind.  I still have them buried in my night stand - and someday, I might just give the letters to my family to let them know what I was thinking.

Or not.  I'm here to tell them every day.