Not coping well

I am set to visit the castle 7:45am on Thursday. I am beyond scared. I am paranoid about blood clots and other complications. I have had surgeries before but I seem to be extra worked up. The castle does not put anything on our legs nor do they give any blood thinners so that just makes me worry so much more. Plus in the past I have had very high blood pressure episodes after having things done so that makes me worry that I will get it again and throw clots and have a stroke. I am not eating, sleeping and am crying alot. My 12 yr old is super scared now too because she sees how worried I am. If anyone has any tips to help prevent clots besides the leg compression or meds I would love to hear them. I have read lots on here and there are lots of good experiences and I am praying that I am one of them. But I cant get over this sense of doom that I have.

I am having a TAH with bladder repair and keeping my one ovary. ANYTHING at all that you can share with me would be great.

I'm having mine tomorrow, and am having the same concerns/thoughts. I think it is normal to feel the way we are. I intend to talk to my doctor and nurses as soon as I get there tomorrow. Still feeling very unprepared and I'm still not sure I want to go through with it.

I feel the same.. I have considered backing out as well. My husband even said its my choice and I can back out if I want. I really wish he hadnt though.
Hugs to you. I hope everything goes really well for you

First of all a for you.

Did the hospital tell you they wouldn't put anything on your legs? I had the things on my legs that inflate and deflate almost as soon as I got into pre op. Didn't even know they would do that.

I was given a shot of Heparin the next day after surgery. Didn't know I was going to get that. They wanted to give me another one, but I wouldn't let them. Blood thinners scare the bejeebers out of me. I promised them I would twirl my ankles around a lot so I could prevent blood clots. My husband would text me and ask me if I was twirling after he would go home at night.

I was at a great risk of complications as I am a 5 shot a day insulin dependent diabetic.

I was told both the stockings and blood thinners were standard procedure for our hospital.

Share your fears with your pre op nurse and your doc. Have you had your pre op yet?

You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you have an uneventful surgery and speedy recovery!!

Allie,

unfortunately anything you take to prevent blood clots even vitamins and herbals are also not supposed to be taken for the same reason as they can thin your blood...

The hospital doesn't give you heparin or compression leg bands??? It's pretty standard practice around here... if you have been taking blood thinners, it's usually prescribed that you have the heparin shots as they don't encourage the bleeding like other med's...

is there a particular reason for the fear? I've had a stroke, and multiple TIA's not due to surgery but congenital heart issues... so do have some experience if you'd like to share.....Kathy

I had really bad hypertensive episodes after having all three of my kids. The care I received was awful and they even sent me home at one point so I have lost faith in "healthcare" We dont really have a pre op appt. I just had to go to the hospital and have blood work. We dont even have to do the bowel prep.
The fear from what happened before and being so close to having a stroke without the doctors listening paired with my father dying from a heart attack at 40 is just so overwhelming. Our hospitals are so different. I am positive they dont put the cuffs on our legs as I asked that. I dont know how I am going to make it through, I have been so close to just calling it off.

It is very normal to be so upset before surgery. My hospital put the inflatable leg things on me before I went in. Just let the nurses & doctors know your worries & they can help you. Best wishes to you!

Allie,

I'm so sorry you are stressing with worry... of course you know this is not helping your bp.... I do understand how scared you are over the issue....especially having lost your father at such a young age....

Did the hospital address your high bp at your previous visits? I am someone who also gets the raise in bp during and following surgery... reminding all involved from the time you go in tomorrow will alert them to be prepared and to stay on top of it... they can administer drugs to lower the pressure in your iv....

many hospitals here standardly give a shot of heparin to those staying... maybe this is something you could request saying that you have a family history of problems.... you can start asking before you even see the doc to make sure everyone aware of the problem...and it is something you can receive daily...

I'm so sorry that you don't have confidence in your hospital as I'm sure it makes the experience painful on many levels.... don't forget that you can make as much noise as you think you need to in order to be heard...

Blood clot risks created by immobility can be eased with moving your legs and feet... if you have very "thick" blood which should already be known, the heparin shots will help as well as beginning another thinner post-op although most hospitals will wait at least 24 hours before starting another thinner to make sure bleeding not a problem....

and honestly, if you feel that you will not get adequate care and can afford to wait (I don't know your particular health circumstances)... then perhaps it is your instinct at work and you need to find another doctor and hospital.... I have complete faith in my docs or I wouldn't allow them to do a thing to me.... it is your choice...

Best of luck in whatever decision you make, Kathy

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Originally Posted by Allie76 I am set to visit the castle 7:45am on Thursday. I am beyond scared. I am paranoid about blood clots and other complications.

I think what you're going through is pretty normal. I nearly had a nervous breakdown late last week and dh had to whisk me away for a mini mom-cation to a local hotel just to get me away from home for a little while. It was wonderful & helped.

You should discuss your concerns with your doctor by phone...also, you should consider discussing it with the nursing staff when you get to the hospital if your concerns are still active.

I wish you all the best!!
Stacie

I'm not sure this will help that much but for years and years and years...surgeries have taken place without the use of the compression stockings. I know they have their value but I don't think it's the difference between life or death. I had them and hated them. I finally begged the nurse to take them off so I could sleep and they agreed as long as I would spend a few min's every hour flexing my ankle around and I did. I didn't have any problems.

It is totally normal to feel panicky this close to the surgery but take deep breaths and try to relax. If you pray, then now's the time to pray for peace and comfort and strength. If you've got children please try to stay calm for their sake. It's already scary enough that mom's going to the hospital for surgery but seeing your mom having a melt down is probably really confusing.

Hugs to all of you. You're going to wake up tomorrow and think "I can't believe I was so worried".