Its Always something

Are you afraid because of hip replacement surgery? If that is the case then don't worry about it. Well, I mean try not to worry about it nomatter what, but my wife is a nurse on the orthopedic floor of the hospital. Hip replacements are like every fourth patient of hers. They do them all the time. I am sure they told you all of this anyway, but doctors tell us a lot of things, lol. I know it's easy for me to say not to worry, but some of our local guys where I live have never had an infection with a joint replacement, and they have done hundreds of them. My wife is afraid of "not waking up" after they put you under too. I researched it for her and this almost never happens. You will be okay, don't worry.

Jay

Mike, it ain't nothin but a thang! You have got to realize that life will go on w/ surgery or w/out it! It may work, it may not! You could die but chances are REAL good that you won't!!! So surgery is just like taking a pill! You are strong, intelligent and a great guy> so you have GOOD KARMA going for you! Stop worrying! It's not healthy! I've had so many surgeries I don't think twice about it and I'm high risk cause of my weight & smoking way too long! Either I will die or I woun't but the chances are so slim I don't care!

Please try to get over this worrying thing! It doesn't do any good!

Manhugs & stuff!

Pete

 

   Gosh Mikel!

 

    Goodness *warm hugg* You know, after going through 8 months of surgeons and doctors telling you that you couldnt have it done due to risk of infection or death.... I would be worried if you WERNT stressed. How could you not be? Were talking about all winter and spring of educated men and women telling you horrible stories of complications and risks!

 

    ..I think thou, this time is different. This time the surgeon is very confident that you will get through this. Youve worked very hard. Your entire system is running the best it possibly can. The diet you have been on for months, increased activity, even prepared yourself mentally by seeing a psychologist. You ve worked really hard friend. You have made sure everthing about you as a person, is in great shape for this. So, try really hard to relax and remember that you worked really hard to make sure you have the best possible foundation for a successful surgery outcome!  You can do this! I know you can!!

 

*warm huggs!!*

     dani

Mikel,
at this point I think anyone human would be fighting this same battle inside, you just got to
believe it'll help (I know you got HIV) ..even I would be scared at this point...you will
get thru this and everything will be fine, keep positive....stressing out might make
your immunine system weaker, so make sure to get plenty of vitamin c and maybe some zinc..
Try to remain calm and I know that can be hard maybe go see a movie or get a book, try
to distract your mind okay...
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Mikel))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
healing hugz...

Mikel, its perfectly normal to be stressed out with a pending a pending surgery. We would think you were crazy if you said you weren't, lol. I don't know anyone that was never scared or stressed with a pending surgery. I think what is wrong is there should not be such a long wait like 6 weeks, because that is just too much time to sit and worry and wait. by the time the surgery date rolls around the person is totally wore out from worry. There should be as two week limit on the waiting game. Thats gives a person enough time to get everything done that needs to be done. Did they give you any info on things to get that would help you out once you got home? A very good friend of mine had hip replacement and was scared and waited far too long to have it done, said he could kick himself for waiting so long. I know one thing he did buy was a called I believe a "grabber or reacher" Its a hand held device used to pick things up off the floor, say like a dropped sock, keeps a person from bending over. I have one and use it all the time even outside, lol. If you have not been given any info on useful items I can ask my friend and send you a list of things that helped him out. By the way my grabber is the plastic one cheaper, less than $10. I think the metal ones are a little more costly, can be found at drug stores maybe even Walmart. You will do fine, think positive it will all be good and no more painful hip.

Hey Straydog , The reason for the 6 week wait is that I had just changed my cocktail meds 2 weeks ago in an effort to raise my t-cell count to have it be over 400 so it would meet the criteria of surgeon and hospital A , when I went to hospital B and got their ok as long as my doctor signs off on it . When I changed the meds we all agreed to wait at least 6 weeks so the meds could take full effect before giving blood and checking my t-cell count. So I still have to wait to fullfill that condition in order for my doctor and myself to sign off saying I'm a good risk . As long as its a number in the range its been for the past 8 years 300-390 than its a go . But it just so happened I had changed my meds at the time I had the appt with hospital B . Ihope I explained that understandably . Mikel

Dear Mikel, I know we don't know each other well but I think you need to take a breath about this upcoming surgery. I mean you need to literally breathe in and breathe out. Stressing about this isn't good for your body which I guess you know already and could make your recovery just that much harder. Good attitude going into surgery can make a big difference. Remember that this is a good thing. Yes there is risk involved but consider the risk to the quality of your life if you freak out and don't take this opportunity to improve your situation because of fear. It is definitely a risk vs reward situation as most surgeries are and I would bet though from reading your past posts you are willing to take the risk to reach that reward. Just breathe, it will be OK. You will make it OK and we are here to help you. I went through a period when I was very afraid about the pain I was dealing with and an upcoming surgery to the point I was having trouble sleeping also. I learned to do a breathing exercise while I was trying to sleep. I would literally focus on my breathing while saying the words to myself "no fear". I would inhale on the "no" and exhale on the "fear. It really helped me to relax my body and my mind, anxiety and fear also so I could sleep and generally feel more positive. No fear, OK?

Best wishes always to you,
Lisa

Oh Mikel I should have mentioned when doing that deep breathing technique you can use any words that fit your situation and needs. "No fear" was significant to me. At yoga class the instructor suggested "let go," "all's well," and counting to 10. she said you could use anything to help you focus on your breathing but to me the words were more important than the breathing, kind of like positive self-talk or something. And yes it would be nice to call you friend. Sleep well, Lisa

Mikel, I've noticed a big difference in you since you first started posting. I think when you first started here you were in a very dark place and not sure where to turn. Your whole attitude has changed for the better since then and you are definately taking better care of yourself. This is just my observation but with all the mental and physical improvement I imagine you can handle this upcoming (finally) surgery too. Just keep thinking positive. I was scared to death before my lumbar fusion, kept thinking I could come out of this paralyzed but I didn't. Everyone has bad images in their minds before any surgery but most come through just fine. There is always that slight chance of something wrong happening but you can't dwell on that. Just think how much better your going to feel with that new hip. Too be able to walk without pain, now that's a big big plus!!!

Maybe you can join me getting off of some of the pain meds!