You know you're still in denial when...

[skeptic49]

(gulp) I called my first surgeon today to set up a consultation. While I was on the phone with his secretary, a wave of panic hit me...this can't be happening to me...why am I doing this...I still feel OK. Echo reports? Tapes? Medical coverage? Crap. I know I'm doing the right thing to get out ahead of this, but when you actually start doing it, it sucks. Tales from the waiting room...

So it turned into a two plus Martini night.

Jim

 

[marie]

Just keep reminding yourself that you are doing the right thing. It will all work out. I've been there.

 

[Shawneegirl]

Hope all goes well for you. My prayers are with you.Write me when you get better and tell me all about it. And again, thanks so much for your support.
Bobbie

 

[kfay]

Jim, mine was a xanax washed down with a bottle of wine. Just kidding. It is really a surreal feeling when you start doing it though. Just wait until that morning of surgery...it was almost like an out of body experience, standing there to check in to do this major thing when you swear, you feel just fine.

Take a deep breath, keep pushing forward and don't look back.

Kim

 

[escargome]

Jim,
I truly asked myself the same thing. But in the end after having my AVR surgery, it actually improved how I felt. I never had any symptoms up until 3 months before my surgery. I thought I was ten feet tall and bullet proof.
So, just keep moving forward cause the end result will be so much better.
I only wish I had found all you wonderful people before I had my surgery, but now I've found you and I refuse to let any of you go....

 

[hall]

Good luck w/your appointment w/the surgeon. I hope it goes well.

 

[Dina]

I understand. With me,I remained in denial throughout the whole process Including the actual surgery.
It was an example of our amazing abilities to use defense mechanisms.
The only negative is that the delayed reaction is pretty rough.
I didn't get real shook up about my surgery until about 3 months postop.
Not a very healthy way to cope- but one doesn't realize that one is not coping at the time
Maybe my experience will help you know you have some company.
Dina

 

[Ross]

Jim, mine was a xanax washed down with a bottle of wine. Just kidding. It is really a surreal feeling when you start doing it though. Just wait until that morning of surgery...it was almost like an out of body experience, standing there to check in to do this major thing when you swear, you feel just fine.

Take a deep breath, keep pushing forward and don't look back.

Kim

This is the truth!

 

[cp172]

Jim,

For me the wait was horrible. I was so glad to get the whole event (surgery and recovery over). There is no doubt that the trip over the mountain is the trip of a life time. For me I had never been in the hospital before 2/7/08. The great folks here at VR had prepared me so some of the things I encountered were not nearly as scary as they would have been otherwise. Once it is over you will be thrilled to be able to see improvements in your health as you walk,sleep,eat and breath.

You will also have VR anytime you need to talk or vent. For me much of the hospital time and month after surgery is a blurry memory. Seven months out I continue to improve. You will too!

 

[ottagal]

Hi Jim,

As others have said, you are doing the right thing by being "proactive". I think I am still in the denial stage. I have a cardio appt. in less than two weeks and I keep trying to convince myself that nothing is wrong with me...and I haven't even picked up the phone to do a surgeon consult yet. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Rich]

Jim,
I understand your feelings.
When my time was approaching I felt like I was in another world.
Even on that day I drove to the hospital, parked in the parking deck and walked into the hospital. It was all overwhelming.
But after all these years I can tell you it was the best thing I could have done. The difference it has made is unbelievable.
There is little doubt in my mind I would have been long gone, but here I am over twelve years later and still going strong.
I sure hope all goes well for you as well.
Rich

 

[shellyb]

I understand your feelings and I am just the spouse, not the one that had the surgery. Both my husband and I agree that the wait before the surgery is definitely the hardest part.

Take care and you've found a wonderful source of support.

shellyb

 

[Debbie]

jim

jim

Jim, when I was pre-surgery I had many mixed emotions too.
Thanks to this site it made it much easier.
The waiting really is the worst!!
The surgery really wasn't that bad, really.
And just think you get to make a new friend for a month
The Recliner
I'm not a martini fan but I sure did enjoy my
favorite beer- Octoberfest Paulaneur(spelling?)
Take care and keep walking Debbie

 

[Bonzo Dog]

Ah yes, wobbles set up by reaching the theory becomes reality zone.

Each to their own medication, I prefered a long drink. Foaming pints of real ale win over Martini for me.

Jim, I post my mantra again. Think positive, be stoic and mentally strong, focus on the post op benefits, you'll breeze through it.

 

[OldManEmu]

"I still feel OK",

"I still feel OK",

Jim while you may think "I still feel OK", 3 months post surgery when you are recovered you will be thinking that wasn't OK before surgery. Symptoms that you put down to being out of shape or ageing, you will realise were actually related to your heart and its struggle to keep up with the demands being placed on it.

 

[Cooker]

All will be well ... go forth and kick ass

 

[skeptic49]

"Thanks, I needed that!" ...as the old Hollywood saying goes.

You guys and gals are the greatest!

Onward!

Jim

 

[The English Patient]

Hi Jim,

Judging by that pic, you look like a multiple Martini kind-a-guy? Re your post, you are doing the right thing...Rich's post says it all.

 

[lb151]

Theres nothing wrong with a pill and a glass of wine(or 3) to help you cope.
The one thing I really remember is standing in front of my mirror and saying out loud,"In a few weeks this will all be over and I'll be standing here again,all better" and here I am! I have never been so proud of myself.

 

[Dawn-Marie]

Jim ~ I understand your feelings about being scared that surgery is almost here. Thinking about it is truly the hardest part (i can't say this from heart surgery, but i've had 19 major spine surgeries, one of which was almost 16 hours long). Before you know it, it will be over and you'll be home and the worst will be behind you! I'm actually envious of all of you who get to have the surgery and become better...i'd be in surgery in 1 minute if i could be. My best wishes and prayers are with you. Let us know how you make out at the doctor. Take care, Dawn-Marie