upcoming decompression - Im scared

[Crys86]

I haven't posted in a while.. but I have surgery coming up in a week. It will be my first decompression, well surgery for my Chiari period. I'm really scared... I am having it done October 8 at Piedmont Atlanta by Dr. Wray of Atlanta Brain and Spine Care. What should I expect so I don't have a heart attack? And how were you guys not so scared?!

[JESSICAH1230]

Praying for u. I remember those days. I was pretty calm until the day of. It's a scary thing. When u get there ask them to give u something to relax u. It's different for everyone but as long as u stay medicated after surgery and sleep.ALOT u will be fine!

[selmaS]

  Hi...as the others have mentioned we r all scared ...if not then something is wrong....look at some of our journals and u will see....that is normal to feel scared.

I tried to find others things to focus on...and had my DD I knew she would be upset so I decided to have a certain thing I would tell my DH in recovery to tell DD as she would not be there for that part so she knew I was ok....and I was thinking of that when I had a convo with the anesthesiologist who was really nice and helped calm me down, so I told him about what I planned to tell DH and how confused he will be but my DD would understand he laughed and found it a good idea...and he knew the area I was from...I did not have surgery close to home so this was nice too.....

One member on MH told me about a bird...and as I was going under, I imagined that bird soaring....so things to focus on other then surgery were my help to get thru...also knowing how much it took to get to this point and knowing I could not stay the way I was.

We do have a thread in the Health Pages tips for the hospital stay that u should find helpful as well.
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/list?cid=186

Know how u feel in all of this u r not alone. : )

[Viva001]

Love it!
We went thrift store shopping the day before surgery; my DD found a wing chair for $5., which we reupholstered this wk. (never again!).  
turns out it was homemade; some ecen the wood--there were several varieties--still had bark on it!

[linnielou232]

Everyone that has surgery can tell you it is scary because we don't know about the unknown.  Just try not to think of the surgery and think of how much better you will feel when it is all over.  For me I had my grandkids come over the night before and we had a head shaving party.  I let them shave my head so they could participate and it also took some stress off me.  Go in there knowing you have a lot of Chairan friends holding your hand and saying prayers for you.  Every thing will be O.K.  just remember your not going in there alone.  We are with you.  Praying for a stress free day for you.
Linda :)

[Viva001]

I have a book called "prepare for surgery, heal faster".  (I also became certified to counsel for this, but was never well enough).  

Im a research freak, so when I was scheduled for surgery 12 yr ago, I was really surprised that there wasn't much on the internet on the topic.  I wanted to be the person who brought this training to hospitals--like childbirth ed--because anxiety is not conducive to healing.

(For the second surgery, I wasn't anxious at all--same dr, same hospital--I didn't even care if anyone was with me.)

You can ask for valium; it helps.  It may be a good friend to you later too.

[Sexybare]

I have had 2 brain surgeries now. Its ok to feel scared, nervous and anxious. Just don't drive yourself insane. I was more scared my 2nd one and I have a chiari specialist, lol. I just about had a heart attack in the pre op room. They put me to sleep pretty quick tho. Everything will be fine, just occupy yourself and yes go do something fun with family and or friends. Hug and know we are praying for you. Dana ;)

[zygy2]

I think everyone will tell you that they were scared!  There is just so much involved, everything from explaining it to family and friends to the surgery and recovery!  I am having surgery the 8th also, it is the 4th time they have been into my head (this time is a leak repair).  I think keeping busy helps!  If I start to think about things too much that is when I get stressed.  Just try to get yourself nice and organized so that you can have a smooth recovery!  I make and freeze meals and try to get my bills paid in advance and things like that.  I think the day or two before surgery is the hardest and I try to do something fun with my family to distract me for a bit.  If you have too much anxiety your doctor will usually prescribe anxiety meds.  I usually take one the morning of surgery so that I am not upset in front of my kids and don't go too crazy on the way to the hospital.  It is very normal to be worried and stressed about a surgery!  -zygy