Pre op Thursday & operation Monday -HELP!

[hardtimes]

OMG i am sat here thinking of all sorts. I am so worried about this operation and how Ruby is going to feel!
I am worried she is going to be in pain or feel some sort of pain. I do not want to pack her things, I have gathered a few of her clothes up to take and even that makes me burst into tears, i feel as though I am packing her life up!
I am freaking out and I don't know what I can do to calm myself. I am trying to think that in a couple of weeks this will all be over with, but what my beautiful happy little girl has to go through before that coupld of weeks is terrifying me. everyone says it will be ok and i am fed up with them saying it. i am very snappy with my family and say how do you know she will be ok, have you got a crystal ball!
I feel dead inside!! any advice?
Jacky

[Janet]

The weeks leading up were the hardest for me. I went to see my doctor, she gave me ativan to take the edge off.
I was the same way as you were, I cried a lot, and was very short fused. I was amazed how fast Fiona recovered. I asked about pain, they told me that they are all about "pain control". You should see what your hospital does for pain control. Although I don't know how much pain they are in, I think they are scared more then anything, and uncomfortable from the swelling.

You will get through this, I promise. :hug

[Orla&Ronan]

Know how you are feeling - we are a couple of weeks from surgery and already very anxious - don't want to think what it will be like nearer the time! Just hang in there - keep thinking of the future and how this will all be over with soon and your little one will, I am sure, surprise you at how well she copes - no hospital will let her be in any pain, they will manage that constantly. Good luck and will be back to get some tips from you when its over and our turn! Take care.

[hardtimes]

thank you to both of you!
Janet - i was prescribed some tablets to take but now found out i am 6 weeks pregnant so cant take them. I was really hoping that would ease the pain!

Orla - i will certainly post on here whatever helped me get through it. i really don't know how i am going to but i suppose as a mum you just have to deal with it!

Dreading every single second until this whole thing is over and done with!

[Janet]

Congrats on the pregnancy

This will be over soon, you won't believe how fast time flies after the surgery, we are celebrating Fiona's 3 year post op on the 26th. I promise you, that the bad memories will fade.

[mumtogeorge]

This will all be over so soon, and all these feelings will go. After the surgery and you see Rubys new head it will be all worth it. You can do this and are so nearly on the other side. Big hugs x

[alimor]

I really wish I could say something to help you but I am waiting too. If I was you I would go back and read through other people`s experiences as I have always found them reassuring. I will be thinking of you and Ruby all of next week. Congratulations on the pregnancy. xx

[Sawyer's_Mom]

I wish I could give you a big hug right now!! What you are feeling is completely normal though. I was so tired of my family and friends telling me everything would be ok. I remember wanting to yell at them. Hearing "it will be ok" from other cranio moms did make me feel better though. You are so close and somehow you will just find the strength to make it through. I actually felt so calm and so much relief the day of the surgery. Try to take comfort in reading the stories on here and take care of yourself and that new little one!! Congrats by the way!!

[ElenasDad]

My wife and I know how you are feeling. Our daughter's pre-op is tomorrow and surgery is on Thursday. Although I can't give any advice from personal experience regarding Cranio surgery, I can only tell you how we are dealing with it. We are doing our best to have faith, both in God and in the competence of the surgeons involved.

At this point, you have done all you could. Although it isn't easy, do your best to leave the rest to those who can do more: the surgeons, nurses, etc.

If you are religious (or if you aren't and want to try something), pray. If possible, find somewhere quiet and private, and talk to God. Sometimes home isn't very quiet or private, so a drive to the park or a mall parking lot is in order. Sometimes I put the cell phone up to my ear so passersby don't think I'm talking to myself :) Explain your fears and feelings. Nothing has to be formal. Just an honest outpouring of feelings.

It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but this has helped me find peace through dozens of difficult and stressful times in my life... like right now. A very good friend of mine who is atheist says it is just my "self power of suggestion". I prefer to believe it is something more. Either way, I always gain a measure of peace for a time. In the meantime, I will pray for you, your child, and your family. Take care.

[Nezzy]

Hang in there. What you are feeling is totally normal. Every child is different, but I can honestly tell you that Nicholas did not have much pain. I know it sounds crazy. And even if your daughter does, they will keep it under control. she is going to amaze you at fast she bounces back.

congrats on the pregnancy!