Nervous about surgery

Last night, the absoluteness and seriousness of what I am about to do hit me. I couldn't sleep at all.  I am a medical person who has just enough knowledge to be dangerous.  I kept thinking about all the possible complications.  Sometime between 12 and 2 I had myself convinced that I should call each of my kids one last time before surgery in case I don't wake up!  Really?  Isn't that a little too melodramatic?  OMG, would somebody please shake me back into reality.  I had surgery in September on both of my legs for Chronic Compartment Syndrome.  All the doctors (3 of them) said it was the worse case they have ever seen.  My surgeon said I made recovery look easy.  I was up walking as soon as anesthesia wore off and I had 7 in*****isions in each leg.  If I can do that, I can do this.  Right?

 Yep, you can do this and you have all of us here to help you. Stay hooked in here, ask questions, talk to us like you're doing--it will be ok.

--gina

You will do great!  Don't over think the worry side of things, stay strong, fill your mind full of positive thoughts, look down the road a few months and focus on the next chapter.  We are all here for you!

Jamie

 Thanks guys.  The sun is up and I've started doing some chores around the house and I already feel better.  I just had a bad case of jitters.  I am confident in my decision and I am a strong woman.  I know I can get through these next couple of weeks.  I really appreciate everyone's support.  You are all wonderful.

Being an old icu nurse, I know I had painted every bad scenario you could think of. I think the fear of the unknown will always make us nervous.  I think we all have some anxiety preop. Just keep positive and hang in there.
I had a very uneventful surgery and recovery, I bet you will too!

Good luck, will be swinging critters here for you!

I am 39, single, and did my will and a financial POA just in case (my mom looked at me like I was crazy!).  The good thing is this surgery is pretty safe.....few people have complications and when they do, they are fixable with some work.  I decided that my risk of stroke, heart attack, etc were going to be higher without surgery.  I work with people at end of life and being disabled young was not something I wanted.  Anxiety is normal.....breathe through it and remember why you are doing this.  It will be okay and post afterwards and let us know if you need anything.

Good luck!!!

~~Jennifer

What you went through in the wee hours of the morning are perfectly normal but if those worries ahd carried over to the rest of the day then I'd be worried. 

I didn't have any fears before surgery which was really strange for me but I still got my finances in order and told my oldest DD where everything was. 

If you get a few minutes write your feelings down as a reminder so you can share with other LW's who are going to turn to us for encouragement.  This site is all about paying forward.

Prayers and (((HUGS)))

 Thanks for the words of encouragement.  My surgeon has one of the lowest mortality rates in the country at 0.1%.  Plus I'm in pretty good shape for the shape that I'm in.  I know I will be ok, I just let that little fear grow to a full sized monster when I was feeling vulnerable.  I've got a good hold of myself now.  I'm glad to know it's normal to have some fear and worry.  I'm also glad I had somewhere to go to voice those fears.  Thank you.

Hang in there Tonya! You have a lot of people pulling for you. I'm only 1 week behind you and am looking forward to traveling this exciting road together with you! I'll be praying for peace of mind and calmness!

Many hugs!!

 Cool Gwen!  I'll save a spot on the losers bench for you.  I can't wait to be a loser.