HELP! Need encouragement!!!!
Hello rw6229, Finally someone who has NOT had the surgery! I love hearing from the "EXPERIENCED" ones but I really wanted to chat with someone who is waiting like me and going through the emotional side. I think that is the reason they give us so much time, so that we can be sure this is what WE want. One of the nurses told me that they do not put the sleepy meds in your IV until you are in the operating room because the Dr. wants to ask you one more time if you are sure this is what you want to do. I will work the rest of this week and next week and then I am off until August 20, and if I need more time I will ask for it. I keep going over in my minds eye of me out shopping and finding all kinds of cute, cheery clothes to buy and of me taking pictures because I cannot bear to take them now. All of these and more are what is going to keep me on track and remind me why I'm having the surgery. And you are right "WE" will do fine and if it's alright with you, I would love to stay in touch with you. Be Safe Karen
HI Karen! I completely understand the emotional rollercoaster! I had my surgery a little over 7 months ago so I remember very well feeling excited and yet scared silly at the same time!
I've never had any other surgeries so I have nothing with which to compare the pain from the bypass. I was very nervous and truly expected to be in excruciating pain....but it wasn't that bad at all. I was more than willing to take the pain meds offered in the hospital.....and took it for a few days after I got home from the hospital. I was never in severe pain....just like someone had kicked me in the stomach....very sore. The only place I really had any pain was from the incision on the left side of my stomach down toward my belly button....I remedied this by putting my hand in the pocket of my pants and supporting the left side of my belly with my hand as I walked. That pain was gone by the 3rd week after surgery.
I can honestly say that having this surgery was the best thing I've ever done for myself. I was to the point that walking was difficult and I went only to work and, of course, to the grocery. I didn't like myself, I didn't like my life. I hid from the world and thought the world was better off that I did hide. I didn't want to be with friends and family out of embarrassment. Now I can do SOOO much more. I can walk for as long as I want. Do you know how great it felt to walk into a department store and just BROWSE? For hours? With no pain in my back and legs?? IT WAS AWESOME!!! I've been doing things that I only dreamed of ever doing again....canoeing, camping, hiking...you name it, I'll try it now! I've also become more confident in myself. I finally feel like I'm worth something....that I do matter and that I'm someone special. I've made a lot of new friends, I've started dating and I'm going back to school this fall for the career I've always wanted. But I think the best thing to come out of this overall is that I've had so many people tell me that they look at me now and just see that I'm happy for the first time in a long time. And they're right! Karen, I don't want you to get the wrong idea......it's not an easy process by any means. I've certainly had my share of ups and downs and I've still got a long way to go. This is a life long commitment and it shouldn't be taken lightly. But, for me, the benefits of having the surgery far outweighed the risks. I was going to die young if I didn't have the surgery....so what did I have to lose? And I'm so grateful everyday that I'm healthier than ever and living life again. Good luck to you on this amazing journey you're about to embark on. If you ever have any questions about what my experience has been like or just need someone to talk to....I'm here for you!
Chris
~*Chris*~
When one door of happiness closes, another opens:
but often we look so long at the closed door that
we do not see the one which has been opened for us.
Helen Keller
I'll be honest here. I was not fortunate enough to be one of those persons who had little to no pain after bypass surgery. I hurt! However, looking back I have to say it is kinda like childbirth pain...as in..you know it hurt, but really can't remember it, if ya know what I mean.
Luckily they do keep your pain manageable to a level of just bing uncomfortable. But believe me, I am down 148 pounds and it was totally worth it!
TORNADO AGAIN. BEWARE OF THE WITCHES!
Gosh, I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. I didn't take any pain medicine at all during my process. The On-Q ball was incredible. This is something that gives the pain medicine to the site and doesn't affect your abilities. I got out of the hospital on Wednesday, got up Thursday, got both of my kids ready for school, took them, went to the grocery and had a great day. I remember the night before my surgery. It was aweful........I wanted something to eat sooo bad and could only have liquids.... I knew what was coming the next day but it didn't ease my frustrations. I was a real bear that day.
The day of surgery wasn't not so bad. My family was there to take away some of my anxiety, not to mention the wonderful people at Georgetown COmmunity Hospital. These ladies, some of them, have been through this themselves and they can relate to what you are feeling. I am almost 3 months out, I have lost 66 lbs, I have run down the street chasing my son. I have participated in Pump Classes and didn't have a stroke, I have run a mile on a treadmill and didn't fall over exhausted and sweating like a pig. Would I do it again, IN A HEARTBEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hang in there, the fun is just starting! cathe
Thank you , thank you, thank you. Just the fact that you took time to write me makes me feel a whole lot better mentally. I know I am doing the right thing and look so forward to being on the losers bench come JULY 26! I h ave decided to stop focusing on the pain (I had 2 kids and a hysterectomy) so I know I can handle the Pain. Thank you once again
