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| Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Curly, I know its not easy to wait for a major life changing surgery. Try to keep yourself busy so you can keep your mind off things. The "what if" worrying is always the hardest thing to get past. I found when I concentrate on something else like reading a book (now my kindle), I cant give in to worrying. My mind can only deal with one problem at a time and by throwing myself into what Im reading will do the trick for me. Try doing some exercises a few hours before its bedtime. Going for a long walk or if you are fit enough, a run will help to give you a reason to be tired. Just dont do it too close to bedtime or you will be all pumped up.
Its a skill I have learned to avoid being overly worried. It takes lots of practice so I dont get myself worked up and more upset by worrying. You can do this too. Just allow yourself 10 minutes to think about the surgery then make your mind switch channels to something more positive. When the "what ifs" come creeping back, go do something that will distract you from thinking about it. Anything that takes concentration will help get your mind off your troubles. If I can do this, I know you can too!!!!
Take a dry erase board with you to the hospital. Some places have internet so you can even take a portable laptop or better yet, have someone bring these items to you. Do your very best to eat all your favorite foods now. Eating will be difficult until you relearn how to do it properly after the surgery. So for now go out and get all your favorites and leave no stone unturned. Say yes! to that piece of cheesecake or pizza. Make that your new little project to think up all the foods you love and make sure you have them before Monday.
Best wishes!!!! ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | |
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