Extreme Anxiety - pre-op

My surgery is scheduled for July 2, 2013. Pre-op tomorrow. Endemetriomas on both ovaries. Gyno Oncology surgeon due to elevated CA125 of 111. I am 38 years old with 2 children, and extremely worried and anxious. As the surgery date nears, anxiety is worsening. My Mother had stage 4 endo and large benign tumor at the age of 45 and had hysterectomy. Surgeon says he feels reassured from CT scans, that cysts are endometriomas, however I can't help but to worry about cancer. I have never had any type of surgery, yet I know that living in pain isn't an option. Any advice as to how to manage extreme anxiety? Thanks in advance.

Hi, I want you to know that I was very anxious before my surgery last Friday. I too had what appeared to the surgeon to be endometriomas. I had a gyn onc because I had history of breast cancer. I was extremely anxious! My dr. Prescribed Xanax which I took at bedtime. The other times I prayed a TON and that brought me peace. I will be praying for you that you are more peaceful and have great news!!!!!
One foot in front of the other, one step at a time.

Thank you so much for your reply. A month ago I began having extreme pain, now having surgery. Everything has happened so fast. I did get 3 different opinions and feel confident with gyno oncology surgeon. I'm looking foward to hopefully having a better quality of life without pain or with minimal pain. It is all so overwhelming. I have such a fear of hospitals etc... I know that there are no other options if I expect to feel better.

I'm one of those freaks that don't worry about surgery at all. My husband does that for me!

Sorry I don't have any words of wisdom. The only thing I can say is to remember you are an individual. Your experience will be different than anyone else's. Read, research, ask questions - - if that helps you. Keep busy, relax, talk about it - if that helps you.

And yeah - as someone else mentioned - Xanax! My husband has one on hand to take tonight (my surgery is tomorrow)

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jennt1204,

I've lived with anxiety for a long time. I was diagnosed with Panic Attacks and GAD. This is what I've learned through lots of cognitive behavior therapy and personal experience about anxiety management:

1. Most of what we worry about never comes to pass.
2. Worry is a useless, but persistent activity. You're brain gets 'stuck' in worry. You can break that 'stick' by trying to get involved with something else. It's not easy, but it IS do-able.
3. Exercise is your friend. It reduces worry, relieves tension and helps manage stress--for realz.
4. Meditation (20 minutes) breaks can relieve a lot of symptoms of anxiety.

Having said these things, I'm nervous too. I've got butterflies and I've been putting one foot in front of the other. Just keep practicing things that calm you. Massage, tub baths, whatever works. Definitely go for a walk. Xanax is also an option! The more tools you have in your toolbox, the better!

I know EXACTLY what you're feeling. My surgery is July1 and I was ok until yesterday and the pro-op testing. I took a bath last night, shaved (grooming activities are soothing across species! ), took a walk, ate a Klondike bar. LOL. Nurture yourself. I believe surgery takes enormous courage.

justcathy--good luck, Lady! I hope you have smooth sailing tomorrow.

Hi Jenn....my surgery is also July 2nd. I'm starting ti get anxious about it all too. But I have so much going on between now and then that it doesn't help any! (ie funeral, company staying this weekend and a bridal shower...oh, and my moms 83 birthday!) Part of me is looking forward to getting the surgery done and just relaxing for a few days. We just have to take things one day at a time. Put your trust in the surgical team. They are professionals. We will be just fine Good luck to you!

Jenn I agree with everything Grammar Maven suggested. I have anxiety disorder also, and something my chiropractor suggested has stayed with me. He said there is only room for one neurotransmitter at a time. So when you feel a rush of the panic and fear, quickly sit down and do some crunches or push ups or something. The exercise will give you a burst of positive neurotransmitter and push out the negative.

I understand you are also physically hurting too and that makes everything harder! If you can take a Xanax, do so.

Praying for an easy wait, and good results from your surgery!

Thank you all for your replies. The physical pain, constant for a month is wearing me down so I do look foward to relief. I have difficulty digesting rx pain medication so ive only taken Tylenol. I lost my dad December 26th unexpected and well im just terrified to be in a hospital. I have gotten to a place where I understand there are no other options. Surgery it has to be. I spent days researching. I'm fine one minute; crying the next. I'm fearful of cancer possibility, surgical complications, and recovery. Then there are moments when I realize the worries are grander than reality. It has been comforting to be on this site, realizing I'm not alone. Many blessings to you all.

Hi Jenn, my surgery is in two days (Friday, June 28). Haven't had time to write an intro post yet.

Grammar Maven has good advice, to which I would add a little tidbit from the Dalai Lama: If you cannot change something, you needn't worry; if instead you *can* change something, then, too, you need not worry... I guess that's an eastern version of the serenity prayer, except that the power comes from inside you--you already have it, but may not be using it to your full potential. It's a question of allowing yourself to be "prey" to something you yourself generate as an emotion, I think. I guess that sounds like Mr. Spock from Star Trek!

In my case, it's unknown whether the 20cm mass I have is malignant or not. But the mass already is what it is: my hoping or fretting about it won't change it's composition retroactively! I hope it's possible for you to see things in that light.

Sending hugs and calming thoughts your way...