Help im so scared?

Question

i have to get surgery on my thumb wednesday and ive never had surgery before im so scared can you help me

Answer 1

Surgery like this is a very minor one so there is nothing to be afraid of.

I had seven stitches put into one of my fingers once, because I slipped with an exacta knife. The doctor used a local anesthesia, Novocain which made the entire finger numb. I couldn't feel a thing. I remember that Hotel California was playing and he commented that at least he had some good music to listen to while he was working.

I don't know how complex your surgery is, but it will probably be similar to getting stitches (at some point the doctor will have to sew it closed). Your finger will be numbed so much that you won't feel a thing, and you won't have to watch the operation if you don't want to. If at anytime you feel any pain then tell the doctor and he will add some anesthesia.

There are very few risks with using a local anesthesia. The doctor is a highly skilled surgeon who has been through operations like this before so he knows what he is doing and he won’t make any mistakes. Keep this in mind and don’t try asking the doctor, that will only make him an you nervous. The surgeon has been through years of schooling, years of practice, and he has a complete understanding of what is going on. You are in safe hands. Keep thinking this; don’t dwell on the bad things that happen that will only make you more nervous. Bad things can always happen, but doctors take their time and get all their training to avoid these problems and to minimize them if they should occur. Have faith in his skill and confidence.

To handle fear there are several ways:

Tell the surgeon that you are nervous before the operation. He will probably tell you to not worry. Ask him to explain what is going to happen, but you may want to tell him to not be gory. You can tell him that you are going to use a relaxation technique and then tell him which one.

One good way is to try a relaxation technique during the surgery. Take a mini vacation in your mind. Thing of the most relaxing place you can think of, like the sunny beach, or a cool relaxing meadow. Close your eyes and just let yourself go. Feel the sun on you, and let that warmth spread throughout your body and melt any fear. Listen to the breeze and feel its cooling effects on you. Feel the warm beach on your skin, or the cool grass. Let it take all your concern and worry away. Just let it flow into the ground and out of your body.

Do you have any music or an album that is full of relaxing tunes? You can use these to help you relax and use visual imagery (like I described above) to take you to a calm place. You could bring a tape, a CD or program your I-Pod or your MP3 player. If you tell the doctor what you are doing before hand then he will understand and won’t think you are crazy.

I would want to know what he is going to do, that helps me, but you are probably different. I would want to watch, but you may want to look away. A cool washcloth on your face (an over your eyes) can help. It will let you concentrate on something else.

When I relax I like to make up a story, or remember one of my favorite stories. I put my mind on the characters, the plot, and what can happen. Before I know I have taken my mind off the trouble. Find out what you like and work on that. Maybe you have a term paper due soon; so think about that, it won’t be all that relaxing, but it will take your mind off the problem. If you like painting then think about your next painting. What colors are you going to use? What scene do you want to paint, and what will be in it? If you do something you enjoy or just think about it then the surgery will be over before you notice it.

I have a disease that causes me a lifetime of chronic pain so I know a little about this area. The best way to avoid feeling pain is to do something that you enjoy, and concentrate on that. Distraction is the best way to endure something painful. You don’t really need to be there for the operation only your thumb. Of course you can’t take your thumb off, but your mind doesn’t have to be there on the operation. Send it off on an expedition that makes you happy.

Answer 2

Aw...I'm sorry. While surgery obviously isn't on anyone's list of fun things to do, it's not but so bad - particularly if its a minor surgery. I've had - sheesh I don't even know how many surgeries I've had in my life major and minor. But here is something that may make you feel less stressed. The anesthesia part is kind of fun ---they give you a drug to relax you before they put you either totally or partially under ---and its well just so relaxing - and when you wake up -you're not in pain but a little disoriented because you don't remember one dag gone thing. I just think that is kind of cool. By the time all the meds have worn off, you will already have other meds to control any pain you may be having....so like I said it is by no definition fun...but it isn't that bad---I think its one of those "beats the alternative" things. I can't tell from your question how serious your thumb surgery is...who knows, they might just give you a local anesthesia---but honey you will be okay and better than fine in no time at all. Sending you all my positive energy...

Answer 3

I have had to have many surgeries. I wish mine were as simple of a thumb. I have a disease in my uterus that requires frequent surgeries. Depending on MANY things, you have nothing to be worried about. If they give you a full anesthesia, you will be knocked out cold and not even know whats going on. You may be a little nauseous when you wake up. But that passes after an hour or two. Remember that YOU ARE WITH DOCTORS. They are trained to do this. You are in the best place to EVER have anything done. Whats wrong with the thumb? If its bone surgery, which, is another one I have unfortunately had, its a painful recovery but worth it. Your having surgery as a last resort. They dont just hand out surgery like candy. Its really not as bad as it sounds. Your really just taking a nap, having some work done, and waking up with a sore thumb and slight stomach ache. Some people even vomit after surgeries, which is NORMAL as an after effect of the anesthesia, but I never have. And I have stomach thats dangerously weak. I get car sick watching video games. I hope everything works out ok. Its really not that bad, I have so many surgeries. Its OK to be scared. I am always scared. But when you come out of it, your like, that wasnt so bad. Feel free to email me if you have any other questions of if you would just like to talk about it. Good luck

Answer 4

i never had surgery but if u request to put u to sleep they could sometimes they do the surgery when u are awake and they might use something to numb your thumb if ur not scare of blood and for the surgery it not going to take that long maybe a hour or 2

Answer 5

Do not be scared. I have had major surgery, and I am fine. Modern medicine is more advanced and safer than it has ever been. Talk to your surgeon before-hand, and tell him/her how you feel. Almost certainly, he or she will reassure you, and you will feel better. Doctors are some of the most highly trained and educated professionals in society. You are in good hands.

Also talk to people who you trust, and who love and care about you. That always helps a person get through stressful times.

Answer 6

It will be ok. Hand surgeons are very skilled and will make a point to, first, keep you pain free and safe during the operation and second, fix and fix well whatever the surgery is for.
Speak to your doctor, explain your concerns: he or she will help and talk you through your misgivings.

It's gonna be alright and you'll have a better thumb!

Answer 7

Rememer that you're only getting your thumb worked on. I mangled my thumb and also had to get minor surgery on it. It was quick and very easy. Don't worry about it you'll be home before the sun sets.

Answer 8

Think of going in for neuro surgery where they open up a portion of your head and you might live or you might not...now doesn't a little local pin stick on your thumb sound easy!!!! "YOU CAN DO ETE! Breeze

Answer 9

do not be scared. just try and relax. I just had back surgury on nov 7th and it was also the first time i have ever been in the hospital. I was scared to death too but it was really no big deal. you won't remember anything. There may be pain after but they will help control that to the best of there ability. Good luck and everything will be all right

Answer 10

dont be scared my cousin had to get surgery in her mouth it hurt for about a day or two but she was fine. Dont worry about it.