Question:
I'm feeling sad and anxious after surgery canceled due to complications.

I was actually in the OR and my doctor had just made the first couple of incisions for a lap RNY when my heart rate suddenly fell to 3 beats a minute. They canceled the procedure and sent me to ICU. Extensive testing revealed no cardiac problems. I was told I can still have surgery but will have to have a temporary pacemaker the next time. Its been a week and I still haven't got a new date. I'm feeling really sad about not having surgery when I planned. I'm also having a lot of work/money/time issues because everything had been rearranged around my surgery date and now I don't know when (or if) I will get back in again. My doctor's office assures me that they are working on it and to be patient. I know it takes time to make arrangements but its just so hard to concentrate on anything but getting a new date. Also, I can't make any plans because things are so uncertain. I'm starting to feel really paranoid that maybe I shouldn't be doing this and I'm really anxious about what will happen next time. Any ideas on how to cope?    — etaylor58 (posted on July 30, 2003)

July 30, 2003
I'm so sorry to hear about your problems! Hang tough and don't let this get you down too much. I know you must be very frustrated - maybe even scared about it all. But at least your doctor really seems to care about you and is working hard to help you. However IF you need more time to really decide to do this again, take it. There's NO hurry when your mental well-being is at risk. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]