Surgery anxiety TODAY

[Kruemelmonster19]

Good morning,

I have gallbladder surgery this morning which I know is a complete routine surgery and I totally trust my doctor.

But I have a breastfed baby and a BMI of 34 and I woke up this morning feeling so sick. I actually feel physically sick with anxiety.

Just wondered whether anyone else has felt this way before. Can they give me something in the hospital beforehand?

I don't really know what I want from this thread, just kinda felt like I needed a handhold. I'm in my 30s, I should be more grown up about this surely

Good luck. Hope it all goes well 🙏💐

Ah, sorry you have to have surgery, completely understand your anxiety, I think they can give you something to help. If it's gallbladder you must have had horrible pain, won't it be great to not have that? Wishing you a very good recovery

I think they can give you something but you'll need to ask. Can you pinpoint exactly what you're afraid of?

Thank you all. I just needed to tell someone how nervous I actually am.

I think it's the idea of dying in surgery. My baby is now 4 months old and I keep thinking what would happen if I left him behind.

It will be great never to have that horrendous pain again. Last time I had a blocked duct and it was worse than my labour. The surgeon said the danger of not doing it outweighs the danger of surgery so that's good.

I will ask them for something about the anxiety I think, and I hope I go in early.

If it helps I had a major op in 2017, a spinal one which ended up being 5hrs. My BMI is about 32, and it wasn't even mentioned as any issue
I had midazolam (recommend!) which made me feel happy drunk, not dizzy or anything and then the anaesthetic. I recover really well from GA, and was up and eating an hour after. I asked for extra anti sickness too as I am emetophobic. Tell them and ask for a pre op, they were v helpful when I told them I was scared

Your chance of not waking up from surgery are vanishingly small but I understand your fear of leaving your little one behind. Maybe reframe your anxiety as being because you love him so much. You'll be so much happier when that gallbladder pain has gone though.
When I've had to have surgery I've found it useful to calm myself by thinking - can I tolerate this moment now? And I could. It helped me to not focus on other stuff and let my fear run away with me.

I've got surgery today as well 😢 my baby is nearly 2 but I am a single parent and I am absolutely bricking it. I've got to stay overnight as well, and recovery is going to take around 4 weeks. So I am feeling even worse about it as it is the first time I've left her overnight and I am going to be basically useless.

And despite my careful planning, stupid tubes are playing silly buggers so I am going to struggle to get to the hospital by 7. Which is ridiculous as I was told yesterday at the pre assess that my op will be in the afternoon anyway!

Anyway, mutual handhold here.

I had hip replacement surgery when my baby was 7 months, I was terrified.
I had had 4 surgeries in previous two year and was fine about them; I think it was because she was so young.
You have to develop a mantra in your head to breathe and that you will be fine. Give the baby cuddles and kisses and tell them you will see them after your sleep. Try to view it as a bit of a nap (sounds stupid I know, but it may help!).
All in all, remember be positive that you will come through and be there for baby afterwards.
Wishing you all the best, and take your time to recover - gallbladder surgery sucks but the relief from the nagging pain is amazing!
xx

Completely normal to feel anxious OP.

Good luck, you will feel so much better without the gallbladder pain.

I have had this surgery too, it is very common, my children were very young at the time, so I completely understand your concern.

Good luck, you will be fine, try to keep calm and before you know it you will be waking up and it will have been done.

This was me 14 years ago!! Exact same scenario. I was so nervous I refused to be admitted the previous night and insisted on turning up at 4.30 am! I was beyond terrified.

I don't remember when i got my pre med but I'm sure they will be along with that soon and that will calm you down.

I went to the theatre, the put a cannula in my arm and then i woke up!! At least that's how i remember it. Oh and i had porridge with full fat milk and was so happy because i couldn't tolerate any fat.

Try not to fret (you will) just focus on the fact that tomorrow you'll be home with your dc and half wishing you could go back to hospital for a rest

Handhold to those having surgery

How are you OP?

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone. I did read your comments while waiting but couldn't really respond.

I took all your advice and comments on board and kept focussing on my baby before hand and then just went with it.

When I woke up I actually felt like I had had a good sleep.

They let me go home the same day. I was quite dizzy the first day and yesterday in the heat I really struggled.

But I am so much better today already. My lower tummy is quite sore, wondering whether it's to do with just having had a baby. Feels like muscular pain. But yes I am glad I went through with it and you all really helped.

@Kruemelmonster19 WELL DONE! So pleased you are ok xx

Hey well done Kremuel, glad you got through it, wishing you a good recovery