How to stay sane?

[Garyosu]

Teagen's surgery is this Tuesday but we leave tomorrow for pre-surgery testing and other preparations. Last night I totally lost it being so worried about what's going to happen. I tried to sleep but kept waking up every 45 minutes or so and I'd immediately start thinking about the surgery.

I've never felt so out of control of my thoughts before. I've read everything there is to know about what they're going to do during the surgery and the risks and recovery involved. Even though I know it's unlikely that anything bad will happen, I still can't help fearing the worst.

I've gotten so much information and strength from this site since April so I figured I'd better come back one more time before surgery and ask - how did you make it through? How did you not go crazy with worry before, during and after the surgery?

Thanks for any advice you have.

[Mgbianco]

I know.....we have 12 days before Angelo's surgery and I can't sleep too. I have headaches almost daily and I also feel sick to my stomach. Its so hard 'cause I have to take care of my 2 year old too.
All I can do is pray every night for my little champ and all the other kiddies that have to do these kind of surgeries.

[andrews mommy]

our surgery is in 3 weeks after a 7 month wait..i cry everytime i think. work was a good way to keep my mind busy until last week when no matter what i said made me cry so i left work went to the dr and they prescribed me anti-anxiety meds which i've only taken twice and only half of 1. It truly does take away the anxious part of the wait and i don't feel drugged. Good luck tuesday everything will be okay..it has to.

[Nichole]

i know everyone says it, but everything will be fine, just have faith in that. get rest now cause recovery will kick your butt if you r not prepared and rested! best of luck! xo

[evergreenmom]

I gained a lot of strength from all of the folks here who got through it before me and shared all of their experiences of success. This place is a life saver in your darkest moments when you just need to vent or take solace in what others can share with you.

I gained the most strength from my son- just looking at him and holding him and knowing what a marvel he is and how strong and beautiful- I just knew he had to be all right and I knew he needed me to be strong. Babies have an amazing lust for life- truly they are all little miracles already- our cranio kids are just extra miraculous- you will see!!!

[MBSzafranski]

We have all been there! I think we were all sure that our kid was going to be the one where something went wrong(I know I was!) but, in the end they make it through and amaze us with their strength!

Something I found that helped: I would countdown until we would be home from the hospital. Instead of saying "surgery is in 3 days" I would say "one week from today we will be home and it will all be behind us." I know it sounds silly, but it really helped me to stay sane.

I will be thinking of you this week! Lots of prayers coming your way!!

[dannlark]

It's just amazing how your brain just takes over on the big day. I felt such a crazy sense of calm that day, like it's just something that we're going to do and all will be fine. Not to say that the handing over part is easy, it's not, in any way, but that calm sense of, OK it needs to be done and we're just a step away from it all being over took over. Adrenaline is a wonderful natural drug and we've all been pumped full on the big day. The whole process once the hand over happens just flies by. You'll see your cutie pie before you know it. Hang in there, it's nothing but a thing and then... the other side!!!! It's beautiful over here!!!! I promise!!

[Davies Mum]

Teagen's surgery is this Tuesday but we leave tomorrow for pre-surgery testing and other preparations. Last night I totally lost it being so worried about what's going to happen. I tried to sleep but kept waking up every 45 minutes or so and I'd immediately start thinking about the surgery.

I've never felt so out of control of my thoughts before. I've read everything there is to know about what they're going to do during the surgery and the risks and recovery involved. Even though I know it's unlikely that anything bad will happen, I still can't help fearing the worst.

I've gotten so much information and strength from this site since April so I figured I'd better come back one more time before surgery and ask - how did you make it through? How did you not go crazy with worry before, during and after the surgery?

Thanks for any advice you have.

It is so good to know that everyone else feels and thinks the same things. Our sons surgery is this Thursday. Good luck for Teagans

[mom2henry]

I'm there with you. I am doubting myself every day when I look at my son's scar-free head. I'm so scared for what's to come and if we're making the best decision for him. I have nothing to offer but empathy and hugs for what you're going through. Best of luck!

~Anna

[Orla&Ronan]

Best of luck tomorrow - know how you are feeling. We were meant to be heading off last Monday but it got cancelled at the last minute (for the second time). Have a constant sick feeling in my stomach and now just want to get it over with. You will be fine - all the other members experience is a great help and you will be advising the rest of us soon. Take care.