Surgery some support....

[Angaa]

Hi everyone!!! I'm having surgery (4 girl procedures will be done) in Feb. I'm so scared!! I get very bad anxiety attacks and being put to sleep is almost unbearable to me. I'm so worried about it. I hate being sedated or feeling out of control so I know I'm going to totally freak out.
I feel like going off Atkins so bad because of my anxiety and I'm a comfort eater. It has been really hard for me to stay on track and even not cheating I've gained 5 pounds just from eating more. Does anyone notice if low carb helps your anxiety or makes it worse?

Any positive experiences about surgery or any support at all will be greatly appreciated
Thank you
Angaa

[Lori]

Originally Posted by Angaa

Any positive experiences about surgery or any support at all will be greatly appreciated Thank you
Angaa

You don't get anxious about falling asleep at night, do you? It's no different, actually a little easier.

I had brain surgery two years ago and itwas totally non-eventful. I had an IV that gradually made me more and more relaxed. Then I woke up a couple of hours later and it was all finished.

[Deb2005]

Originally Posted by Angaa

Hi everyone!!! I'm having surgery (4 girl procedures will be done) in Feb. I'm so scared!! I get very bad anxiety attacks and being put to sleep is almost unbearable to me. I'm so worried about it. I hate being sedated or feeling out of control so I know I'm going to totally freak out.
I feel like going off Atkins so bad because of my anxiety and I'm a comfort eater. It has been really hard for me to stay on track and even not cheating I've gained 5 pounds just from eating more. Does anyone notice if low carb helps your anxiety or makes it worse?

Any positive experiences about surgery or any support at all will be greatly appreciated
Thank you
Angaa

Hi Angaa,

Actually, the carb stuff will probably add to your anxiety ("oh my gosh--now I'm off plan!"). Don't give yourself anything else to stress about--take it easy and try to focus on your health.

None of the "girl" surgeries are fun, but at least you'll be asleep so you won't have to stare up at the ceiling praying for it to be over with (a bit of consolation there).

Keep us posted, Ok?

Deb

[happydog]

Hi Angaa,

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy, removal of cervix and right ovary more than 2 years ago (due to endometriosis), when I was 36. It was the first "real" surgery I had ever had... I'd had a ton of outpatient things in the 11 years prior (for the endo) but had never had "major" surgery. I was very nervous and used that as an excuse to start eating horrible junky foods in the 4-6 weeks prior to my surgery... not good! The bad foods didn't make me any less anxious! And I put on some of the weight I had worked so hard to lose, with the LC lifestyle. Darn it!

If anything, the fact that you have been eating well and healthy (and exercising maybe?) will really help you with your recovery... you will bounce back much more quickly than someone who had ignored their health and been eating poor foods... so you've got that going for you! Maybe when you feel stressed or worried and like you want to cave in, try pampering yourself with something NON-food... like a new book or magazine... something you might not normally let yourself have (I have a weakness for those gossip mags like "US" or "People!") - or take a soothing bath, or rent a funny or favorite movie. Get some nice-smelling and soothing body lotions or hand lotion... something small that's not expensive but makes you FEEL good!

What also did help me was talking to friends and (some) family (in this case, NOT my DH because he really could not relate!) - and an online support system. I don't know what kind of surgery you are having, but please PM me if you want and I could send you the website address for the hysterectomy site that helped me SO VERY MUCH. (And the forums cover other "female" issues too.) I think knowing that to expect, and talking/emailing to other women who have been through it, might help to relax you. For me, the "unknown" was the scariest thing. And once I had some answers... from actual WOMEN who had been through it and not just my (male) doctor... I felt so much more prepared.

Best wishes to you!

[Valentine Baby]

Originally Posted by Angaa

Hi everyone!!! I'm having surgery (4 girl procedures will be done) in Feb. I'm so scared!! I get very bad anxiety attacks and being put to sleep is almost unbearable to me. I'm so worried about it. I hate being sedated or feeling out of control so I know I'm going to totally freak out.
I feel like going off Atkins so bad because of my anxiety and I'm a comfort eater. It has been really hard for me to stay on track and even not cheating I've gained 5 pounds just from eating more. Does anyone notice if low carb helps your anxiety or makes it worse?

Any positive experiences about surgery or any support at all will be greatly appreciated
Thank you
Angaa

I am just like you are. I suffer from anxiety attacks too and I've had 6 surgeries in my lifetime and I made myself sick over nothing all 6 times. I even made myself sick over a colonoscopy I had done not too long ago. It's never the procedure I worry about...It's the drugs and being put to sleep. I hate it And it scares me to death.

I agree with happydog and I did this myself and that is to talk it out. Talk it out with anyone that will listen. It really does help. What also helped me was asking others to say a prayer for me. When the time comes you will still be nervous because that's just how we are made. What I do before I go in to the operating room is I say a prayer for myself. I ask God to protect me and to help me to relax.

I will say a little prayer for you too and ask God to protect you and to help you relax.

Hope this helps you feel better.

[aussiecarrie]

have you tried meditation? or some quiet deep breathing exercises? I have found these useful, as like you I have moments of pure anxiety when facing surgery, I have had a lots of girl surgeryand IVF procedures , I know how hard it is, having someone close to you while you are waiting to go in could help, oh and asking the BOSS to keep you safe, HE will be with you.

[sandooch140]

I also suffer from anxiety attacks. Ask your doctor if it would be alright for you to take an amino acid called GABA. It helps with anxiety; to calm you down.

Can't wait to hear about the results of your surgeries! I will keep you in my prayers.

[blnb10]

Originally Posted by Angaa

Hi everyone!!! I'm having surgery (4 girl procedures will be done) in Feb. I'm so scared!! I get very bad anxiety attacks and being put to sleep is almost unbearable to me. I'm so worried about it. I hate being sedated or feeling out of control so I know I'm going to totally freak out.
I feel like going off Atkins so bad because of my anxiety and I'm a comfort eater. It has been really hard for me to stay on track and even not cheating I've gained 5 pounds just from eating more. Does anyone notice if low carb helps your anxiety or makes it worse?

Any positive experiences about surgery or any support at all will be greatly appreciated
Thank you
Angaa

Hi Angaa,
I'm the ULTIMATE "chicken" when it comes to medical procedures -- especially ones that involve ANY type of surgery. But, I had a complete hysterectomy on January 4th, and the apprehension and worry prior to the procedure was much worse than the actual surgery!! I promise!!

As stressful as it is for you right now, do continue to stay on plan with your LC'ing. You'll feel better about yourself if you do so, and you won't have to deal with any unwanted pounds that you might add from eating off-plan.

I totally understand your fears and concern, but I promise you that you will do just fine, and you'll soon have it behind you and you'll be on the road to recovery!!


Bettye

[Heatha79]

Just giving you my best wishes!!!!

[beeb]

Had hysterecomy on Dec 9th and all went very well. This site was the best thing I ever found, and thanks to the person who posted it on the Women's health forum on LCFs. It was a blessing before, during and after. Helped me to stay in control of the things I could so the things I couldn't weren't so bad.

Good luck, and saying a pray for you.

here is the site: www.hystersisters.com

[Tyrone Bill]

best wishes and plenty of

[Angaa]

Oh my gosh you guys, you all had me in tears!!! I'm so glad that I decided to post this knowing that it was only half on LC topic. I feel a lot calmer about things knowing that there are people out there that have gone though it and have anxiety. I have GAD, generlized anxiety disorder and have panic attacks all the time. I actually do get panic attacks when trying to sleep and that is why I think that being put to sleep is going to really be scary. Right before I go under and right when I wake up YIKES!!! But if you guys got through it I can too. Thank you for the websites I will certainly take a look at that. I will do A LOT of praying before sugery!!!

I have some great news yesterday was my sons birthday and we ordered pizza and had cake for him. I had a salad and a low carb chocolate bar, I lost 3 pounds!!!! I'm so proud of myself. I find when I have alot of anxiety that my diet is the first to go, I'm really trying to hold on. Because like you all said it will be much better for me to go into surgery healthy and I really want to do that.
The procedures I'm getting done or pretty minor they are Sorry if this is TMI,
Laproscopy- because my uturus has grown into my stomach wall and they are going to see if they can cut it out.
Hystroscopy- to remove and test (nervouse about testing) Polyps
Uterine Abalation- this is for extremely long painful TOM
Tubes tied- everyone knows what this is for
Has anyone had these procedures done? I'm really hoping to not have to have a hysto.
I just can't express how much your support and help means to me, I love this board.
Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! to everyone!!!!!
Angaa