I am so nervous and upset

[Addie]

I have known for about five years now that I had cataracts developing. I know they have to ripen. Well at the beginning of this month, I went to have an eye exam, and the opthamologist decided it was time to get them taken care of. I can't stand to even have the eyes lens machine come near my eyes for an eye exam. And to have eye surgery has me shaken up. I am not afraid of surgery. When I had the open heart surgery, the doctor said the main reason I came through so well was my attitude before I even went into the OR. I was completely relaxed. All my vitals were right on normal, even through surgery.

But this is different. I have to be awake for the eye surgery. I have had day surgery on my hand, and no problem. I was a little ticked off that they put up a screen and I couldn't watch. I was sitting up the whole time and heard every word. No problem. I don't know which is worse. Having the surgery while I am awake, or saying no and allowing myself to go blind. I have an eye appointment with the eye surgeon on March 5th. The closer the day comes, the more upset I become. If they would put me to sleep, I would be calmer than when I had the heart surgery. But they tell me I have to be awake so I can talk to them.

I am also concerned because I have had three heart attacks already. I am afraid that being as upset and nervous as I am that I will have another one before and/or during. I can't seem to get this under control.

 

[Zhizara]

If they won't knock you out, can't they give you something that will keep you calm and relaxed?

 

[Addie]

If they won't knock you out, can't they give you something that will keep you calm and relaxed?

I don't know. I have to have more discussion with my doctor. When I had my teeth removed, I had them all taken out with just novacain and wasn't nervous at all. I even have had oral surgery with just novacain. Calm as could be. I have been awake all night. And now I am getting sick to my stomach over it. I think I need to go see him today. The idea of seeing a needle or knife coming at my eyes is terryfying to me. I know I can't go on this way until the surgery.

 

[Margi Cintrano]

Quite a Routine Operation

@ Addie,

Firstly, think positive.

I know numerous people who have had this surgery and it is quite routine with a rapid healing time, and back to normal.

My neighbor Inés, who is now 89 had undergone this type of surgery two years ago, and she too felt the same way --- as you do at this moment.

Try a bit of: Author Louise Hays - You can heal your Life

Louise Hays had undergone, a life threatening illness, alot more than a routine eye operation. She went through a series of cancer operations, and is a survivor.

Calm down ... that is 1st ... You shall be fine. Believe ...

Cancer is probably the worst of all evils.

The sun is shining and you shall conquer.

Kindest,
Margi

 

[Zhizara]

While you're upset like this, try to avoid caffeine. It aggravates your agitation.

 

[jennyema]

I have the same issue with the dentist and anyone touching my knees. Everything else is totally fine.

My dentist prescribes Xanax for me which really calms me down, though I am pretty flatline for the rest of the day.

Valium works too.

Worth asking about.

Like Margi says, find your inner Addie calm!

Good Luck!

 

[PrincessFiona60]

Talk to your Primary Doctor today about this and get an order for Xanax. It would be beneficial to you to have it each night until the surgery. This is NOT a failing...it is self preservation, I don't like anything coming at my eyes, either!

 

[GB]

I don't have much to offer other than support, so I will give you that. Also, think about wearing headphones and listening to some music to distract you during the operation. That might help a little.

 

[Claire]

The one thing you have to concentrate upon is ... would you rather be blind, or worry and be be blind, or both, or neither. Zero in on your vision. How will you live without that. I'm all for taking the minimum amount of anesthesia available. But this is a surgery that is very common. Take as least as you can live with. I assume that your regular physician knows what is going on. If you don't like and trust him, change your PCP, then start over. BUT, if you do like and trust him/her, and he says this surgery will be good for you, then go for it. I, personally, would do one heck of a lot to keep my vision going. Just make sure your heart specialist knows what is going on. Otherwise, I'd say, in my very limited experience, go for it. Deep us updated. I don't know how old you are, but I have a freind who lost her vision due to macular degeneration. Seriously, you don't want to go there.

 

[Claire]

Oh, by the way, your eyes are not as sensitive as you think they are. They don't feel as much pain, as, say, the base of your fingernails, a jab to the base of the fingernails can make you pass out from the pain. Eyes? I've had a couple of eye diseases, and there can't be that many pain receptors in them. It's startling more than painful, to have someone dealing with your eyes.

 

[Cerise]

I had cataract surgery on both eyes several years ago. My doctor/surgeon did knock me out. I brought a friend with me, and she ordered them to put me to sleep before they rolled me into the OR. I was that scared. I would get a second Dr's opinion before any surgery. The surgery went fine, no pain, & I couldn't belive how vivid colors were. He did one eye to see close, and the other for distance, & did one eye at a time. I had the surgery very early in the morning, so I could get it over with. Mostly, I slept all the next day. He was also one of the nicest Dr.s I've ever met. He even had his pic taken with me while my eye was still bandaged up lol. Then he give me a free coffee mug with his name and phone # on it. A little weird, but nice. Hope everything goes well. Try not to worry. If you want my Doc's name, PM me.

 

[Dawgluver]

Addie, I had cataract surgery recently. They do give you an IV to help you relax, along with other meds. No needle or knives are used in the eye. It's really a very interesting procedure, with absolutely no pain. It's done in a very short time. Please PM me if you need any further details.

 

[bakechef]

I felt the same way about the dentist. I had a very rough dentist as a child and as an adult, the thought of going to a dentist caused me extreme anxiety. I even passed out in a dentist chair while having a tooth removed that went bad.

One day I had another tooth causing me a lot of pain, and was forced to go to the dentist, and later that day had to go to an oral surgeon, I was extremely stressed, the dentist saw how stressed out I was and gave me a prescription for valium to take before going to the surgeon, this was the best thing that she could have done. After that, I started the journey to get my teeth fixed, using valium to help with courage, I had multiple surgical extractions, teeth rebuilt, and a partial plate. I now have my smile back and I have this dentist to thank for helping me. I no longer need the valium. I just went in yesterday for a filling and was totally relaxed, I couldn't imagine being this OK with going to the dentist 7 or 8 years ago.

Get something to relax you, anxiety like this is not healthy for anyone.

 

[buckytom]

I have the same issue with the dentist and anyone touching my knees.

why does your dentist touch your knees? i think i'd find a new dentist if i were you...



addie, both of my parents have had cadillac surgery, and while both were terrified beforehand, both remarked how easy it was, and how happy they were afterwards.

ask the doc if it's possible to put in beer goggle lenses. thst way everyone looks great at 3am.

i'll say a prayer that all will go well., nonetheless

 

[Addie]

why does your dentist touch your knees? i think i'd find a new dentist if i were you...



addie, both of my parents have had cadillac surgery, and while both were terrified beforehand, both remarked how easy it was, and how happy they were afterwards.

ask the doc if it's possible to put in beer goggle lenses. thst way everyone looks great at 3am.

i'll say a prayer that all will go well., nonetheless

buckytom, I love you. I already have a coke bottle lens in my glasses for one eye. If I cash it in can I get my nickel deposit back? Do I get more for the beer bottle lens? Beer bottle lens would save me money on buying sunglasses. Thanks for making me laugh.

I have an appointment tomorrow with my vascular doctor. My heart surgeon is in the same office and I am going to ask to see him on an emergency basis. then went I get home I am going to call my PCP. I just can't see me staying in this state of upset from now to then.

Thank you to all of you. I have the feeling that I am going to be taking a lot of folks into the OR with me. It is going to really crowded in there. Just don't any of you dare say OOOPS!

 

[taxlady]

Talk to your Primary Doctor today about this and get an order for Xanax. It would be beneficial to you to have it each night until the surgery. This is NOT a failing...it is self preservation, I don't like anything coming at my eyes, either!

This sounds like very sensible advice.

I agree, this is NOT a failing. It's creepy to have things coming near your eyes.

 

[jennyema]

why does your dentist touch your knees? i think i'd find a new dentist if i were you

Well THANKS!!!!

You just cost me a swallow of a pricey restaurant martini and possibly dry cleaning of the bartenders top!!

BWAH!!!!

 

[jennyema]

Addie,

Call the surgeons office and find out what antianxiety protocols they follow. If they don't give you IV Valium, which causes you not to give a ****, then ask about a Xanax or Valium script.

Bakerchef told my story about dentists. I take Xanax for cleanings!

I am NOT an advocate for needless medication but I so TOTALLY understand your upset.

I will not discuss my knees............ But that's happening soon.

 

[Addie]

Addie,

Call the surgeons office and find out what antianxiety protocols they follow. If they don't give you IV Valium, which causes you not to give a ****, then ask about a Xanax or Valium script.

Bakerchef told my story about dentists. I take Xanax for cleanings!

I am NOT an advocate for needless medication but I so TOTALLY understand your upset.

I will not discuss my knees............ But that's happening soon.

I called my son the PA and had a long talk with him. He is going to call my doctor tomorrow as he is my health proxy. He is going to recommend that I be given a mild medication to keep me calm until a later date.

And as for your knees? They are just as pretty as the rest of you.

 

[buckytom]

4 out if 5 dentists agree!


love you back, addie.