My surgery is on Monday, January 6th. I have a history of depression, but have been feeling great for years. Maybe the combination of my pending surgery, not feeling well, wrapping up the holidays, my daughter flying back to college, etc. just has me down in the dumps. I'm also trying to get so many things completed before I enter recovery mode. I really want to get myself into a more positive state of mind before surgery. I truly believe it will help with my recovery. Maybe a little retail therapy this weekend may help? A nice dinner out with the hubby?
Did anyone else get scared/depressed before surgery?
Caveat: I apologise in advance to any atheists or agnostics who may take offense to any of this.
It certainly sounds like you have a great plan. Stay close to loved ones and maintain your positivity. I don't think that anyone could say that going into a brain surgery was something they are taking lightly. Additionally, in a previous post I stated that I personally feel that depression is just a natural part of our condition. "Its how we deal with it that makes us unique." My surgery certainly was frighting for me because and up to that point I had always lived my life thinking that I wasn't afraid of anything accept God Almighty. To say that I was scared or depressed would have been an incredible understatement. That was just a front of course, the thought of my surgery as the day grew nearer became more and more real by the minute. Until I had what some call an epiphany. Whether it was divine intervention, my family's continued support, faith, friends, etc.. This is what i learned. Try to De-emphasize your anxiety, worrying simply presupposes some kind of divine knowledge we just simply cannot posses. Who are we to worry about Gods plan? Worrying is betting against yourself and it sounds like if you were a betting person you wouldn't bet against you, in fact probably the the reverse. I would think you would bet all in on you and "let it ride!" Just know you have a friend here, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I will be eagerly awaiting to hear about your successful recovery.
Best Wishes to you and your family and a speedy recovery,
In my personal opinion,when I look back on my life,I have had periods of depression that I could not understand.I now think, that knowing what I know about Chiari,that it can play a part for some sufferers.It has been classified as a definite symptom on Chiari Care Center videos I have seen.The very best of luck on your surgery and thank you for the advice you gave me on my question for criteria for surgery.Thanks again,
It is my daughter who suffers with CM. Neither of us have ever been depressed at all in the past. I've noticed this though since her symptoms started 3 years ago: CM is life consuming. You don't want to talk about it with anybody and only want to talk about it with everybody. You want surgery to fix it and the last thing in the world you want is someone poking around in your brain. Plus, people don't get it…they've never heard of it…maybe they have but if you just cheered up and took a Tylenol as they do with a headache, you'd be all better.
You have a lot of reasons to be overwhelmed so just be good to yourself and know that this will probably help your symptoms.I have had decompression and it so far has been the right decision.Hope it all goes well and you will soon be feeling better.I had depression for so many years from the pain I was in but it has gotten better since the surgery.The fear you are feeling is certainly normal this is a scary thing to face.You have been through the suffering of chiari and that takes a strong person you can get through this,maybe it will give you happier days ahead,you’re in my prayers.
I think a little retail therapy and a nice dinner are a great idea! Maybe some nice new jammies and fuzzy socks for when your recovering from surgery too! I think its perfectly normal to be scared and nervous before surgery. My surgery is on the 28th of this month, and there are times when I am down right terrified, but then I laugh or bend over and I am quickly reminded of why I decided to go ahead with surgery.
Stay positive, and try to visualize what it will be like while your recovering. That's what I am trying to do! I look forward to hearing about your procedure and your recovery!
Very well said Emmaline, I am sorry to hear though that your struggles included family and friends creating distance at such a pivotal moment in your life. I am quite sure you are a much stronger person for it. I believe your words of encouragement will be well received. The day of my surgery I had a (strange (for lack of a better word)) situation as well. I was admitted the day prior to surgery, that evening and the very next day for some medically unexplained reason I spiked a fever. Dr.s couldn't figure out what was going on and the Anesthesiologist knowing this called off my procedure. My next option was a reschedule which would be nearly six months out. Talk about WOW Murpheys Law, now what else could happen... Long story short, the very next morning my fever was gone and I was starting the process of being released only to travel home and wait. As it happened, before I checked out I meet the most wonderful woman, the only way I can describe it is that her spirit was so pure she was beautiful not meaning in the physical sense. She was set to have her surgery that very morning and had somehow learned of my situation and wanted to meet and speak with me. We connected like friends that have known each other for ever. We hugged/cried/preyed together. She gave up her spot (insisted really) for me!! For me. I mean, who was I to deserve this I thought? People can call it what they want, I felt true faith in those moments. Anyway, off my soapbox. I just wanted to comment on your post because after that meeting, I too felt the serenity and calmness that you described so well. AussiePupOwner is lucky to have you as a friend. I hope too you are doing well and beating the heck outta Chiari. Kindest regards.
Dennis
Emmaline said:
Everyone has a case of the nerves before surgery...it's so normal. I was at the point that I didn't care anymore. My family turned their backs, some friends dropped out...I was panicked. Then I decided to put it in God's hands. Who is better to take care of things?
The closer the surgery date came the calmer I became. It was the strangest thing. Divine intervention? You bet, and it was exactly what I needed. The day of surgery I was so calm. My NS came in and I asked him if he had been out drinking the night before! He came back with no more than usual. He asked me how I was doing and I said great! He looked at me and said you're feeling better? I said no, just ready...very ready. =)
Thanks Hayperk! I took a gift certificate I received for Christmas and got a few new pairs of jammies and slippers! My symptoms remind me why I'm doing the surgery all the time. I will honestly be glad to get it over with. Thanks for your prayers and support.
hayperk said:
I think a little retail therapy and a nice dinner are a great idea! Maybe some nice new jammies and fuzzy socks for when your recovering from surgery too! I think its perfectly normal to be scared and nervous before surgery. My surgery is on the 28th of this month, and there are times when I am down right terrified, but then I laugh or bend over and I am quickly reminded of why I decided to go ahead with surgery.
Stay positive, and try to visualize what it will be like while your recovering. That's what I am trying to do! I look forward to hearing about your procedure and your recovery!
LOL! I'll have to try that line with my NS. He's *always* so very serious! Thanks for your support.
Emmaline said:
Everyone has a case of the nerves before surgery...it's so normal. I was at the point that I didn't care anymore. My family turned their backs, some friends dropped out...I was panicked. Then I decided to put it in God's hands. Who is better to take care of things?
The closer the surgery date came the calmer I became. It was the strangest thing. Divine intervention? You bet, and it was exactly what I needed. The day of surgery I was so calm. My NS came in and I asked him if he had been out drinking the night before! He came back with no more than usual. He asked me how I was doing and I said great! He looked at me and said you're feeling better? I said no, just ready...very ready. =)