Scheduled for surgery

[Nancy D]

I have recently been diagnosed with a fusiform annie in my Middle Cerebral Artery. I am scheduled for a bypass on Oct. 31st and am terrified. All I'm able to do is cry. I know there are so many variables, but what can I expect as far as recovery time after I get home? Will I need help? I live alone and have no family.

[Craig]

Hi Nancy

Take a deep breath there are lots around here going through what you are going through. Consider yourself lucky if you have not already ruptured with all the associated problems many of us have struggled along with. Bypass is not a real common surgery around here but there has definitely been some around who have had them. Everyone is different depending on there situations but hospitals do try and move the patient back home asap. I clearly remeber a younger-around 18 or 19- bypass operation patient not too long ago and she was back posting within a week and only complaining of tiredness and the usual headache. Last I saw her she was doing well. She was upset since she could not go back to her sport as soon as she wanted to! I also remember a mid 40s gentleman who was home within a week as well. It's not a race. Listen to what your body tells you about how it is feeling. Please try to remain calm since getting anxious will not do any good! Bypasses and clips are common around here and we constantly see people coming home with releif that they have taken care of a potentially dangerous situation. It's major surgery but no Dr would attempt it if they felt it was not required. Keep upbeat and go just one day at a time. There's lots of family here for you!

Good Luck

Craig

[Craig]

Hey Nancy

Just re-read your post and question about managing at home alone after the surgery. My own opinion is that it's best if there is someone around close or within a phone call close after such a major surgery. It's maybe not a necessity but surely a little support after major surgery just to be cautious could not hurt. Explain your situation to your healthcare and get there thoughts. Perhaps they will take a little longer to discharge if they know your situation. If not even a neighbor or close freind to be close by would help. You don't want to have to push yourself too much. Make sure the health care professionals know your situation. Perhaps there is a community group or organization that could help.

[annie2105]

Hi! My name is Lisa. Last year I had a bypass done too (I was 25 yrs old). I just needed help driving...other than that I mostly slept. I didn't really experieence too much pain after the swelling went down. Possibly you could contact a nearby church before your operation and see if there would be someone willing to help you if you need it...just an idea. We will be praying for you!!Go in there thinking you will live & make it out okay! Blessings...we are always here for you :)

[Nancy D]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll let my Dr. know my living situation. I live in a small community where almost everyone knows everyone else. There are certainly neighbors within calling distance. I'll let them know. Thanks, though I still can't stop crying. I guess I'll just give myself permission to weep.

[collins]

g'day nancy, i live alone and was released from hosp on the w/end
the health system in aussie supplies a nurse to visit me, maybe you can
look into something like that or a good neighbor.
hope everything turns out okay.

god bless jack

[Lyn]

Hey Nancy

It is likely that when you are released from hospital, you will be a little nervous on your own - especially since you will probably be feeling like cr*p anyway.

I know that I was a bit scared when I left the security of the hospital - and I had a clipping not a bypass. Not only that, you will experience fatigue the likes of which you most likely never have before.

So, if you have a friend that can help you it would be a good idea. Other than that, I agree with what the others have suggested. This will be a life changing event, you will be tired and very emotional (although you will be very relieved to have this little monster taken care of).

Please keep us up to date with what is happening with you - know that you have our support and that we care.

Cheers

Lyn

[ChrisC]

Nancy, I will keep you in my prayers........I think the worst thing is knowing that you have an annie and the WAIT time to have it fixed. I waited 4 months between diagnosis and surgery. Keep your mind occupied with trivial stuff - clean out your drawers, cupboards, closets - anything to keep you motivated and busy.

All hospitals have case managers that can totally set up your aftercare. Seek them out when you get there, or before you go in.....it is what they're there for.

One day at a time, stay away from that dark "what if" place and keep reminding yourself that the annie was found before it found YOU. My prayers.

Chris

[cindybear]

Thats a biggy surgery, I just know they will not send you home unless you are on the right track..But I would hope you could have someone with you or checking on you alot for the first couple of weeks..Only because I've read up on it ( thought I was going to have to have that procedure ) but Doc said it was to dangerous foor me to have done..Just know I'll be praying for you and for you to have a quick recovering. Hugs, Cindy

[BAlive]

I wish you the best of luck with your surgery. Stay strong and most of all stay positive. I know it's scary but you gotta stay positive. We all here have been scared and still get scared from time to time. We are all here for you if you need to talk or if you need a bit of emotional support...

[trekker]

My thoughts and prayers are with you. As the caregiver to someone who had a ruptured annie, you are doing the right thing by taking care of it now.

On a practical side, it might be a good idea to stock up on easy to prepare foods. Canned beans, soups, stews, ravioli, veggies and fruit, tuna, chicken, salmon and shrimp.

Boxes of cereal and instant oatmeal. A box or two of instant milk. Several packs of the applesauce cups. Hunts puddings (the kind that don't need to be refrigerated. A few packages of flavored rice and noodles (easy to add a can of meat or fish and canned veggies for an almost instant meal). A day or two before going into the hospital, buy a couple of loaves of bread and freeze them so you'll be able to defrost them as needed in the couple of weeks after you get home. Flavored bottled waters or instant mixes to make your own (Lipton for example). Hot chocolate and flavored teas would be good too.

All of these will keep so you won't have to worry if you are in the hospital for an extra couple of days. You'll have food ready to eat until you get yourself settled back in and get your neighbors and friends organized to help.

[Roguemom]

Hi Nancy ... I have been trying to catch up with the board for a few days now. Your posts pulled at my heart. All the up and down emotions you are feeling are normal. I too am in the So. Cal. area. What hospital are you having your surgery? Mine was at UCLA. The waiting is the hardest. Take time right now to do things that you enjoy. Afterwards do not hesitate to reach out to friends in your community. That was one of the hardest parts for me ... to let others help.

Take Care,
Becky

{who had to re-register and has a new name} :)

[FireflyR7]

;) I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!! I had a rupture in June 05, I had 2 surgeries for stenting & coiling. I was a difficult case and I know how scared you are!! don't be afraid to ask the Dr. for some Xanax to help you get through the anxiety!! I was allowed to take them even the morning of the surgeries, and the test. I know that waiting and anxiety can be the hardest part, so ask your Dr. for something if you need it!! You have got a lot of good suggestions already!! Drinking a LOT of water before and after the surgery are very important!!! Blueberries, dark fruits and veggies are supposed to be the bset for the brain. Stay away from caffien and soda!! You may not have an appitite for a while, I got some veggie crackers, Ice cream and some bland things in the begining. You may not have very good taste buds until you get all the anestetic out of your system. That is why you need to drink as much water as you can!! You should have someone stay with you for a while!! My sis stayed with me if my hubby was gone & a few friends! It just takes the brain a long time to heal and you should NOT do any lifting or anything for quite some time!! You need to rest and sleep as much as you can!! Your brain heals better when you are alseep. :p You need to hve patience and take it slow!! I know it is hard, but all the help you can get from friends and family, the better!! I played a lot of word circle games and hand held poker game... for boardome!! Playing scrabble is supposed to be good to stimulate your brain. I have a long recovery because I ruptures so I am still in recovery.
I will keep you in my daily prayers hun!! I am sure you will do great, just pray about it and you have all of us praying for you!! there is power in prayer and numbers!! Take care and feel free to writie and ask any questions you want, we are all pretty full of answers!! ;) Love Tricia / Firefly :cool:

[Kim/ny]

Nancy, You have been given some great advice with some great ideas. I will only add that my prayers are with you and try to stay positive and don't let yourself stay in that "dark" place as Chris said. Please post when you can to let us know you are well. Take Care, Kim

[pamuk]

Nancy

The advice you have been given is very good so I will only add my good wishes, you will be in my thoughts, and I am sure everything will work out fine. Lots of good wishes

pam from england

[nicd]

You have received wonderful advice from everybody. My thoughts and prayers and all my positive energy are sent to you. I will think of you all day
tomorrow. God Bless!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nic in Canada