starting to panic

Well, I'm down to four days and counting and I'm getting really nervous. Actually, more like terrified. I never realized what a baby I am, but I'm really afraid of the pain.
I had a "simple" lapraoscopy a few years back, which "wasn't supposed to hurt," according to the doctor, and it hurt like hell. They pushed all of my organs around, and I ended up bruising from the inside out.
I keep thinking that if that hurt so much, and it was a "simple procedure," then this has to hurt quite a bit more. Am I on the mark here, or way off base?
Any words of comfort would surely be appreciated.
Thanks,
Laura

Dear Laura,

I can't compare the discomfort for you since I haven't had the other procedure but I think you can rest assured (easy for ME to say...since my surgery was done a while back...I know...) that they will take good care of you in the pain department. Just be sure to TELL them how you feel. My hospital doesn't use the "rating from 1-10" procedure I hear talked about here. SInce I have a tendancy to want to be the "best little patient ever" I hurt for quite awhile before I stood up for myself (figuratively, of course). I wasn't getting any relief from the PCA and they kept saying "push the button" ... and I was and it wasn't helping and we did that for about 2 hours longer than necessary. Once they adjusted the dosage and gave me a bolus, I was fine and stayed fine.

I don't know if this helps at all...but I think we s are supposed to be nervous and scared right before the trip to the castle...so don't feel like the lone stranger!!

Be sure to talk to your doctor about your concerns about pain before the big day! I think it helps if they know.

I am freaking out and still have 15 days to go!!! Please do not feel like you are alone in this. Just try and relax (easy for me to say huh!) They say over and over again "the waiting is the hardest part". I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you, LindaJean and Terri for your responses. I appreciate them. My hospital uses the 1-10 rating system, LindaJean, and I've already done what you did. I tried to be a trooper when I had my pre-op appointment -- they asked me what my tolerance for pain was, on a scale of 1-10 and I said 5, when actually I probably should have said 2-3. (Like I said, I'm a baby. :-)
But you're right, I need to be honest with them and I will be on the "big day." Thank you.
And Terri, you will be in my thoughts and prayers too, as you wait for your trip to the castle. Feel free to email me, if you'd like to chat.
Hugs to both of you,
Laura

My last laparoscopy hurt more than my laparoscopic hyst. In the lap they removed the lining of my peritoneum, I had a couple of fibroids removed hysteroscopically, and a bunch of big endometriomas removed along with lots of endo. Don't borrow trouble.

You might be comforted, as I was, by telling every living human you encounter, especially your doctor, that your pain was not well controlled with your last procedure and you want better pain management this time around. Make sure they write out orders for both pain and antinausea medication, including a "fallback" medication if their drug of choice doesn't work for you. That way if something doesn't work they can switch to another drug without waiting to find a doctor to sign off on it.

It's normal to freak out. Everybody freaks out. I freaked out. But you can also take these active steps to make sure you have a better experience this time. Good luck!

also "freaking out", and I'm supposed to be working and preparing and... So I'm glad I'm not the only one, and you're not either. I'm doing relaxation tapes at night that are really helping the nerves. Visualizing the successful surgery. Right now I'm actually more concerned I won't get everything done ahead of time, but the pain is a concern too. It does sound like you want to try to stay ahead of the pain. And if you have to summon a nurse you don't want to wait to do it ,since you may have to wait for them to come. Remember, babies are very strong and resilient too.

That's a great idea -- to have them order a "fallback" med, in case the first one doesn't work. Because I know there are times patients have to wait a long time before new orders come.
I guess what I'm trying to figure out -- and there's probably now way I can -- is how much pain there will be and what it will feel like.
Since I've had a C-section and a lapraoscopy, I'm trying to measure it against them. If it will hurt more than that, or less then that, or just like that. (Sounds like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, doesn't it -- "this one's JUST right.
I know, I'm just freaking out, since it's so close, and there's really no way to gauge the pain, but boy, I wish I could.
Is there anyone out there who might be able to do so -- or I'm I shooting for the moon?
Laura

Just wanted to give you a big HUG! And tell you ...you arent alone. i too am freaking out...this anticipation is driving me crazy.(anticipation is making me wait..remeber that song..LOL) any way i just thought i would share . Hang in there ..we will get thru this

Sheila
Waiting to be crowned May 24
history of endo ,possiable ademyosis
scheduled for TVH

I will be thinking of you!! I have 1 1/2 days left!! I go in Wednesday morning. Like everyone keeps saying waiting is the hardest part. Hopefully next week this time we will look back and agree!! We will get through this together girlfriend!!

Sheila, Irish, and all of us ladies in waiting soon to visit the castle. I will keep you in my prayers -- please keep me in yours... I'm so looking forward to being together on the post op board. It will be so nice to be part of this group, and yet no longer be afraid.
Hugs, Laura