Suggestions Please!

[Gillyflower18]

I am trying desperately to get myself psyched up for foot surgery on 12/9. I am dealing with depression and anxiety made worse by SAD and sleeplessness. I really need this surgery as my foot pain is getting worse and its hard to work all day on my feet. This is the only time of year I can have the time off needed for recovery. My sister can stay with me a little bit I’ll mostly be alone. Friends from work have promised to stop by and I hope they do. My therapist will keep my appointments using FaceTime. Anybody have any other suggestions for beating back the anxiety and depression. I’m right on the verge of cancelling out of the whole thing which I really don’t want to do.

[Jeff1943]

Just think, once you have the op it's 'Job done' and you can look forward to a lot less pain from your foot. If you cancel you'll be disappointed with yourself and you'll still have the foot pain. Which one do you want to be come 10th December?

The good thing about a foot op is that your foot is so far away from your eyes/brain/mouth it's almost like it's not you they're operating on🤗

This is not a major trauma, Spinner, just an every day procedure but you're over worried because you are subject to high anxiety which exaggerates every small concern ten fold.

Remember, people with anxiety are among the bravest people in the world (CW said that) so you'll be there on the 9th. O.K., it will be over before you know it and you'll feel great you did it.

[Gillyflower18 in reply to Jeff1943]

Oh Jeff your always the voice of reason. Thank you. I guess I’m so tired from not sleeping I can’t think straight. I just dread being alone so much because I won’t be able to drive and at least get out in the world! 6 weeks depending on others. Yuck! You’re right tho once done it’s done. They’re going to fuse the joint it’s beyond repair. I’ll just have to tuff it out. I have a habit of giving up since I was small so I’ll just have to work thru it.

[Mrspjsmom]

It sounds like you have planned ahead as best you can. If your foot is causing pain that probably adds to your anxiety and depression. If you cancel you will be in pain for a long time. The only suggestion I have is to make sure you have enough food that is easy to warm up to get you through your recovery. Also stock up on things you find comforting. If you like to read have some books ready, if you like movies perhaps get one of the streaming services available even if you cancel it on January. Or you could borrow DVDs to watch. Anything that will make you more comfortable. HUGS and BLESSINGS!

[Gillyflower18 in reply to Mrspjsmom]

Thank you so much. I’ve also lined up some paperwork from the plant nursery where I work and a course I can work on. I guess I’m just tired and scared of being alone with my 🦶. I going to see about a visiting nurse for a couple of days to help me learn to navigate on a knee scooter without killing myself. It’s a tough time of year for me and it’s easy to lose perspective.

[Mary-intussuception in reply to Gillyflower18]

Some studying sounds a great idea. Think about it - when will you have an opportunity to study again ? You'll probably be too busy, once recovered & back at work.

Knit yourself a scarf and one for your sister ? Or something more adventurous - a jumper?

As already mentioned, are you fully stocked up yet or still in the process of doing that.

Also could you arrange for a couple of lifts, for after the initial recovery period, so you can get out occassionally when able?