freaking out

Hi everyone.

Right now, I'm freaking out. My surgery date is 2/23/04. I can't stop thinking all kinds of crazy things. To top it off, I suffer from anxiety anyway and have been diagnosed with Diffuse Esophageal Spasms effecting my whole esophagus. I can't eat anything but soft foods and liquids. Everything has to be room temperature. All of this worry is making me feel even worse in the spasm department. I feel like someone is choking me (that would be the other thing called dysphagia where food feels like it is stuck) which of course I know is not because I'm not eating. I have been suffering with this for almost a year and my endo and adeno diagnosis was like putting icing on the cake. I don't know what to do anymore. I am so anxious about the surgery and then the aftermath. Can anyone help put my mind at ease.

Also, do I have to give the hospital a list of food I can eat? (not a very long list, mashed potatoes). I'm hoping that all the pain will go away.

Phyllis

Hi Phyllis,

s to you. You have alot going on - and now a hyst!

First, I definately recommend you give the hospital a list of what you CAN eat. Not that the food is all that great anyway! LOL Have several copies so if your nursing staff changes, you have additional copies to give to the new nurses looking after you. And if they bring things you can't eat...don't be afraid to ask for something else.

Also, I don't normally suffer from anxiety, but promise that the waiting can bring it out in all of us!

I am 9+ weeks post op and feel 100% better. My pain in the hospital was almost nil, and was more uncomfortable than in pain during my time at home.

You don't say if you have trouble taking medicine via pill form, but if you do, talk to your doc about liquid forms of medicine that will take away your pain. After the IV came out, I was on pain pills when needed (Vicodin), and that might be difficult for you.

This is a good time to pamper yourself, let others pamper you, and keep talking to us here. The waiting is really the hardest part.

Wishing you all the best!
the cat maid