Got my surgery date, Yikes!!!!

[judy13]

Ok so I got my date yesterday of August 11th and I've had a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach ever since. Going for my CT scan tomorrow, finishing up dental next week, then all other pre-op the following week, except ABG's and PFT 48 hours prior to surgery. Couldn't find too many posts on ABG's, heard they hurt like #&$*. So is it normal to feel different once you are given the date? Starting to freak out a bit now. Not really sure what I am afraid of. Any words of wisdom? I think I am going to take off work one week prior to surgery just to make it easier for all pre-op.

Thanks for all your support

Judy

 

[Luana]

Makes it feel kind of official, huh?

Yeah, I think it is kind of normal to feel different once you have a date. I know mine was changed a couple of times, so the last one really made me feel like that was it.

It's good you're taking a week off before, that way you can get stuff done and not feel too rushed or hectic. It will arrive before you know it.

I had ABGs done after surgery a few times because my lung collapsed; I didn't think they were all that bad. Some people do find them quite painful. You will have an arterial line placed before surgery (you'll be knocked out) so if you need them after surgery, they should be able to draw from that for at least a couple of days. I didn't have an ABG of PFTs before surgery.

Wish I had some words of wisdom, but all I can say is your probably in the worst part of all right now. It's almost there, but you're still waiting, and this is a tough time. Do the best you can to take it easy and relax and know that everything will be ok.

 

[Robb Wilder]

I quit working about 5 days before the surgery and IF AB=blood gas then yes they do hurt but nothing anyone cant handle. Yes once you have the date it is finality. Keep distracted before hand. Finish up what you can and arrange for stuff for after the surgery. It will be here before you know it but youll be so glad you are past it. It gets better each day after the surgery. I already feel like I have more energy now than I did the day before surgery. (I am 9 days post surgery) I know my heart is beating better than before the surgery. Its a major deal but its never as bad as we make it out in our head. I can attest to that.

 

[Mentu]

Judy, there is something about getting a date that changes the way one looks at things. Suddenly, this is no longer a hypothetical discussion about surgery in the misty distant future but something that is happening soon. There is a definiteness about having a date. Take a deep breath, make your lists of things to do and begin to plan for your recovery.

Larry

 

[njean]

Just wanted to wish you well with your upcoming surgery. As others have suggested, do whatever you are able to do ahead of time so that when you make it back home, you will just have your recovery to concentrate on.....your surgery will be here before you know it!

Godspeed!

 

[Penny]

Judy, I know that feeling you are experiencing. When they gave my date it made the reality of it set in. I took the time to do my research on what need to be prepared before I went and of course what needed to be put in place for when I came home. Keep yourself busy is the best advice I got before my surgery. Focus on getting things done and try to find some peace within. Take care, best of luck!