Yes, mine is Tuesday and quite honestly I'm terrified. And I really don't even know why. I'm not afraid of dying or anything like that. Scared I'll be a chicken about pain and whatever. My sister-in-law had a replacement about 12 days ago and is already driving and getting around great. That should encourage me but it just makes me more scared that I won't do as well. I think some of my fear is because they don't know whether they will be doing a PKR or a TKR and I won't know which until I wake up. I'm looking forward to being more active, losing weight and everything for the next year while I recover, but I'm still scared.
pre-op jitters
- Thread starter Roo73
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schoust
member
Re: The Operating List - post your date here so we can keep tabs on you!
Don't worry Roo it's ok to be scared I am too! Did I tell you that I am also very nervous? Lol. I have not been sleeping at all and that is killing me! Sleep for me is recovery time from all the pain and agony of the day and now that the time is getting closer all bet's are off in that department! So Roo please relax kick back and realize that it's all in someone else's hands and with any hope you have chosen a good Hospital and surgeon! Good luck tomorrow!
Ralph
Don't worry Roo it's ok to be scared I am too! Did I tell you that I am also very nervous? Lol. I have not been sleeping at all and that is killing me! Sleep for me is recovery time from all the pain and agony of the day and now that the time is getting closer all bet's are off in that department! So Roo please relax kick back and realize that it's all in someone else's hands and with any hope you have chosen a good Hospital and surgeon! Good luck tomorrow!
Ralph
Re: The Operating List - post your date here so we can keep tabs on you!
Well, as you say, to be nervous and anxious is very normal and entirely understandable.
Think of it - you are a normal, independent adult, accustomed to being able to order your life and be in control, to being able to control your own privacy and decision making. Now, not only are you about to undergo a major piece of surgery which is a BIG deal in your life, you are handing over all your control, independence, decision making, dignity and privacy to total strangers, many of whom you will not even clap eyes on! You don't know them, therefore trust doesn't come into it. Yet you are going to be dependent upon these as yet anonymous persons.
And that's all added on top of the surgery!!
Yes, anxiety is perfectly normal.
Another little factoid though - physiologically, there is scant difference between anxiety and excitement. Try to look on this as excitement at having a life changing operation. Just like you'd be excited at a dream holiday!
God bless you and be with you tomorrow. I look forward to your posts in the other forum!
Well, as you say, to be nervous and anxious is very normal and entirely understandable.
Think of it - you are a normal, independent adult, accustomed to being able to order your life and be in control, to being able to control your own privacy and decision making. Now, not only are you about to undergo a major piece of surgery which is a BIG deal in your life, you are handing over all your control, independence, decision making, dignity and privacy to total strangers, many of whom you will not even clap eyes on! You don't know them, therefore trust doesn't come into it. Yet you are going to be dependent upon these as yet anonymous persons.
And that's all added on top of the surgery!!
Yes, anxiety is perfectly normal.
Another little factoid though - physiologically, there is scant difference between anxiety and excitement. Try to look on this as excitement at having a life changing operation. Just like you'd be excited at a dream holiday!
God bless you and be with you tomorrow. I look forward to your posts in the other forum!
Re: The Operating List - post your date here so we can keep tabs on you!
I really do have complete faith in my surgeon. This is his specialty and he's done thousands and I know people personally who've used him. I don't know why I'm so scared but it's kind of like my brain is scrambled eggs today and I'm TRYING to work. I feel myself getting more and more freaked out and try to tell myself it'll be okay and to calm down but it doesn't exactly help. But thanks so much for the positive reinforcement. Good luck to YOU too and hopefully we'll talk while we recover and compare notes. Joey
I really do have complete faith in my surgeon. This is his specialty and he's done thousands and I know people personally who've used him. I don't know why I'm so scared but it's kind of like my brain is scrambled eggs today and I'm TRYING to work. I feel myself getting more and more freaked out and try to tell myself it'll be okay and to calm down but it doesn't exactly help. But thanks so much for the positive reinforcement. Good luck to YOU too and hopefully we'll talk while we recover and compare notes. Joey
gloucesterman
junior member
Re: The Operating List - post your date here so we can keep tabs on you!
Well I am just as anxious as the rest appear to be. I am however glad I am not alone with these feelings. It is like watching the tide come in! I do wonder if our doctor's fully appreciate the emotions we have facing this procedure though. We are all actually lucky to have this option, years ago people just suffered for the rest of there days. My glass is now half full!!!
Good Luck!!
Gloucesterman
Well I am just as anxious as the rest appear to be. I am however glad I am not alone with these feelings. It is like watching the tide come in! I do wonder if our doctor's fully appreciate the emotions we have facing this procedure though. We are all actually lucky to have this option, years ago people just suffered for the rest of there days. My glass is now half full!!!
Good Luck!!
Gloucesterman
schoust
member
Re: The Operating List - post your date here so we can keep tabs on you!
Wow a freight train out of control! That is certainly what I am feeling at this moment! I have not slept in day's and I am still working! What a bumber. But i think it will all be worth it! Good luck Vern !!
Wow a freight train out of control! That is certainly what I am feeling at this moment! I have not slept in day's and I am still working! What a bumber. But i think it will all be worth it! Good luck Vern !!
Re: The Operating List - post your date here so we can keep tabs on you!
I'm sitting here laughing at myself as I read posts. We all become small children when we're frightened huh? I really do think the doctors probably get pretty blase' about doing it and it really isn't their job to hold our hands every minute. I just know I'd rather have Hawkeye operate on me any day than Frank Burns! The hospital is to call me later today and tell me what time my surgery is and when I have to be there. Then I will REALLY freak. We are all going to be great...it's just the anticipation that's killing us.
I'm sitting here laughing at myself as I read posts. We all become small children when we're frightened huh? I really do think the doctors probably get pretty blase' about doing it and it really isn't their job to hold our hands every minute. I just know I'd rather have Hawkeye operate on me any day than Frank Burns! The hospital is to call me later today and tell me what time my surgery is and when I have to be there. Then I will REALLY freak. We are all going to be great...it's just the anticipation that's killing us.
schoust
member
Re: The Operating List - post your date here so we can keep tabs on you!
You got that right Roo!! I am honestly not afraid of the pain or the aftermath of the surgery what I am afraid of is what will happen if things don't work out as they do most of the time? My three Children and my Wife depend on me and I can no longer do what I have been doing. But I no deep down inside that what ever happens I believe that I gave myself the very best chance at getting better! If I had settled for the local surgeon and things did not go well I would have never forgiven myself! Yes we do act a bit silly when we are under this type of pressure and with out a doubt I will look back at this and say I was very lucky to have found a little bit of moral support from a bunch of total strangers!! Thanks Guy's and Gal's
Ralph
You got that right Roo!! I am honestly not afraid of the pain or the aftermath of the surgery what I am afraid of is what will happen if things don't work out as they do most of the time? My three Children and my Wife depend on me and I can no longer do what I have been doing. But I no deep down inside that what ever happens I believe that I gave myself the very best chance at getting better! If I had settled for the local surgeon and things did not go well I would have never forgiven myself! Yes we do act a bit silly when we are under this type of pressure and with out a doubt I will look back at this and say I was very lucky to have found a little bit of moral support from a bunch of total strangers!! Thanks Guy's and Gal's
Ralph
Doug
alpha
Re: The Operating List - post your date here so we can keep tabs on you!
Back in December, I thought of little else but the scheduled TKR(1/17). I joined this forum in mid December and have made some great friends..
They were all waiting for me when I got out.
The experience isn't really that bad at all if you have a good O.S.
Just keep in mind what your long term goal is....to be pain free and have a life back. Now I walk without limping. I don't have to take pain meds constantly. In fact, I haven't even taken a Tylenol lately.
Just hang in there it will all come together.
And we'll be waiting for you over on the post op side.
Back in December, I thought of little else but the scheduled TKR(1/17). I joined this forum in mid December and have made some great friends..
They were all waiting for me when I got out.
The experience isn't really that bad at all if you have a good O.S.
Just keep in mind what your long term goal is....to be pain free and have a life back. Now I walk without limping. I don't have to take pain meds constantly. In fact, I haven't even taken a Tylenol lately.
Just hang in there it will all come together.
And we'll be waiting for you over on the post op side.
schoust
member
Re: The Operating List - post your date here so we can keep tabs on you!
Well Doug I am now as you were then OBSESSED with all things related to this Surgery. My wife thinks I am nut's and I suspect there are those on this forum that also think so? But I can't help it two more day's and I can say I will be on the road to recovery! Nin I hope you get what is needed on that knee I would prefer to take care of the situation once and for all! My mom had both UNicondurler and Tkr. I bet you guy's can't guess what one is giving her the trouble a year later??? Some people have great luck with Uni's though. I am a firm believer that it's the skill of the OS that will say what the Outcome is......
Well Doug I am now as you were then OBSESSED with all things related to this Surgery. My wife thinks I am nut's and I suspect there are those on this forum that also think so? But I can't help it two more day's and I can say I will be on the road to recovery! Nin I hope you get what is needed on that knee I would prefer to take care of the situation once and for all! My mom had both UNicondurler and Tkr. I bet you guy's can't guess what one is giving her the trouble a year later??? Some people have great luck with Uni's though. I am a firm believer that it's the skill of the OS that will say what the Outcome is......
nin
junior member
Re: The Operating List - post your date here so we can keep tabs on you!
Well I think I could bet a few punts on which one is givng the most grief
In Feb this year I underwent lots of drilling and " buying time op" on the knee which is now to be replaced to be fair it was done by an outstanding OS,and the pain has been off the scale,so resorted to yoga and meditation to keep the pain bearable,and now after 6months a total or partial knee op is being done as the first op failed!....
I have found some reassurance from my hydro physio in the fact the pain of the last op and the pain it is still inflicting now will stand me in good stead for the pain of the op in September..did I mention my hydro physio has a warped sense of humour?
But is an ace physio.
Nin
Well I think I could bet a few punts on which one is givng the most grief
In Feb this year I underwent lots of drilling and " buying time op" on the knee which is now to be replaced to be fair it was done by an outstanding OS,and the pain has been off the scale,so resorted to yoga and meditation to keep the pain bearable,and now after 6months a total or partial knee op is being done as the first op failed!....
I have found some reassurance from my hydro physio in the fact the pain of the last op and the pain it is still inflicting now will stand me in good stead for the pain of the op in September..did I mention my hydro physio has a warped sense of humour?
But is an ace physio.
Nin
gloucesterman
junior member
Re: The Operating List - post your date here so we can keep tabs on you!
AMEN RALPH!!! You hit the proverbial nail on the head with the last sentence, enough said!! I'd be happy to change dates with you there buddy!! I am a prisoner to my situation and cannot do anything except wait. I honestly am going stir crazy. Idle hands ARE the devils workshop!!
Wishing you and all this weeks patients the best!!
Gloucesterman
AMEN RALPH!!! You hit the proverbial nail on the head with the last sentence, enough said!! I'd be happy to change dates with you there buddy!! I am a prisoner to my situation and cannot do anything except wait. I honestly am going stir crazy. Idle hands ARE the devils workshop!!
Wishing you and all this weeks patients the best!!
Gloucesterman
carolinagirl
senior
Re: The Operating List - post your date here so we can keep tabs on you!
Hi Nin,
My grown daughter stayed with me all day until her dad got home from work.
Bless her heart, then she went home to take care of her own family.
She was such a big help. I had to wear a brace the first 2 weeks as I was unable to do the 10 straight leg raises. I needed help getting in and out of bed. She kept my ice machine full, and took care of my meals. She also
helped me with my showers. Hubby took over in the evenings. After the brace came off, my muscles started stregthening, and I became more mobile.
She walked right along beside me whenever I got up and per orders from my OS, walked up and down my hallway 4 times a day (with my walker of course). If you have a CPM at home you will need someone to set it up and help you get on and off if it.
She drove me to therapy 3x's a week. Having her and my grandboys with me all day, kept my mind from worrying so much. I was in the hospital 5 days and then came home. You will most certainly need someone there to help you.
Not only am I Scottish/Irish but I work in the medical field and we do not make good patients either. But believe me, you will be MOST HAPPY to have someone there to help out!
We really enjoyed our time together, and in fact I had some serious withdrawls from her and my grandsons when they no longer had to be here everyday as I improved and became more independent!!
Best of luck to you with your surgery and recovery.
Hi Nin,
My grown daughter stayed with me all day until her dad got home from work.
Bless her heart, then she went home to take care of her own family.
She was such a big help. I had to wear a brace the first 2 weeks as I was unable to do the 10 straight leg raises. I needed help getting in and out of bed. She kept my ice machine full, and took care of my meals. She also
helped me with my showers. Hubby took over in the evenings. After the brace came off, my muscles started stregthening, and I became more mobile.
She walked right along beside me whenever I got up and per orders from my OS, walked up and down my hallway 4 times a day (with my walker of course). If you have a CPM at home you will need someone to set it up and help you get on and off if it.
She drove me to therapy 3x's a week. Having her and my grandboys with me all day, kept my mind from worrying so much. I was in the hospital 5 days and then came home. You will most certainly need someone there to help you.
Not only am I Scottish/Irish but I work in the medical field and we do not make good patients either. But believe me, you will be MOST HAPPY to have someone there to help out!
We really enjoyed our time together, and in fact I had some serious withdrawls from her and my grandsons when they no longer had to be here everyday as I improved and became more independent!!
Best of luck to you with your surgery and recovery.
Re: The Operating List - post your date here but NO QUESTIONS!!
Hi Max,
Just wanted to wish you the very best for your operation this week, I am sure all will go well. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Hope to have my RTKR early Feb. All the Best. Michele
Hi Max,
Just wanted to wish you the very best for your operation this week, I am sure all will go well. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Hope to have my RTKR early Feb. All the Best. Michele
BillNC
new member
Re: The Operating List - post your date here but NO QUESTIONS!!
If I may add some insight to this thread. I hope this helps you, it is not intended to do anything but add some info. My TLKR was Nov 18. I had not found this forum and did not know what to expect. First 2 1/2 weeks were painful and required medication. After that it got better each day. Therapy was not comfortable but necessary and certainly helped. I returned to the Dr. after 8 wks and he released me. Certain thimgs can cause some pain, but you will quickly learn not to do those things. I am pain free now,but do experiance some discomfort. A feeling of swelling or heaviness. It is not that bad. I hope this gives you some insight as to what is happening. This was my experiance, your will most probably swing to one side or the other of mine. Good Luck and Word hard.
If I may add some insight to this thread. I hope this helps you, it is not intended to do anything but add some info. My TLKR was Nov 18. I had not found this forum and did not know what to expect. First 2 1/2 weeks were painful and required medication. After that it got better each day. Therapy was not comfortable but necessary and certainly helped. I returned to the Dr. after 8 wks and he released me. Certain thimgs can cause some pain, but you will quickly learn not to do those things. I am pain free now,but do experiance some discomfort. A feeling of swelling or heaviness. It is not that bad. I hope this gives you some insight as to what is happening. This was my experiance, your will most probably swing to one side or the other of mine. Good Luck and Word hard.
Sticker Lady
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Re: The Operating List - post your date here but NO QUESTIONS!!
Michelle! I feel sooo badly for you! NOT FAIR!!! Hope that everything will work out for you without any further delay and that you will be blest with the best recovery ever.
Irene
Michelle! I feel sooo badly for you! NOT FAIR!!! Hope that everything will work out for you without any further delay and that you will be blest with the best recovery ever.
Irene
Judles
alpha
Re: The Operating List - post your date here but NO QUESTIONS!!
Oh Michele! I am SO sorry! What a pointless,stupid excuse!You've been so READY,too! Well, you & I think SO much alike! Let us know how many "sleeps' until the BIG day! We'll be there for you! At least they told you before! Could you imagine if you were on the operating table & someone said "WHOOPS!!!'.
Oh Michele! I am SO sorry! What a pointless,stupid excuse!You've been so READY,too! Well, you & I think SO much alike! Let us know how many "sleeps' until the BIG day! We'll be there for you! At least they told you before! Could you imagine if you were on the operating table & someone said "WHOOPS!!!'.
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