As a result of having an antibiotic-resistant case of chronic sinusitis, I’m having to get an endoscopic sinus surgery along with septoplasty, turbinate reduction, and a few other related procedures on the 15th….
and my anxiety is going nuts!
As of now, I’ve got severe pressure in my ears causing tinnitus, pressure behind my eyes, headaches, and all-over body aches. All of my sinus cavities are infected or so the CT scan shows- so I know I absolutely need to have this procedure, but I’m so worried!
At 51 years old, I’ve never had surgery before in my life.Never been touched by a scalpel. Essentially… I’ve lived in my safe little bubble all this time without having ever had to deal with anything even remotely close to this- and it’s driving me batty!
I’ve tried going over this with my ENT and even explaining to him that I’m on the spectrum, and but he’s incredibly dismissive.
Is there anyone here that’s got some positive energy they can send my way? Maybe some stories of similar procedures? Some advice? Or at least some reasons why I shouldn’t be so worried? I really could use some reassurance here.
I had almost exactly what you had. The surgery is easy. You’re anxious but as soon as the sedative anaesthesia hits you’re out and wake up having no memory of it all. It feels instant and you then wonder what all the anxiety was for. Seriously, don’t sweat it. You’ll shut your eyes then open them and it will be done.
The hard part is after the surgery, you’ll have some pain, but the meds they give you will blunt most of that. And you’ll feel so relieved it’s over and optimistic about the future that you’ll work through the miscomfort of healing.
Best wishes and please update us when you’re done.
Thank you so much! I’m hoping it’s as easy as you say. I know results may vary person to person, but I’m really hoping I get to be one of the easy ones.
I’ve heard some horror stories.
I don’t know if it’s the same in every hospital, but my experience is that when you get to the hospital, a nurse will talk with you about the surgery plan and your medical background/medication etc. This is the person you can tell about your ASD and ask for some extra guidance if needed. Also be prepared that for a while you might be prepped for surgery without anything to distract you (no phone, headphones or your glasses on) and just waiting, as this is usually the most difficult part for me. One thing that helps me distract myself in those times is to think of a nice story prompt before the day and than try to write that story in my head.
Thank you for the advice. Thats good to know before going it. Oftentimes it’s easier when I’m not surprised by things like this. I greatly appreciate it.