Excited!

[Lisa]

It's really strange, but I have been extremely excited, happy, and bursting with restless/nervous energy since I got the phone call advising me of my surgery date (March 19). Did any of you experience anything like this? Although I'm concerned (not terrified), I truly feel like I've won the lottery or a trip to Disney.

 

[Karlynn]

My brother-in-law remarked that you would think I'd won a trip to Disney World, not scheduled my open heart surgery.

I think there are many reasons people get happy. Mine was that something was finally going to be done about how horrible I felt. I think others feel that now they can shift their lives from neutral. Maybe others feel that when a date is set, it means their is going to be the other side of the mountain soon.

 

[Nancy]

Joe has always been relieved to have his surgery dates. He's been too sick prior to surgery to get too elated, but definitely happy that there would be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Now about Disneyland--you might think you are there with some of the first post-surgery drugs.

 

[elphie]

Well, I can't say that I was jumping up and down for joy, but I can say I felt like a heavy weight had been taken off my shoulders. Just having a date set gve me a sense of relief, like I was finally gonna get it over and done and it would be behind me, rather than always on my mind- waiting and wondering when it was going to happen. Also, I was happy to know that I would have it done and be out of the hospital before Xmas.

 

[Bryan B]

Lisa,

I kind of got my date yesterday and it was made official today (I'm 2 days ahead of you). I found out I needed surgery over 7 weeks ago, and waiting without a date was no fun. When I finally got the news I felt a mix of excitement and nausea.

I'm happy the waiting will end soon, but now it feels very real!

We can share some "war stories" while we're recovering. We'll be fine though, and I do look forward to feeling better (I've been sick since June of last year).

 

[Lisa]

Bryan: I do understand the butterflies in the tummy. And I'm glad to know the waiting is almost over for both of us. Aside from knowing almost my entire life that this day was coming...it's happened pretty quickly. Rapid fire succession in my opinion:

1) Appt. at the end of January w/cardio who states it's time for you to seriously consider having something done...I don't think you should wait any longer

2) Met Dr. McGiffin (surgeon) on Feb. 17th. He says valve is really tight and only 1 leaflet is working...and long story short, we choose a homograft with the understanding that it could take a while because they aren't plentiful.

3) Got the phone call Monday, Feb. 23 to tell me there is a valve for me...and when do you want to do this? I chose March 19th so I can a have the next 3 weeks to prepare and my hubby can take less time away from work if part of my hospital stay is on the weekend.

When it's all said and done, I will have gone from a consultation into surgery in just about 4 weeks.

 

[dwfreck]

Lisa,

I had a lot longer to decide and arrange a date, but I was definitely excited once the date was set. I was also happy, relieved and a little frightened.

 

[medtronic of borg]

food for thought

food for thought

It can also be a sign of the oncoming depression.

Med

 

[Debrinha GT]

variations

variations

I think feelings and moods can change by the minute. I remember experiencing frustration, anger, relief and even happiness up to a certain extent. I think the person's physical condition greatly affects how he feels because when things get to the point that one's quality of life is so limited , then, going into surgery is a blessing. Good luck to all of you who are about to face one and rest assure that everything will be just fine and you'll feel brand new once it's all over.
Débora

 

[Lisa]

Med

Med

I think you may be right. I must have been in a manic episode these past few days because last night I came crashing down from that high i'd been on. I had a crying jag and couldn't sleep. Got out of bed and sat in the dark in the living room to avoid waking the rest of the household. And I DO NOT usually get depressed other the normal times that we all feel a little 'blue'
Oh well. I can deal with this. I'm just guessing here that this is pretty normal for anyone facing major surgery.

 

[Georgia]

Lisa - this is just the full spectrum. You'll swing around - just remember, if you get too anxious or too depressed, let your doc know. There's nothing wrong with a little chemical assistance at this time in your life.

But I think it's a great relief to have a date. It allows you to get all sorts of things planned and done and cleaned and cooked and bought and celebrated. I went out and bought birthday and others cards to have at home (no, I am not ocd about such things most of the time - I barely remember my hubbie's b-day); and stocked up on books and magazines, etc.

I was in your position last year; I had about 10 days between diagnosis and surgery. I think I'd have hated to be in the position many folks are in - waiting to get worse. ugh.

Congrats on your date; hang in here and vent; we've all been there and are here now for you.

 

[Raverlaw]

Having a date is a great feeling, because it gives you something concrete to look forward to. And, yes, even something as serious as VR surgery can be looked forward to; it is the beginning of getting well!

Good luck! I know the next three weeks will fly by for you.

 

[dawnwit15]

You are OK!

You are OK!

Lisa-
It's perfectly normal to be up and down with your emotions right now. One day your relieved that you have a date scheduled and know there is a better quality of life waiting for you after surgery and the next day your terrified with fear and anxiety. This is all part of the process. Don't hesitate to seek counseling or some Xanax. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who is not related to the situation and will just listen. You are ok and we have all experienced exactly what you are going through. Your in my prayers.
dawnwit15

 

[Harpoon]

I was roaming around and read the post that started this thread here and you know, I'm not quite sure how I felt when I got the call with my surgery date....


I think on one side I was a bit, "relieved" that things were getting in motion and we'd soon be fixing my heart, but on the other hand I was upset because it would be yet another month and I was already feeling like crap.


I didn't want the surgery, I wish there was another way around it. I knew how VERY serious it was and I had no concept in my mind of "climbing some mountain" only to come back down the other side, or at least get on top and have some victory celebration.

I was there, it's what had to be done and I was just going to push forward and see where it takes me.


One year later....


Well, shall I do a few jumping jacks for you? How about some sit-ups?

Or I can show you a kung-fu kick.... =Þ


It's an interesting feeling. It's not over yet, but now you know it will be soon. You have a countdown to surgery. Stuff to do and get prepared for, arrangements to be made, maytbe even some packing.

You couldn't do all that really before getting the phone call.


I got my valve on the 14th of March, almost one year ago.


Maybe next year we'll celebrate an anniversary together. =)


Take care and good luck.