Important things first. What kind of dog is Sapa?

Yes, it is a big step when you get the date set. Somehow, the reality of the situation slaps one in the face, right?

It sounds like you know how to get your house in order, etc. Now you need to work on getting your head in order, too.

Before my first surgery I was not aware that there are many good CDs on the market that are for relaxation and even how to prepare for surgery. There have been research studies showing that patients who are relaxed and "un-stressed" actually do better during surgery and recover faster.

It is important to have some method that you can use to relax. Various forms of deep breathing can be very relaxing. Find a system that works for you, even if it is just breathing slowly and deeply, focusing all your concentration on that breath, following it in and out, feeling how it feels -- is it warm or cool, etc. If you do this for about five minutes, it should slow down your pulse and distract you from your apprehensions.

I found it very helpful when I was awaiting surgery. I was told to come at 1 for a 3:00 surgery. They took me back promptly at 3:00, on an uncomfortable gurney thing, without my glasses or anything to read or watch. Normally you are taken in right away, but both my surgeon and the anesthesiologist for my surgery were tied up in other surgeons which were both running late. Well, late it was. I watched patients get taken in, one by one. Then as time dragged on, all the staff began to leave...until I felt like I and one nurse were the only ones left...and it was her first day!! It was 6:30 before they came to retrieve me...about the time when my family assumed I'd be coming out! If I had been nervous, this waiting would have been sheer hell. But I was able to stay relaxed and focused by using my breathing techniques.

I'll send you a PM with a couple suggestions of the type of CDs I'm thinking of that might work for you.

I always feel better when I feel prepared. You might want to fully research the procedure you will be having and talk to the doctor or his staff so you know what will be done, how long it will take, how long the recovery will be, etc.

I'm sure others will have more suggestions for you, too.

Gwennie

Howdy Sapa!

I too am allergic to Latex - just touch me and 10 minutes later I blister and burn! Nasty stuff!!! On my first fusion surgery even with the big "No Latex" sign they put above my head, 2 nurses still grabbed my arm for IV, blood draw with the dang gloves on! The IV location oozed and bled badly, and the wrist area the other nurse grabbed blistered in minutes. My husband was HOT over that! The last surgery I REFUSED to take off my medic alert bracelet, and my hubby stood vigil until they took me away! No Latex encounters on this visit!

I was the first surgery of the day on both - and was specifically told it was to ensure me the safest environment from Latex exposure. Most of our ambulance services and several hospitals have now gone Latex free. My surgical hospital of choice unfortunately still hasn't. I have since the allergy developed (3 years now) am starting to get the associated "food" allergies. If you haven't noticed any of those yet, take a peek on the Medic Alert site for the list. Bananas (love em!!) and Kiwi send my whole body starting at my scalp into burning, then itching, hives etc mess. Just something to keep in the back of your mind. Good luck with the surgery - keep a close eye on Latex "stuff."

Brenda