Question:
How do I deal with these dreams?

I'm having surgery in December and since I've gotten my date I have been having these BIZARRE dreams at night. Last night I dreamt that I woke up from surgery and looked under my gown to look at my inscisions (I'm having lap) and I had these HUGE black sores all over my body, on my stomach, legs, everywhere. Anyone have any tips for combatting nightmares? I am absolutely 100% positive I want this surgery, I just don't know if I can handle these dreams for the next 2 months.    — Toni C. (posted on October 11, 2002)

October 11, 2002
Wow, that was some dream! Sounds like you're having normal anxiety about the operation and the outcome. Perhaps facing your worst fears and then responding rationally to them may help, as well as some soothing activity before bed. It is also possible to change our dreams while we are still dreaming, but it takes practice. For example, tell yourself before you go to sleep that you have the power to change your dream if you don't like it. It's not easy to do, but I have been able to catch myself dreaming something bad or scary, then remember that I can control the dream. Good luck to you!
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 11, 2002
Hi. I think the dreams are normal. You are having major surgery, and it's normal to be scared a little. I am having surgery in 10 days, and have been having a recurring dream. My dream is that they anestithize (sp?) me, but I'm still awake, only paralyzed. I can hear and feel everything, but can't move my mouth to tell anyone. Weird, huh? We dream for a reason, to get rid of fears, stresses, and frustrations. I think if we didn't dream at night, we'd be a lot more stressed during the day. Hope this helps. Good luck with your surgery. : )
   — J. W.

October 11, 2002
I have heard, and truly believe, that dreams are our way of working things out inside. It's like your mind gives you a really whacked out senario and lets you work it out so you can see for yourself there's nothing to worry about. Take care.
   — thumpiez