Had pre-op today, terrified now.

[cathydownunder]

Hi everyone
Had my pre-op today. Blood work ECG and more paperwork.Xrays tomorrow.
The nurse went through all the post op stuff, what to expect etc. I stupidly didn't think about having to lie on my back and not moving for 24 hours on a very flat pillow. Out of everything , that freaked me out the most as medication I'm on gives me a very dry throat and I always feel like I have a lump in my throat which is worse lying flat. Then she brought up the issue of nausea and calling the nurse immediately if I need to vomit so they can roll me.
I'd been ok till today but now with 1 week to go I've suddenly turned into a basket case. I think the Valium will be getting used a bit this week, and I'll have to increase my meditations too.
Cathy

[annapurna]

About all that can be said is 'post often.' Just about every fear you can think of, somebody's experienced and can either explain what they learned to help them deal with it or can at least explain what they did to stay relatively calm.

[hucky]

Hi Cathy,

I can appreciate you feeling like a basket case, I imagine I'll be the same. Maybe you could rent some engrossing DVDs to try and distract you, invite your friends around, that's always managed to distract me - nothing like a good goss

You know you've made the right decision, you've prepared for it and you have one of the best surgeons here in Oz
Why do you have to lie flat for 24 hours?

Hucky

[Alastair]

Hi Cathy,
well don't worry, you are not unusual, we have all felt like this prior to our ADR.

I hope it goes well, it sounds as if things are well organised for your surgery
Best,
Alastair

[Vicki_in_Florida]

Try not to think about all of the "side effects" or what "might" happen.
Your mind is a powerful tool and you can get yourself all bogged down with what if's and stress.
Try to stay positive, maybe get an mp3 player filled with some good music to listen to.

Keep your thoughts on the goal line and what your life will be like with a new disk.
I'll say a prayer for you.

[Justin]

Cathy,

Hang in there! I think all of us that have had ADR have had similiar feelings. They are completely normal. Focus on how you have done your research and how you have turned every stone. You have done your homework!

I will say a prayer for you, your surgeon and for a successful operation. I wish you the very best--you are almost on the other side!

Keep us posted on your progress.

Justin

[kennethhoff]

Cathy -

I know how you feel. I had a simple nucleoplasty three years ago and the experience fraked me too. Granted it wasn't ADR, but it's the feeling of not being in control of your body. Heck, not being in control in general. A big fear for everyone.
The key is planning. If I ever have an ADR, aside from the midical research, I would make sure to tell all my friends, anyone I knew that I was having it and to come visit often and stay for a chat. Or have someone over. It is simply about distracting ones mind. This I can promise you. Nothing is too fear except your own mind. Distrcat, distract, distract. Be it TV, books, friends, family, etc...
And once you soon get used to it, a few days after, you will find it gets easier and not as scary.
Give yourself more than enough time to recover. Plan that it may take longer than you thought so there won't be any fears about why it's taking so long. Because it does take time. Make friends with time and you'll make a great recovery. I wish you only the best, as do we all.

Ken

[Texas-T]

Cathy, it will be over before you know it. The first 2-3 days will be forgotten soon. Try to have someone with you the whole time to keep you calm and don't worry about it, you'll be okay. The hospital part isn't fun, but remind yourself you're getting better and it's much easier to deal with.
Thinking of you!

[cathydownunder]

Thanks everyone for your support
It's the fusion part that's got me scared not so much the disc replacement, that's where the lying flat and still for 24 hours comes into it.
Also the fact that my DDD is caused by my scoliosis and I'll still have that after the surgery so I have no idea how much improvement/relief I"ll get.
I think the pre-op just brought it all home to me and after about 10 years of increasing pain it's weird to finally be having something done about it.I've got quite attached to my pain (not).
Cathy

[GMW]

Cathy: Look forward to it! Your life is about to dramatically improve! Yes, you have a few days of pain, but they will be quickly forgotten, and you will be on your way to getting your life back. I wasn't nervous until the very second they wheeled me into the OR, and then my life flashed before my eyes, and then a soothing injection put me out, and then it was over. I'm not sure about the lying flat thing, but when you wake up, you stomach will feel like it is about to fall out, but your back should feel different, in a good way. The nurses will make you get up, which will seem impossible, but you will do it, and each day is better. I think you will be amazed at how much better you feel in a short amount of time. Good luck to you and keep us posted. GMW