Time is getting short

[karlaosh]

Krista:

Not long ago, I was stressing about the violence of the surgery (the saw, the spreading of the ribs, etc.). I've been imprinted with too many episodes of ER (the TV show).

So I've been working to change my self-talk about that image, and in my quiet waking up and falling asleep moments I'm telling myself that I'm opening my heart to healing, opening myself to healing?with all the spiritual double entrendre that those statements imply?and picturing a more gentle and white light type of healing.

I'm normally a very concrete, literal Capricorn, but meditating on these thoughts has helped me feel calmer and more prepared.

You're going to do great.

Karla

 

[KristaDeAnn]

Karlaosh,
I am Capricorn through and through myself... Im trying to be more like the way you are trying to be...

 

[gadgetman]

I had my first emotional breakdown last night and that wasnt a pretty sight. I felt better after letting it all out though..except my eyes burned dreadfully all day today. I usually try not to let my emotions show too much but have noticed since I was diagnosed with this I have turned into the biggest weeping sap and that has taken me by surprise. If anyone shows any sympathy towards me, the tears just start to roll... I dont know if that is hormones or pre-surgery emotions but it really bothers me a lot.
Krista

Krista,

I didn't have any real time to ponder what I was facing (about 30 days from knowing to surgery ) but I only had one good cry before my surgery. However, afterwards I turned into at blithering idiot . I would cry at TV programs, cry when I read some of the posts here, cry (to the point of handing her a printed copy) when I tried to read someones post to my wife, and couldn't talk to anyone about what I went through without getting emotional. Things have gotten better. What made it bad was we (me and the kids) used to kid my wife because she would cry "at the drop of a hat". I even cried at the end of the last episode of "NYPD Blue". Told the wife it was like loosing a good friend. Things have gotten better now. Of course, Karl (KAJ) and I will probably have a good cry together when we first meet in a week . Cracker Barrel will never be the same .

Caths are nothing to worry about. Just "go with the flow". My wife and I discussed my pending surgery and we both felt a calmness going in. Neither of us were worried about what I was facing. I might be run over by a MAC truck tomorrow but I feel the good Lord has something left for me to do. Seek His help and it will help you face this. You are NEVER alone.

We are sending prayers and good thoughts your way for an easy Cath and for your pending surgery.

May God Bless,

Danny

 

[dogfir59]

thanks bionic man ya just solved one of my main worries, i been worried about the breathing tube i been hearing so much about ( im a GAGGER) and wasnt looking forward to that at all . plus that fact that ya didnt have time ta think about the sugery in th OR was a help to me too another issue for me . im glad that you came through yours fine best of luck and i'll keep in touch mines scheduled for june 21 jeff

For me the anticipation was the worst. I'm a nervous person so I had myself worrying about everything from how I would feel (cracked open) to what my scar would look like to what surgery would be like.

Basically when I got there they ran an IV then wheeled me into the OR. I remember thinking it looked cool and high-tech. Next thing I know I'm waking up to the sound of my wife's voice. It took a while to be able to move my muscles. Once I could move they took my breathing tube out. Then I had a great time chatting with my wife and parents. I felt great!

They had me wired up (so you feel pretty solid in your sternum) and my scar looked great. They do a super job sewing you up so there aren't even any visible stitches.

Basically everything I had worried about turned out to be a non-issue. So try not to be scared.

 

[scardycat]

For me the anticipation was the worst. I'm a nervous person so I had myself worrying about everything from how I would feel (cracked open) to what my scar would look like to what surgery would be like.

Basically when I got there they ran an IV then wheeled me into the OR. I remember thinking it looked cool and high-tech. Next thing I know I'm waking up to the sound of my wife's voice. It took a while to be able to move my muscles. Once I could move they took my breathing tube out. Then I had a great time chatting with my wife and parents. I felt great!

They had me wired up (so you feel pretty solid in your sternum) and my scar looked great. They do a super job sewing you up so there aren't even any visible stitches.

Basically everything I had worried about turned out to be a non-issue. So try not to be scared.

Bionic Man,

Thank-you for your support and reassurance. We are getting really close. Her surgery is the 28th of this month! She has been having some strange symptoms the last or so. She is on beta blocker meds. Nifedipine ( Procardia ). Yesterday she said her legs were bright red and felt very hot. I told her to call her Cardio doc. Of course she didn't call him. She played it off later and said it was all better. I did the usual mother thing hours later and called a nurse for information about this and she must have looked it up and said she needed to get to the hospital right away. I could not convince her to go in. She finally called that nurse last night. Or, someone at the hospital. They said it sounded like cellulitus. I know that it is not cellulitis at all! That is an infection that spreads from one area to the rest of your body. And the symptoms do not come and go at all. She is very stubborn about going in. I do understand that. It has got to be a real pain to have to call them all the time. Then go into the ER. Especially when you don't know how long you will be waiting for them to call you doctor and figure it out.

This will be a huge financial strain for her. But she will pull thru it. The good news is she is young and strong. We have a very close family. I do not live really close to her. so it tends to make me worry and stress all the more. Especially when she doesn't call me back. I will be there with her thru the entire process.

Thank-you for all of your support and reassurance!

Scardycat

 

[Michaelena]

Well in only 3 short weeks I will be facing that mountain and starting my climb. June 1st seemed a lifetime away when I was scheduled but now it is almost as close as tomorrow...

I havent really had time to worry, stress or even think about my upcoming surgery as I have been so busy trying to train two different people to take over my job duties while I will be out, and trying to get everything in order at home before my surgery.

Im scared, I have no problem admitting that. Im hoping that I will feel a lot better once this is over-with. I didnt know I felt that bad until I was told how much the regurgitation is probably affecting me, but looking back now I can see how I have slowly gone down hill over the last few years.

Im looking forward to being back to my energetic self. I just hope my surgery is successful and I get back to my energetic self. I know sometimes it doesnt always work out that way.. Im just continuing to pray that it will.

I have related closely with Perkicar during the last couple months and am so glad her sugery went well and without a hitch and she is progressing so well. I hope that I end up with the same result.

Still hanging on by a thread,
Krista Farmer

Krista,
I must agree with everyone else, you will do just fine. It is not easy, as we all know, but a good attitude, positive thinking and visualization of your recovery (like Nancy suggested) will really help during this time leading up to surgery.

My prayers and all of the positive energy I can muster will be sent to you.
I will look forward to your post surgery thoughts.
Michaelena

 

[Michaelena]

I remember those last few weeks before surgery. We had just downsized in housing and I was trying to get settled in and organized. It was hard to do since I didn't feel at all well but then it seemed like everything was done and ended up getting stir crazy. I just wanted it over and wanted to get on with my life. Time goes by so fast. These last weeks will go fast for you and before you know it the clock will have turned and this will all be part of your history.

If you weren't scared you wouldn't be normal. Remember to have some quiet time alone with God before your surgery. It is a wonderful thing to go into surgery knowing that you are being held in very strong arms of love.

I'm glad you found the board and that Perkicar (Carolyn) is setting a good example for you. I kinda thought she would though....and I think you will for those coming after you too.

Your suggestion was beautiful, and comforting, it brought tears to my eyes. I quote "remember to have some quiet time alone with God before your surgery. It is a wonderful thing to go into surgery knowing that you are being held in very strong arms of love". I will carry those words with me when I undergo my surgery the end on July.
Thank you,
Michaelena