Terrified

Well, what can I say??  I need some support!!  My surgery for a fleur de lis tummy tuck and mastopexy is Monday!!  Whooo Hooo!  I am excited but OMG, I am so terrified.  I don't know what is wrong with me...I have had gastric bypass (2001), hernia repair (2003) and 2 C Sections (2005/2006).  I remember being a little frightened, but not near to this extent.  I keep thinking, "what if I don't make it out"??  And maybe I am experiencing more of this type of fear because this is the first major surgery since I have had my children.  I just can't shake it.  Anyone else feel this way before their surgery???  Thanks again for the support.. I just want to see if anyone felt like that...all I hear on posts is just some much joy and excitement.  I am not worried about the pain, but sure know I will feel better once its done!!!  Thank you all so much..I am so glad I found this group!

I felt more and more anxiety as my surgery approached.  I HAD to have surgery (gallbladder part) but I chose the rest and I have two young children as well.  For most of their lives, I've tended to their needs and put them first above all else.  I just turned 40 this year and had a bit of a change of perspective (in a good way, I think).  They are still my priority obviously, but I've returned to living my live a bit more in things that are not reckless and irresponsible. 

I talked to my plastic surgeon about 'death' and did a lot of research online.  The statistics I found were much lower than I feared and I had none of the major risk factors (smoking, obesity, oral contraceptives).  I viewed each step of research up to my decision as a chance for the door to open or for the door to close.  And I felt each door opened to my decision to have the additional surgery. 

For me, the fear wasn't the surgery but AFTER the surgery.  Even today at 9 days out, I still have an increased risk of blood clots - so I'm doing exactly what I've been told to do, I'm moving, etc.  I'm also taking extra good care of myself to help my body heal - taking additional vitamins, water, protein, rest, etc. 

If you've made an educated decision for yourself, and if you are trusting your instincts and the instincts of those you trust (for me, my husband), I say understand there will be some anxiety, but celebrate what is to come!!! 

All my best to you!!!!
Laina

I can honestly say (and I must be a strange person) I have not had the fear of not making it through the surgery - every time I have researched the procedures and felt they were necessities and once I made the decision that was it.  I have, HOWEVER, had fears about the pain following the surgeries - and in my case they were all unfounded.  On a scale of 1-10 I would say my pain levels were as follows:

Gastric Bypass - 2
Hysterectomy - 1
TT with muscle tightening - 3 for the first 2 days then about a 1 (uncomfortable getting in and out of the bed and totally aggrivated by the drains, but very little pain)

I must say when I had the TT it was in the doctor's office and I walked into the OR and put myself up on the table - now that felt strange - never experienced that before.  Then, they made me put my arms out on either side and it looked like I was being crucified - they told me to count back from 100, I remember getting to 96 - and that was it - my memory picks back up when they put me in the wheel chair to take me out to the car.  Thank goodness for good drugs!!!

Good luck tomorrow!!