Pre-Surgery Jitters

[Kvaa]

Since this is my first post, I'll give a small background. I am a single mom of 4 awesome kids. I was diagnosed with Chiari in the beginning of 2012 and we (I) monitored my symptoms and found ways to make them tolerable and continued on with my life. Fast-forward to almost 3 years to the date and I have gone downhill so quickly and the symptoms piled on so rapidly, the ultimate decision has been made to do the decompression surgery with Dr. Heffez as the neurosurgeon.

The jitters started setting in the day the surgery was confirmed for March 31st. I have 4 kids and a job that I have to have taken care of/prepared for my absence.The work part is pretty easy as I had surgery last summer for a disorder unrelated to the Chiari (but oddly enough, started at the same time my Chiari headaches started when I was pregnant with my 3rd child). My concern is the children. Lucky me, they have Spring Break the week following my surgery which, barring any complications, will be the first week I am home from the hospital.

I have all but the second half of the week set-up and confirmed for them with various family and friends. Just waiting on the man I have dubbed "the donor" to respond if he is willing to take his children for a (heaven-forbid) 4-day weekend. The deadline for his response is March 13th, otherwise I will make other arrangements for them and he won't see them at all that week.

With them almost set, I am thinking forward to the hospital stay and recovery time. I figure that I will need zip-up/button-up jammies/sweatsuits. Maybe a chair for sitting in the shower. Extra sheets, pillowcases, towels ..... Is there anything that I am missing? I feel like I'm always so worried about everyone else (especially the kids) that I will forget the things I need to do for myself.

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

We do have a list of tips for the hospital stay....http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Neurological%20Disorders/Tips-for-the-Hospital-Stay/show/1136?cid=186

This list was compiled by members here that have already had surgery, I hope you find it helpful....do not be afraid to ask more questions Know you are not alone.

[Becca8082]

I completely understand your pre surgery jitters. I go for surgery in 4 days and I have been trying for the last month to get ready with work and my patients who will not stop calling me. I work as an in home care giver and just found out that I have no temp disability or any pay from work because my company doesn't give paid vacation, sick days or holiday pay. And I also found out that I am still responsible to pay $120 every two weeks for insurance and all of my follow up appointments. It has almost made me change my mind about getting the surgery done. The only thing making me want to go through with it, is that I have become so week I am unable to do much but work a fee hours and cry myself to sleep in pain. I live with me boyfriend of almost 4 yrs and he has not been much support. He is too worried about where the money will come from. But I do have one 9 the best Nero surgeons in Texas so at least that is on my side.

[Mel5056]

Hi there,  I am sorry you have so many pre op things to take are of but I wonder if they really aren't blessings in disguise.  Our minds are our worst enemy prior to surgery.  I was only in the hospital for two days so a lot of what I took was not needed.  With that said I wish I would have taken suckers/lollipops with me like someone suggested.  My mouth was soooooo dry from all the meds and I could not get enough water (which did not help).  My phone and charger were needed and used.  Other than that I really didn't  do anything but sleep.  Wishing you all the best and pray for smooth surgery and non complicated recovery!