Still no surgery date in future

[ccrawford]

Carla - I checked it out - the posts under Presurgery Anxiety went from 2/4/03 to 2/15/03. I think they will be just the ticket to help you deal with your concerns about the respirator. Chris

 

[Ross]

The respirator-I hate it and it hates me. We have a unique hate/hate (Picture a huge Barney singing, "I hate you, you hate me" here) relationship, but when you can't breath on your own, that tube is most certainly a welcome thing. You don't have to fear not being able to breath with it in, you just have to be able to relax and not let it bother you which is why they keep you goofy for the most part.

 

[nadi]

I also have an adversion to the respirator( I saw my mother with one on 3 different occasions before she passed away) I explained this to my cardio and my surgeon and they both promised that if at all possible, barring any complications, I would be out until is was taken out! I was very happy they did keep the promise and I don't even remember it coming out.
So, please talk to you Dr. about this and hopefully they will help you also.

Take care,

 

[carlapv]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I will think about all you have said. I hope by the time surgery comes I will have atleast come to terms with this.
Thanks again from the master whinner!

Carla

 

[Nancy]

Hi Carla-

When you get to speak with your surgeon, please make sure to mention your fears. Tell him/her that it is probably beyond the norm. He may have a nurse or PA on his staff who deals with per-surgery jitters, and has had lots of experience dealing with similar fears. And they may be able to do things a little differently in the ICU to help you have an easier time. The breathing tube is very, very necessary after surgery. Without it you wouldn't be able to breathe. Anesthesia still in your system, and pain meds, which you would definitely want to have, can depress your respiratory system. The breathing tube stays in until the constant monitoring shows you will be able to breathe on your own. It is to keep you safe when you are not able to do things on your own. If someone can explain the very scientific aspects of the breathing tube, step by step, it will help you to understand how the gizmo works to your benefit. Fears of the unknown are something all of us have.

Please do read the posts from ccrawford. They will help you a lot. You can see where his fears evolved from extreme to acceptance with a little anxiety, and then after surgery, telling all that it wasn't as bad as he had imagined.

I believe that in his posts, there is a detailed explanation of the breathing tube. It's a good description.

 

[carlapv]

Thanks, Nancy. I am sure that when the time comes I will be able to deal with it. I will take your suggestions and talk with my surgeon. Like you said, I am sure he has heard it before.

Thanks again,

Carla