Surgery scheduled!!

Well I made it official! June 10th. I'm still quite unsure about all this. I feel like w/ my luck I'll be one of the ones who doesn't get relief even though my doctor says I'm a pretty classic straight forward case. My doctor wants me to be 100% though before he does it so he is sending me to see a third NS but since he is booking so far out they went ahead and booked a time. I am scared and excited. I am stressed but relieved. I assume that is quite normal, but how did everyone out there calm themselves?

Also did anyone do any PT before the surgery? You know just to strengthen the surrounding/supporting muscles? How about massage therapy?

[Sweetpea32]

I tried massage therapy before my surgery. Although it did help my symptoms and help relax the muscles the surgery was needed and I was too scared and unsure. I am 5 months post op and happy that I went through it. The severe head pressure is gone now I am on the road to recovery. My prayers are with you through your surgery and recovery. Ask all the questions you want to be more educated about the surgery and recovery process. Best wishes!

[ChiariWolf]

I did try massage therapy. For me it was big no gigantic NO NO! He is a very good therapist, but my results scared the doo doo out of him. He did electric acupuncture along with the massage. In less than 24 hours I looked and felt like I'd had a stroke. My whole right upper torso and face where gone, no control. This maybe an isolated instance, don't know but for me it was a big no no.

As for calm, Do you have hobbies? Do you enjoy reading? I spent considerable time working with some of my hobbies so as not to stress any trigger points. And considerable time reading my Bible as well. The key is to keep your mind occupied so that your focus will shift away from what is going on. Yes, I know, "How do I not think about what I feel" but this is the way our mind works. If we can shift our focus mentally It does indeed lower our stress level and as an added benifit it 'will' decrease your immediate recovery time post-op. It has been shown by doctors who preform bloodless surgery that those patients who come in with a calm demenor, not stressing, recover quicker.

Wolf

[selmaS]

Congratulations and remember to post on the surgery date list so we can remember ur date!!...and have someone post updates on ur progress !!

"selma"

[*Stormy*]

I'm so glad that you have made a decision, I know it is sure a tough one!

I wanted to say that what Wolf said is so true!! Plan some activities or something to keep you busy, for me my surgery was right after Xmas and with that and all the school/Scout stuff around that time, I didn't even have time to think about it!!

I didn't do PT before b/c I was at the point that I wasn't taking any chance with anything making me worse. I felt like I was teetering on the line of walking to not being able to walk. I definitely recommend it afterwards though but ONLY when your body is ready.

Whenever I thought about it, I got this feeling of panic too...so I just didn't think about it. Even waiting in the surgery prep, I just did some deep breathing and asked God to comfort me and it worked for me!!

You have to remember that surgery will stop the progression and that is most important!! The other stuff you just have to wait and see...but there is no good in worrying that you will get worse, there is a good chance you will go through all that worry for nothing!! Trust me, this is coming from a recovering anxiety-aholic lol

Good luck with the 3rd NS!! Remember we will be here every step of the way to support you!!
Carolyn