Thanks for the help with my fear of surgery

VickiCO

Thanks everyone for helping me get past my unreasonable fear of the upcoming surgery.I had my pre-op tests today, and the techs were so wonderful. It was strange, but as they talk to you, and ask the inevitable "what is your surgery for" their whole demeanor changed when I said rectal cancer. It was as if they became instant angels of support. One gal even used to work for my surgeon, and she was so helpful. She immediately put me in touch with an ostomy specialist "just in case." (My surgeon had arranged it for after the surgery while I was in the hospital.) She said she knew my surgeon was good, and could probably spot the stoma place all on his own, but why not let the specialist mark ahead of time, and then I wouldn't have to worry if the stoma was in a spot that would be inconvenient - like right where my jeans fit, or something. I feel better than I have in days. The specialist took my call right away and will meet with me Friday. She is going to give me the appliance to wear all weekend, so that I can understand how it feels to wear it, sleep with it, etc when my head is clear, not when I am doped up after surgery. Great idea! And she also said "But we are still hopeful that you won't need it, so you can just give it back the morning of your surgery." Such a positive attitude!

I am so thankful that I found this site early on. It has been a lifeline (including Buzzard's 'rope' to pull me through!)And all of the messages of HOPE have helped as well.

I have my plates all stacked up and ready to smash, but somehow I was in too good of a mood this afternoon. (OK, I broke one but it wasn't the same because I wasn't as angry as I was yesterday!) They are there though, and I will have fun with them. Maybe I'll make a patio mosaic piece with the shards! Of course, that will have to wait until Spring!

Thanks again...much love to all. Vicki

Unknown

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MoonDragon

Oh No!!
Vicky, I am so sorry I missed your original post!! The new semester started at the university where I work and I'm not sure which end is up at the moment. I've been away from my home computer for a couple of days. I'm so sorry to hear that you went through all that fear! I feel so badly for you, but I'm so glad to hear that you're feeling better! I don't think it was any accident that one of your nurses used to work for your surgeon and I'm so glad you're hearing good things about him as it really helps boost your confidence level. Its almost an animalistic level of trust that we have to have for our surgeons and yet we really don't know much about them. The surgeon who did my resection came highly recommended by my gastro doc and he did a great job. He had very little to work with as this was my second resection but I came out of it with no bag. My recovery went well, I have a scar but it's not bad and it doesn't pucker. Considering it's 15 inches long, I'm very pleased with the outcome. My third surgeon has been nicknamed "Abdul the Butcher" I had to go to the Emergency Room, I got stuck with whoever was on call and he did a horrible job. I have a nasty, purple gash in my stomach. He removed the staples way to early and I gapped open and healed unevenly. I had fluid retention and leakage. In my opinion he shouldn't even have a license!! Two totally opposite ends of the spectrum. I'm so glad you have a surgeon you can trust and who's well known!
I'm wishing the very best for you and I know you'll come out of it just fine!

Hugs!!

Jorie

tiny one

surgery
I'm saying prayers for you that your surgery will come out easier than expected with no bag. I had one for 10 months. Keep us posted. God bless.

menright

Good Luck with Surgery
Vicki:

The time has come and good for you to be near the end. Surgery is a necessary part of the process and I am sure you will come through fine. I too hope the colostomy bag is avoided, so I understand you. I hope you avoid the whole issue and wish you the best next week.

Mike

lisa42

glad to hear you're okay
Hi Vicki,

I'm so glad to hear you're feeling much less worried about the upcoming surgery. It sounds as if God's got you in his care with having the woman who used to work for your surgeon and all the techs being so wonderful to you. I'll be praying for you to be able to avoid the ostomy, too.
You take care (save those plates for something more fun )
Lisa

maglets

lisa42 said:

glad to hear you're okay
Hi Vicki,

I'm so glad to hear you're feeling much less worried about the upcoming surgery. It sounds as if God's got you in his care with having the woman who used to work for your surgeon and all the techs being so wonderful to you. I'll be praying for you to be able to avoid the ostomy, too.
You take care (save those plates for something more fun )
Lisa

good stuff
Oh Vicki that is terrific...glad the pre-ops were such a success and you found a specialist.

you really do sound a lot more optimistic and settled.....this is a good thing. Even the plates.....maybe between now and spring you will discover one of the plates is a priceless gem!!

You just keep goin on there sister
Best love,
mags

VickiCO

maglets said:

good stuff
Oh Vicki that is terrific...glad the pre-ops were such a success and you found a specialist.

you really do sound a lot more optimistic and settled.....this is a good thing. Even the plates.....maybe between now and spring you will discover one of the plates is a priceless gem!!

You just keep goin on there sister
Best love,
mags

Priceless Gem???
The only reason these plates would be priceless is because no one would pay good money for them! LOL!Enough said....

Vicki

Joy1216

VickiCO said:

Priceless Gem???
The only reason these plates would be priceless is because no one would pay good money for them! LOL!Enough said....

Vicki

Priceless
The plates are priceless like in the MasterCard commercial (our church is doing a campaign using that theme using MasterGod). I just wanted to say that I think your idea of a mosaic made out of the shards from the plates is awesome. God will get you through the surgery safely and give you peace.
Joy