Surgery is Tuesday, 4/27
Okay guys, I am freaking out. It is sinking in that I will be intubated, paralyzed, ect, ect. for this surgery. Why oh why can I not get past that? I know, I know, I probably won't even remember, but worked in the unit and saw the people who could not get off the vent post op!!! (I worked Cardiothoracic ICU~eventually some did, Hey, I know this is a bizarre worry. I have asthma, and have this paranoia about it. I think I am having last minute nerves!!!! My son at the table said, Mom you may die because don't you always say nurses have the complications! Today, I fed my stomach telling it~last food the main part of you will see for the rest of my life! Any thoughts would be helpful as I go to the computer in between the 2 day bowel prep (lovely). Thanks!
Hi Pam-
Your fears are perfectly normal. I know the fears of a pre-op re: being a nurse. I think we know too much for our own good sometimes. I was visualizing all the things that could go wrong...thanks to many years working in critical care...I had to leave my fears in the hands of God and concentrate on the things that nurses know which help them get well faster...deep breathing, ambulation, isotonic exercises, medications, anatomical reasons for eating according to the plan, assessment for any complications. I have sleep apnea and never do breathe well after general anesthesis. I knew that this problem existed. My surgeon had me stay in ICU until the anesthetic had worn off bit. I had O2 on for another 3 days but finally managed to get to 95% O2 on room air and went home...5 days post-op rather than the usual 3 days. Other than that, no difficulties at all.
Blessings, Rusty
Mine is Thursday, and I am feeling the same way at times, I agree that we sometimes just know too much. I've been having weepy spells, which is not me at all, reminds me of post-partum blues, lol. My kids are 6 and 16, they've both been telling me that they know I'm not going to die, it's hard even hearing your child talk about Mama and dying in the same sentence. I pray a lot about everything, especially about making it through the surgery and no complications. I know I have to do this to live, and I'm at peace with the fact that I may die, I just feel so weepy and sad about possibly leaving my children here without their Mom. That's the hardest thing for me overall. I have been very focused on my family over the last few weeks and I know that's why. That being said, here's the rational side of me and what my brain keeps coming back to: The last minute nerves are normal, just keep focusing back on everything you've done to get this far and that you know your surgeon is skilled and knows how to prevent complications. I know that God is with me and will be there to help me through it. He's there for you,too.
Oh My, I just found this site, I usually only check out the South of the Border site, as I had my surgery in Mexico. Can you believe as a nurse I made that decision? Many couldn't, but let me tell you, I do not regret it for one minute. I know how people coming out of this surg here are, but I had already done my homework and knew it was not going to be that way for me. I came out of surg with O2 , a F/C, a G-tube with a drainage bag draining via gravity, and a epidural. My O2 was off within hours of surgery, F/C dc'ed next day, epidural dc'ed 2nd day when I was discharged from hospital and g-tube left in for timed drainage, plugged with syringe at other times. I did wonderful, although I am a nurse, but you know we are the WORST patients. I always felt at peace with my decision, though I must admit the night I walked into Dr. Aquirres little office and the hospital a few doors down, the question did cross my mind "What am I doing, am I CRAZY? " Praise the LORD, I wasn't and He definately was there to guide the wonderful Dr. I chose. My pain was minimal with me taking minimal PO pain meds after discharge from hospital. My husband had surg 1 week after me, so I stayed almost 2 weeeks in Mx, and I guess the anesthetics had me very weepy post-op. I was so homesick for my grown kids and grandchildren. Anyway just wanted to wish you well and let you know I will be praying for you. Melodie
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