Major surgery tomorrow morning

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I will be having a disc replacement done in in neck. They will go in from the front of my neck, remove the problematic disc and replace it with a metal and plastic one. This procedure has been done for about 10 years in the US and 20 in Europe. The doctor is young, but well recommended, has done countless of these surgeries and has had very few poor outcomes. Because of my age, she is doing a replacement instead of a fusion because long term the fusion can cause the joints above and below to need similar procedures before too long, replacement seems to cut down on that necessity because since you can still move it doesn't stress the nearby joints as badly.

One of my main support people abandoned me two weeks ago (long, painful story). I've been leaning a lot on friends, but I am phobic about almost everything involved in this process. I'll have to be on anti-anxiety meds just to force myself to go to the hospital. Knowing all the info helps me, but at the same time, knowing all the info means I know ALL the info including all the scary bits.

I haven't talked about this too much in detail most places because I'm supposed to be a competent, confident woman and mother, not someone gibbering in fear clutching a blankie and stuffies and rocking in a corner... I figure at least here I won't get judged poorly for being terrified and needed to stim it all away.

You SHOULD be scared. Any surgery involving the spine is a big deal.

Have you ever had a baby and taken Lamaze training? I have benefited a great deal from various types of relaxation training such as Lamaze, and I also had biofeedback training. I use it at the dentist and any time I have to have a medical procedure. I just put myself into a semi-trance and float on through.

It sounds as if you've made a good decision based on the surgeon and the rationale for this type of surgery. Do whatever you need to do, whether stimming, anxiety meds, or anything else. When I was having radiation treatment for breast cancer, I took a Buddhist "mala" or rosary (prayer beads) along to soothe myself.

I'm wishing you good luck in your surgery and recovery.

You sound like you're in good hands. My thoughts are with you!!

It is quite natural to feel fear before major surgery. I will pray that everything goes well in your surgery.

like others here are pointing out, being very very nervous is just natural in this situation. spine integrity, especially in neck zone, is very serious thing (me-statement: i have had mine compromized as long as i remember, after an incident at the age of 6, that damaged my neck vertebrae. i have a very up-close and personal idea what even minor in the start spine damage can do to a body). ofc modern surgery is well, getting more efficient by the year, and things that had not been possible, become mundane. feeling nervous is very exhausting, but blaming urself for that is really well, just wrong (me-statement: i allways am nervous when i need some surgery done, and i mean, that it happens to me enough to use the word always. i know the feeling. i relate). let it wash over u. have some comfort treats of ur preference. let ur family/friends take care of u, its a need u have at this time. fare well, hope to hear from u how that new disc is absolutely cool for u)

May you be well.
May you be happy.
May you be free of suffering,
And at peace.

I think it is pretty normal to be anxious in advance of major surgery. I used to have to take valium just to get to the dentist. I also had valium in order to get to the tubal ligation surgery. It's okay. Take care of yourself the best you can. I will be holding you in the light.

Yes, some anxiety is normal. It is bad to be to casual about it, as it is very important to follow the procedures pre/post op for it to go well.

I hope it goes well.

As others are saying, make sure you do your exercises and don’t miss any rehab appointments.

Thank you everyone. I'm on my way to the hospital now.

Keep in touch. Write to us.

Made it. Recovering. Thank you.

Congratulations!

I'm glad to hear from you.

Good. Rest.

Congratulations. Now comes the recovery.

Woah. I've been freaked out about my some before (I like BMX) & that time frame is pretty amazing. I hope you're feeling alright.

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