Baby Mode!

[Babydoll]

Hi Everyone,
The "oh my gods" have gotten me! It's 12 days to surgery and am starting to think of all the things I need to do before surgery that I haven't done And am starting to question every ach and pain to see if am getting sick because you know they want do it if you are sick. Here lately I have been getting very cold in the afternoons I come home take a hot shower and go to bed just to warm up.My headaches have gotten worse since I can't take motrin. It feels like I need to put on the brakes am not looking forward to having my chest cracked open. I know i'll feel better afterwards but am starting the baby mode now. I can't eat anything it seems to mess my stomach up am not drinking enough fluids so am more dizzy everything seems to make me sick. It's a good thing I want to loss more weight. I seem to be putting things off like it's going to stop the time clock. where is the fastward button so I can already be home and nicely on the road to recovery? Anyone knows where the button is let me know asap ok am stoping for now i'll be back soon.
Stacey

 

[Ross]

If I didn't know better, I'd say your going to have heart surgery. Alot of people react this way just before. Did I get it right?

It's easy for us to tell you to relax, but it's a whole different story for you. Whatever doesn't get done, doesn't matter. It'll be there later. Don't go exhausting yourself before hand. You'll pay for it dearly and you don't want that. Take this time, EAT food, your body needs it even if you don't think you do. We want you strong as an ox going in. You'll lose plenty after surgery and losing too much can be as bad as gaining too much.

Until surgery, pamper yourself silly. Go buy something you always wanted, dine at the finest restaurants you can afford and come see me, err, I mean take care of yourself. Of course, I wouldn't mind if you came to see me either.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Stacey-

Nerves are the hallmark of anyone approaching this kind of surgery.

Someone mentioned a long time ago that those undergoing major, major surgery can use 5000 calories per day in the recovery phase, according to their surgeon. So if you are having trouble eating, remember that your body will need extra nutrients for you to have a healthy recovery. And you will definitely need to be properly hydrated going into surgery. If your appetite is of concern, perhaps you could speak to the doctor about an appetite stimulant temporarily. This is not the time to go on a diet. Quite the contrary.

Take care of yourself now, even though you are distracted.

 

[Karlynn]

Stacey,

As Ross said, time to pamper yourself silly. What doesn't get done will keep. And then those waiting hand and foot on you after the surgery can do it!

Read a good book, watch good movies, get a massage, make the next 12 days Spa Days.

 

[Debrinha GT]

Nerves

Nerves

Hi Stacey, having been there three times myself, I would say that everything you've described is the result of nervousness. At this stage we tend to get obssessed and just imagine the worst. Some do it more than others, but we all go through it which's a natural process due to the unknown, or maybe, well known, whatever. It's useless telling you to remain calm and not think about it, but instead, I'd like to ask you to think of the good aspect of the whole thing. Once it's all over, you'll be able to lead a normal life again and carry on with your plans. I remember so clearly how I felt as time was approaching for my third operation as if it were today. When I first learned that I wouldn't be able to go on a trip to Scotland because I needed surgery first, I got very angry and also extremely frustrated because I was trying to get pregnant at the time. Then, I realized that just as well, or how would it have been like if I had got pregnant and then needed the operation? As for the trip, well, until this day I haven't been able to go for finantial reasons, but that's just one of those things, I guess. We can't win them all. My pregnancy was carefully planned once I felt strong enough and I had no problems at all during it, never even felt sick. Bruna is seven now and she's a perfectly healthy girl. And here I am, on the road to yet another MVR(replacement) one of these days, but for now, I'll go on living my life normally and to the fullest! Make sure you take good care of yourself, eat well and drink plenty for by not doing that, you'll just be making matters worse. Remember, when you can't beat your enemy, join him, if you get what I mean.

Débora

 

[danielgilboa]

Stacey,

Now is the time to realy spoil yourself. You can be selfish and egocentric as much as you want. It's once in a life time (I hope) so take advantage!

And on more serious notes-
Try to keep yourself busy with planning your return and recovery. Do you want to move things around in the house? buy anything that will be helpful? arange things in a way you will be comfortable? get family and friends lined up to help you?

One thing I did before surgery was to go out and buy the best running shoes I could find, something I would not dare to do regularly. I also got new jeans for the out-of-the-hospital march of victory.

It is good you are loosing weight, but try to focus on healthy and building nutrition. I believe the stronger you go in the better you come out.

Anyway, keep up the good mood, you will need it for your recovery.