Pre-Op Panic

There appears to be a process that people go through with a major surgery and learning about it can help ease the nerves. Here goes my non-scientific take on the subject.

Once the emotional commitment is made to have the surgery there's usually a period of several months before the procedure can be scheduled. Preperation, a little anxiety, and a lot of 'what-if' thinking is common during this phase. It's very common to need feedback from your family and friends to confirm that your decision is sound, so go ahead, ask for it.

Then, about 1 or 2 weeks before the surgery will come the "Oh My G....!" feeling. This restarts the whole decision-making process, investigation, and questioning if this is really the best thing to do. Some people even decide to bail out and contact the Doctor's office to postpone or reschedule. Rationality usually triumphs as Doctors and family members apply reassurance. You're normal, celebrate.

Then, about 1 or 2 days before the surgery will come another period of panic, doubt and fear. This one is usually easier because you've been down the path before, but it's still very scary and can result in disrupted sleep, mild depression, and a loss of appetite. Exercise and staying busy helps a lot if you're able.

The last burst will come while you're in pre-op. For a while you'll be distracted by insurance paperwork, funny gowns, and endless questioning about what countries you've visted. After that, there's a calm time and the brain and emotions move in for the kill. "What have I done?", "Is this the right thing?", "Ok, I've changed my mind!". Don't worry, this is totatly normal. If you've decided to change your mind, you'll have several nurses and family members there by your side to convince you otherwise. I promise, you're not the first.

The uncomfortable waiting will be over when the anesthesiologist shows up and inserts the Cool-Aid. "Who cares", "do anything you want", and "whatever" will be your new mottos.

After surgery you'll give a sigh of relief. No more worrying about whether you should go through with it - it's over, done with, what was all the fuss about.
Oh......I feel terrible.....

The last phase happens in about 2-3 months. You'll be sitting there and realize that it's all behind you. All that pre-op worry was for nought. Glimpses of anxiety in your memory will seem silly.

You may or may not go through each of these phases, and you may have your own special phase or two, but for the most part we all go through this emotional act of self-defense.
Isn't it nice to know it's all perfectly normal?