Surgery is just 5 days...I'm there...I'm ready...Let's DO this...

[jerseyot]

Well, here I am - - just 5 days out from undergoing the first of two surgeries. As most of you know, the first will be 1/24 and the second a week later on 1/31. I have been on this "Anticipation Roller Coaster" for 3 months and now it's coming to an end...the ride is ending but the JOURNEY is just beginning...this second (or in my case 3rd & 4th) leg of the journey is just 5 days away. I am filled with a sense of peace about my decision to do this - my pain is just too much some days - I have great faith in my surgeon (and my God) and i trust that God will guide his hands and quiet my fears so that I can get through this and finally be on the "other side" after 3 months of worrying, second-guessing and extreme anxiety. Don't get me wrong: I am still VERY anxious about what is about to happen - being away from my two little ones for such a long period of time is just a really tough thought that i struggle with - I have high anxiety about the anesthesia given the problems i had with my 1995 surgery - and of course, I'm anxious about the outcome, which my sugeon suggests would be a success if he were able to give me a 50-60% reduction in pain. In my eyes, that would be miraculous!

So with that, I'm "there" mentally - I'm "ready" physically and spiritually - let's DO this so that I can finally move on with my life and enjoy my family once again!

[jerseyot]

And I just wanted to add that if it seems that i've taken a complete 180* in recent weeks/months, I absolutely have! Being ready doesn't mean that I am without fears or anxieties but i'm not letting those fears and anxieties rule my life - this is what i need, i've accepted it and now i'm just so ready to move forward. I decided with alot of prayers and soul-searching to literally "Let go and let God." So there ya have it. I'll post as soon as I can once i'm on the "other side!" Until then, be well forum friends!

[LSKOCH5]

So glad you're so positive and placing your faith in God to take you safely & effectively thru this. You've done all you can do, now you're in His & the surgeon's hands. Will keep you in prayer, as well as your little ones while you're away & then recuperating. You and they will be so much better off for your taking this huge step now.

[leahdragonfly]

Dear jersey,

It sounds like you are ready and in a very good, positive frame of mind! I will keep you in my thoughts, and soon you will be on the road to recovery.

My revision for broken rods/pseudoarthrosis will be right on the heels of your second surgery (probably Feb 3rd). There are several of us revisions going in around the same time.

Best of luck, and please keep us posted.

[loves to skate]

You have come to the best place ever of letting go and letting God. That is what got me through my surgery and I didn't know about this forum then. You will be in my thoughts and prayers for a good, no, great outcome and an uneventful recovery.
Sally

[naptown78]

You are having surgery the same day as me ( Jan 24). Your feeling of being calm and "let's just do this" seems
to be the best attitude. I wish you the best and only the most successful outcomes! I am looking forward
to my surgery too, if only to decrease my pain. See you on the other side ;-)

[jerseyot]

Wow, thanks so much to all of you who replied (and so quickly!) I really am ready to just move on - - i need to for my own health, sanity and peace of mind. I've done all i can do up to this point - the rest is honestly out of my control - God's driving this thing, i'm just along for the ride - and know all the while, he will be right there with me through it all. And when i can't, He will - just like he promised. I have the "Footprints" poem posted everywhere - on my fridge, on my phone, and i read it often. It helps reassure me when i'm hitting those times where i feel desperate for relief.

I wish ALL of you the very best and the most successful surgeries and recoveries, whether a first-timer or an older timer like me going in for #3 and 4. I just love the support that you all offer - and that we all offer each other on here! It's so comforting and although scary, we all know we're not alone. My best to you all.

[Doodles]

Jersey--
You have done everything you can do--you are prepared and ready to go. It's difficult to get to that moment but it's wonderful when it happens. Positive thoughts and prayers for a great outcome for you. Janet

[JulieBW]

faith

I am so glad you have faith in God to get you through this. I have no idea how people without faith get through tough situations. You have a whole new life ahead of you!

[leahdragonfly]

You are having surgery the same day as me ( Jan 24). Your feeling of being calm and "let's just do this" seems
to be the best attitude. I wish you the best and only the most successful outcomes! I am looking forward
to my surgery too, if only to decrease my pain. See you on the other side ;-)

Kristy,

I sent you a PM.

Thanks!

[docuk22]

I want to wish all of you undergoing surgery the best of luck. After my revision I went from not being able to get out of bed some mornings to having tolerable pain without the need for pain killers (I am 6 weeks post op on monday). I know you guys will get better. Just have confidence in your surgeon and yourself!

[jerseyot]

Thanks so much all of you, for your responses and support. Some days are better than others (as you all know!) - today happens to be a pretty bad day as far as pain goes. But i feel very positive and hopeful that i will have an excellent outcome. I created a blog to work through my thoughts and fears and hopefully one day help someone else who might be going through or feeling the same things i do! It's a roller coaster of a ride - but my stop is next! And that's where I'm getting off and getting ON with my life! Hopefully a life with alot less pain.

Michele
http://jerseyot.blogspot.com/