Feeling really scared about surgery tomorrow

[Kentishqueen]

I’m due for surgery tomorrow—it’s a fairly big one—and I’m absolutely terrified. I’ve been in tears all morning because the anxiety has just hit me like a ton of bricks. I know I need to do this, but I can’t seem to calm myself down.
Has anyone else felt like this before surgery? How did you manage to get through it? Any advice or words of reassurance would really help right now.

This is your brain looking out for you and trying to protect you, because through millions of years of evolution the best way to stay safe has always been to avoid allowing stuff like this to be done to you. The parts of your brain that generate the fear are a lot older than the parts that understand surgery and anaesthesia. Be kind to the scared part of you, it's trying to help.

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow, OP.

I just want to take a moment to thank everyone for your kind, reassuring, and encouraging messages. It truly means so much to me. I’m happy to share that the surgery went well, and I’m recovering nicely. I’m on a good healing path and feeling optimistic about the progress.

The anesthesia team was incredibly comforting, and the surgeon was wonderful—he took the time to explain everything so clearly. I can’t thank the NHS enough; they’ve been absolutely amazing.

It’s easy to hear people focusing on the negatives, but my experience has been so positive, and I’m truly grateful. Thank you to the NHS and to all of you for your love and support. It’s made such a difference to me during this time. xx

Great news, OP- wishing you all the best for your recovery.

I've just had a mastectomy. It honestly was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be. Just the staying in hospital and the drains to cart around irritated me. But honestly I worried over nothing

I had open heart surgery 10 years ago. I didn't think about it too much. All fine and in retrospect we just have to trust the amazing surgeon, anaesthetists and doctors who know what they're doing, good luck, you'll be fine, it's all in a days work for them. X

How are you feeling today?
Follow all instructions, whatever they are - for various things I've been advised to walk about, to rest, stay hydrated, sit with feet elevated...
🤗

I am so delighted to read this. I'm so glad you're doing well. Sending love

I've only just come across this thread and I'm so glad you're well OP. I completely get the anxiety. I was diagnosed with breast cancer a few days before the first lockdown. I had 2 days notice of surgery. I was absolutely beside myself. I was a lone parent to my son who was 8 at the time. I'd never had a GA surgery before but everybody was absolutely amazing and reassuring and actually managed to put me out while I was panic talking on the table 🤣.

I hope that this thread brings reassurance to anybody in the same position! Wishing you a speedy recovery ❤️‍🩹