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Getting nervous pre-op

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Posted 5/10/2015 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
My toupet and hernia repair is now only 6 days away and my anxiety level is shooting up. Really, I don't know how I'm going to make it to Friday. I started reading a new book today to keep my mind occupied but I keep drifting to the surgery and all the things that could go wrong. I need to get control and calm down! I just re-read the "success stories" thread and that was helpful. Maybe I'll watch a movie next...
Peg
Posted 5/10/2015 5:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi JanPeg,
Oh, do I know that anxiety feeling. I did the same thing you're doing... Coming back and reading successful outcomes. They really do help so much. I'm about 6 weeks into my recovery and I'm so thankful I went thru this process. I feel great and haven't had any problems. I love food again, I love sleeping thru the night, and not having breathing problems or food getting "stuck". Keep strong in knowing that this can be very successful for you as well. Remember you have a bunch of people pulling for you! Good luck and please keep us updated.
Posted 5/10/2015 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Peg!
Not long now! It's a scary time before surgery when you know it's going to happen, but then again this time next week it will be over - and you will be on the road to recovery. I'm at week 8, and am just about back to normal, eating and drinking everything again. I did have a complication with surgery, but it was dealt with straight away, you don't know about it when you are in the operating theatre! I worry about what if's too - but from my point of view the benefits I have had make the surgery well worth the fear/ pain/ re-cooperation. You'll probably be sitting thinking what was I worried about in a couple of weeks - but we all fear the unknown!
Good luck to you - and I hope that your surgery is very successful and complication free. Please let me know how it goes!
Posted 5/10/2015 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your encouragement! Sweetie UK, I have followed your story since I first signed on in January and remember that your prodedure was postponed for a few days just before it was scheduled. That must have been an awful set-back but you've done so well. And Fundrider, I've really paid attention to your story,too. Just like you I have a 9cm hernia that's pushed up into my chest and, also like you, I have a curvy esophagus that just adds to the worries. Your success has been important to me! While everyone's recovery is different and unique, it sure does help to hear from those who've been through it. Thanks!
Peg
Posted 5/10/2015 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi JanPeg,

I rather doubt that anyone approaches this surgery (or any surgery, for that matter), free of anxiety and worry! It's a perfectly normal reaction.

Just think, though...your participation in this great forum has provided you with a tool box filled with things that will help you cope with the surgery and recovery! And you'll have a forum filled with online friends who will offer you lots of support and encouragement as you go through recovery.

I had this surgery in 2009, and like you, was lucky enough to find this forum before my surgery. You'll do just fine!

Here's a link to my early recovery journal, in case you haven't run across it in your travels through the forum. It'll give you yet another perspective on the surgery and recovery:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2183443

We'll be here to welcome you to the Wrapped Club, once you feel up to posting again! yeahyeahyeah

Best wishes,
Denise
Posted 5/10/2015 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Denise. I just read your recovery journal and it's just what I needed to hear: a very clear story of recovery far less difficult than imagined. Hopefully, I will also be lucky to find my fears turn out to be worse than the reality. I plan to take your advice to walk as soon and as often as possible after surgery. And, as much as possible, try to relax and accept the healing process.

And to the moderators and contributors of this site: NEVER, without this site, would I know as much about this procedure or be as prepared as I feel right now. I am really feeling supported.

Peg
Posted 5/10/2015 10:40 PM (GMT 0)
My surgery is coming up on the 14th-just a few days away. I went shopping today for some food I will be able to hopefully eat. I have to say I'm not too anxious. I was a lot more anxious before I was finally diagnosed but now I feel there is a chance I will soon feel better.
I had to go to the Urgent Care today to check on my lungs. I'm pretty sure I aspirate reflux into the lung because I'm so congested after I wake up even if I just sleep for an hour. And I sleep on a 70 degree angle!! The Doctor thought I should notify the surgeon first thing in the morning. Now I'm concerned they will cancel the surgery:(
Posted 5/11/2015 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
Elke,
These last days sure are a roller coaster, aren't they? I'm sure letting your surgeon know about your trip to Urgent Care is very prudent. Hopefully, your surgery will proceed and you get rid of the reflux. Best wishes. Peg
Posted 5/12/2015 1:05 PM (GMT 0)
Jan -I think your surgery is on the 15 th ?? MIne is on the 14th !
I hope you'll write about your experience , I sure will:)
I hope all goes well for the both of us!! Good luck !!
I will be on that table 48 hours from now, argh !
Posted 5/13/2015 6:34 PM (GMT 0)
Just got back home from Pre-op testing. Chest X-Ray, blood and urine and EKG all done now. As a bonus, the tech also drew blood for some standard blood work for my Primary Care doc that I would otherwise have had to do in another week or so. Not only does that mean one less needle stick it also means one less trip to and wait in the lab and I really appreciate that!
Plan to run errands and keep busy today.
Peg

Elke,
GOOD LUCK!
Posted 5/13/2015 8:18 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck both!
Posted 5/14/2015 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
Surgeon's office just called. My 7AM surgery time has been pushed back to 1:30 and that set off my nerves again. I was glad about the original time even though it meant checking into the hospital at 5AM but that way I wouldn't have had much time to wait around. Now I'm feeling rattled by the delay. I know they are doing me ( and my husband) a kindness by letting me know in advance instead of just letting me wait around tomorrow when I'd really get anxious. I just want to get on with this!
Peg
Posted 5/14/2015 8:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Peg!
All the best for tomorrow. I had my surgery pushed back too - from morning to afternoon - but they also added 2 days on as well. It's not the best, I'd have preferred morning surgery too - but the positive is they are doing the surgery. I am 9 weeks down the line and feeling more like my old self again. Let me know how it goes - and take a good book to read, it helped my anxiety and made the time pass quickly!
Good luck!
Posted 5/14/2015 10:42 PM (GMT 0)
Sweetie UK,
I remember reading your post when your surgery date was pushed back and I thought then how awful that must feel. My little nudge of a few hours is nothing compared to that. You're very right, what really matters is that the surgery will be done, at last. I'm not unaware of how lucky I am to be able to get this sort of medical help, just anxious to be on the other side of surgery and, hopefully, experiencing an uneventful recovery!
Thx!
Peg
Posted 5/15/2015 12:17 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Peg,

Best of luck with your surgery tomorrow! You've gotten so much information from our great members that you probably already very aware of any tips I might give you, but here goes:

While every surgeon has their own protocol, you'll likely get a liquid diet as soon as you're able to test out your swallowing. Mine was a little spasmy, but I was able to swallow pretty soon after surgery.

Beware the wrong things that are likely to end up on your tray. I got a straw, a can of ginger ale, and coffee for my first meal. These are all no-nos. Fortunately there was also a cup of lemon ice, which I enjoyed in tiny bites.

Stay away from iced drinks, as they can cause painful spasms. I always kept a glass of room temp water when I ate, to take sips that helped food get down. Tea is also a great lubricant and relaxant, and I found it helpful.

A night nurse gave me the best advice ever...every time I got up to go to the bathroom, she told me to take a walk. I walked laps around the hallways, pulling my IV pole along beside me. I continued walking around the house, then on my treadmill at home, and found it was the only way to relieve my shoulder pain. Give it a try!

Sorry you have to wait until early afternoon, but on the bright side, you can sleep in! Good luck tomorrow! We'll be waiting to welcome you into the Wrapped Club when you feel up to posting after your surgery.

Best wishes,
Denise
Posted 5/15/2015 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Peg,

I am sure you are recovering well after your surgery this afternoon. I just popped in and thought I would send you good vibes and well wishes. I know that your recovery is going to be smooth and I am hoping that your troubles will be behind you as you progress forward. You are in my prayers.

Steve
Posted 5/17/2015 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Steve, for the thoughts and prayers. 'Always needed and always appreciated. And they worked!
And to everyone who read or sent a message, my procedure went well and I'm now home again. Too tired to write but did want to let people know all is well! I'll post more in a few days. Thx.
Peg
Posted 5/17/2015 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the other side. Take it slow and easy and don't rush. My prayers are with you.
Posted 5/17/2015 3:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jan,

Welcome to the yeah yeah yeahWrapped Club! yeah yeah yeah Glad to hear that your surgery went well and you're home starting your recovery! Being home definitely beats the hospital! Rest and relax!
Happy healing,
Denise
Posted 5/17/2015 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Peg,
Glad to hear you are back at home. Hope your shoulders aren't too sore! All you have to do now is get better :-)
Posted 5/17/2015 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck recovering
Posted 5/18/2015 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hey, JanPeg! Glad you are back home and thinking about all your healing chores! Your biggest job is to take it easy! And that means EVERYTHING! Don't get in a hurry; that's when we wind up making some un-wise decisions.

I'm 11 weeks post-op, and I did get in a hurry about several things. Wish I hadn't..... I'm doing well now, have a few issues. But nothing I can't easily cope with. I understand this recovery can take up to a year; I'm an impatient person. Don't be like me and get careless and over-zealous.... you'd think a 66-year old woman would know better! Uh, uh.....

Anyway, best to you; and enjoy your 'down-time.' Read, nap, relax.... repeat!

Ingrid
Posted 5/18/2015 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Elke55 - Are you home yet? Or still in Hospital? Wondering how your surgical experience went. I imagine you will post when you are feeling up to it. Thinking of you!

Ingrid
Posted 5/18/2015 9:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Ingrid !
I had surgery Thursday and got home Friday evening. The surgery went well and I barely suffered any pain afterwards. On a pain scale of 1-10 my pain level was never above 3. I just asked for regular tylenol every 6 hours and that was it. I have been off that since Saturday. I was able to get out of bed and go to the bathroom right after surgery and never had a lot of pain getting in or out of bed. Or maybe I'm just a tough old German Girl, haha ! As I anticipated I had a problem with coughing up mucus after surgery and I developed some fluid on my right lung and my O2 dropped to 90 %. I was able to cough it up Saturday on my own and my O2 levels are higher now and I'm also breathing better.
I made the mistake of eating too much on Saturday. In the morning I ate over a cup of cream of wheat. I had the ok from the doctor but I did not realize that the amount was too much. It seemed to have gotten stuck above the wrap and caused a lot of discomfort. Well-I learned my lesson and back to liquids only. I also eat very small amounts of pea soup and applesauce. That's about it. I hope I won't lose too much weight because I started with only 105 pounds. I'm trying to get the nutritional shakes down but it takes a while.
I will update everybody in a few days.
ELke
Posted 5/19/2015 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
Elke - sounds like you're doing great! It's ok to lose a pound or two after surgery; your body has been through a lot! You'll quickly gain that back when a little time passes and you can tolerate solids again. Soon.....

If you find things not quite going all the way down, put a little milk in with the cereal to make it 'slickery'. Or gravy or mayo; depending on what you're eating. Just a little at a time, maybe 6 times a day? It's a pain to eat so often, but go slow. It won't last too long.

Sounds like your pain is well controlled. Don't be afraid to take meds when you feel real discomfort coming on. As they say 'Stay Ahead of the Pain.' Works for me!

Keep us posted; thinking of you!

Ingrid
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