Major Surgery Anxiety

[jandlinaz]

I've had G.A for 25+ years. It's been good for the past 5+. Now, I'm sure it's going to go into overdrive because on Oct4th I'm scheduled for a shoulder replacement. I wish I could be excited to not be in pain and not have to take upwards of three Oxy's/day. But, oh no! With anxiety, as you all know, you just dwell on the negative. Such as,....will I be one of those that feels surgery even under anesthetic, will I even wake up from the anesthetic, will they leave a sponge in my shoulder, will it heal right or be worse, etc. etc. Additionally, the logistics of having a ride to the surgery, being picked up from surgery, checking in on me after surgery are overwhelming. Having anxiety, I not only don't know people where I live (I've only live here 2 years) that I can call friends, I don't even know anyone I could call a remote acquaintances.

So what am I asking? Has anyone on this site had a total shoulder replacement surgery?? How did it go?? These next two weeks are going to be hell.

[Hidden]

Hello

I have not had a shoulder replacement but 6 weeks ago I did have a triple Bypass after having 3 heart attacks and the fear is just the same especially as they stop your heart while doing it deflate your lungs and a machine is keeping you alive

I had such fears beforehand even though I knew the op needed to be done the what if's were unbearable when I should have been thinking how lucky I was to be given this chance of having this life saving op

All these fears our anxiety loves and adds to them even though they are irrational people having this done daily , surgeons who are experts in what they do these positives we forget but have to try and remember

Once you get there the Nurses will ease your fears and when they put you to sleep well you will have the best sleep ever and yes despite what anxiety tells you before you know it you will be awake and that pain you have been suffering will soon be gone and you can get back on with your life and enjoy it

Let us know how you get on x

[jandlinaz in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply 😊

[b1b1b1]

I have not had a shoulder replacement, however I did have a hip replacement. It worked out very well. I understand your fear, as I also have similar fears about things health related. I agree with BeKind. I think it will work out very well and after a recovery period you will not have any pain. Try to prepare as much as possible beforehand. Get food or arrange for deliveries. Explain to the doctor that you may not have anyone to help you when you get home. They may want to have you go to a rehab facility for a week or so. This might be a good option, as you would feel safer and have meals prepared, etc. x

[jandlinaz in reply to b1b1b1]

Thank you for your comments 😊