Pink.....tell us what is scaring you! It helps to talk it out. We all get a bit nervous before surgery. Can you find some things to do to distract your mind? Books? Movies? Organizing? Lunch with friends?
scared to death
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pink24
junior member
in floods of tears scared of the whole thing not being in control etc i am having a spinal and i am not to worried about that.. i want to be alert and not doped to the eye balls i have a high intolerance to anti inflammatory and most drugs they make me so ill.. i am keeping busy when i sit for a moment i realize monday is so close then panic sets in its my 1st ever surgery experience and hospital experience other than having my babies years ago. are the noises loud from the surgery oh my word i just want it to be over i am working myself into a frenzy here 
MajorHeidi
big-cheese
Hi @pink24 You will do just fine.....
I thought I was to have spinal, but ended up with spinal and General Anesthesia.
In the end, while I was surprised, it was okay. and the pain was like zero.
I remember waking up in recovery, surprised at how nothing the whole thing was....!!!!
Don't fret.
You will be happy soon.
I thought I was to have spinal, but ended up with spinal and General Anesthesia.
In the end, while I was surprised, it was okay. and the pain was like zero.
I remember waking up in recovery, surprised at how nothing the whole thing was....!!!!
Don't fret.
You will be happy soon.
copsham
post-grad
Oh Pink,
Two days ago I could have written word for word what you have written. I was in extreme panic, almost frozen and op on 16th Jan, lots of allergies etc. It was if my blind panic was freezing me. I am 64 and have never had a day in hospital not even for childbirth as my phobia is/was so strong.
I went in to youtube and watched 3 videos by Karen Haynes - preparation for surgery. It is tapping to sort of re set the brain - quirky but really has helped me. I could not have continued in the state of panic I was in. I am also listening to a surgery postitive affirmation recording twice a day. This is taking the edge off my worst panic and takes the approach of relaxing to help healing - (Harry Henshaw Positive Affirmations for recovery from surgery)
Something else that came to me was that i was getting in to a state of mind of it being me against the world, against the surgeon, against the anaethetist (sp) That melted when I explained to the senior nurse about this, saying I know I must sound quirky. Her response was "we like quirky around here"......... whew an ally!
I feel for you so, so parallel to me, ......... I hope you find a good crutch to support you. Lots of hugs - we will get there and be out the other side and able to tell out tale!!!
Two days ago I could have written word for word what you have written. I was in extreme panic, almost frozen and op on 16th Jan, lots of allergies etc. It was if my blind panic was freezing me. I am 64 and have never had a day in hospital not even for childbirth as my phobia is/was so strong.
I went in to youtube and watched 3 videos by Karen Haynes - preparation for surgery. It is tapping to sort of re set the brain - quirky but really has helped me. I could not have continued in the state of panic I was in. I am also listening to a surgery postitive affirmation recording twice a day. This is taking the edge off my worst panic and takes the approach of relaxing to help healing - (Harry Henshaw Positive Affirmations for recovery from surgery)
Something else that came to me was that i was getting in to a state of mind of it being me against the world, against the surgeon, against the anaethetist (sp) That melted when I explained to the senior nurse about this, saying I know I must sound quirky. Her response was "we like quirky around here"......... whew an ally!
I feel for you so, so parallel to me, ......... I hope you find a good crutch to support you. Lots of hugs - we will get there and be out the other side and able to tell out tale!!!
Legin
big-cheese
Hey its ok especially as its.your first I had my first opp over 30 years ago.and the diff between then.and.now.is unbelievable so many.more staff attending to you and as for the pre opp area in the 70s it was like sparce and v deff.non calming now its like being on.starship enterprise.
They are v attentive constantly making sure.you are ok.
Any way its normal.to be afraid greatest fear of all is the unknown. You have sooo many people supporting you many medicos and most experienced in this heck even numpty me the court jester. Feel free to voice concerns always.someone about.
Take care
Legin THR Sep 14
They are v attentive constantly making sure.you are ok.
Any way its normal.to be afraid greatest fear of all is the unknown. You have sooo many people supporting you many medicos and most experienced in this heck even numpty me the court jester. Feel free to voice concerns always.someone about.
Take care
Legin THR Sep 14
Hoppy Nanny
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The operation is truly the easiest part....honestly! The care & attention I got was fabulous...so reassuring. Once you are at the hospital their professionalism eases your worries.
![[Bonesmart.org] scared to death](https://bonesmart.org/forum/attachments/imageuploadedbybonesmart-forum1421312340-652544-jpg.29516/ "[Bonesmart.org] scared to death")
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Hoppy Nanny
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Legin
big-cheese
Oh @Hoppy Nanny ty but I speak like this all the time . See I firmly believe a chap should know his liimtations sooooo at present on.vol 99
Legin THR Sep 14
Legin THR Sep 14
craftdee
graduate
Sorry you're feeling so nervous @pink24 , I can relate; the last couple of weeks were terrible for me... and probably for those around me 
I described it in the opening post of my recovery thread as "debilitating", and it is still the time I felt the most "disabled" throughout this whole process. All you can do is make a mental ledger..."the reason I am putting myself through this" on one side and "reasons I should NOT put myself through this" on the other - when you are logical about it the list of reasons NOT to do it is very short!
Essentially it consists of
1) not being in control during the op ... (a few hours at MOST)
2) being dependent after the op ..... again a really short time for most of us, I still needed help wiping my feet until restrictions were lifted, but was showering myself on Day 1) You need HELP, but you're not completely disabled for that time - if you're anything like me I was needing more and more assistance, or allowances made for my disabling arthritis pre op, so not much difference there! only this time it's for the short haul!
3) pain and discomfort during recovery ..... you've got pain and discomfort now, post op pain is easily and well treated, a really minor issue
Now on the Plus side of the ledger there's one thing... one BIG thing, and that is that all these things are temporary and will improve...until you don't have them anymore, once you get over the surgery, a life that is fuller, easier and pain free awaits whereas if you don't have this op, they will all get worse - until you are completely and permanently disabled - physically and emotionally (constant pain is very isolating)
I was going to bail while I was in pre op.. the surgeon came in to me and said, you don't have to do this now, but you will have to have it done within a few months (the joint had started to collapse), you'll have to go through all this psyching up again, up to you. Strangely once I was reminded that it WAS my decision, I felt like I'd been given some control back (because it is a bit "go there", "do that", "take the other" to that point!) It was my decision to make, not my surgeon's, my husband's, not anyone else's... just mine, and I had the most to gain from proceeding. I felt a real sense of achievement saying, yes, you're right I am an adult, I've made my decision, going ahead is the only sensible way to go.
I was very concerned about having Spinal anesthetic as the noises of the op are loud (I made the mistake of watching a YouTube video with sound the week before) ... it was what made want a General, I knew I wouldn't deal with the sounds well; hearing and not being able to have input, not for me - I wasn't worried about feeling pain at all, or the sensation of being moved around (much) - only the noise. if you are prepared and can deal with it then not a problem (you can have earplugs, some places even let you take an iPod) the vast majority of THR recipients have Spinal...most of those with at least some sedation; I know you said you don't want it, but it sounds like a sedative might be a good idea, and you come out of it very quickly not feeling "doped up" at all. My anethetist advised against Spinal for me in the end (even if I'd wanted it) as he said I was too wound up and wouldn't "relax" during surgery, but the decision was MINE! The point I'm making is that we have choices... right up to the last minute pre op! I must say that I came out of the GA without that dopey feeling either, very alert from the get go, so if for some reason it converts to General (VERY unlikely) don't be afraid of how you come out of that either.
@Legin is right, they've come a long way over the years in both technique and how understanding and accommodating they are of your nervousness... as @Hoppy Nanny said, very reassuring. Before my hysterectomy I had warm fluffy blankets and I was put in a darkened area with nice music... it WAS more clinical this time, but they let my hubby stay with me until they literally got me to the entrance to the operating suite, the nurses were very understanding and the anethetist stroked my arm to comfort me; I felt "cared for" and that my feelings were considered, I was never made to feel silly. @Legin makes jest about being able to "have only one thought at a time", but my hubby has said essentially the same thing... he wouldn't be worried about any of it, he'd be thinking something like "wonder how long before I can have food" and there wouldn't be room for anything else - I would say THAT would be a much easier way to be, not just before an op like this, but just in life in general, sadly it's not how I am, nor it would seem how you are either
I can only reiterate, try and keep busy; mundane things that take a bit of concentration are the best... nothing that lets your mind wander. Only a few days more and you won't ever be "pre surgery of my first THR" any more... and (as I've said before, and many before me have too!) the "knowns" post op are so much easier to deal with than these "unknowns" beforehand
Hang in there, we know it's not easy but in the end you have to grasp the nettle
Donna
I described it in the opening post of my recovery thread as "debilitating", and it is still the time I felt the most "disabled" throughout this whole process. All you can do is make a mental ledger..."the reason I am putting myself through this" on one side and "reasons I should NOT put myself through this" on the other - when you are logical about it the list of reasons NOT to do it is very short! Essentially it consists of
1) not being in control during the op ... (a few hours at MOST)
2) being dependent after the op ..... again a really short time for most of us, I still needed help wiping my feet until restrictions were lifted, but was showering myself on Day 1) You need HELP, but you're not completely disabled for that time - if you're anything like me I was needing more and more assistance, or allowances made for my disabling arthritis pre op, so not much difference there! only this time it's for the short haul!
3) pain and discomfort during recovery ..... you've got pain and discomfort now, post op pain is easily and well treated, a really minor issue
Now on the Plus side of the ledger there's one thing... one BIG thing, and that is that all these things are temporary and will improve...until you don't have them anymore, once you get over the surgery, a life that is fuller, easier and pain free awaits whereas if you don't have this op, they will all get worse - until you are completely and permanently disabled - physically and emotionally (constant pain is very isolating)
I was going to bail while I was in pre op.. the surgeon came in to me and said, you don't have to do this now, but you will have to have it done within a few months (the joint had started to collapse), you'll have to go through all this psyching up again, up to you. Strangely once I was reminded that it WAS my decision, I felt like I'd been given some control back (because it is a bit "go there", "do that", "take the other" to that point!) It was my decision to make, not my surgeon's, my husband's, not anyone else's... just mine, and I had the most to gain from proceeding. I felt a real sense of achievement saying, yes, you're right I am an adult, I've made my decision, going ahead is the only sensible way to go.
I was very concerned about having Spinal anesthetic as the noises of the op are loud (I made the mistake of watching a YouTube video with sound the week before) ... it was what made want a General, I knew I wouldn't deal with the sounds well; hearing and not being able to have input, not for me - I wasn't worried about feeling pain at all, or the sensation of being moved around (much) - only the noise. if you are prepared and can deal with it then not a problem (you can have earplugs, some places even let you take an iPod) the vast majority of THR recipients have Spinal...most of those with at least some sedation; I know you said you don't want it, but it sounds like a sedative might be a good idea, and you come out of it very quickly not feeling "doped up" at all. My anethetist advised against Spinal for me in the end (even if I'd wanted it) as he said I was too wound up and wouldn't "relax" during surgery, but the decision was MINE! The point I'm making is that we have choices... right up to the last minute pre op! I must say that I came out of the GA without that dopey feeling either, very alert from the get go, so if for some reason it converts to General (VERY unlikely) don't be afraid of how you come out of that either.
@Legin is right, they've come a long way over the years in both technique and how understanding and accommodating they are of your nervousness... as @Hoppy Nanny said, very reassuring. Before my hysterectomy I had warm fluffy blankets and I was put in a darkened area with nice music... it WAS more clinical this time, but they let my hubby stay with me until they literally got me to the entrance to the operating suite, the nurses were very understanding and the anethetist stroked my arm to comfort me; I felt "cared for" and that my feelings were considered, I was never made to feel silly. @Legin makes jest about being able to "have only one thought at a time", but my hubby has said essentially the same thing... he wouldn't be worried about any of it, he'd be thinking something like "wonder how long before I can have food" and there wouldn't be room for anything else - I would say THAT would be a much easier way to be, not just before an op like this, but just in life in general, sadly it's not how I am, nor it would seem how you are either
I can only reiterate, try and keep busy; mundane things that take a bit of concentration are the best... nothing that lets your mind wander. Only a few days more and you won't ever be "pre surgery of my first THR" any more... and (as I've said before, and many before me have too!) the "knowns" post op are so much easier to deal with than these "unknowns" beforehand
Hang in there, we know it's not easy but in the end you have to grasp the nettle
Donna
@pink24 you might not be able to stand the pulling, pain, and general uncomfortable feeling of lying on your good side. I am almost 4 weeks out and still can't comfortably sleep on my side at all, no matter how few or how many pillows I stuff between my legs. I laid, on back, with a pillow under my lower legs, with feet just reaching over the edge of the pillow so heels didnt get raw from rubbing. It takes some of the strain off the lower back too. Good Luck!
OP
OP
pink24
junior member
I cant thank you guys enough well 3 days left till I am under the knife and my tummy is like a washing machine on the spin cycle, my friend asked me whats making me so scared and I cant exactly say its all anticipation I think and the unknown I will be fine it will be worth it and I must man up and get on with this, easier said than done!!!!
Legin
big-cheese
Its the waiting that getd to us I was so lucky saw the.consultant and opperated six days later. It will be fine sorry.chortle at man uo I'm 54 and still attempting. There is soo much support for you take strength from.it
Legin THR Sep 14
Legin THR Sep 14
NuMe2014
member
These last couple days are the hardest! With my first hip surgery I was scared of the "unknown " too, and I had even been through this whole process with my Mom who had both her hips replaced just a few years ago, and I still worried about it. Now the second time around I know what is all ahead of me and yet the last few nights sleep has been eluding me because all I can think of is the surgery! We can do this! Monday will soon be here and we will be on the "other side"!
OP
OP
pink24
junior member
good luck @NuMe2014 mine is afternoon i only know this as my admission time is 12 noon so they will have a job on trying to operate any sooner
been to visit my friend and her new baby tonight and she is a nurse she cheered me up and also showed me the injections for dvts as she has been having them through her pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after 34 weeks of jabbing her tummy ouch!!!!
anyway its taken my mind of it a little going for a pamper at hairdressers tomorrow and just trying to keep busy as all the nice people on here have advised me:iagree:
well 2 days to go now still
but at leastmy humour is back for tonight at least 
for us both on monday im downloading music to my i pad and am hoping they will allow me to listen to it while they do the job
been to visit my friend and her new baby tonight and she is a nurse she cheered me up and also showed me the injections for dvts as she has been having them through her pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after 34 weeks of jabbing her tummy ouch!!!!
anyway its taken my mind of it a little going for a pamper at hairdressers tomorrow and just trying to keep busy as all the nice people on here have advised me:iagree:
well 2 days to go now still
but at leastmy humour is back for tonight at least for us both on monday im downloading music to my i pad and am hoping they will allow me to listen to it while they do the job
Legin
big-cheese
Doing grand lass. I really hope these days go whoosh. Ibhad to do injection in.tum. Was in a public toilet thingy. Lifted shirt to attack.tum an elderly chap came in saw needle and.turned around he obviously thought I was doing drugs. Yeah man. Have a.busy weekend
Legin THR Sep 14
Legin THR Sep 14
craftdee
graduate
I'm glad you're feeling a bit more "upbeat" @pink24 , the butterflies will flit in and out for the next couple of days, but most people seem to do better the last days before the op than the weeks before that... here's hoping!
I was told at my pre op appointment (when they measured me for TED stockings etc) that I'd have to inject myself daily for six weeks... in the end I didn't have to have injections OR TED stockings - my surgeon just didn't "believe" in their efficacy, provided you mobilised early - which I willingly did! I have to take an aspirin every day though,
but do realize it's the THR equivalent of a lotto win 
... Another reason I'm waiting for my OS to return from Canada before considering the second hip, I'm not sure what his practice partner's position is on them - though I know he does only require 6 weeks restrictions vs the 12 weeks my OS required ... so its all swings and roundabouts
Hope you get to use your iPad,
Keep us posted
Donna:cool:
I was told at my pre op appointment (when they measured me for TED stockings etc) that I'd have to inject myself daily for six weeks... in the end I didn't have to have injections OR TED stockings - my surgeon just didn't "believe" in their efficacy, provided you mobilised early - which I willingly did! I have to take an aspirin every day though,
but do realize it's the THR equivalent of a lotto win ... Another reason I'm waiting for my OS to return from Canada before considering the second hip, I'm not sure what his practice partner's position is on them - though I know he does only require 6 weeks restrictions vs the 12 weeks my OS required ... so its all swings and roundabouts Hope you get to use your iPad,
Keep us posted
Donna:cool:
Hoppy Nanny
big-cheese
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Hope you enjoy your pamper session at the hairdressers @pink24 Not too long to wait now.
I had to inject for 8 weeks and it as no problem at all except my tummy looked like the world atlas with the bruising!!! You soon get used to it!
Thinking of you ....see you on the recovery side very soon.....Chrissie x
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I had to inject for 8 weeks and it as no problem at all except my tummy looked like the world atlas with the bruising!!! You soon get used to it!
Thinking of you ....see you on the recovery side very soon.....Chrissie x
Sent from my iPad using BoneSmart Forum
OP
OP
pink24
junior member
Hi all had my hair done had 5 inch cut off it, as it was quite long its shoulder length now so will be easier to wash and dry after and guess what!!!! I love my new hair style... 
butterflies have been better today than two days ago sleeping ok too...
well people tomorrow is my last day and I am trying really hard to stop myself from getting worked up again. the melt down the other day was awful tears etc but it seems to have released the tension somewhat.
yes I am still extremely nervous I wont lie but you guys have helped me so much, I really hope I can do the same for the others who are scared about their operations pending once mine is over,,
thank you all very very much I will sign in again tomorrow night cause I bet that's when I wont be able to sleepxx
butterflies have been better today than two days ago sleeping ok too...
well people tomorrow is my last day and I am trying really hard to stop myself from getting worked up again. the melt down the other day was awful tears etc but it seems to have released the tension somewhat.
yes I am still extremely nervous I wont lie but you guys have helped me so much, I really hope I can do the same for the others who are scared about their operations pending once mine is over,,
thank you all very very much I will sign in again tomorrow night cause I bet that's when I wont be able to sleep
xx- Status
