Vena Filter today Surgery in One week from today!!

Well I go today for the IVC Filter...I am a little nervous although many people have reasured me that its not such a bad thing. I guess my biggest fear is I have 1 week left...next Monday is my Surgery and I am so excited and anxious and nervous..I just wanna get it done, and I am afraid that something is going to happen between now and then and they will cancel the surgery...I dont know why they would or why I am scared they will I just am...and I am afraid that I will fail...somehow if I have the surgery, that I am going to do something wrong and fail and its not going to work. I am hoping that this is just nerves causing all these emotions. Has anyone else felt this way? How do I make it till next week without driving my-self crazy with worry?

Dont worry youll do fine. GOOD LUCK!!! everything will be Okay!   Chea 

Hi Pam, (((HUGS))))   I know just how you feel.   Trust me.....it's completely normal to have such a broad range of emotions.    You know, I went into this surgery with a lot of hope, determination and a mind-set that I was going to give it 110% to reach my goal.  But in the back of mind was the nagging little voice saying to me over and over again "You've never succeeded at anything else you've tried....what makes you think this is going to work?"   I think that's something that those of us that have battled our weight for years and years deal with.   But here I am now....down 150 lbs since my consultation with Dr. Tom and I finally have this feeling like I'm going to make it to my goal (116 more pounds to goal).    Just make sure you follow the program after surgery and you'll do great.   This surgery gives us an amazing tool to use to lose weight  but it's up to us to use it to our advantage.  Not only to lose weight but to stay healthy.    If you ever need someone to talk to....someone that knows what you're going through....or  you just need someone to listen or share experiences with....I'm always here.   Send me a message and I can give you my phone number or private email address.    Take care.....and I'll be thinking of you next Monday!

I kept busy by doing things around the house which I knew I couldn't do after the surgery.  I redecorated my bedroom.  I made sure that there were pillows in the livingroom recliner so that I could lie down when I got home.  I cleaned everything.  I got all of my supplies from protein powders to pepcid.  I got a big bathrobe to wear.  It was nice not wearing tight clothes for awhile.  I made plans for the dog to be boarded.  I made plans for my husband to know  when all of the bills needed to be paid and where they were kept.   I walked the neighborhood to clear my mind.  I kept a journal to remind myself of my feelings.  I sorted the clothes in my closet so that I would have clothes that "fit" in the front.  I bought a Gazelle walker, used, so that I could walk my 4 miles each day.  I prefer to walk in the neighborbood, but it is nice to have it on hand for those rainy/snowy days. I avoided talking to my other family members about the surgery.  They seemed to be negative about everything.  My husband was and is very supportive.  I put a pair of size 14 jeans over the full length mirror in my bedroom.  I thought I would never fit into those.  Last month, I was wearing them.  They are kind of bagging in the butt.  I used to joke with my husband about wearing his clothes.  I can now do that. 

My son has a size 34 waist and his clothes are all too big for me.  I liked being able to have all of these clothes to choose from on a daily basis.  I enjoy going to my closet and knowing that anything I pull out to put on will fit like it is suppose to. Fears and nervousness are common with any surgery.  I just kept thinking about my eating plan.  I had already started eating smaller amounts.  I bought a diningroom table to stop me from eating in front of the TV.  My biggest problem was getting used to not drinking when I was eating.  I still get stares from the waitresses at restaurants when I decline any liquids with my meals. You will be fine.  It is a long journey but it is definitely worth it.  I feel great. God Bless, RJ

Ahhh Pam..you will do great....this morning i got to St. Luke at 7A.M. to spend the day with a patient and family member ..she had the filter and did just fine, she had RNY bypass and did great!!  before I left for the evening I went to her room ..she again was doing great.  Dr. Sonnanstine will take very good care of you..he is extremely attentive and compassionate. I will be there for you, my job is to make sure you are calm..things are organized and run smoothly for you and your family..to keep them informed along the way....so don't give that day another thought I will take care of things for you on Monday.. But as far as being afraid of failing..Well, I can tell you I felt the same way.  Again Dr. Sonnanstine has the skills to give you the tool you need.  Work the program and you will do awesome!!!  the weight will come off no matter what. ..you are forced to be compliant and that gives us time to adjust to a new lifestyle and a new way of eating.. Take care of yourself emotionally this next week and try not to think of the what if's.  The sad thing is many of us have the  same fears and attitude that we will fail...after all we have been set up all our lives to do just that when it comes to dieting..but this is no diet..this is a lifestyle.  and it works!! hang in there Pam..if you need to talk before your surgery let me know.. Brenda

 

Thank you all!!! I am very thankful for this site and all of your personal experiences. I am one of the most positive people..I really am...I mean everyone that knows me would probably say I am, so I just don't understand why this i****ting me so hard and making me have such doubts. I had my youngest daughter 7 yrs ago..My third C-section...checked myself out of the hospital within a day because she was sick and was moved to Children's hospital and I couldn't stand being away from her...within 4 days before she was even allowed to come home my now x-husband, husband at the time went to jail for 4 years, we had just bought a house and had not even moved in all the way when he was gone....So I had to take care of a brand new baby who was sick and myself having staples from the c-section and finish making a home for us and my other 2 children. I somehow made it through, as I always do...within the last 3 years I was able to quit smoking after like 15yrs of heavy smoking I just dropped it cold turkey and have never smoked again...so I know I can do this I am a positive thinker with extreme will power and the ability to bounce back quickly medically. Thanks for listening to my rantings...I now know I can do this...no more self-doubt (well at least I am going to try).

Good luck with your filter, I met with Vascular yesterday and was informed I will be getting one so the big day is Friday and my surgery is Aug 3rd, Best of luck. Missy

Good luck to you as well....it really wasnt bad having the filter put in. I didnt expect to be awake during it...but it really wasnt bad at all, I was freakin out for nothing. I should be a loser by the time you get your surgery...cant wait!!!