My surgery is Friday, the 29th!

Just looking for some words of wisdom and advice on how to stay calm while being wheeled into the OR. I anticipate that to be my most anxious time. Any thoughts on how to stay calm? I'd appreciate any pearls of wisdom out there. Thanks, Jackie

To be honest I was doing great. My one word of wisdom is to make sure the people who are against you having the surgery leave before they wheel you back. My sister wasn't for it as I thought she was and at the last minute held on to me a begged me not to have the surgery. It was the first time EVER that I was scared. But then I was out and awake and everything was fine. If your nervous let them know cause they will give you something to calm your nerves. Just know that when you wake up and the days and weeks pass everything gets better. Things get easier. If you've ever had a baby then this surgery reminds me of my experience. Your scared, then you think your doing everything wrong. As the days pass everything gets better. You learn what has to be done and things start coming more naturally. I wish you all the best with everything. You will be in my thoughts all day long and I wish you a happy recovery. P.S. If you've bought halloween candy throw it out cause when you get home your not going to want to look at it. Shannon Surgery 09/03/04 362/289/170

Jackie, I agree with Shannon.....try to keep the negative vibes at bay before you go in. There's no room for negativity! Tell yourself daily (out loud) that you deserve to be healthier and you are going to be okay. There's something to be said about positive thinking! As far as medication goes....take what you can get! They won't give you anything that will endanger you. I'll be praying for you! Good luck... Megan B

Good luck, you will never be sorry you did this. Of course you will be nervous, you wouldn't be normal if you weren't. Once you get into pre-op, the anestisiologist will come around to see you. If he/she doesn't mention it, ask for your sedative. It's going to be given to you anyway and the sooner the better. Believe me, once you get that all your nerves and fear disolve. It won't get you "high", it just takes away all the anxiety. They are great at RI Hospital and that step-down unit you go to right after takes good care of you. The nurse at my pre-op meeting said it wasn't a good place to be, but I would have been happy to stay there for the whole time. Try to keep your eye on the prize. In about a week after surgery, your scale will start to go down and you'll be amazed!!