Question:
Is anyone scared as I am about the pain and not waking up?? My surgery is 10/26/00
— Mary S. (posted on October 20, 2000)
October 20, 2000
I was terrified. I had my surgery 4/25/00 and in the weeks before, I would
sob so hard, I would get to the point of "shuddery breath", like
little kids do. I also had to go through the whole thing alone, with a
toddler. I'm a single mom and had very little help. I was terrified of
what I would feel like afterwards, afraid I wouldn't make it to that point,
afraid of leaving my daughter without her mom, afraid I wouldn't be able to
cope. BUT I was also scared of continuing to live as I was living. Of
being that fat, the rest of my life, and that miserable and that unhealthy
... I also would lay awake at night and fear dying because of my obesity --
and imagining my relatives having to explain to my daughter when she got
old enough to understand that I had died because I was fat. That was
horrible and shameful for me too. So yes, I think you'll find most of us
on here were varying degrees of scared -- about the whole process. But I
would do it again in a heartbeat, if I had to. Yes, it was painful and
yes, it was a risk. But the benefits have improved my life to a degree I
never thought possible. Hang in there, hon!
— Beth B.
October 20, 2000
I think all of us worried about the pain and the complication of not waking
up. I am 2 weeks post op and I know i sure did. Statistics show 99% wake up
and as for the pain well i had dry socket with a tooth extraction and that
pain was worse than my open RNY surgery thanks to morphine pump. God bless
you and keep you safe.
— kcraig
October 21, 2000
I am also afraid. I have 4 beautiful children. I am afraid mostly of
leaving them alone for their father to raise. I have had 2 C-Sections with
child bearing. The 2nd one was with twins (boys). It was a little rough
healing the 2nd time around but I made it. I feel that I will be OK. My
mother has also had several surgeries. She is 55 yrs old. She is now as
we speak, recovering from knee surgery. She is a trooper, and I only pray
that I do just as good. Take care. I plan to have my surgery about a
month after yours and I am praying for your speedy recovery, not to mention
your safe journey to the other side. God bless and e-mail me when you get
out......please? [email protected]
— Shariesa B.
October 21, 2000
Yes, I, too, was afraid of not waking up after the surgery. I have severe
sleep apnea and was very concerned about this. I had surgery on 10-10-00
and God took care of me. I didn't have any problems with the anethestic. I
pray that God will take care of you as well. Please try not to worry! Take
care & God Bless.
— Rene` B.
October 22, 2000
Yes! Yes! Yes! LOL! I admit, I struggle with these now -- My surgery is
scheduled for 11/28, and while I eagerly count the days, I am apprehensive,
too. I worry about complications during surgery and following (pulmonary
embolus, for example)... But I also know that I'm DEFINITELY NOT living
now; Just exhisting, actually. And I remember that deaths are the
exception, NOT the usual occurence. So I am working hard to concentrate on
the positive outcomes -- The energy I'll gain, the ability to MOVE and
LIVE... It's worth the risks for me. GOOD LUCK!!!!
— Michelle F.
October 22, 2000
YES, I think I was just as worried, I think most people are. We fight and
fight to get the surgery and then the morning of surgery comes and all I
could think was "WHAT AM I DOING??!!" I had my open RNY on
6/23/00, I have not had any complications and have lost 70 pounds since May
1st. I am very happy with my decision. I have to tell you that I was more
afraid of being fat for the rest of my life than I was of not waking up.
Good luck and I hope this helps.
— Andrea P.
October 23, 2000
Mary, My surgery is the day before yours and I am scared to death. I have
been praying everyday to help ease the fear. I am were you are at now and
it isn't the best place to be. The emotional roller coaster of "am I
doing the right thing, can I handle the pain, Will I wake up?, will I have
any complications, this, that and everything. It all goes through your mind
in the days before, and some the days after. I have heard this is very
normal, but at the time it doesn't feel that way. We are some of the
bravest people on this earth for doing what we are doing. That is saying
something. We have courage, strength, and the many prayers through this
website to keep us safe. I know in my heart that the lord will watch over
the both of us in the days to come. We will both do just fine. ((((HUGS))))
— Michelle P.
October 29, 2000
Hi....I think your fear and concern are real to each of us. I had my OPEN
RNY on 1/18 and had read all the major risks from my doctors
website...www.sabariatric.com. This site list everything one might want to
know. First, I was terrified I might not wake up either. I have a heart
conditon, Atrial Fibrilation & had a mild stroke in June. I also have
obstructive sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine at night. My surgeon had a
cardiologist sonogram & check-up the day prior to my surgery and had
him on call if needed. I made it through the surgery and was sent to
Intensive Care (pre-planned) and late that night went into Atrial
Fibrilation. With meds they got me back to normal. I spent the rest of my
stay in Medical ICU and went back and forth from regular to Atrial several
times, but finally stabilized. As for the pain....IT WAS NEVER EXCRUIATING
FOR ME...thankfully! I had control of the Pump and pressed it when I
needed it. Since home and on Tylenol 3 have been uncomfortable and a
little sharp pain here & there, but generally have been comfortable.
You're only human to worry, but I know you will be fine and I WISH YOU THE
BEST OF RECOVERY IN YOUR HEALTHIER LIFE!!
— Thom C.
October 29, 2000
***Correction to my post below**** My surgery was 11 days ago on 10/18/00.
— Thom C.
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