COPD and anethesia?

Hi everyone,
I am a 38 y/o who is diagnosed terminal, COPD, Emphysemia, bi-polar, with previous heart attacks and strokes.
During tests to confirm an hyrnea they discovered ovairian, cervical, kidney, liver cysts or tumors, also a large adominal mass and a hyrnea.

I am scheduled for a radical TAH, hyrnea repair, etc on aug 14th.
They assured me at first that they would use local or spinal. A few days ago the OBGYN informed me that total anethesia was necessiary. I am TERRIFIED of being put under. I have been on oxygen for years and was always told that I could NOT be put under.

I also have concerns about homecare after the surgery. my DH is severly bi-polar and mentally disabled. He does not handle stress well at all and I am worried that having to take care of me will push him to much. I am 14 years older than him and sometimes he has dificulity grasping how much my condition limits me as it is.

Perhaps I am just overreacting...

Zoo

Hi zoo, I just wanted to give you a and a little encouragement to hang in there. You have a lot on your plate right now so it may be easier to think about one thing at a time. Right now, the most important thing is you. Talk to your dr. about your fears about anesthesia and ask to talk to your anesthesiologist before surgery. Being put out was my worst fear too and one that is common. We lose control at that point and put ourselves in someone elses hands, so it's normal to be worried. I have a seizure disorder and was told that I was high risk several years ago. Not true today. The drugs they use are much better than years gone by. A phone call to your dr. is worth the peace of mind. Also, talk to him about home health care. His office may be able to arrange something through your insurance company. A phone call to your DH's dr. may be of great help too. He may be able to adjust his meds, short term, to help with his coping skills. Do you have family and friends that can help you? Don't be afraid to ask. Most are usually willing to help.... they just need to be asked.
I'm really glad you found Hystersisters. We are a community of woman who support each other emotionally through surgery and after. I will turn the on for you, and keep you in my

Karlene

((( Zoo ))) no wonder you're worried with all that you're dealing with. Karlene had a lot of very good suggestions, I think that maybe you should call and talk to your dr about your worries. Anesthestists are very well trained to monitor now and should be able to talk to you about that and hopefully calm some of your worries too. I also like the idea of talking with your DH's dr about what could help him.
I found that just telling people that you need help does work wonders. I got help from some unexpected sources after my hyst last year. Don't forget to ask family, friends, neighbors, co workers, church members - anyone available.
I'll be keeping you in my prayers.
s s

((((Zoo))))! My goodness you have enough to worry about right now! Just take one step at a time. Calling your doctor about home health care is a good idea. I had no idea my insurance covered it but my doc insisted I have home health care available to me after surgery. The hospital and his nurse set it all up for me. The nurse came by the day after surgery and was available to me any time I needed him. I had his cell phone number too. My insurance covered it 100% as they would rather I have home care than hospitalization costs. Check with your doc and your insurance company.

Anesthesia has come a long way. Talk with your doc and ask to meet and discuss your anesthesia with him/her and the anesthesiologist. This should help ease your mind.

Hang in there hun! I wish you were closer to me because I'd sure help you. Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends, family etc. They actually are usually relieved to be able to help!

You take care and post anytime you need to. We're here for you.

Amy

(((((((Dear Zoo)))))))

I'm glad you found us, although I'm awfully sorry that it's because you need surgery. I want to add a couple more 's and to encourage you to try the various suggestions that (((Karlene))), (((Jean))) and (((Amy))) have given you. Please let all of your friends, family and neighbors know that you are facing this surgery and that you need their help. I think you'll find them very willing to do anything possible to help you.

Please stay in touch with us - let us know how you are doing, and whether you called your doctor.

's

Just came home from pre-admit and meeting with anthesiaologist.

My white blood cell count is 2000. which is way above the normal of 400. ugghhh

also the anthes... said that the hospital is NOT setup to handle my post op pulminary needs. he is going to consult with my surgeons to see about moving it to a large hospital in Charlotte with a new pulmonary icu. but that would mean delaying surgery AGAIN and changing doctors etc..
It also is going to be a big problem transportation wise... My car is not in very good shape and I highly doubt I could drive it to and from the hospital and dr's if they are in charlotte.

the anthes... said he was not comfortable doing it but would leave the plans the same untill he can talk to my surgeon,gyn etc...

This all has me VERY worried! My hubby is just learning how to drive a straight drive and can't really drive our car yet... Don't know how we will handle getting around even with the surgery done locally. having it and hour or more away will complicate things.

Dear zoo,

I'm sorry that you are facing additional obstacles. It looks as if Taylorsville is about an hour or so from Charlotte. If you do need to go there for your surgery, please ask a friend or neighbor to drive you back and forth to your doctor visits and to the hospital. That might help avoid any additional stress for yourself and your DH. Also - most large hospitals have a social services department - maybe they could help with your transportation problems.

I may not be right, but I had thought that the normal WBC count should be between 4,000-10,000. You might want to call your doctor to go over your test results, just to be sure.

You'll be in my thoughts and prayers as you continue to make your decision about what is best for you.

's