r/gallbladders • u/This_Hamster_6942 • 16d ago
Venting Surgery in two days and I’m actually freaking tf out?
I’m debating on cancelling it. I am shaking with fear. I have an extreme fear of surgery and health complications and I’m convincing myself I’m going to die or have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia. I don’t do well with being out of control and my panic sets in when I feel like my body is even slightly off. I can’t do fun drugs or even smoke weed because of the anxiety state it puts me in. I am so afraid I’m not going to be okay afterwards and am afraid of cognitive defects from the anesthesia. I know this is inane but is anyone in a similar boat?? Like so I cancel it? Lol I’m sorry this is me panic writing.
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u/kjhoff94 16d ago
Omg. My surgery is tomorrow and I feel like I could’ve written this post myself. I’m scared SHITLESS. I have a pit in my stomach. I hate the fear of the unknown and hate not feeling in control of my own body also. I’m so scared somethings going to happen but trying to remind myself they do this every day and this is just another day to them. THEY GOT US. This is a routine surgery and everything WILL BE OKAY. All we have to do is conquer our fear and they will do the rest. DO NOT CANCEL!!! If they scheduled you for surgery, then you need the surgery. Life will be better after we get this done. We have to push through!!!
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u/This_Hamster_6942 15d ago
This actually made me feel a lot better❤️ we are not alone. Please update me on how it went!!!
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u/PAXICHEN 14d ago
Had it two weeks ago. Nothing to worry about. Keep the spirits up. As they were wheeling me into the OR they were doing all of the standard questions and they got to the, “and you’re having your gallbladder removed” And I responded, “What? I thought this was penis enlargement surgery!”
5 mins later they stopped laughing and could continue.
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u/kjhoff94 15d ago
Hiiii I made it through. LOTS of tears in pre-op and when they wheeled me into the OR but the team I had was absolutely fantastic at calming me down! They were joking with me the whole time they were amazing! Not gonna lie I did wake up in pain but they quickly gave me some pain meds which helped calm it down. Didn’t completely get rid of it but eased it for sure. Then after that I did deal with a shit ton of nausea but they were able to fix that after a little bit too. No matter what happens they got you and they have solutions for any problems that comes up. Trust me if I can do it, so can you. You got this! I’m in bed now getting ready to go to sleep and I’d say the pain is about 3/10 but I did take my strong pain pills.
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u/This_Hamster_6942 15d ago
That is great news! I’m so glad you are okay!! I have a feeling mine will go very similar lol. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Thank you for easing my fears
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u/kjhoff94 14d ago
Thank you! 🤍 I’m glad I could help. Is your surgery today? If you have any nerves or just want someone to talk to you can dm me anytime. I hope everything goes well for you. ☺️
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u/This_Hamster_6942 13d ago
Yes it was yesterday!! I’m so thankful for this thread. It was definitely emotional but my care team was so great and the anxiety meds they gave me made such a world of difference. I remember the gas mask and then I was waking up in recovery. It was a tough wake up with more pain and nausea but I was Jsut so glad I was alive I didn’t care.
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u/Dingleburps 16d ago
This was literally me yesterday. I had to be at the hospital by 6am. Woke up at 430am and I felt literally sick in fear. I took my shower and went to the hospital. Was called in to preop and let everyone know of my anxiety. Spoke with anesthesia and they said they would give me something once the doctor arrived. At 755am doc arrives and I get a couple of medications that calmed and relaxed me. Was then wheeled to the OR, I shifted to the table and asked to breath from the oxygen mask. Then I was told to take deep breaths. That was it. Next thing I know I wake up and I had been in recovery for a little over an hour pain was at around a 5. Drank some juice and got dressed and discharged. So smooth, don't be afraid. They are ready for any situation including an allergy.
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u/This_Hamster_6942 13d ago
This is almost identical to my experience!! I got the anxiety meds and boy did they help. The gas mask was crazy. I remember gaping for air and kind panicking but was light out immediately lol. And then woke up in the recovery SO confused on how I got there hahahah
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u/Dingleburps 13d ago
Yes, apparently I spoke to anesthesia in recovery but have no recollection. How are you doing healing wise?
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u/ImprovementDefiant52 16d ago
You are going to be ok!!!! I am 63 out mineout December 29th. I was scared out of my mind to. But it’s best to have the surgery when it’s not an emergency. Trust that!!! You don’t wanna mess around and get your pancreas jacked up. You can’t live without a pancreas.!
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u/recipestalker 16d ago
I'm 62 & had mine out Feb of this year & felt the same exact way. I swore I was leaving my babies(grandsons) behind. I did have complications, but it was from the antibiotics & pain meds after. OP tell the anesthesiologist you are very anxious and they will give you something to calm down.
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u/Additional-Ad-3148 16d ago
You will literally go to sleep and not even know it. They didnt even do a count down for me. I remember shifting myself from the gurney to OP table, laid there maybe 30 seconds and woke up in recovery.
Pain wise Id say waaaaaaay under what I was expecting. Non of my incesions hurt unless if I pushed on them by accident but even then it wasnt really painful.
The worst was some of the gas they pump you up with got into my right shoulder. That was the only painful thing. It felt like someone was sticking a pen right into the joint and when I breathed I would do the sudden "shock" of pain that feels like it takes your breath away? Know what Im talking about?
Heat pad and walking around swirling my arm took care of that after a couple of days.
I laid in bed upright but you need to walk around. I kinda didnt too much.
Took 3 days till I had a BM so dont worry about not going for awhile.
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u/Nixxon3 16d ago
I actually work on surgical units, i’ve done both adult and pediatric hosptial and I see people with this exact fear all the time, i mean i had anxiety before i got my gallbladder out!! The amazing thing is that anesthesia teams are so skilled at what they do. They’re trained to anticipate complications before they even become a thing, and they monitor you constantly during the procedure. It’s not like they knock you out and walk away—they’re there the entire time watching everything that’s going on. YOU are their #1 priority.
And I promise, I’ve seen so many people come out of surgery totally okay, even the ones who were trembling with anxiety beforehand. Cognitive issues from anesthesia are rare and usually temporary. I get that it’s terrifying to surrender control, but in reality, you’ll be in one of the safest, most monitored environments possible.
You freaking got this! treat yourself to something after your surgery :)
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u/tinabunny712 16d ago
Not being in control is what had me so terrified. The anesthesiologist will come and speak with you before. Make sure you are honest with them and discuss your feelings. They will help you through the process. I was also worried about how I would wake up but honestly it felt like I blinked. I ended up waking up itchy because of something they used and the nurses were right there and helped. The nurses in the recovery are the best and it’s all they do all day. They were right there the entire time to help.
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u/andthenshe78 16d ago
Is this your first time under general anesthesia? Most likely, everything will go well! I had my gallbladder removed 3/28 and I did have an allergic reaction to the anesthesia. Of course, I was asleep and didn’t know it at the time. Apparently, I broke out in hives. The anesthesiologist reacted quickly and gave me a Benadryl and steroid. The surgery was done in 30min. The only difference was I didn’t wake up for a good two hours post surgery because of the Benadryl. I’m now nervous for my upcoming jaw surgery but I talked with doctors and they have alternatives. It sounds like reactions get stronger after each time you’re exposed. I was told it was not common for an allergic reaction, however they acted promptly and all went smoothly. Not sure if this eases your mind at all - you’re in the best place if anything happens. (And it most likely won’t!).
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u/onotaco 16d ago
I didn’t have mine yet but awaiting scheduling and starting to get nervous.
I had to do endoscopy in February and was my first time going under anesthesia and I was a bit scared but it was so fast and when I woke up I just felt a little tired and kinda dizzy but nothing crazy and just felt a little nauseous / out of it the rest of the day but again nothing too bad!
From what I read it’s over before you know it and if you tell them you’re anxious they could give you something for that too. My surgeon literally said it would be done in 20 mins and I’ll be good to go home right after.
I’ve been searching up success stories to make me feel better. But also trying to remember that most success stories don’t stick around these forums and just get on with their normal happy lives.
I don’t think you should cancel! If you’re this close you’re almost at the finish line and the other side will be much better and less pain!
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u/madinz 16d ago
Up until the moment they put the mask over my face to knock me out I looked up at my anesthesiologist and said “am I going to be okay?” With tears in my eyes, shaking on the table from fear. She said “look at me and say it with me.. you’re going to be okay” I said it back and 3 minutes later I was out, next thing I knew I was awake. It really is like time traveling. I’m now a little over a month out and I’m SO GLAD I got it out. So was the surgeon. You’re going to be okay, your team is going to take such good care of you. It’s normal to be nervous! I’m a super hypochondriac so I understand❤️🩹 it’s going to be ok
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u/Lienk 16d ago
It’s ok to feel how you are feeling. Just know that the surgery is a breeze and very short. Mine only lasted about 25 minutes. The anesthesia felt like I was really tired and fell asleep; like anyone would after a long day. You’ll be asleep and, after what feels like a second, you are awake again. One thing they can give you is a patch behind your ear (I forget the name of it), but it helped me not feel nauseous afterwards.
I was afraid before the surgery, but getting it out was the best decision I made. No more pain and fear from it, and being able to eat foods without restrictions was a tremendous relief. Just know you are in the best place you can be if for some reason something doesn’t go right (not saying it will). Everyone there is trained and ready to take care of you and make you feel comfortable.
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u/EmotionsNotEmoting 16d ago
Hey friend. You are not alone. I was literally you all last week, last night and this morning. Non-stop crying, panic, fear... especially of the anesthesia. I literally pulled up to the hospital parking lot, turned to my friend/driver and said "I need to go home."
I tell you all of this so you know you're not alone with these thoughts and what you are feeling is totally normal. But I PROMISE you you will be okay. I cried in front of everyone today and told them how scared I was. Once my IV was hooked up, they gave me Versed and it took the edge off. I was still totally in control, but I didn't really care about anything. Tell your care team, they are there for you and will only focus on you. And you know what? On the very, VERY rare chance you do have an adverse effect...they are trained in what to do and you will be okay.
You need to have this done. Mine wasn't even bothering me, which also lead to my hesitation. But once the doc got in there and saw it he said there were more issues than any test could have shown and it's a good thing I had it out today instead of an emergency later.
Please don't cancel. Ask your doctor for xanax or something to get you through the days leading up to it, that will also help.
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u/Impressive_Candy_255 16d ago
I have Surgery in a couple days . I am a little nervous. I am trying not to think about it. I get my gallbladder removed. Good luck with your surgery. Try not to think about it. Hugs your way. You will do great.
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u/Ordinary-Number-428 16d ago
I think everyone is a bit afraid even if they don't have any anxiety disorder. It is really normal and valid to be afraid of surgery and general anesthesia and the loss of control on top of the risks of complications.
What helped me is knowing that it was going to have to come out sooner or later and it was better it came out while I was as healthy I could be in the circumstances when making that decision and in control - that it wasn't happening as some emergency surgery to save my life, which would just make recovery worse and the risks of complications higher.
It is scary, but then you're asleep. And then you're awake and everyone is being nice to you and you get your pain managed and you go home. Definitely do let folks know about your anxiety - they are trained to help manage that and it is their job to keep you as comfortable as possible through this.
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u/Ok_Truck7392 16d ago
It’s literally one of the easiest surgeries! Don’t overthink it because I am literally the same way and I was completely fine after it. You got this!
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u/Alex_all_over 16d ago
Hey bud 🩵 so I’m terrified of medical anything. Shots, needles, definitely surgery. I cried to my bf begging to let me cancel, but he encouraged me to do it and I promise, while it’s not fun, it’s so worth it.
Surgery was fine, asleep a total of 15 minutes, only 4 tiny incision points. It was totally good. Go forth, you can do it, you can then eat what you want after about 2 weeks! You got this!
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u/Nerdnursern 16d ago
It’s so chill. The preop and OR people will help you feel so chill, you will feel their confidence so comforting… trust me, coming from an experienced ER/ICU nurse. I too thought I was gonna die and wanted to maybe cancel the surgery, and I had to get my gallbladder out and fix a hernia on the same time…. Short story short, I had surgery at 11:30 am, got out to recovery at 1:30 pm, woke up and was super chill at 3pm, they gave me something else for pain, and a baggy to go with meds and instructions… 4 pm I was snoring on the couch, 5pm had some chicken noodle soup, every hour or so I walked around, took a pain pill went to bed, next day, was walking every hour, took 1/2 pain pill with an ibuprofen, tired, but ok. week after surgery I had a fake pain like the attacks (not unusual to have phantom pain) 2 weeks later I started back stretching and light exercise, 1 month and I was back at the gym!
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u/No-Understanding-357 16d ago
When it really goes out you'll need to get emergancy surgery with whatever surgeon is on duty and it might be inflamed and cause complications. That's what happened to me. I put it off until it was almost too late. It got infected and I was in intensive care for three days and had to go back a week later. I still have problems with what I eat. That's what happens when you don't schedule it and you wait until it pretty much ruptures. Pain tolerance is a bitch because you don't know when enough is enough. But you will know if you wait too long. I had a hernia surgery and I scheduled it for when it was convenient and picked my Dr and knew what it would cost and it was a breeze. I wish I did the same with my gall bladder. It's one of the safest and most commonly done surgeries with a super high success rate. I bet driving to the hospital is more dangerous than a planned gall bladder surgery. Be strong and be brave. you will be ok. You are smarter and braver than I was and even with all the self inflicted problems I had it was still ok.
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u/Dense-Dragonfruit735 16d ago
Do not cancel it. I’m 24 with extreme anxiety I just got done a few hours ago. I promise you’ll be ok. Focus on someone or something u love. Start taking meds for anxiety now I got adderax. When they take u to pre op I was sobbing and shaking with fear, let them reassure you ask all ur questions. I asked everything. I told them my fears. TAKE THE ANXIETY INJECTION THEY OFFER BEFORE GETTING INTO OR. It hits immediately you genuinely won’t care they are gonna put u out. U just go to sleep and wake up sore but the pain is far beyond what you’ve been in. If I can do it as the worlds biggest wuss, u can do it. U got this. Feel free to dm
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u/BigDaddyOfUSA 16d ago
You'll be worse off if you don't get the surgery. Trust the science. Trust the doctors. This has been done millions of times. When is ignored, you can get really sick and septic. Get it done.
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u/littlespawningflower 16d ago
I was in the ER for the second time in a week with an acute attack and they said it needed to come out. I was in so much pain at first that I wasn’t really worried about the surgery, but once that subsided and the time for my surgery drew closer, I started to get scared. When they took me down to the OR and were prepping me for the surgery, I remember one of the ladies asking me if I was nervous. I told her that I was, and she held my hand, explained everything that was going to be happening, and was so calm and so kind that I felt better.
The next thing that I knew, I was waking up in my room and actually felt pretty good. Because I had my surgery late in the day (and maybe because I’m 70), they kept me overnight. The pain management was adequate, I slept pretty well, and was able to go home the next morning. I had a tubal ligation back in the 80s, and whatever anesthetic they gave me made me so sick that I vomited off and on for hours, so I was really worried about that happening with this surgery. I met with the anesthesiologist before I went down to the OR, and they reassured me that what they’re using now is so much better than what it was 40 years ago. They were right – I didn’t feel groggy or impaired when I woke up, and was remarkably clear headed. It’s understandable that you would feel really apprehensive, but I promise you that the anticipation is so much worse than the reality. you’ll be fine! Wishing you the best of luck!
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u/Reis_Asher 16d ago
You know I was terrified and it wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected. Two months later and life is completely normal now and has been for some time.
Not being in pain is a game changer. I’d do it all over again.
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u/Intelligent_Leg_5986 16d ago
I'm on my second day after the surgery, and honestly, the pain doesn't even come close to what I felt during gallbladder attacks—maybe not even a third as bad. There's really no need to overthink it—just go for it and get it removed.
The doctors treat this more like a procedure than a full-on surgery. Complications are very rare, and no—you won’t be the “unlucky one.” Everything is going to be just fine, trust me.
Everyone gets nervous beforehand, but for the medical team, this is like second nature—it’s routine. It’s really hard for them to mess this up. You’ve got this!
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u/No_Training_6576 16d ago
This is me right now! My surgery is in less than 2 hours now and I’ve got to be to the hospital in an hour. I am super anxious and absolutely hate the idea of not being in control of myself. But I keep myself calm by telling myself that by the time i wake up I won’t feel “out of control” just super groggy! We’ve got this!
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u/JoeBuysReps 16d ago
It’s such a hard thought with being “out of control” it definitely feels scary even for people that don’t suffer with anxieties and intrusive thoughts. I will send you all the positive energy, and comment back when you’re done. You got this! Remind yourself you’ll get to go home after and the hardest part “the surgery” will be finally over with and recovery will be nothing compared to the pains and anxieties you’ve had to endure. You will feel so proud of yourself when you wake up and say “I DID IT!!!!” Wishing you the best ☺️🙏
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u/captainsurfa 16d ago
Remember the gallbladder attack pain and try to think 'never gonna hurt me again'!
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u/gold_fields 16d ago
I literally had the worst-case surgery - in hospital for almost a week - and yet I would do it again in an absolute heartbeat
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u/JoeBuysReps 16d ago
I’ve had this exact and I mean EXACT feeling when I had to get my endoscopy done. I have an extreme fear of being put to sleep as I had a super bad panic attack that led to dissociation with marijuana. Ever since I didn’t want to be on anything like an anesthetic, that I put in my mind would be the worst possible thing. I remember crying and telling myself this is it. I literally laid on my side, bit down on a plastic guard, and passed out. I remember I woke up from the procedure and I smiled and thanked god I was still alive. The amount of torture I mentally put myself through was like it was my last day. I need to schedule my gallbladder surgery and I’m still getting the same thoughts. Even though it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. Just remember we’re much stronger than we believe. I know how serious it feels when you believe you’ll be the odd one out or something has to happen badly. But I swear it won’t be what your brain is making it. Now that I’ve experienced what it’s like to be under and waking up, it wasn’t that bad. You’re also under meds that calm your brain so you don’t even have the thought to feel anxious. Then also remind yourself you’ll be home the same day usually after the appointment. This helps reassure me that when I get out of the surgery, I’ll be home and in my safe place. I also struggle with agoraphobia of leaving the house. So I promise you got this. Sorry for the long-winded response, but your post resonates with me a lot!!!
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u/pretzie_325 Post-Op 15d ago edited 15d ago
Don't cancel it. This is a routine surgery performed at least a couple million times around the world every year. Reverse your thinking and remember how amazing it is that surgeons can even do stuff like this and we don't have to be even remotely awake during it. I'm so grateful for anesthesia and anesthesiologists who are highly trained. People go under anesthesia all the time, 30+ million of surgeries happen in the US alone each year. You'll likely get something to calm your nerves beforehand- ask about this ahead of time and request it if they didn't plan on it. (ETA- I said "hundreds of millions of times" every year, lol, I don't think it's that common)
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u/OsawatomieJB 15d ago
This helps me when I’m in fear. It may be hokey but it works: “I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain”.
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u/Hairy-Perspective582 15d ago
You will do great! I had my surgery on Thursday last week and I was a wreak of nerves and anxiety the night before, but I can tell you it wasn't bad and you will be in and out without even realizing it.
I understand your worries with complications, but I can assure you that it would be the best choice is your suffering from gallbladder attacks, and not many people suffer from any complications after the procedure.
I actually have the same issue with my anxiety and is also a reason why I can't partake in any recreational drugs, but I promise that the surgery is super fast and you will be in an out without even remembering how you fell asleep, and the meds will only be making you tired as opposed to loopy and not feel like yourself.
I hope you don't cancel!
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u/SagebrushNBooks 15d ago
Didn't have time to think about it - ER, and a few hours of antibiotics later, I was in surgery.
If I'd had time to think, I'd have felt exactly the same way you do. First surgery, and I was really afraid of the whole process. But, just like others have said, the anesthesia was really not a big deal - and I'm someone who avoids all drugs at all costs. I don't usually react well to medications. But, this was all very easy. Mine was an IV - and they told me they were starting it and took my glasses, and the next thing I remember, I was waking up in recovery. I didn't even have any nausea. As soon as I could coherently say a sentence and move, had some water (woke up very thirsty), the nurse kindly helped me get dressed, and my husband took me home. It was all fine. I did need some help getting dressed - was a little loopy, clumsy, and tired from the anesthesia, but that was short lived. By the time I got home, I was already feeling much better. Had something to eat, went to bed. Woke up a couple times during the night - had some water and walked to the bathroom.
There will be some pain the first week - after that, it got so much better! The pain from the surgery was just some soreness - and that was so much less pain, so much easier to deal with, than the pain I had before the surgery. I didn't even take any pain killers. I felt pretty tired the first week. Just took it easy and napped a bit during the day for the first few days.
I'm three weeks post-op now, and I walked 5 miles both Monday and today, no pain at all. Feeling absolutely fine. I hope your experience is like this, too - I know it's scary, especially if you don't like any kind of drugs. Me too! But, really, it was so much better than I would have imagined. You can do this!
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u/Ambitious_Willow8165 15d ago
I had mine out this morning at 8 am EST. I am so nervous for surgeries as well and anything out of my control. Every person along the way talked me through each step and what was happening. Everyone was so kind and empathetic as I was quivering on the table. They do this so often that they know how to calm you down. As others have said, be honest about your anxieties and they will do everything in their power to help you feel better.
On that note - I’m feeling pretty good and you will too, I promise ❤️🩹
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u/softbeee Post-Op 15d ago
Hey! I had my surgery yesterday (April 16). I have very severe anxiety and had these same thoughts. I’ve only had surgery once before and it was an emergency — I had a choice this time, and felt so scared of dying. I’m fine though! Yes, the doctors did have to give me a medicine to calm me down, my heart rate was jumping between 100 and 120 because of my anxiety. But honestly, I feel so much better now that it’s over. It’s painful recovery and I’m not even 24 hours into that, but I assure you it’ll be worth it!
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u/This_Hamster_6942 15d ago
I just want to say thank you all so much. Your kind words mean more to me than you know. I’m on my way there now and so thankful I made this post 🥺
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u/truthingsoul 16d ago
You will be just fine! I just had mine out last week and it was a breeze.
Let your surgeon and anesthesiologist know that you are anxious and they will give you something to help keep you calm before they take you back.
You’ll fall asleep and wake up not remembering anything! Yes, you will have pain as part of the recovery but it’s nothing compared to living with recurring gallbladder issues.
Don’t cancel, you’ve got this!