Few days away from VP Shunt Surgery- Suggestions how to relax? Calm Down?
 

Dear Group,

I am few days away from the VP Shunt surgery and my stress level and anxiety are increasing. I am concerned of the outcome, I am concerned of not coming out better. I wonder how did you handle your days prior surgery, in case you had them when you were adults. If you were little obviously you can't remember. Your feedback is greatly appreciated it.

Hugs,

shunt
 

You worry to much you will be fine

Hi, me again :P

Try not to stress yourself out, you will only make yourself freak out just before surgery.

I had my first surgery when I was a little stinker ;) but when I go in for my revisions now, I go in thinking 'I'm going to come out better than i am going in.'

You will see what I mean, when you come out feeling like a whole new person.
Of course, being your first surgery, you will be a bit tender for a few days to a couple of weeks, and your head may need some getting used to the pressure change. But hey, gives you an excuse to lounge around doing nothing but relaxing :)

Whether things go wrong, we come through stronger. I promise you.
Each time a new problem comes up with me, I go into hospital feeling that little more positive than before. You overcome the anxiety.

If you want something to look forward to, its got to be the anesthetic :P
But if I were you, I wouldnt answer the questions they ask you just as youre drifting off, you may feel as if you are sleeping, but you carry on babbling and saying things you really wish you hadnt said, when youre reminded what you said. Ive said a few things that i will never live down, eg: 'I love Dr.Moore!!' Dr moore, was an old chap, an opthamologist. Just lucky I had chose the guy that wasnt in the theatre at the time!!
Ive learnt to ignore the questions now, just to keep my dignity ;)

Best of luck to you, I wish you world of best wishes and pray for you to overcome this anxiety.
Youre stronger than you think. Most people would bottle the thought of a brain operation, but given the chance to feel better, you have taken it. Believe me, youre strong and youre going to be fine :):grouphug:

Dear Bgus1969,

I open the site and I saw your reply and honestly it made me laugh.
Thanks.:)

Dear Jadiee-X,

Thanks so much for your wonderful and truthful words. All that you said made a lot of sense and gave me a lot of hope. Thanks for telling me that I am stronger that what I think. I see the examples of people here everyday and I wonder if I can be the same way. Thanks a lot. You also made me smile. Both replies made me laugh and smile today and that is priceless. God bless you always. I feel that I can go through it because you guys also did it. I feel that I can go this time, and if needed another and another because we are stronger that what we think like you said. I wish I could keep this feeling and though in my head all the time until tuesday. But if I can't, I will log in again and read your words.
WOW. How inspirational this site is. And how much help you guys are giving me and everybody else that read them. We are afraid, but knowing of people that went through already through the same or even worst stuff , we find, the hidden strenght that will take to the Operation Room.
I don't know your names, neither where you guys are, but I swear, you are a very important part of my days and nights now. And I bet to other people too.
Thanks again. Can't thank you enough. I wish I can help you back somehow.
Many, many hugs and you are in my prayers now and forever.:grouphug:

Hi,
I'm new to this site but, not to Hydrocephalus. I was diagnosed when I was 13 months old, I'll be 23 in Janunary. After reading your post, my heart goes out to you. I don't know what life is like without Hydrocephalus. However, I completely understand your fear. It's very rational because it's new to you. For someone like me surgery means nothing, I'm immune to the idea. However, when you've just been diagnosed it's hard to grasp what is going to happen. Especially for someone who knows what life was like before diagnosis. The truth is, this is a very easy procedure and for a first timer should only take about an hour or so, not much longer. The discomfort afterwards varies from person to person. Your neck is going to feel strange having the tube in it,and it's going to be sore for a few days or so as will your stomach. However, you will feel better without of all the fluid in your head. I know when I've been sick with shunt issues and I wake up from surgeries I'm in little to no pain. All of the pressure has been or is being released and it feels so much better. Just take things one step at a time, it does get better.

first of all are to a veteran to surgery or a newbee?
 

The "veterans" are the ones who go in the hospital too often, but only every few years, my first adult surgery was 2003, I had multiples in 2006, and multiples in 2009. After you have had more than one experience, you get to know the routine, even if the circumstances for the shunt malfunction are a little different. I hope this calms you down a bit, newbee!:grouphug: