Anxiety about surgery

[ErinMK]

So I’m going through the motions of researching surgeons and making appointments and trying to make some sort of game plan...

And I am experiencing some of the most debilitating, crushing anxiety and panic attacks I’ve ever had. And the crying jags! Oh my lord, it’s a hot mess in my head right now. Trying to find a doc. Surgery. Pain. What the f*** am I gonna be able to do, and not do, with a fused spine.

I could on. It’s like and endless stream of consciousness of blind raging fear. With a dash of pissed off on top.

Thoughts? Comments? Anyone wanna slap some sense into me? I’m a disaster!

[LindaRacine]

So I’m going through the motions of researching surgeons and making appointments and trying to make some sort of game plan...

And I am experiencing some of the most debilitating, crushing anxiety and panic attacks I’ve ever had. And the crying jags! Oh my lord, it’s a hot mess in my head right now. Trying to find a doc. Surgery. Pain. What the f*** am I gonna be able to do, and not do, with a fused spine.

I could on. It’s like and endless stream of consciousness of blind raging fear. With a dash of pissed off on top.

Thoughts? Comments? Anyone wanna slap some sense into me? I’m a disaster!

Hi....

You might want to talk to a psychologist. They can help with the anxiety. I think it's best to get a handle on it before you undergo surgery.

As far as finding a doctor, you might want to check out Dr. Anuj Prasher. He did a fellowship at UCSF when I worked there, so I know his training is solid. https://www.anujprashermd.com/

--Linda

[titaniumed]

Erin, Your a diver.....Here is a video....watch it over and over.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTQo...ditionDrenched

Relax....Breathe for anxiety, In hard, hold for a sec, release slowly.....repeat

Nothing you are saying hasn't happened to all of us....We are all scared to death, however, it all passes....

I also thought I would never be able to ski. That was all wrong. Here is a video of me about 3 years post surgery
I'm in the red jacket.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tEy...annel=arvin332

Ed

[Tina_R]

So I’m going through the motions of researching surgeons and making appointments and trying to make some sort of game plan...

And I am experiencing some of the most debilitating, crushing anxiety and panic attacks I’ve ever had. And the crying jags! Oh my lord, it’s a hot mess in my head right now. Trying to find a doc. Surgery. Pain. What the f*** am I gonna be able to do, and not do, with a fused spine.

I could on. It’s like and endless stream of consciousness of blind raging fear. With a dash of pissed off on top.

Thoughts? Comments? Anyone wanna slap some sense into me? I’m a disaster!

One thing at a time maybe? Don't think about everything. Find the doctor first. You'll probably feel better once that's settled.

[Tina_R]

By the day before my surgery my anxiety stopped and I was at peace with it. You just realize it's out of your hands. The only thing I worried about was being late to the hospital since it was a very early morning start, as you'd expect from all the hours it was to take. I met the operating room staff and they made me feel calm in their friendliness and professionalism. They gave me drugs and I was asleep even before the real anesthesia.

It'll turn out OK. Even with COVID - in another few weeks there will be a dramatic increase in the proportion of people who are vaccinated. Things should be safer.

[Scoliatic]

So did you have your surgery? How did it go?

[KathyInIowa]

So I’m going through the motions of researching surgeons and making appointments and trying to make some sort of game plan...

And I am experiencing some of the most debilitating, crushing anxiety and panic attacks I’ve ever had. And the crying jags! Oh my lord, it’s a hot mess in my head right now. Trying to find a doc. Surgery. Pain. What the f*** am I gonna be able to do, and not do, with a fused spine.

I could on. It’s like and endless stream of consciousness of blind raging fear. With a dash of pissed off on top.

Thoughts? Comments? Anyone wanna slap some sense into me? I’m a disaster!

I agree with Tina - once you find a doctor and meet with him/her, they will make you feel like "there's a plan" and you won't feel so lost and anxious.

I have what (I guess) is considered a "short fusion" - 7-level, T11-Sacrum and my ability to do most things hasn't changed much at all. I don't do anything high impact any more as an effort to save my other joints (primarily my hips & knees). From a lifestyle aspect - not much has changed. It's changed for sure, but not all that much. For me, it was all worth it because my pain was so bad I couldn't stand up for more than 5 minutes and I couldn't walk a block without having to bend over.... I couldn't go to a shopping mall unless I knew one of the stores would have a cart I could use..... I HAD to do something and surgery was my only option...

I was 55 at the time - you are younger. I was at an age where I had raised my kids and could focus on myself. Maybe that's not the case for you.....

I took lots of deep breaths and put my situation in the hands of the surgeons. Knowing I didn't have much of a choice calmed my fears and anxiety....

Kathy