Overcoming My Fears

Okay so now that all the initial excitement has settled down from getting a surgery date, now all the nervous/anxiety/scared/holycrapitsonly34daysaway has set in lol.. sooo I'm dealing with my biggest fear of dying on the table. I trust my surgeon 110% It's just my underlying anxiety order giving me crap! Any tips for me to ease this or get over this fear? I know statistics-wise I should do just fine, my hypochondria and anxiety however say "you're gonna be the one unlucky" out of the 1000 that ends up a baaaad statistic. Grrrr stupid anxiety!

i totally understand!! i am not afraid of the stuff after the surgery just the actual surgery. i have had anxiety in the past and it has started kicking in over the surgery lately.  i usually visualise going through the process of something i am anxious about step by step until the anxiety abates.  however in this case, every time i imagine driving to the hospital etc etc , i want to flip my lid!!  i can feel the panic attack waiting to happen.   i am seriously asking my surgeon for some verced to take that day.

it is hard to make a decison that could kill you.  i keep reminding myself that i WILL die early from obesity whereas i am giving myself the chance to live longer, without it, i will die sooner, simple as that  it is a higher risk not to have surgery.  so the hope of living a longer better life is keeping me going.  it is hard for me because i think if i die from this it will affect my family and it was my choice.  at least i would die trying i suppose.  i am writing letters to my family, not to be morbid but to not have regrets.  in your case that might just freak you out more..  my biggest concern is my son, he is 6.

maybe we can just hold hands! lol

Kara and Apple-

I went through the exact same emotions you are going through.  The night before my surgery my stomach was in knots!  I thought for sure I'd be the patient that has a complication or ends up in the ICU etc.  Just think though, it you were that big of a surgical risk, you doctor wouldn't even do the surgery.  I don't know if there is a way to get over the fear, but it is normal.  In fact, I think it would be worrisome if you didn't have those kinds of feelings before a major operation.

I talked to  my mom and hubby how anxious and nervous I was about having the surgery and it helped to talk about it.  I also had told my mom previously (who was not initially supportive of my decision to have surgery, I think mostly due to fear) that if she did not have anything comforting or supportive to say to bite her tongue b/c I was still having the surgery no matter what and that seemed to get through to her b/c after that and ever since she has been my #1 cheerleader.  My hubby has always been supportive and for that, I am thankful.

Apple- After I saw my doctor and had all my questions answered the morning of the surgery, I asked for something for anxiety and they gave me so Versed in the pre-op area, which did help-but do not expect to remember much after they give it to you.  Perhaps your doctor could give you a Rx for  valium or xanax to take the night before so you can get a little sleep...?

Hang in there girls

I completely understand!!!!!!!!!  I am a single mother which adds to my anxiety, but what works for me is I have a plan.  My family knows what to do with my body and organs * donate anything they want, and if they want nothing donate my body to medicine.*  I have talked to my daughter in a round about way, and I make sure that I tell her how much I love her all the time, and I have made a video that just tells her how much I love her, and to move on with life, and it is okay to forget things about me etc etc etc.  Luckily we have watched some sappy movies that brought up good "what if" conversations, and I basically gave her permission on a lot of things.  My family knows my wishes for my daughter and who she is to live with, and I have enough insurance to cover all my bills.

Now that I have a plan I know I am good :)

What also helped is I have never had ANYTHING done at a hospital except for a birth.  I had to get an EGD Done where I had a local line put in.  It scared me to death, to even have a local, to where my surgeon had to sit on my bed and talk to me to calm my nerves.  When the medicine went through my body, I was at ease and relaxed, and I know that will be my last feeling if it were to be my time to leave the world.  Since I know I will be a okay, I am not going to stress.

Not sure if it helped at all, I tend to post ramble :)

I have the same fears! We just have to have faith in our surgeons and know we're making the right decision.

my biggest anxiety at the moment is waking up.  I have had surgery before and i am claustrophobic. waking up confused and not able to move and in pain scares the crap out of me.  also  i dont react well to anesthesia and i predict lots of puking in my future.  also the gas pains, some people dont get them, but for me it was the worst part, i am just dreading all of it, because i know how it feels for me. =(  it makes me panicky just thinking about it.

make sure to ask your dr to start your pain meds before you wake up so you have a little something in your system.  just realised i probably didnt help anyone besides myself..... sorry!!

I agree with all of you. I am getting all the nerves/anxious/happy to get out of Alaska before it snow, I fly out in 2 week, WOW, I am nervous to fly on top of it all. I fly Anchorage to Seattle and then Seattle to San Deigo then drive to La Jolla and I some times have to use the seat belt extension. We are flying Alaska Air lines
My Dad is going to be driving and he drives like he is from California. OHHH wait he is from California, LOL.  I think my fear is wanting to go to the bathroom after surgery and I can't with that catherter in me. Ugh, darn UTI's again. OHHHH and I don't like being in pain.. I like to be left alone some times after surgery, so I can gather my self. I just dont like being asked every 10 minutes if I am ok and the nurse/staff don't wash there hands... as you can tell I am venting from past experiences. I can be a grumpy patient, some times the smallest thing bug me about the hospital staff or nurses. I geuss I am used to my routine and if you mess it up, you will hear it.

I think my fear is when I come back to Alaska is flying back and getting enough fluids while flying and hopefully not getting searched. OHHH yes, I am going to get a Dr. Note that I just had surgery. I know the week I get back, I wont be driving and have some one drive me if i need to go places.

Ohh and when I offically go back to work, on my night schedule to stay awake.

i think sometimes when we are in pain or feel vulnerable, like bing in a hospital we zero in on the small stuff, like we feel like snapping and are looking for a reason to vent.  lol  make sure to buy a water bottle in the airport so you dont have to wait for a flight attendant, and you have someone to get your bags, no lifting!  and sit close to the bathroom.....lol
also,  have your protien mix in a baggie and ready to go,  my friend said when she is hungry she HAS to eat! 

it is hard to relax in a hospital,  sleeping is impossible!

Yes, I am playing on bringing a smaller water bottle and a smaller Protien mixer cup with me,( the ones you can get at GNC or Bed Bath and beyond) and put that in my carry on. I also plan of taking example of the Nectar samples with me, I bought more Protien Supplements from the company I get it from..