Posted by chdurie2 on August 29, 2000, at 19:57:27
In reply to HELP!! Need support before surgery, posted by Dona on August 28, 2000, at 15:50:48
> I am having knee replacement surgery on 9/1 and my anxiety is getting out of control. I thought I was really ready for this, but now I am not sure. I have long history of depression and am currently on Prozac 40mg and feel better than I have felt for a long time. Will the surgery and the needed narcotics for pain throw me back into depression?? And I am a nurse and hate to be dependent on other people. I am just getting so nervous and any soothing words would help.
Dona- I'm real tired right now, but i'll try to help. Eight hours ago I walked out of the hospital after a general-anesthesia breast biopsy.
I've been putting this thing off for eight months (i had the other breast done then with a local) cuz i was scared to death the general anesthesia would give me a major relapse - i have chronic fatigue syndrome, and any surgery, no matter how minor, is primo relapse time. the one done with a local set me back a few weeks. well, the last few days have been all kinds of craziness, partly cuz of my self-imposed anxiety and partly cuz of a series of administrative screw-ups. the insurance company was even primed for the possibility that i might need to stay overnight, even tho that's usually not done for this. well, the joke's on me. except for the fact that my boob hurts a bit and i'm tired, also from six hours of yard work i did after surgery, i haven't felt better in weeks. whatever was in that anesthetic i'd like some more of - the guy said cuz of my specific meds - he wasn't gonna give me the usual one. except for certain medical personnel who seem to think they have the right to treat you like a 3-year-old, it was a breeze. and i felt really silly wasting all that angst. when it was over, i couldn't wait to get home to eat something more than that eensy ham-and-cheese sandwich they call lunch. so, i guess i'm saying, if it makes you feel better, freak out all you want. but it might be a waste of energy. maybe you should just take the next couple of days indulging and pampering yourself (lavendar epsom-salt baths and ice cream are my favorites.) surely you have a few. hope this helps. caroline
poster:chdurie2
thread:274
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20000813/msgs/313.html