Hi guys,

My surgery is tomorrow morning. I'm really excited but I'm so nervous. I'm almost panicking. I know I'm making the right choice but I have never had surgery before, so I"m really nervous about what's going to happen. You know I'm worried something is going to go wrong at the last minute or while I'm in the hospital. Is this normal? Has anyone else felt this way before surgery?

Hey congrats! I wanted to let you know while I myself haven't been through this surgery, my mom has had it. She said it doesn't hurt as bad as you'd think. Plus they are pretty good about giving you what you need to be comfy med wise. I will be having mine the 14th of next month, and I'm pretty nervous too. I think the biggest thing is going to be sticking to directions. Making sure not to drink during meals, waiting for so long before and after, getting in enough water or protein. But I think it will go well, please keep us updated on how it goes for you ❤️ You've got this!

It's super normal to feel that way. Heck, I'd probably be concerned for you if you didn't have some anxiety over it! My suggestion would be to try to find things to distract your brain. If it's filled with other tasks, it has less brain power to spend worrying.

Also you should probably just resign yourself to the fact that you won't sleep well tonight. That's also quite normal. Thankfully it's not going to cause any issues for you, so just if it happens, just tell yourself it's okay.

I have had 7 surgeries (tonsils and adenoids, breast augmentation, Melonoma, Sleeve, SADI and now a chemo port) and I still get nervous about surgery. The first time is of course the worst in terms of anxiety because you have no clue what to expect, but for me by the time I was wheeled into the operating room and realized just how many people there are involved in just my surgery I felt a great deal safer. Your team does this everyday and if anything does go a little off plan they have the doctors and the resources there to deal with it. All you have to do tomorrow is show up.

I really think for someone’s first surgery they should have you come in one day before and just show you where you will go and talk to you through it but since they don’t, my best advice would be to tell them this is your first surgery and that you are nervous and to please be patient with you and explain what’s going on. It’s pretty straightforward though you’re gonna get there and they’re gonna clean and sanitize you get your changed put in an IV and have you signed a couple things and answer questions about your medical history probably ask you to repeat your date of birth 1000 times. You will talk to your surgeon before you go back there, you will meet the anesthesiologist and probably have a couple of nurses in and out of there to get you dressed and ready.

One thing that no one I wish they had is that if your in your reproductive years they’re going to want a urine pregnancy test when you get there so if peeing on command is an issue for you (it is for me ?) , maybe don’t empty your bladder all the way. I have never been able to go under pressure so my first few surgeries they always had to do a rushed blood pregnancy test because I would not be able to go. Now I know to just not go again before I leave the house, which is my normal habit, and then I can go by the time they call me back (they just need a tiny bit to dip the cardboard thing into).

I second not worrying if you can’t sleep tonight. If you do have something that helps relax or just distracts you like music or podcasts, bring along a pair of headphones for while you are waiting. They will most likely keep you busy once you get called back but if you have a little wait it may help if you’re anxious. Best of luck to you. Don’t forget to walk walk walk. If you’re in pain walk more. Once you pass gas you will feel so much relief and walking should help you to do that.

Edited January 14, 20251 yr by ShoppGirl

8 hours ago, tmac5543 said:

Hi guys,

My surgery is tomorrow morning. I'm really excited but I'm so nervous. I'm almost panicking. I know I'm making the right choice but I have never had surgery before, so I"m really nervous about what's going to happen. You know I'm worried something is going to go wrong at the last minute or while I'm in the hospital. Is this normal? Has anyone else felt this way before surgery?

Wishing you all the best for tomorrow!!

You have a lot of sage advice above. It's hard I know, but try not to worry.

It will go perfectly!

I definitely felt that! It is such a big change and one that shouldn't be taken lightly, so it is normal that you have these feelings, but know that you are making the right decision for yourself, and you are putting yourself first ❤️

Surgery is always a scary thing, but you are in the best hands. Wishing you a speedy recovery!