Having two operations next week, Anxiety is kicking in

Hi

On the 23rd Nov I am going into hospital to get surgery to sort a umbilical hernia and to also have a hemorrhoidectomy. It is embarrassing but here I am talking about it. The medication I have been taking the last few years has made me constipated and I have developed awful and very painful hemorrhoids which have been making my life a misery. I suffered in silence for years as I was two embarrassed and anxious to go and see my GP. Eventually it got to the stage were I had to go and im glad i did as I am now getting it sorted. I am starting to get very anxious about a few things firstly having a general anesthetic as I am scared it will react with all my other medication. Secondly I for my sins googled this procedure to see peoples opinions after having this surgery and a lot of people were saying it was very painful afterwards so anxious if I have made the right decision?

I am also anxious as I will need to take time of work and as some of you may know I am having a lot of problems at work and this will add to my long term ill health sick record which will give more ammo to my managers. I am having a very anxious time at the moment and also feeling depressed about this whole work situation.

Ben

If your this anxious I would make sure you talk to the anesthesiologist/CRNA who is doing your anesthesia during the operation to make sure they hit you with the appropriate preoperative drugs (like midazolam) which will guarantee take your anxiety away, additionally post operative your going to want to talk about the type of pain killers given during and after. Never had this done but I've had other surgeries and I understand the anxiety aspect a little to much haha (I have aspergers as well). You'll be fine, doctors particularly the anesthetists understand pharmacology very well and will know how to treat your discomfort more so than a regular doctor/surgeon would.

Ben,

I'm proud of you for moving ahead to take care of these physical problems. The hernia is something that can just keep getting worse, and given the painful hemorrhoids, you are right to treat them so that you don't need to suffer any more.

I don't know what kind of anesthesia you will have, but I have twice had surgeries where they used the kind in an IV. It was very quick and easy to knock me out and then to wake me right back up. Talking with the anesthesiologist about your medicines is smart. And as otehrs have said, they do this all the time, so they are super aware and alert for reactions. Besides, if you're going to have a reaction, the safest place is in the hospital (says the allergy queen - grin). Seriously, in the extremely rare case that you have a problem of any sort, everyone around you is very, very well-trained to take care of you.

Good luck, and I hope recovery goes smoothly.

percycat

Hey Ben,

I think you have made the right choices here and nothing you talk about re medicine would bother me.    I am glad to see you feel comfortable talking with all of us.

I have seen many patient's have your surgeries - both the hemorrhoidectomy and the hernia repair.  In fact my son-in-law, before he married my daughter, had the hernia repair and I took care of him - much to his chagrin. 

Right before your surgery I am sure you will receive  IV medication to help you relax and after that you will find you are waking up and everything is over.

Before you have general anesthesia, your anesthesiologist will review:

• Your medical history
• The medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements
• Any street drugs you are taking
• Your allergies
• Your tobacco and alcohol use history
• Your past experiences with anesthesia and your family's history with general anesthesia

It is important to tell your anesthesiologist about all of the medications you take. 

For 24 hours after surgery, your doctor may tell you to avoid:

• Alcohol
• Tranquilizers
• Over-the-counter cold medicines
• Allergy medicines
• Muscle relaxants

These drugs may interact with the drugs used for general anesthesia.

The risk of serious problems with general anesthesia is very low. It's more dangerous for you to drive to your doctor's  appointment than it is to have general anesthesia. The possible complications will be discussed with you and if you have questions speak up and ask before you sign any consent forms.  :)

You can expect some pain after surgery however I am sure your Dr. will give you medication to take for pain while you are in the hospital and when your ready to go home.

I know you are concerned about work but try not to get caught up in the "what if?" thinking and just take care of yourself and having your surgery done first.  Remember we can set ourselves up for increased anxiety when we make a catastrophic prediction of the future. For now deal with your surgery on Tuesday and stay in the moment my friend.  You are going to be OK.

Sending lots of warm hugs and encouraging words.

Kitt

Hi Ben, so tomorrow is the day. I just wanted to let you know that I am sending thoughts and prayers your way. You are going to be fine, and feeling much better once the procedure is done (my dad had this done as well).
I hope that your recovery is swift, (and that the anxiety stays managable) and you are back on board soon!
Best wishes,
Scaredy Cat

Scaredy Cat & Awty

Thanks so much for your posts they have really cheered me up. I can't sleep at the moment so just looking forward to getting it over and done with. I will let you know how I get on and hopefully there will be no need fo me to stay in overnight.

Ben

Hey Ben, 

Well today is the day and I am right here for you.  It is just about 3:00 PM your time zone and hopefully by now you are through surgery and resting comfortably.

Let us hear from you when your up to it.

Lotsa hugs to a dear friend,

Kitt

 

Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way Ben :)

Glad to hear everything went well with your surgeries, and hoping you heal quickly so you can get back to being you again!

WTG Ben,  glad to hear you are home and all the surgery is behind you

Take those sitz baths frequently as they really do help with the healing.  Now concentrate on getting well.

Hey Sam,  Nice to see you here.  I just saw my picture of you with Grandma yesterday as I was looking at pictures.  (((((Hugs))))

Kindly,

Kitt

 

Thanks guys will keep you updated

Ben,
I cant say that I have ever had surgery, only minor procedures. But I can say that having to get surgery is one of my biggest fears. Im so glad that everything went great with your surgery and Im wishing for a speedy recovery. Get some rest.

Nelle

Ben,

I'm so glad it went well, and even happier that you sound so upbeat about it. Rest, relax, and heal!

percycat