Anxiety and Lapro GB Removal
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Anxiety and Lapro GB Removal
| Wed, 01-03-2007 - 1:20am |
I suffer from extreme anxiety/panic disorder and am scheduled to have my gall bladder removed laproscopically on Friday as an outpatient. I get physicall sick for 2 days just leading up to a drs. appt. I have never had surgery before. I was hoping that someone would be able to share the process of what exactly happens from the moment you arrived for the surgery until afterwards. They told me that I will be given a time to be at the hospital and that the surgery should take place 2-3 hrs later. They said that my husband wouldnt be with me for this and I broke down and then the nurse said that they would work with me. The surgery would last about an hour, then I would be in recovery for a minimum of 2 hours and then a minimum of 2 more hours recovering/eating and my family member can rejoin me for this. Ive told the hospital about my panic attacks and they will medicate me after I meet with the anesthiologist. Ive searched the internet on what to expect and have read about after the surgery, but nothing about the process.
Thanks,
Dawn
Thanks,
Dawn

Hi Dawn, I am so glad you posted and are asking for some support!
I had the same type of surgery MANY years ago, when it was still pretty new to do GB surgery without the huge incision...talk about lucky!
I was hoping that someone would be able to share the process of what exactly happens from the moment you arrived for the surgery until afterwards. They told me that I will be given a time to be at the hospital and that the surgery should take place 2-3 hrs later. They said that my husband wouldnt be with me for this and I broke down and then the nurse said that they would work with me. The surgery would last about an hour, then I would be in recovery for a minimum of 2 hours and then a minimum of 2 more hours recovering/eating and my family member can rejoin me for this. Ive told the hospital about my panic attacks and they will medicate me after I meet with the anesthiologist.
You probably have to register at some main desk and then will be told where the outpatient surgical suite is located. You will be asked to remove all clothing, jewelry, etc. and put on a hospital gown. Be sure to leave all unnecessary stuff at home! A nurse will ask you again about any allergies you have and what medications you normally take

<Welcome and glad you are sharing your experience here!
As for when that post was written, since it only gives the time, it was written early this morning. It won't show a date until later, after it has been there 24+ hours.
BTW, I like that phrase at the end of your message. :o)
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<Hi Dawn - as Elise mentioned make sure that you tell them about your anxiety and panic attacks - I'm sure they'll do all they can to make you comfortable.
When I had my GB out the hospital policy was that once you are admitted for outpatient surgery you don't see or talk to family till you are discharged. When I woke up they phoned dh to let him know I woke up
When I had my GB out the hospital policy was that once you are admitted for outpatient surgery you don't see or talk to family till you are discharged. When I woke up they phoned dh to let him know I woke up

<Elise wrote: my lap procedure was very new (1979) and I had a drainage tube sticking out of the incision
It's just amazing what progress has been made in the medical field. 1979 wasn't all that long ago - and it wasn't far before that when
It's just amazing what progress has been made in the medical field.
That is exactly my point! I have older relatives that all were opened from 'stem to stern' and had terrible recoveries to contend with. I was very fortunate that I was (and still am) very slender and the hospital had a surgeon willing to do this 'newer' procedure. Mine was actually done by a pediatric surgeon and I have one incision that is about 1 inch long.
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