Surgery on Tuesday, prayers appreciated

[AJ29349]

I will be traveling to Maryland for decompression surgery scheduled for January 4th.  My nerves aren't holding up too well, can't eat or sleep, etc.  I know I am going to be in good hands and have traveled many states, seen a ton of neurosurgeons, countless tests, MRIs, PT, pain management docs, prescriptions and injections to get to where I am today.  I thank God for leading me to my neurosurgeon and I know he is one of the best, if not the best.  However, I am leaving 4 precious daughters behind who I am worried about them carrying on their daily routines without Mom(me), Dad and their Grandmother for at least 8 days.  I worry about the future as my 12 year old could be facing decompression surgery down the road.  I worry about my Ehlers Danlos acting up in the cold weather as going outside here in the south is sometimes unbearable to me.  I worry about the pain, as I don't tolerate pain well at all. I know we are not supposed to worry, but I can't seem to turn of that internal "worry button" haha.  I have followed this site over the past months and appreciate all of the educating questions/answers that have helped me so much.  I have posted some, but read a lot more than I post.  Just wanted to ask for prayers for me, for this week in preparation and for next week for the surgery.  Thanks so much!  Happy New Year
AJ
Chiari I, 11mm, diagnosed June 2010
Decompression surgery January 4, 2011
Ehlers Danlos officially diagnosed November 2010.  

[AJ29349]

Thanks everyone.  I finally slept fairly well last night.  Still can't eat much.  The thought of food isn't a good one, and believe me I love to eat.  

We fly into Baltimore, Maryland and travel to the Bethesda area.  My NS is Dr. Henderson and I feel so lucky to have found him.  It was meant for him to do my surgery as my journey to him was miraculous to say the least.

Due to my Ehlers Danlos, he is taking an area from my thigh to use to cover the dura.  I am amazed at his knowledge and the drive he has to help patients with Chiari.  What a blessing after what I have been through and what most of us have been through with those surgeons who just don't get it.  

Lisa, my husband and Mom are going to take turns staying with me at the hospital, mainly at night.  During the first few days, they both may be there together, but after the rough part, I'm sure they will take turns.  I love my husband, but knowing that my Mom is going to be there and knowing what a wonderful caregiver she is, I feel so much better.  Plus, I think it is always good to have 2 in surgery waiting.  What one may miss or forget, the other will pick up.  

Thanks for all of the encouragement.  Selma, my oldest daughter is working on a blog site for me.  Maybe I can post that and you all can follow any updates that way??? Would that work?  Or, I could give the address to you and you could post them on here.  Thanks for the prayers.  I need all the ones I can get, and to know that my Chiari family, people that I haven't even met, but have a shared bond with, are praying for me is an awesome feeling.

Thanks so much!
AJ

[LisaM46]

Good luck AJ!  I had my surgery on November 8th - so it's all still fresh in my mind!  Try to keep in mind that you've chosen the best doctor, and as I'm sure you do with God, put it in his hands and trust in that.  I know it's hard, but you need to make that decision and keep it at the front of your mind.  I would sometimes start to fret whether or not surgery was the right choice, but then I would think about how hard the past year had been and how rotten I had been feeling, how little energy I had for my kids...  I knew deep down it was the right choice.

That first week is no picnic, but it will soon be just a memory  : )  Take a deep breath & relax.  Relax!!!  I'm happy you will have family with you.  Are they going to take turns staying with you in the hospital?

Lisa

[selmaS]

Know u will be in our thoughts and prayers...I will post a prayer thread.

I hope u have someone that can update us on ur progress : )

"selma"

[xmelax35]

You bet I will send prayers your way for you and your family! I hope it goes well and I am sure your kids be okay. Before you know it, you will be home. I wish you the best of luck with your surgery and the outcome of it! I hope it goes well. I will add you to my prayer list today (list of prayers I will be saying - I have been saying them a lot lately).

[thieb9]

I will also be praying for you. I just had mine on Dec 3rd. I had the same nerves and anxiety that you did. I am also in MD. I had my surgery at Johns Hopkins and had a wonderful experience. I also have children, 5 of them 7 and under.. I would tell you to try and relax, but people said that to me and I was still a nervous wreck! I did well though, and hopefully you will too! Thoughts and prayers will be with you for a safe travel and speedy recovery!

[Braintoobig]

Hi! I will be praying for you! Where are you having the surgery? I'm here in Maryland.