Fear of hospitals

[melis82]

Hey. I have to have an Ovarian Cystectomy for a tumor of about 10cm big removed from my right ovary. The doc says he may also have to remove the ovary depending on the extent of the damage. My problem is that I'm absolutely TERRIFIED of the procedure and recovery. I know everyone gets scared and you just have to do it etc... but since I've found out I have not been able to stop thinking about it. I even feel like I go into shock every now and then where everything feels surreal and I feel like I'm going to faint. I'm even dreaming about it now. It's mainly things like the thought of a catheter, of having an IV, of having a scar, of being vulnerable on the operating table and the idea of someone cutting my flesh. I get migraines and i even often have to convince myself to go for an injection because even that scares me despite how many I've had. So, I'm kinda just trying to find encouragement for the whole thing. I even have these moments where i think killing myself would be better (I would never, I love my family too much and i'm terrified of that too) but I don't want to feel this way. How do i calm myself down? What's it like being in hospital? Like the waking up after the op, having the catheter removed, being so vulnerable? Is there anything you can take to reduce the anxiety before hand? how terrible is the pain afterwards? Any advice or info would help.

[melis82]

Thanks for your reply. I think a lot of the fear is that I have to go to a semi private/goverment hospital so I'm worried they don't care about how they leave my scar, if they'll make a mistake or not give me pain meds afterwards. I live in South Africa and there's been some terrible stories about what goes on in goverment hospitals so it just makes you paranoid. Anyway, I do appreciate your respnse :)

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

Hi and thanks for using the forum.

Having surgery can be very scary and there are many people (I would say pretty much everyone) that feel anxious and unsure.  You should discuss this with your doctor and the anesthesiologist for your procedure.  Let them know how you are feeling and they can help alleviate your fears.  The OR and recovery room staff are trained to help you with pain managment and also to answer any questions that you have.  It is tough to be in a vulnerable position, but in my experience, the doctors and nurses are kind, caring, respectful, and responsive people.  When I had my C-sections, I was scared as well- about the surgery itself, recovering, pain, etc.  The doctors and nurses were so informative, and conscientous and they made sure that I was comfortable and that I knew what was happening.  Finally, there are anti-anxiety medications that your doctor can prescribe for you for prior to the procedure that my help.  Good luck with your surgery and I hope you have a speedy recovery.

Bridget