I've turned into a hyperchondriac!

My surgery is in 17 days! Oh MY GOD!!! Its finally here! I have never been under general anesthesia before and have pretty severe asthma so I am moderately nervous about how things are going to go. It doesn't help matters that I am in my last year of nursing school so I self diagnose myself everyday with a new ailment. Since deciding to move forward with surgery I have had symptoms of a heart attack, neuropathy in my lower extremeties related to undiagnosed diabetes, pitting edema, breast cancer, and irritable bowel syndrome. I have had just about my entire body ultrasounded for blood clots, I have had my triponin levels checked, echocardiogram, mammogram. Oh did I mention that I have only one co morbidity and its hypertension which has been maintained with only 5mg of lisinopril and I have had a perfect bp of 120/80? Every test has come back negative. I am absolutely sure about surgery and am so ready to move on in a healthy way with my life. I think what I am not sure about is the thought of leaving my two little boys motherless. Thank god I have a PCP who humors my paranoia. It definitely feels good to know that all systems have been checked. Now just one last appointment with my Pulmonologist and I should be good to go. I start my liquid diet Monday! Anyone else find themselves turning into a hyperchondriac?

Kristie 

I have kids so I understand the fear of leaving them motherless.  I made my DH promise me he would continue to raise them the way that we have.  Saying goodbye to them when we left them with my MIL the night before surgery was hard on me.  Of course they are young enough they won't remember anything.  

I think nursing school can be a blessing and a curse.  My best friend is currently in her last year of nursing school as well and I think that the education has made her more aware of her body.  She's not a hypocondriac, but she definitely has been sick a lot more this year lol.  I would talk to a therapist about the way you are feeling.  If you're like this now how are you going to be after surgery when everything hurts, it's hard to eat and you just feel like crap.  Does that make sense?   I'm not trying to paint a bleak picture of post-op life, but the fact is that the first few weeks suck.  They get better though.  

I find that since surgery I'm more aware of my aches and pains.  I'm more likely to question the source of pain, especially abdominal pain.  I didn't go through all of this to get sick and it be messed up.  Being more aware of my body has been a good thing though.  I actually discovered a lump in my right breast that I may not of discovered otherwise.  I'm waiting to be scheduled for a needle biopsy.  I think had I of not had surgery and taken an active role in my health I may of ignored it.  

Good luck with your diet and your surgery.  It will be here before you know it.  The liquid diet sucks, but it's only temporary.  I really feel like it prepares you for life post-op.  I really encourage you to get into therapy and see if that helps.  Maybe a therapist can work with you on ways to cope with stress that don't include rushing to the doctor.  

How old are your kids? 

I had to laugh reading your post...My post was meant to be humorous! But in all seriousness....I feel like a hyperchondriac, but all of the aforementioned tests were warranted based on symptoms and my doctor "humored" me in the off chance that my symptoms added up to something serious...and they very well could have. Better safe than sorry. While I feel like a hyperchondriac, my doctor does not think so. I think that nursing school makes you aware of your body and the potential problems you should pay attention to...it could very well be nothing but it could also very well be something.

I have not had RNY yet however my mother has and I supported her through the process so I do know what post op life is like. I also attend support group meetings and I do see a therapist.

Thanks for you concern

I feel so stupid!  It's been one of those days.  There needs to be a standard sarcasm font so when you read something you know the writer isn't seriousl lol.  You are absolutely right about it possibly being nothing, but you never know.  My kid's pedi probably think I'm a hyperchondriac most of the time.  I tend to bring them in if they are sick and not getting any better.  I never know if it is an ear infection, sinuses or just a virus.  I'd rather be safe than sorry.