Question:
I'm freakin' out...

My hubby and friends are laughing at me. And I have to agree that I'm acting like an idiot. Normally I'm a whatever happens happens kinda person.. very easy going. But Surgery is really close. And I'm a maniac! I finally resolve one issue in my mind, and another pops up. Does anyone here have any meditation type practices that help/helped you relax and calm down before surgery? I keep prayin' and I know God's listenin'.. but I'm still a mess. haha!! Love, the worry wart!    — Michelle J. (posted on September 22, 2003)

September 22, 2003
Michelle - Hi! I completely understand what you are going thru! My surgery is October 23rd, and I'm going crazy! I can't sleep because I just lay there thinking, "what if" and all the other 'blah blah'. I don't know of any meditation practices, but I've been writing in my journal and that seems to help. I'm also going to see a councelor next monday. If I don't do something, I'll end up in the psych ward! ~Ashley~
   — Ashley S.

September 22, 2003
I was the exact same way before my surgery. Luckily the last week before my surgery, I was going crazy because I had to have some last minute testing done that I needed the results for before my pre-op. Basically, I was so preoccupied doing other things, I didn't have time to freak out about the surgery itself (just everything else). I was afraid of getting sick. I was afraid of still having a Urinary tract infection. I kept telling my hubby that I won't believe that it is really going to happen until I sign in at the hospital before the surgery. It all worked out. I guess my best advice is to stay really, really busy doing other things to keep you mind off of it. Take some extra vitamin C to ward off any colds. And try to relax. Before you know it, you will be on the losing side. Good luck!!!
   — Kerri 4.

September 22, 2003
<font color="007000" face="tahoma">Michelle... you can try this for meditation:... go into a room where you can be alone with no interuptions (phone, family, etc..) turn off all the lights and light some candles so the room has a nice soothing glow... put on some soft music (all intrumental, rythemic and smooth sounding... I like celtic music or Enya is really good too)... get into the most comfortable position you can (whether its sitting, or laying on your stomach or back; i like laying on my tummy as you can feel your breathing)... Close your eyes and feel the music... don't think about anything but the music and your breathing... breath in and out through your nose; slow, deep breaths... each breath you take, let your body sink deeper and deeper into your position (if you are laying down, sink into the floor)... feel each breath... let your body relax, starting from the top of your head, all the way down to your feet... Just relax and listen the music... if you fall asleep, no worries :) Do this for as long as you want (or as long as the music is going) <br>I hope this helps! Good Luck with relaxing and your up coming surgery!<I>~~Wendy D, RNY 4/23/03, -96lbs~~</I></font>
   — Wendy D P.

September 22, 2003
Here's what I did: I made a very-careful decision to have the surgery. Then, whenever a doubt would pop up I'd tell myself "Nope - this has been decided!" and refuse to even entertain the new question or think about it anymore. So, try to redirect yourself when you are self-hounded about it. I even tried to give myself a "day off" where I was not allowed to think about surgery at all. If it came to mind (which of course it did) I would mentally visualize a "to do" folder and put the issue in there - knowing that I was off today and worrying would have to be on hold for another day.
   — bethybb

September 22, 2003
Here is a scripture from Pillipians chapter 4, in all things by prayer and supplications and the giving of thanks , make your requests made known unto God , and the peace that passes all understanding shall encompass your mind and your heart through Christ Jesus! His peace is not like any other kind of peace, and I don't know how any of you who don't know Jesus get through this. He gives me strength for the journey we are on ,and gives answers even when I don't know what I need. He goes before me. Ipray His blessings on your journey, meditate on Him He's all you need.
   — teresa W.

September 23, 2003
Hi Michelle ... I too was a basket case prior to surgery. Two things really helped me though: #1) my psychologist recommended a relaxation/healing audiotape about surgery by Bellaruth Naparstek ... it's two audiotapes and I purchased them from: TRANSITIONS BOOKPLACE 1000 W. North Avenue Chicago, IL 60622 312-951-READ http://www.shoptransitions.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv #2) Bob Marley's music kept playing over and over in my mind, even when I didn't have the cd in ... especially seven words "Every little thing gonna be all right" ... I think hearing/saying/singing/humming that most of the time was the key. I was sooo hyped up, I thought my heart was going to beat out of my chest, but the day before surgery I woke up and was very calm, surprisingly calm ... and that lasted to/throughout surgery (or what I remember leading up to it). So ... hang in there .. if I can be of assistance, please let me know! LAP RNY 06/18/03 -60
   — Karyn B

September 23, 2003
hi michelle, I forgot the first part of that scripture trying to remember off the top of my head. It say's, "Be anxious for nothing,but...." God is telling us NOT to be anxios ,and then He tells us what to do instead. I hope all is well and I am praying for God's peace over your mind and heart. God bless.
   — teresa W.