fainting dh... now what?

Met with the surgeon today to schedule surgery and talk about details. DH decided to come along so he would understand what was going on and to hear what I might not hear...

All was going very well and after my exam the DR invited DH back into the room to chat. I sat on the table with the sheet over my lap while we asked questions and listened... all of a sudden DH walked over to the window and began swaying, all color gone from his face. The DR had to escort him out of the building for fresh air.

Turns out the sterile 'hospital smell' and the subject matter made him faint. Now what? I was counting on him being there when I woke up, but if he can't take the conversation at the hospital, how's he going to take waiting for the surgery to be over?

No other family members live near. Kids and relatives are in other states. I suggested calling a female friend to come instead and that hurt his feelings. That's all I need... I'll have the surgery and he'll be the one needing medical attention.

Oh, brother!
Any ideas?

I know this isn't funny, but it made me laugh because it is SO much like my brother-in-law! Every time my sister was in labor, near transition, he would faint! Just when she needed his support the most, or at least that of the nursing staff, he was on the floor and all the focus was on him. He is hypoglycemic and the excitement caused a sudden drop in his blood sugar, or so the doctors said (lol).

How would your DH feel if one of your female friends came along to wait with him? His feelings might be spared and he would have someone to pass the time with. I hope he becomes more comfortable with all of this for your sake. The LAST thing you need is to be worried about him passing out.

Good luck and all the best for a smooth surgery and recovery.

Maggiemay

HAHAHA too funny! I wish the best for you.. but I can totally picture what Both of you wrote!

I don't have any great ideas, if your DH wants to be there - I'd let him. It sounds like he really cares a lot and is concerned about you.

Maybe a friend could come and be there with him?

best wishes.

s

OMG -
your post made me giggle. Poor guy! I give him an "A" for effort. Perhaps he could bring a person of HIS choosing, male or female to support HIM on your big day?

You know, we are always saying we need to take care of ourselves so that we can take care of others. Same applies to DH. Let him do what he needs to do to give him the strength to be there for you, it sounds like he really wants to, bless his fainting heart!

Perhaps from this point on it will be better - there won't be as much graphic discussion and if there is going to be for some reason, he could step out for a moment.

Keep us posted!

Hugs,
Jo

Thanks, ladies.
I think it just hit home or something even though I've been talking about it since Feb. Poor guy. This morning he told me that he didn't realize how vulnerable women are in these situations and that it was a real reality check. I'll let him decide whether or not he wants someone else at the hospital with him. We have one friend that is older and wiser that will probably offer to be there.

I feel luck that he finall 'gets' it.

I know it isn't funny, but this made me giggle also!

Hope things work out for you and your dh. He will probably be just fine; however, it is probably a good idea that someone be there with him for morale support. Good luck and hope you have a speedy uneventful recovery.

You know, I have to say that my dh is a seasoned ER doc, loves the blood and gore. It isn't a good day unless you crack someone's chest open and do internal cardiac massage, etc.

BUT - when I was in labor with our first child and needed to have an internal monitor placed, I was hardly dilated at all and it was SO painful. I was crying and he was holding my arms across my chest helping me to be still for them, and I can tell you he was absolutely PEKID(sp?). Color drained out of his face and everything.
SO - I think it's partly becasue it's the love of their life and she's in pain and they can't fix it, and they're hurting her etc, etc

Jo

I think you're right, Jo. He said as much this morning when he could finally talk about it. I'm sure he'll get used to the idea in the next two weeks.

Anyway, he took the initiative and called our friend and she's now planning to be there, whether he wants her there or not. lol.
I hope I'm not too gassy when I come out of surgery. <blush>

What a tenderheart! So nice he could express that to you. I'm glad he called in some back up for the big day.

Jo