Question:
Does anyone have trouble sleeping pre-op?

I am over 30 days away and i am having trouble sleeping i mean i am up at like 230 in the morning and can't get back to sleep i find myself thinking of all the stuff concerned with the surgery like what will happen? what will the pain be like? what will i look like? and will i fail? so does anyone else have this problem or am i just wierd?    — Amanda P. (posted on August 25, 2001)

August 24, 2001
Hello, I have to say that I am to meet my surgeon for my first consult on Sept.17th and I can`t sleep either. My PCP gave me some sleeping pills and they don`t even help. I am a bundle of nerves. I don`t know how some survive waiting a year for their surgery but I guess we all learn patience but it`s hard. Good luck on your journey...Ella-Beth
   — Ella-Beth B.

August 25, 2001
Yes, some nights I am up until 2 or 3am. I have made so many lists about everything. I think of all my clothes I will be able to wear, the trips I will take, etc. If I am really wound up reading a short psalm in the Bible relaxes me, and I keep a huge crossword puzzle book by my bed and doing a couple of those always seem to knock me out.
   — angel C.

August 25, 2001
I would have to say that my answer to this is a very big yes! I am 3 weeks from surgery and only sleeping maybe 2 to 3 hours a night. I am obsessed about just getting it done. Talk to your doctor I did ask him to give you something. And if that doesn't work ask for something else because you will need all your strength for after surgery. debbie
   — deborah D.

August 25, 2001
I am also pre-op and when I first decided to have this surgery, I found that I slept better than I had in a long time. Then as I researched more and more, I became scared about the possibility of complications and especially of not surviving the anethesia. I started waking up with panic attacks. Now that I've met my surgeon, discussed my fears with him and have had things explained, I still find my sleep interupted but its because I'm excited. I find I dream of my surgery all the time. They are never frightening dreams, although some are pretty weird. It reminds me of when I was pregnant. I had some pretty bizarre dreams then as well. I can only figure something so dramatically life altering such as having children or having this surgery doesn't leave your head even when your asleep.
   — Donna L.

August 25, 2001
8-25-01 I am 6 days away from my surgery and I have been having difficult sleeping as well. I can't fall asleep because my mind is racing with the same questions you have. I wish I would know for sure how I would feel right after the surgery. I don't want to be out of work for a long time. All these things are racing through my head. I am not worried about not making it through the surgery I am worried about the recovery. There are so many different experiences out there. I hope I have a good experience. Good luck.
   — Judith G.

August 25, 2001
I too am Post-Op and I have started wrighting a journel with all my hopes and fears. I keep track of every doctors visit and every test. I am so afraid that I won't wake up after surgery and I will leave my children Motherless..scares the crap outta me! So..Ive also decided to wright letters to each of my children, family members and friends telling them how much I love them and what I hope for their futures and this seems to help also, at least it makes me feel better. This is just a suggestion and good luck on your surgery.
   — mastrnservnt