I Am Scared

[BigRed]

I had BTKR surgery in late June. I had complications and stopped breathing during recovery and needed 4 blood transfusions. It petrified me.

On Tuesday morning, I am having surgery again for an unrelated medical problem. I have been told my 3 doctors that it has to be done and I have been medically cleared to have the surgery but I am frightened. I guess I was more truamatized than I realized.

 

[abunnybabe]

Why did you stop breathing? Were you overdosed with pain meds? Sleep apnea? Pulmonary embolus? Heart attack? Allergic reaction? etc...
See, there are hundreds of reasons why you might have stopped breathing. BTKR surgery is tough, long anesthesia time and so forth. Was it general anesthesia?
Maybe what you are having done Tuesday is much more simple? Local or conscious sedation?
It is totally normal to be frightened after such an experience. The chances of something similar happening is really very low., esp since you are young! Take a deep breath, and try to relax, by Tuesday night this willall be behind you.
Best of luck.

 

[Texas]

Hi Big Red I was hoping no news was good news we missed ya on here....make sure you tell them about the experience you had with the last surgery that why they are aware............dont worry they will take good care of you.........i hope it is nothing serious and even though its not replacement related please let us know how you are doing after........I wish you the best of luck and i will keep you in my prayers.........think positive it will be ok just let then know your fears...............)

 

[mtngal67]

Best of luck and let us know how you're doing when you're up to reporting in!
Prayers and good vibes heading your way!
Gale

 

[Jamie]

Big Red, bless your heart....I can truly understand your apprehension about another surgery. But the folks who have posted above are right....just because you had a bad experience during your knee replacement doesn't at all mean it will happen again.

Your surgical team knows how to do their job and you need to trust them. Be sure and tell the doctors this happened and then don't worry. You are in the hands of professionals who will take good care of you.

Of course, we'll want to hear from you as soon as you can get back online.....sending you (((HUGS)))) and prayers.

 

[calling_all_angels]

Big Red,
Of course you are scared!!! And you are not even sure why. But you are and you need to get it out.
After my last TKR and I woke up screaming in the recovery room. I have now become quite scared of the recovery room!! I know that I am being silly but I can not help it. The last 3 time that I have been put under I panic when I first wake up thinking I am going to be in so much pain again and not be able to get help. So tell them that you have bad feeling about this even though you know that everything will be ok!!! It does not matter what matters is that this is on your mind. So please share your fears with the Doctors and nurse's. I will be praying for you.

 

[Josephine]

Well, Terri and Jamie beat me to it - and they're spot on.

 

[Motherofmany]

Big Red,

I can relate. With my RTKR I had a code blue the first night with my 16 yeaqr old daughter watching. Couldn't handle the pain med. I have since had a MUA with a general and the LTKR with the same as the first, a spinal and femoral block.

Everyone was aware of my situation and were very cautious. We discussed what they would and wouldn't be using. The second TKR went wonderful with the exception of the fact that the blocks wore off in less than 4 hours and the pain pump hadn't been order yet! :shk: Took a while longer to get pain under control, but other wise it was a wonderful experience. I had great nurses and other than the food being a little bland, I gave them a high rating when I completed the survey.

Your doctor, nurses and anesthesiologist are professionals and will do what is best for you. Fear is normal, but don't let it overwhelm you. Discuss your concerns with each of the people who will be working with you and trust them. They certainly don't want you to repeat that horrific experience again!

Praying all goes well with this surgery and you will have peace that passes understanding from the Lord!

Blessings,

 

[kimberlyann]

You have every reason to be scared, but as everyone has said, please don't worry!
The odds are extremely small that anything bad will happen again. You must have this procedure, so turn it over to the professionals and sing a happy tune.

We will be waiting to hear from you and expect you to have a great result.

Take care, Kimberly Ann

 

[BigRed]

Thank you all for your encouragement. The surgery is over and I am doing fine.

I had stopped breathing after the BTKR surgery because the epidural didn't work and I awoke to excruciating pain. I was given narcotics to alleviate the pain and that is when I stopped breathing. I awoke to people all around me and a breathing bag on my face. It was a traumatic experience.

Today was totally different. I had surgery to remove a cluster of small tumors that were found to be in the milk ducts of one of my breasts. I had been bleeding from the breast and so tests were done to find the cause and these little tumors called papillomas were the cause. The milk duct was removed taking the tumors with it. The doctor fully expects the biopsy will show them to be benign.

I had the surgery under a local and was either sleeping or awake but relaxed during the hour-long procedure. I felt pretty good after the srugery and still do. I am tired abd sore but this was a piece of cake compared to other surgeries I have had so I am doing well. I have tomorrow off of work to rest and expect to return to work on Thursday if all continues to go well. I was told I will feel more sore tomorrow as the meds I was given wear off so I will play that by ear. I have left substitute plans for both tomorrow and Thursday just in case I need the extra day.

I also have an appointment tomorrow with the surgeon who did my knees.

 

[tom67]

Hi Big Red, I'm so glad the surgery went well today, I can understand your
trepidation about any kind of surgery, after what you've been through!
I hope you heal quick, and have a comfortable day Tomm. Best wishes,

 

[Pat29627]

Glad that's over with! Hope you feel good fast!

 

[abunnybabe]

YEAH!!!! I am so happy for you, you must feel sooooo relieved.

 

[Jamie]

Big Red...so glad this went well for you! Take that extra day if you feel at all tired or sore. It's worth it to get adequate "me time" for recovery. You'll be better at work if you are feeling better.

 

[Josephine]

:thmb: Great news!