Hi Folks. Just reaching out for a bit of reassurance. I have a 4 hour surgery planned in the next couple of weeks and I'm petrified, I have PAF and Asthma both well controlled, Af episodes at the most 1 every 10 months or so, I'm a 78 year old female , fit and well with no health issues. It's Nueropathic surgery to remove a Benign Nerve Sheath tumour under my arm as well as repairing the damage the tumour has done, my family don't understand my fear but I know you lot will, it's like reaching out to invisible Friends . I know you will think I'm daft as many of you will have experienced so much worse but you can't help fear( ill get a kick up the backside off Bob D) probably what I need.
Surgery Fears: Hi Folks. Just reaching... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Surgery Fears
Written by
Nerja2012
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
56 Replies
•
Its only natural to fear surgery, if you didnt have trepidation it would be unnatural. So you know you will be fine and they will take great care of you but its the loss of control which is so hard and fear of the unknown.
Once you are in hospital and things are starting to shape up with medics getting you sorted it often feels better but the lead up and anticipation is a demon to cope with especially if we wake in the night when everything seems so much worse to contemplate.
Look forward to it being over, rest plenty to recover and plan a treat for yourself, a little break away maybe or a pleasant day or two out to reward yourself. Buy yourself something you have wanted. Best wishes, all will be well and your AF will be well catered for by the team caring for you.
Any surgery causes some fear and if your family cannot understand your fear then I don’t think they have thought it through. You say both your conditions are well controlled, it sounds as though it will be reparative surgery and neuro surgeons I have met are the most knowledgable, thoughtful and highly skilled doctors I have encountered. Tell them you are really scared but know you will be safe in their hands - tell your family it’s not them who are having the surgery.
Fear is contagious, may people don’t want to know about fear because they might get frightened too, my guess is that is why they don’t want to engage with you so probably just offer platitudes.
Hope all goes well and remember that fear is a natural response but you can do it anyway!
Thank you C Dreamer. I think they just want to see their Mother out of pain which I understand plus my Son is a Medic so everything is very straight forward to him, but when we can't talk to family members we lock it all in. This forum has been my rock since I was diagnosed 7 years ago, I don't comment very often but I check in every day to see how you are all doing. I new I would get sensible support and encouragement so thank you.
BobDVolunteer
The only thing to fear is fear itself. That's the theory anyway.
I'm not kicking, but maybe encouraging. Controlling fear is hard sometimes. I have a real fear of heights yet still manage to climb a ladder from time to time to clear out my gutters (Too tight to pay others ) but ask me to look over a cliff and I run a mile. Even those shots on TV when they zoom across tall buildings makes me dive for the chanel button.
Deep breathing and distraction can help and the understanding that it will soon be over. My own experience of long operations is that the staff are so kind and encouraging , put you at ease and those fears wash away on the day. Rest assured they would not be doing it if they thought your other conditions were a problem.
Concentrate on arranging things now so that you can take it easy during recovery, maybe preparing freezer meals and doing any chores that need attention in the few weeks post surgery. Sort out any books you might want to read or get that boxed set of TV shows you wanted to watch. Above all stay busy and you won't have time to be worried.
I recently went through a terribly stressful period and the only way I coped was to keep reminding myself that in a few weeks I’d be looking back on that time. Sounds daft but it helped.
Best wishes and big hugs 🫂🫂🫂
Thanks Buffafly, it's not Daft and it does help, I've had this problem 7 years and was discharged from any further investigation because they couldn't find the cause of the pain. Move on 3 years and after we demanded further investigation because of the severity of the pain the tumour was found . I fully understand what you say about stressful situations especially when it's out of your control . I hope your situation has resolved itself . Many Thanks 😊
I understand how you feel but try not to fear surgery. I’ve just undergone surgery again and I don’t fear it and never have done. I’ve had many operations since being born with Congenital Heart Disease and take each one in my stride. Try not to worry as you will be in good hands.
Thanks Rosie, your an inspiration, hope you recover well 💌
Hi Nerja so sorry you are going through this although you will be much better afterwards. I get bad anxiety if I have to attend anything medical, and have learned that the anticipatory anxiety is worse than the actual event . There is a very useful book called Overcoming Anticipatory Anxiety by Sally Winston and Marty Seif . I like audio books they keep my attention better if I am anxious. Try and stay in the present , the surgery isn’t happening yet and just concentrate on what you are doing in this minute . Mindfulness I guess. Am sure they will look after you and you will be fine but it’s easy to say when it’s not me having the surgery . Sending love keep us posted
Thanks Peony, all wise words,I think it's the nature of the surgery that frightens me most and the pain leval after which has been explained to me, The Neurosurgeon is young and female and absolutely lovely,
Nothing lasts forever . Even if the pain is bad initially that’s as bad as it will go , and it should start to come down . Aren’t people funny. The prospect of pain doesn’t appear on my fear list. What the pain may mean does . I have had a trapped nerve and the pain was excruciating but I could cope with that ( with difficulty) but the pain wasn’t potentially fatal so I was ok . I recently had a bcc removed from my face ( small procedure relatively I know) but I was worried about panicking ( I didn’t) pain didn’t cross my mind
It's a normal reaction to be afraid of surgery, not many people embrace it. Try not to worry to hard. I assume you will be asleep. So back in the room in a flash, and on the other side of your fearTake care.
In no way are you being daft. Who wouldn’t be fearful and is understandable. It could be your family and friends share your fear but are trying to be strong for you and not showing it in a very good way.
You have had some good suggestions to help distract you until your surgery. Like the idea of planning a treat for yourself for afterwards and ready meals will be godsend. Don’t forget to add treats there, maybe favourite biscuits, a chocolate or two. Oh and maybe a magazine that normally you would say “HOW MUCH” but will be well worth it this time. Yes, prepare the essentials and plan those little treats. You will deserve it all.
Sending hugs and hope all goes well. xxx
Frances, My poor Hubby is chief Cook and bottle washer and has been for a long time as I can't use my arm so I guess he's in for it for quite a while after. I think your right about the family though, Thanks
Hi Nerja. I'm on the list for open heart surgery for mitral valve repair and Cox IV Maze. I am terrified when I think about it so I can understand what you are going through. I've never had GA and tge thought of being on a bypass machine is the bit that that petrifies me the most.My hubby is the same with the "you'll be fine" statements but I know that he's really in a panic himself and doesn't want to let it show to me, as he's said as much to a friend.
Personally, I think he's worried about whose going to cook his dinners but there you go 🤣.
I'm thinking of getting some hypnotherapy beforehand as I have friends who have had it, for various reasons, and found it very useful.
May be you could consider that?
Hopefully, you can find away to relax and look forward to being in good health again after the op.
Ducky2003. I can imagine how you feel having to face all that, I feel like a right Wus now, your right about the Hubby's though, they hide a lot for us. Walking which I love is my therapy and how I cope with the Nerve pain, I can't sit in pain but I can walk in it whatever the weather. I wish you and your Family well. I can't say don't worry because you will 😊
Oh sorry, wasn't intending you to feel like a wus as an operation is an operation, whatever it's for. I'm fortunate that I feel quite well at the moment with no AF and no real symptoms or issues so I suppose it's best sorted now rather than when it gets worse. Here's to healthier times for both of us.
Oh bums! Lost all I had written here when a ukulele band hit my screen. It was fabulous, bouncy, took my mind off all my past surgeries. I used to imagine myself on a sunny beach, the sounds of the waves lapping the shore.... etc., etc., but maybe happy music and jigging if you can is better. Bach rescue remedy is worth a try too. Don't waste today worrying about tomorrow. God bless! xx
Aw how nice. Thank you Countrydweller2
Hi
I had two anaesthetists in the operating room last March on an hour's removal of TVT Kit Johnson & Johnson mesh operation.
They won't go ahead if your H/R is over 100 because you aren't controlled. So tests should be done beforehand and you need to tell them everything.
The Thyroidectomy done in 2022 Febuary I had 2 anaesthetists as well.
Both done in Public Hospital for more support.
I have a 2-hour operation in a private hospital and its keyhole. Probably only 1 anaesthetist. But my H/R Day at rest is now 60s.
We need to have trust in our surgeons so give 'it' over to them.
Operations are done better - keeping the patient warm throughout. I awoke with the bed moving my legs and I was very upright.
I need warmth as on rest my H/R and BP go low.
All the best and relax.
We will hear from you post surgery.
cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)
Thank you so much Joy. You have certainly been through the mill with all that. I wish you well and of course I will post on the Forum when it's all over (Sep 17th) everybody has been so kind. Hopefully once the tumour has been removed and repaired I will be in less pain. Anybody that suffers from long term Nerve Pain has my utmost sympathy 😢
Five years ago I had a colectomy and I was extremely anxious beforehand. My surgeon had explained that until he "got in there" he would not know how much bowel needed to be removed or whether he would be able to join the ends so I had to face the possibility of waking up with a colostomy bag and the prospect of a reversal op a few months later. On the positive side was getting rid of the diverticulitis episodes , the antibiotics that upset me , the liquid diet followed by low fibre diet and being able to eat "seedy" fruits again. He also explained that the op might change my transit even permanently (it has) but without it there was always the possibility of a rupture and peritonitis. So you have to focus on the positives. Though you will suffer post op pain you are already in bad pain with no prospect of that changing without the op. Have they told you you will get back the use of your arm? If so that is an enormous plus - for your husband too! Concentrate on how much better life will be once your pain diminishes . I have also had both hips replaced since the colectomy and despite the transit change and some complications after the second hip op I am really glad I had all 3 ops
Thank you so much Auriculaire for your kind words. You asked if I could use my arm again. I honestly don't know, it's been a long 7 years of chronic nerve pain, 7 years that I can't get back all because They got it wrong The MDT decided the cause couldn't be found and I was discharged to the pain Clinic. And all that time I had Tumour growing . Hopefully I will have a good outcome, having less pain will be wonderfull and having my mobility back would be a bonus. Thank you
I expect you will have to go for physiotherapy to help with remobilising the arm . If they have not mentioned this you should ask. Nobody seems to get anywhere with the NHS these days without being proactive and given how neglectfully you have been treated you should get any help that's available and quickly given how long you have suffered.
Thank you so much Auriculaire. Yes I have to have physio, I'm very angry about it all but anger doesnt help. My surgeon is so Lovely and understanding of the whole thing and I'm sure me and my AF will be well looked after 🙂
I only went into afib 4 days after the colectomy. This was due to dehydration, semi starvation (you get nothing but yoghurt and apple puree for a few days) and overuse of my Ventolin spray to try and clear the post op throat mucous. I reverted to NSR 9 hours later after my first solid breakfast! I know how you feel about being angry at medical errors. You just have to work through that and eventually the anger subsides. It can take a long time though.
Dehydration is one of my triggers , so I've mentioned it already and will do so on the day of admition, Anger only affects the person in question. maybe I'll feel different later but I doubt it, I want heads to role .
I really hope you can make heads roll and if you have the tenacity and courage to make it happen go for it!
Hi
Yes get your Dr to refer you to Physiotherapy.
Mine will be under ACC but still have to pay $29 surcharge!
So I'll get Dr to refer me to local hospital and they have a pool and a pulley but I lost the gem in my engagement ring. I think the handles clinked together, the gem broke and fell out.
That will not happen again. I'll remove it.
Right Shoulder full thickness tear and others, impingement.
cheers JOY. 74. (NZ)
Everyone is anxious about surgery whether it’s large or small especially when you have other underlying problems. But the surgeons and anaesthetists know what they’re doing and will take every care with you.
The only thing you really have to worry about is the hospital food.
Good luck and let us know how you have got on x
Good job I'm not a big eater then 🤣 Thank you.
Hi
Yes Make sure that you fill in what you want in the meals on your arrival.
After my thyroidectomy there was nothing. I was so hungry. I ended up with cartons of meal in a BOX!
I get the special anaesthetic so I'm hungry at post-op.
cheers JOY. 74. (NZ)
Oh believe me Nerja2012, we all have our fears. I personally would rather be in your shoes than get a root canal! The doctors will take care of you; it's their job and they know what they're doing. Try thinking of what you'll be doing after the surgery when you're fully recovered -- make plans for that. In the interim, my Mom always used to tell me that when you're worried (like me in a dentist's office), think of something you like. I always think of mashed potatoes! Wishing you good fortune.
Thank you so much Snowgirl. We all have different fears and thankfully the Dentist isn't one of mine . I write poetry , some really daft ones so I recite them over in my mind when I'm nervous, I have one about AF but I wouldn't dare print it 🤣
I think that's wonderful. I'll bet many of us on this forum would love to read that poem!
I'll write one about my op when its all over 🤣
Hi
Oh mashed potatoes with garlic mashed in, olive oil, and cheese with heated tomato on top! They could in some tasty salmon!
cheers JOY. 74. (NZ)
I'm drooling!
Ditto on all the above. Anxiety is normal. But it is also normal to take medication that allows a person to cope with anxiety. Consider discussing interventions with your physician.
I find this aversion to medication for anxiety by the NHS (I stand to be corrected if I've got the wrong idea, but this is the impression I gain from my sisters ), rather strange - do they think it's going to make people jump off buildings? I live in South Africa, and there seems to be a more relaxed attitude allowing GPs to prescribe medication for anxiety. I have been taking it for 15 years, I don't know what I would be like without it. My Cardio has no objection to my taking it and my GP is more than happy, in fact I think it prevents me having events of PAF as I am more relaxed and do not have panic attacks. If I'm an 80 year old junkie, nobody seems to mind or try to rehabilitate me !!!!!!!!!!!
We get pretty relaxed about it in the States too. I find a 2.5 mg oral dose of edible THC a couple hours before bed does wonders occasionally. (completely legal in my state). And I'm off to dreamland.
Thanks bayonnejoe 1 , I'm coping pretty well just very nervous, soon be over though .
I am facing back surgery. Holding it off with cortisone injections and medication. My husband says just get it over with. 1.5 years a-fib free after 2 ablations. Still on Diltiazem, at half the dose when I got the fibs on the regular. I hate to invite it back by having surgery and always end up sick from anesthesia. My tip would be to ask if you can take something that morning, and perhaps the night before. I take 1 mg of ativan before my surgeries now and it makes a big difference!
Good luck!
Hi
Ask for special anaesthetic then you will awake ready to eat. I do.
Even a BB like Bisoprolol will stop you worrying.
cheers JOY. 74. (NZ)
Thanks Joy. Its 40 years since I last had anesthesia so I wasn't aware of that. All your answers have really helped. Your a great bunch 🫠
Ablation 7. Thanks for that . I was going to mention it when I check in. Dehydration and vomiting are my triggers .
I have always found it’s the thought of it that’s the worst. But once you’re in there and chatting to other patients who will be nervous like yourself it won’t seem so bad. You will be home before you know it. Then you can come online and tell us how you got on…good luck
Just wishing you all the best for your op.xx I am also intrigued by your name?Why did you choose it? Nerja is one of my favourite places, I lived there for several years!
Same here Feather, we had a place there for 10 years but went every winter for 20 years until Covid and Brexit stopped it, second home to us. Probably saw you on the Balcon . Thanks for your wishes 😎 .
Not what you're looking for?
You may also like...
Fear of AF Progression
space make can help you not feel it if you go into persistent a fib. So basically my fear is being...
Struggling with intense fear/anxiety
Anyone else struggle with intense fear doing simple tasks or even just living their life? This has...
Fear or Panic as a trigger
really considered fear/panic as a trigger but it did set me off for sure.
what do you think?
Newbies to afib - harness your fear
affect your head and then you have failed - or have you ? Your a team player - I'm in it right now...
Ablation Fear, to ablate or medicacte
Feel the fear and do it anyway!! 
Anxiety and fear suggestions
Fear of medication vs experimentation 
