Question:
What to do while I wait in the waiting room before surgery? I'm scared.
I saw a lady in the waiting room at BTC when I was there for pretesting. She had been waiting for hours to go to her room to be prepared for surgery. Apparently, they don't know exactly what time you will go to surgery. I'm afraid I will walk out from shear fear if I have to go through that wait. Any suggestions? — Debbie K. (posted on May 11, 2001)
May 11, 2001
Debbie,
When I went in for surgery, I had pre-arranged for a close friend of mine
from work to meet me at the hospital and pray with me. All the fears went
away...Good luck, Billie
— Billie M.
May 11, 2001
I was scheduled for 11 and didnt go in until 2. I had my husband, nephew,
mom amd mom in law there with me to keep me busy. If helped a lot. The
worst part what when I went into the holding area. I was alone then. I
had to wait extraordinarily long as my surgeon was running late but I got
through it. I guess some reflection at that time is good.
— Jeannet
May 11, 2001
By the time you get to that point, you will feel calmer and resolved about
the surgery. Prayer and meditation will keep you calm and focused. Try some
guided imagery also, think about how well you will feel and look , 1 month
post-op, 2 months postop, etc.
— Margaret S.
May 11, 2001
I was scheduled for 12:00 and did not go until around 5:00. I was nervous,
but I tried to read and keep myself occupied. I think it was harder on my
husband than it was on me. You will find you get more calm as the time
approaches. Be strong and pray. Best wishes to you.
— T G.
May 11, 2001
Tell your doctor to give you something (a vallium or somehthing) to take
when you arrive at the hospital... It will relax you and take away that
anxiety... You'll do fine! Speedy recovery!
— [Deactivated Member]
May 11, 2001
Hello Debbie... I was scheduled for 7am and was not taken to the prep room
until almost 12noon... My surgeon had to perform an emergency surgery so I
was 'bumped'... I just figured things happen for a reason... and I was
meant to have my turn at high noon :-) Plus I was so at peace inside and
with the decision I made nothing could bother me really... Don't under
estimate yourself... you will be fine when the time comes... I wish you the
best... and a speedy recovery....... Jo Ann
— California J.
May 11, 2001
If possible, request that your surgery be scheduled first thing in the
morning. My surgery was scheduled for 7:00 a.m, and I arrived at 5:30 a.m.
after traveling 2 hours to get there. My solution? I stayed up nearly all
night (got about an hour's sleep). When I arrived at BTC, they showed me
my room, so I laid down on the bed and slept until they took me to the OR.
I will admit, however, since I've had several surgeries (appendectomy,
tubal ligation, c-section), am in great health, and have some second-hand
knowledge of surgical morbidity (my ex is a surgical assistant), I was not
frightened or anxious at all. Just another day of getting my guts
rearranged for me! Good luck and God bless!
— Allie B.
May 12, 2001
I had my mom with me. Happy moms day to all the wonderful moms out there.
What would we do without you? I tried not to talk to her too much because
she was just as nervous as I was about the surgery. But I took comfort in
knowing someone i trusted with my life as much as i trusted in my surgeon
with my life was there with me.
— Jan M.
May 12, 2001
I was scheduled for the first surgery of the day, so I didn't have to wait
as long. Also, they let my husband stay with me and even walk with us to
the OR. Then they showed him where to wait, and wheeled me in to start.
Also, I've had numerous surgeries, so it wasn't all new to me(or my DH0 and
I had made total peace with my decision a couple of days before. I knew it
would be alright no matter what happened to me. Hang in there, you can do
it. Good luck.
— Maria H.
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