nerves

[derek1983]

so my nerves are shot leaving monday to head 6 hours to long island for my surgery and pre op appointments so i was just wondering what people did to relax and not stress too much before all this happened i went to my local health center and got a few zanax but they only take the edge off cant stand feeling this way and advice appreciated

[Loriann6482]

Best wishes and blessings to both of you on your surgeon. I will be praying for you and your care team.  What an awesome community we have here with so  much support and insightful suggestions!  These folks said all that I would have said and then some! Thanks everyone for going before us and for staying here for us and hope you get back as much as you give, because you've given greatly.
Lori

[selmaS]

  Hi...I know this can be hard, but like everyone else suggested do other things to try and take ur mind off of it,...do not focus on the surgery....

I will suggest since u have children to get a secret message set with them to give to ur partner to share with them when u come out of surgery....something only u and the kids will know....this lets them know u r ok....it will help them and gives u something to focus on...instead of surgery....

Go to a movie, fishing,...what ever is not set on the surgery itself...being nervous is normal...we all feel that and if u were not scared or nervous then I would worry about u....

As Dana said, focus on what got u to this point to help u over the hurdle of being nervous...I did....

[Sexybare]

Perfectly said czpdx. Its weird cause I've had 2 decompression surgeries and both times I was nervous as ever before. Keep doing things with your family and at moments u may find urself forgetting about the surgery for a second or two. Being scared and nervous is normal. But just remember u r doing this for a better quality of life. Everything will be fine, try to enjoy time with family. Hugs,,,,Dana

[czpdx]

I'm sorry to hear you're feeling so rough right now. One of the things that really helped me was to try to normalize my nervousness and anxiety. We all have a full spectrum of emotions - joy, anger, fear - and they all have a place in our lives. Fear is exactly what you should expect to feel right before brain surgery; later, when you're on the other side of this, you'll feel relief. Both feelings are totally appropriate and normal human reactions to a crazy-intense situation.

Also, I don't know if this is too woo-woo for you, but being aware of your thoughts can be really useful. In mindfulness, I've heard this referred to as "stepping out of the waterfall" of your emotions. Essentially, it's being aware of your thoughts and labeling them by saying to yourself, "Yep, there's fear," or "There's anxiety," or "There's worry about the future." This can sometimes help put just a little bit of distance between you and your very strong (and very appropriate) emotions. When our minds are off spinning away in negative thoughts, our bodies respond with symptoms of anxiety. Sometimes trying to get our minds out of auto-pilot mode and have some awareness of our thoughts can help make anxiety feel more tolerable.

I know you said that you can't stand feeling like this, but you've lived with Chiari, so you know that you're strong. One way or another, you will be able to tolerate feeling like this.

We'll be thinking of you on Monday!
cz

[RheaAnn]

I know it sounds crazy, but I went camping the weekend before my surgery. I didn't think about it one bit. I'm not sure I'd suggest it to everyone because you need your immune system intact, but it worked for me. I came home the day before and spent that day washing clothes and napping lol. I was packed before I left.
At the time, I really wanted to do something fun because after the surgery, it would be a while before I could do something again. (I was also only 20 years old!)
Rhea

[derek1983]

mike good luck with your surgery hope all goes well

[derek1983]

ya taking the kids fishing this afternoon and trying to do all the last minute work i have to get done around here before the surgery

[mike709]

I also go Monday for my surgery.I have to drive 3 hours and I am nervous also. Hope all goes well for you.

[STL5]

Try doing something to “take your mind off of it”.   Do you have a hobby?  Enjoy reading?  Play with your kids?  Video game?
You can also use breathing exercises- taking deep breaths and focusing.  It can help you relax.