got a date

My date is Dec 6. Now that its cast in stone, if I dewell on the process, I can feel myself getting neverous about it. My DW was out of town when I had my pre-0p with Dr. C and so did not tell her till she got home. She is neverous now, going from a supportive DW to starting to question me having the surery in the first place. She tells me she wants to be supportive but feels if she voices her concern on the surgery and "possible" complicantions, then she feels she is not supportive. How much care and atteniton do you need when you are still in the hospital for the 2-3 days after surgery?????Does she need to plan to be there 24/7???? What about the first few days at home??? I am continuing to work out in an attempt to get in the best shape I can be when I go in. I am still at 10 miles per work out on an Airdyne but reduced the time from 45 min to 35 min but increased the intensity, 5 warm up, 20 min at level 4, 5 min at level 5 and 5 min. cool down. Still end up with the same 10 miles but just a little more intense. Happy Holidays Ralph

I had someone with me every night except my last night. THey were miserable. Sure it was great to have them there but they werent really NEEDED other than support wise. They were up all night when the nurses came in - they never got any rest (except my mother-who can sleep thru a tornado)--- the nurses come in alot to check you, give you shots, take blood, weigh you and everytime that door opened everyone was up. I wouldnt think she needed to be there 24/7 unless you just want her there. I kinda liked the private times I had just to rest and not worry about trying to entertain anyone while doped up on morphine. They built a trapeze over my bed to get up and down with. I pretty much did everything on my own. After the cathedar was removed I was in business.... Nothing stopping me from getting outta bed. Sometimes I would just sit in a chair and sleep--my head would bob and my friend got me a pillow and propped it under my chin so I didnt have to get back in the bed. I didnt like being in the bed all the time---sitting/sleeping in the chair made me feel like I had accomplished something... haha.... Get plenty of rest in the hosp. Get up as soon as you can stand it and walk walk walk---dont be a bed potato. It will be best. The nerves are normal... we have all been there. Its gonna be ok. Dec 6th is right around the corner. When I went home after 4 days at hosp I could do whatever I needed--just took me longer--hubby was at work and daughter was at school. Gave me time to catch up on my Harry Potter book! Good luck to you and keep us updated.

I am so glad you wrote this. My surgery date is November 23 and I'm getting really nervous. My sister in law told me last night about some one who had the surgery and died. I needed to hear your works this morning. Thanks I hope mine goes as well as yours did. Please pray for me.

As if you werent already aware people die from this---it kills me sometimes why someone would say that knowing you are so close. Its just an added stress... Yes, we know its possible -- why must people always throw it up to us. Your gonna be fine just follow the docs instructions to the T... are you getting excited??? I believe it didnt hit me until the morning of surgery when the anestiseoligest (ugh, sp) came in... seeing him made it real... It was now or never. Keep us updated..

So excited to see someone get a date. I am still waiting. PRayers headed up for you. Jane

YEAH Ralph!!! I am so glad to hear your good news!!!! I am excited for you!!! Alot of folks say you will need someone with you especially the first night. I think alot of it depends on the staffing of the hospital...UMC is understaffed (from what I hear) and folks say you need someone there EVERY night. I don't know about CMMC, tho...Check with others that have had the surgery there, they'll know!!! Not to worry, DW is just getting nervous. She is a marvelous person and is worried about her equally marvelous DH!!! She and you will be fine! Smoochers Arlies PS I have you on my calendar so we will check on you!!!