12 days until surgery!
 

I spent Tuesday getting my lab work done in preparation for the BIG DAY. I cried through every test. My EKG came back showing abnormal, so I spent today at the cardiologists office. I go back next Tuesday for a stress test. I think all of these doctor's appointments should be considered a "stress test". One good thing, I got some tranquilizers so am now able to exhale...and hopefully get some sleep.

On October 31st I will be having a Right Temporal Craniotomy, Superficial Temporal Artery to Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass with Clip Ligation of Aneurysm. A friend said I was going a little too far just to get a realistic Halloween costume. I guess I have to laugh to keep from crying. Don't let it fool you, I'm still terrified!:eek:

Has anyone had an operation like this?

I have not had the surgery, but two friends of mine have had craniotomies within the last year. One was a brain tumor and the other was clipping an aneurysm. Unfortunately the one with the aneurysm already had a stroke from the rupture prior to the surgery. I know that you are stressed and afraid, but if you can find any room for feeling thankful, be thankful that they are getting to it before it does damage to your brain. I have watched the recovery time of my friend with the rupture versus those whose hadn't. They had the same scar, but my friend with damage from the stroke still isn't home from a ruptur/esurgery in July.

I am glad they gave you some tranquilizers since you deserve them! Laughing is also good medicine.

Try to keep busy and the time will get here and soon you will be on the other side of this and on the road to recovery!

Hi Nancy
I can only imagine what you must be going through, but try to calm yourself down. Easy for me to say, I know. The waiting is definitly the hardest part and you'll be in recovery before you know it wondering what you were so worried about. I had coiling done after a rupture, and although I didn't have the big build up to it like you, I know all about waiting.
I wish you well on the 31st, and just know that we will all be in there with you in spirit on the day. It's a tough time for you, but you will get through it. Just have faith in your surgeon and yourself.

HI ,I know what you are going through and it should be considered the ultamat stress test . I did not have the bipass but had 2 clips put on the right Middle Cerebral Artery . The out come of the surgery without a ruptchur is a much faster recovery time ,but the stress it puts you under is no piece of cake and it is harded to recover from than the surgery is . I was only in hospital 4 days ,when I came home I did not even need pain meds ,and there were 19 stapels so I know what you mean about Halloween . I am glad to hear you are on some meds to help with the stress hun it realy is hard to deal with but it will soon be behind you, I found that the fear seemed to lessen a few days before the surgery,I think it was because I was so worn out from the stress I was ready . You will be too hun , If you like pm me and I will share what I know in hopes it will help you. God bless (((HUGS))) Snap

OK, you are nearly there so take a deep breath.

Know that we will all be with you in surgery - to hold you hand and cheer you on,

Book yourself in for a relaxation massage, rent a couple of funny movies, have a lovely dinner with someone you really care about. Go for a walk, see some beautiful scenery and start preparing yourself mentally for this challenge.

By the time my surgery came around (although it was more simple than yours is, I was still terrified leading up to it) I was amazingly calm - I put my faith in my doctor and had no doubt that all would be well.

I hope you can reach this level of peace leading into your surgery. Just remember that your doctor wants a great outcome as much as you do.

Take care and spoil yourself rotten - you deserve it.

Lyn :)

I have to agree with all the previous posters..........ONE DAY AT A TIME! Know that they found the annie in order to fix it and make you better. Trust that your surgeon wants you to be well as much as you do! (They like good outcomes!). You're right - the stress leading up to the surgery should be the "stress test". You'll have alot of people in there with you, so know that all of us will be with you in cyber spirit, so make room for us!

I had to wait 4 months between diagnosis and my first surgery, and I had the cleanest closets in town. Make yourself busy, and have faith that it will all work out well. My prayers are with you!

Chris

I know this is the hardest part!!
 

:o Waiting is always the hardest part.You know that you can take a xanax or valium the morning of the surgery!! I did both times and for all my angiograms too! I have had 2 surgeries, I know how scary it is!! I had a rupture too. Mine is a long story!! I take along word circle books everywhere and try to do them while I am waiting! It is nice to have family there, they will let them go in the room with you unil they are ready to take you!! Humor is the best way to deal with this!! We were all feeling the same way you are now, so we really do understand!!! Please come to us anytime!!! That is why we are here!! :) I will be keeping you in my prayers!! I am sure you will do great!! Just pray about it and drink a lot of water before and after your surgery!! Esp. after!!! Fluch all the anesthetic... out of yu faster. Make you feel better too! Take care and keep us posted!! Love Tricia :cool:

Hi Nancy
 

I cannot imagine being in your situation. Knowing you're going to go through this and the anticipation must be terrribly scary. BUT this board is proof that so many people survive and live perfectly comfortable and normal lives. Keep the faith and let it take you where it takes you.

I hope you have a strong family and friend base who are supporting you through this and give you comfort. I was 600 miles away from my immediate family during my surgery, but it was such a sudden thing as well. My boyfriend and sister were there for me and that helped a great deal seeing their faces before and after surgery. Dr's do amazing things these days and although they can't take away your fear, hopefuly they'll fix you up good as new.

Please take care!
Heidi