Surgery in a few hours, not doing well mentally

I posted on the ostomy site, but I need surgery today as my UC has taken a turn for the worse and cancer threat is real. I am so anxious about waking up with a stoma that I have had a panic attack. I know that this is childish but I am upset and just needed to vent

It is not childish at all. It is perfectly normal to be scared and anxious about surgery. Try to remember though that you are doing this because the other potential outcomes of not having surgery are far worse than the surgery itself or a stoma. Best of luck to you. Keep us all posted. You got this!!

Good luck! I think all of us would feel the same way.

Perfectly understandable to be anxious. Good luck, hope all goes well and it isn't as bad as it feels it will be.

Makes sense to be scared it's a really big change. Hopefully you will get your quality of life back.
Good luck and let us know how it went.

Not the end of the world, in fact from everything people who have had the operation say they wish they had done it years before because their lives are so much better afterwards.

UC'ers are lucky (yes I mean that) because surgery is a viable option for them whereas Chronie's don't have that possibility. That was a ray of hope for me when things were at their worst with symptoms and poor life quality.

I hope you will come back here and let people know how things went for you. Best wishes on a speedy recovery and better days ahead.

The truth...it is what it is. You'll go through the process of learning how to deal and eventually accept your new way of functioning.

There have been many who've gone through the same with varied experiences of setbacks, frustration, elation, relief...etc. I've rarely heard regret.

I would accept having to have surgery, but I know I'd be going through a complete array of fear and emotions before having it. I do know that I'd have awesome support from those who will teach me in the hospital and whose who would teach me via internet.

Don't underestimate your strength....you've been through a lot already. Just allow yourself the time to go through the process.

Please let us know how you're doing...

Healing well-wishes,
q

I had a similar fear about waking up to a stoma and bursting into tears, or whatever, but in truth I barely gave it a thought, I was so nauseous and out of it from the anaesthetic. It never really bothered me for the rest of the week I was in hospital either. It all seemed surprisingly simple.

It wasn't of course, and once I left hospital reality caught up with me. It probably will with you too, but you'll either go on to have a j-pouch or adapt to your permanent stoma, so it's a moot point either way.

Best of luck!

best of Luck... will keep you in my prayers. Be strong... it is not childish....

Best of luck. It is a brave decision and I pray for a speedy recovery. It is normal to have fear. Please let us know how you do, as surgery is something that we all think of.