I have a condition called interstitial cystitis where ulcers and inflammation occur in my bladder. (It's also called Painful Bladder Syndrome). I have to have surgery every 3 months and each time I get nervous about going under general anesthesia. The nurses and docs are REALLY great about making sure I'm well sedated to ease my anxiety. I tend to get very anxious coming OUT of anesthesia so they give me midazolam before I awake.

I was very honest (and it was obvious) about my anxiety and the team was willing to work WITH me and help ease my anxiety. I hope they can do the same for you!! Just let them know what you need. Good luck in your surgery! Let us know how it turns out!

((((HUGS))))

I'd suggest deep breathing, a cup o' tea, a little meditation, soothing music, an anxiolytic if you have one....just remember: It's almost tomorrow and it will all be behind you soon!!!

have you tried progressive relaxation? it's where you tense the muscles in your body for a wee while and then relax them.... you can start at the top of your head and work down to your toes (at least I think this is progressive relaxation)... I know you can't scrunch your head up but with your face you can....and your neck.. shoulders, etc.....

also do deep breathing exercises.... breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds.... hold for 4 seconds.... release for 4 seconds.... keep repeating.... it will calm you down and if you keep counting it will take your mind off the worry

There is a pressure point on your inner wrist about 1 1/2 inches up from your hand that you can press really hard to relieve anxiety. I use that a lot. I agree with the deep breathing and counting breaths - breath in through your nose 1,2,3,4, hold 1,2,3,4, exhale out your mouth 1,2,3,4, hold 1,2,3,4, repeat several times using full breaths.

I've read that you should journal out your worst fear about the situation, really exaggerating the situation until it sounds absurd, then sit back and laugh at what you came up with. Might be helpful in this situation?

Best wishes - I'm sure it will go smoothly. Have a speedy recovery and let us know how you are doing!! xoxo

Counting sometimes helps me. It's something else for my mind to focus on, and if you pick a number like 20, then each time you count to 20 you focus on relaxing more. Just focus on the numbers, it will help to take your attention away from your anxiety. I hope this is helpful!! ((hugs))

I went through all your going through - waste of time and energy!

The first month sucked too, as they cut me from the belly button down, rare these days...

Life time of female problems GONE!!! Surgery is not 100 years ago, they got this shit down pat : ) ((((BIG HUG)))

this is all good, focus on new sheets and underwear!!! : ) I love when people ask when my last period was and I say Aug 2001!!!!

You WILL DO GREAT - all you have to do is sleep, and they take care of that too! LOL

Gentle hug for you... I missed your post last night but wanted to give you a hug and a prayer....I hope you heal quickly....xo

Hoping you are through your surgery and on your way to recuperating. Take it easy and pamper yourself for a little while.

Sending well wishes.

First I just want to reassure you that your going to be okay even though I know you are anxious and scared. Thankfully this type of surgery is usually done laparoscopic which means there should be no major cutting. I spent two years scheduling this procedure several times a week while working for a ob/gyn office for five doctors and it was a very rare occurrence that I ever heard of any problems.

On a personal note I had to have a total hysterectomy while going through breast cancer due to being at high risk for ovarian cancer and having PCOS. Of all the surgeries I've had done (I'm on number nine right now) this was by far the easiest and less eventful. It used to be a long recovery of six weeks but since they started doing it laparoscopic recovery time is usually only two weeks. Usually you are only in the hospital over night and will experience the minimum amount of pain, I was out shopping three days after mine.

I understand the anxiety you are feeling but I would follow your plan of taking your trazadone at 9:30pm and maybe spend a little time listening to some relaxing music before going to sleep. They will also offer you a anti anxiety med when you arrive so I would go ahead and take it if you are still feeling anxious.

You are in my thoughts and I will be sending good wishes your way.
Big hugs

I hope everything is going well for you now during recovery! Sending good healing thoughts your way!

Okay apparently I did not check the date on the op so I'm sorry my reply came after the fact. I hope all went well and you are on the road to recovery.

HUGS