Ok newbies, this is mainly for you guys. Being able to gather Information online is great, but it must be kept in perspective if you are to gain the most benefit. Keep in mind, most replies are based on that one person's experience. This is a serious procedure that certainly involves alot of fears and unknowns. It is comforting to be able to ask questions from others that have gone thru the process to better understand what lies ahead.

Whether it is pre-op requirements or post op recovery experiences, the answers are going to be as varied as fingerprints. And for good reason.

Everybody is different. And so is their process and experiences.

This brings up the proverbial question: "Is that normal" . Answer: ..... It might be a typical experience or maybe one surgeon's procedure, but not necessarily normal. There is no "one" normal. Don't fixate too much on a single reply. Your specific situation will be your normal. Yours might be very close to most of the replys you received or it could be vastly different. Try not to over react too much if it isn't as you thought. Everybody will make it to the finish line on their own path. If you can avoid reflecting on every detail you read or heard, you'll be more relaxed when you encounter events in your recovery that deviate from such perceptions of normal. The more relaxed and calm you are, the better equipped you'll be to handle your recovery.

Try to view online responses to specific questions as guidelines. As the many possible outcomes, not the only one. Your Surgeon or your other doctors and nurses should be the go to source for specific answers concerning your individual medical concerns.

Besides, once you get several months out and are cruising along on your "normal" routines........closing in on your goals.....all those worrisome and fearful thoughts of the surgery and recovery will be insignificant faded memories. Just relax and take it all in.....one day at a time.

Everybody is different. And so is their process and experiences.

Surgeon - doctors - nurses should be the go to source for specific answers concerning your individual medical concerns.

@@Recycled

hey dude

aren't you nice taking the time to give your good advice/comments to all, but especially NEWBIES

hope everyones ears were burning

good luck to all

kathy

Edited April 30, 201412 yr by proudgrammy

That's such great advice! Thanks!

Edited April 30, 201412 yr by sophie'sChoice