Question:
I'm really anxious, never been in a hospital before.

Don't have a surgery date yet but am very motivated. Just really scared of hospitals. never been in one except for 4 stitches in my hand when I was 7. Any suggestions? Very modest and everyone tells me you lose your modesty in a hopital-Yikes!    — caxb2009 (posted on September 15, 2010)

September 14, 2010
I am a nurse, and don't know how to tell you to relax, except that the staff will be professional and almost always things go well. You have to be in the hosp to have this done soooo..... As far as modesty, they will try and protect it, but you will need help getting to the bathroom after surg, and usually they "stand by" while you go. No biggy for me, but I was rasied around this stuff. Hope it is not too tramatic for you...I think you will be fine. Good luck.
   — Jane W.

September 15, 2010
I was very scared of hospitals and the indignities that I'd have to endure. But the staff was so professional, from the moment I walked in the door until I left and I realized that I had worried for nothing. Now, that hospital's reputation was one of the reasons I chose to have my surgery there, have heard horror stories about hospitals that are closer to me. Good luck!
   — JoyMac

September 15, 2010
The staff was phenomenal, I went to the Cleveland Clinic, they have a wing just for this surgery. The nurses were great. You will be fine, but find a center of excellence for your surgery and team.
   — FSUMom

September 16, 2010
There are certain statistical risks one takes on every time a general anesthetic is used. On average, about 1 person in 10,000 never wakes up. There are also certain risks of leaving the hospital with a disease you didn't have when you went in. There isn't much we can do about these risks. But consider the risks you might take by not having the surgery. Almost certainly, your risk of dying or having severe life-changing maladies is manifestly increased by continuing things as they currently are. And it will likely be a lingering death. Think good thoughts. Think about ridding yourself of hypertension, sleep apnea, adult-onset diabetes, and your other co-morbidities. Think about not needing a seat belt extension in airplanes, and about being happy and proud of yourself when you look in the mirror. This is not the sort of surgery you can get in a doctor's office, so I hope you are able to bring yourself around to being OK with the hospital component of your journey. It'll only be for a couple of days. Good luck.
   — MastoDon

September 16, 2010
Hospitals can be scary! You will do fine! Bring you favorite pillow and blanket, something that is comforting to you. Have faith in your doctor and especially the nurses who will be helping you, you are not the first one to have surgery there. they know what you need and what you are feeling.Good luck
   — MarthaJ0110

September 16, 2010
Hospitals can be scary! You will do fine! Bring you favorite pillow and blanket, something that is comforting to you. Have faith in your doctor and especially the nurses who will be helping you, you are not the first one to have surgery there. they know what you need and what you are feeling.Good luck
   — MarthaJ0110

September 16, 2010
try not to worry they will take such great care of you.
   — Debra Keith