ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Cognitive/Emotional Issues => Topic started by: joebloggs on March 04, 2009, 12:18:42 am
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Hi All,
I just thought I'd ask all the posties out there for a few last minute tips for relaxing before surgery. I've been super calm and relaxed pretty much since I found out about the AN but now that I am a week away from my Translab, I think it would be fair to say I am bricking it a little bit! I seem to be thinking about it a lot lately which isn't ideal... Did anyone have any brilliant tactics for putting it to the back of your mind (so to speak!!). The countdown has begun!!!
Cheers
JB
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Knitting! ;D
Steve
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Hi there -
I'd recommend putting a lot of fun things in your life if possible. I had tons of stuff going on with my kids prior to my surgery last summer, and the night before, I went to a ceilidh (celtic jam) and out to dinner with my family. I truly had so much to do that the surgery day just suddenly appeared out of nowhere, but that was OK.
It's fine to think about your upcoming day, but if you find you're obsessing, I'd go with diversion.
Best wishes,
Tamara
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Hi JB! I will be thinking of you over the next week... Stay strong, have fun, and 'dance like no one is watching!'
Please - for those of us not familiar with Aussie talk - "brown underpants?" and "bricking it?"
Every time i run into phrases like this, i have to ask my daughter what it means - she spent a semester in Plymouth, England and can usually 'translate' for me.
All my best - you will do great!
Cheerio! (Do they say that in Australia?)
My thoughts, prayers and best wishes to you and your family!
Can't wait to hear from you in 'postie' land!
Sue
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JB -
I'm five weeks away, and like Tamara I will be filling my life with plenty of Irish music concerts and sessiuns. I'm going to a Berzerkerbeiner cross country ski race and yurt cookout this weekend in the wilderness. And I'm going to museums in NYC in two weeks. My mother's 90th is in nine days, so my brother and his wife are flying in from Austin, TX, to surprise her. My other brother is bicycling across Australia (Tell him Hi!) with is tent and guitar, an annual event, so he'll miss the party. And I'm painting and cleaning the house and doing anything that requires climbing ladders.
Basically, the plan is to stay busy and enjoy life without being exposed to viruses. I took a trip to Roatan in January to allow plenty of recovery from any tropical diseases contracted.
Live large!
Nancy
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JB:
As previous posts demonstrate, increasing nervousness as Surgery Day draws closer is pretty much the norm. Distracting yourself in whatever way works for you is always effective, whether its doing mundane 'busy' work or partying. I would suggest doing anything you really like to do (i.e. physically demanding) that you may have to put on hold for awhile, after the surgery. I also offer our collective support and confidently advise you that 'She'll be right'. :)
Jim
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Well, my diversional tactic pales in comparison to the others already mentioned - but when I get stressed out, I clean. Needless to say, the week before my surgery was the cleanest my house will ever be. :D Would have preferred a trip to Roatan though.
I did go out to dinner with my family and spent extra time just playing with my kids and enjoying them.
The trick is, find whatever makes you feel better - and do that!
Lori
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I'd take Lori's suggestion of cleaning because you will not want to do it for a while aterwards.
Syl
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I spent time walking and breathing in the fresh air. Later, the memories of being outside gave me something to think about when I wanted to focus on something other than reality.
Sally
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I'd take Lori's suggestion of cleaning because you will not want to do it for a while aterwards.
Syl
It's been 2 years since my surgery. Should I WANT to clean my house now? Because I don't really want to. ::)
Lori
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Hi JB,
Pamper yourself big time. Say "I'm worth it.!" We all need to pamper ourselves more. Eat what you want, try to exercise. You may want to do cooking and freeze some for later, if you like to do that kind of thing. It's gonna be OK :) Maureen
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Thanks all!
I had one day last week where I sat like a potato in the easy chair all day and did sudoku puzzles all day... really all day, didn't move. I think it was my head not wanting to face reality and having a little quiet moment! Since then though I've got back on track and I'm ready for Wednesday I think. I'm in Melbourne now, felt a little teary on the flight leaving my parents behind, it all made it a bit more real, travelling to the inevitable. Have been cleaning, knitting, paddleboarding and today shopping. All good! Tomorrow going paddling again, lunch with old school friends, etc etc... got lots planned to keep me busy. I just can't wait till it's over now and I have an idea of the issues (if any) I have to face next. Cross fingers for fabulousness!
JB
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P.S. To put the brown underpants on means that basically I'm pooing my pants and am prepared by putting brown underpants on first! It's just a figure of speech... I'm not really pooing myself!
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P.S. To put the brown underpants on means that basically I'm pooing my pants and am prepared by putting brown underpants on first! It's just a figure of speech... I'm not really pooing myself!
Well, that's a relief! :D Thanks for explaining that amusing Australian idiom for us...and may everything go fabulously from this point right on through to your complete recovery. :)
Jim
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Thanks for explaining that amusing Australian idiom for us...and may everything go fabulously from this point right on through to your complete recovery. :)
Jim
JB,
HI! Thank you for the explanation!
I will send 'good vibes' to you all this week.
In the meantime, enjoy the shopping, paddleboarding, etc!
All my best.
Sue
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Hi Jo.
I kept busy doing lots of fun things, both with my kids and husband and friends. We actually drove to Florida and went to visit my brother and DisneyWiorld three weeks before my surgery; I was lucky enough to get together with a few people from this forum a little less than a week before my surgery; my friends also kept me busy shopping and going out to lunch; cleaning the house was also great for keeping busy and burning excess energy. I'd just crank up stereo and go like a fiend. The house looked better than it had in a long time by the time the day of my surgery arrived. I have to agree with Lori, I don't want to do this anymore, I have better ways to spend my time. ;D ;D ;D
Wendy
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JB,
Good luck with your impending AN treatment. I remember well the last week before surgery. It's hard for your thoughts to be on anything else for long. I agree with the others that diversion is good. Do some of those things that you've been putting off-- like going to your favorite restaurant. I also remember that time seemed to accelerate the last few days before surgery-- I guess I was resigned to the need for treatment, but really couldn't believe how soon it arrived.
You'll soon be a postee, and on the way to recovery.
Regards,
Rob
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Hi JB. I'm not sure if today is your day, but I wanted to let you know I am thinking about you! The first part is done...all that waiting. Good luck! Karen