How did you make it through these tough nights?

[barbwil]

Hi Angel, Some of us who had our surgery at the Cleveland Clinic were given a CD called Guided Imagery for Stressful Times (with nature sounds) featuring Diane Tusek and that helped me immensely with the pre-surgery waiting game. She has a very soothing voice and would lull me to sleep. You might be able to find that online but the wait to get it wouldn't help you much if your surgery is the end of this month. But using that same thought there are other sources such as Walmart or your local book store where you can find some other good CDs. I found one called Gentle Rain which helps relieve tension and stress. If you like Christian music there are any number of them that feature praise and worship songs that bring peace. Also if you are near a public library such as ours your can find any number of good CDs.

Are you a reader? Get engrossed in a good novel, romance, mystery, comedy that will take you out of your present circumstances for a bit.

I know it's hard but just think of the number of us on line here that have come through it; you will also!!!!!!

 

[coach14]

I know it is hard, but as the time came closer for my surgery, I felt my tension easing and just looking forward to getting the surgery over with. I had 2 months from my diagnosis to surgery. Actually, my initial diagnosis was that my heart and valve were too damaged and that I would most likely need a heart transplant. It wasn't until after 5 days and consulting Hopkins surgeons that it was decided my valve could be replaced and the heart would be able to recover. Funny thing was, after going almost a week with the idea of a heart transplant, I was thrilled about my valve replacement. It is all about perspective - you will be fine and your life will be better than before.

Like some of those before me mentioned, I also was prescribed a mild dose of Xanax which I took most nights leading up to my surgery. Never took it during the day and always slept like a baby at night. Stick with positive thoughts and it will be over before you know it. Look at it this way - great way to catch up on books and movies........

 

[Julieaka]

Just opted for the Xanax - never thought I would - thought I was mentally tough enough - guess what? so far it helps take the edge off..........it's okay to consider all your options. Whatever works to help you!

 

[coach14]

Julie - I was kind of the same way with the Xanax. I had never taken anything like that before and was worried it would make me feel all loopy. But it didn't. As you said, it just takes the edge off and you don't find yourself stressing over everything.

 

[Marcia58]

Angel - Another thing that works is to find (or create) something really great to look forward to, a month or two out, post-op. For me, it was my grandson who was due 6 weeks after my surgery. Focusing on him was an affirmation of life, and kept reminding me that I had faith I'd make it over the mountain.

Hang in there!

Marcia

 

[Angel]

Thanks to everyone! You are all just a wonderful group of people and I appreciate all of your advice and words of wisdom here. Been feeling bad all over today, just been doing a lot of laying around, etc. But.....surgery, about 10 days away. Lord help me.

 

[ARGreenMN]

You're going to be fine Angel. Promise Now get some sleep.