Back surgery (cont.) -- scheduled, and I'm scared!

[Catty1]

Pat, I have never needed back surgery so I can't empathize, but I did have one surgery as an adult.

I did all the positive things I could. I reminded myself to use "Please" and "Thank You" to all medical staff, especially nurses who often don't have a great time of it with patients. (I remember the day after surgery, a nurse from the day before was on a different ward but popped in to see how I was doing. SOMEHOW - after the anesthetic and all the day before - her name popped into my head, and I smiled and said, "Good morning, (name). How are you today?" Well, her smile just lit up the whole room!)

I was a churchgoer at the time, and even went to the anointing of an oil for healing. Why not? I put all the positive things in my favour!

I'll email you a humourous memo I wrote at the time. Just before I went to the OR, a nurse saw it and cracked up. My older, experienced, wizened surgeon got a good chuckle out of it; he wore a faded surgical cap with teddy bears on it. Whether it was a gift from a grandchild or said something about his personality, I don't know.

HUGS to you - I know it's a while to wait - but it does sound like you are in great hands!

[phesina]

Hi Candace, thank you for all the encouragement.

Yes, I am also a great believer in saying Please and Thank You to the medical staff and all who do helpful things for me even if that is their job to do those things. I will make it a point to continue to do so throughout this.

I'm not a churchgoer and don't have a particular religion I follow, but maybe I'll look around for one of those healing ceremonies. Good idea, thanks! I do believe that such positive things like that are good, and holy.

I'm looking forward to your memo!

Thanks again, Candace, and everyone! You all have already done a great deal to lift my spirit from the pit of fear it has been lurking in.

Love from Pat (and cats)

[slick]

While I've never had back surgery, I've had major surgery in 2006 for lung cancer. Never once did I worry about it as I had put 100% faith in my surgeon whom I met many times before the surgery date.

The one thing I learned was to not waste energy worrying needlessly. Instead, pre-surgery, I focussed on being as healthy as I could be at the time so that post-surgery recovery would be much faster.

Breathe deeply and know that everything will go well. I have it from the source, Merlin. He tells me that you will be surprised on how well you do.

[phesina]

Thank you, Slick. And thanks for your words of wisdom. I have to say lung cancer trumps back problems, so your ability to face that with a positive attitude certainly is inspiring for me! God bless.

And many thanks to Merlin for his prediction, too! Sparkler said "That's what I keep telling you, and see, I KNOW!"

[kaycountrygal]

No, thankfully I've never had any serious surgery... only had my gallbladder removed through my navel. I'll say a prayer for you and your medical staff.... Kay

[phesina]

Thank you, Kay!

[Karen]

Hee hee, I have a "bone" shaped cookie cutter, but it is not in the shape of a spinal bone, or I'd send it to you to make cookies for the staff!

Hmm, the bones of the spinal column are sorta oval, maybe you could make some with a round hole in the middle!

[mbsmum]

Best of luck and I am sure everything will be OK.