Rick's Journal

Klara Čičić  I think it's perfectly normal. Perioperative mortality of these procedures today is really low, less than 2%, surgical teams involved in cardiac surgery are expirienced people who know what they are doing... Getting outside and driving a car is maybe a bigger risk I tell that to myself to aleviate anxiety, it helps a little. Major argument which almost beats anxiety is - this surgery will help you feel better, it will make you healthier and extend your life! Without it, heart faliure is certanty.

Richard Munson  I was a nervous witch up until they stuck the needle in so its easy for me to say read a lot, think about something else etc. the bottom line is you are normal to be nervous and lets face it, scared. Its the elephant in the room. My surgery was right after xmas and at a family function i sat in the corner like a stump. Klara is right about the odds being in your favor but in my case i kept thinking what if i am one of the 2%. After all, someone is. Even your last name spells caffeine, which adds to nervousness. Until the date and you are in recovery and celebrating the victory, lets call you decaf as a calming effect. We are all pulling for you so good luck on the 10th. Sorry about the coffee line. Lol. 

michael swarzman  I asked the same question of my surgeon yesterday as my surgery is aortic valve replacement is October 11th:  he was resoundingly positive in his response.  To paraphrase him, no one wants surgery, and this is major surgery, on your heart, it is completely natural to have this response as surgery approaches.  So, Rick, I'm with you:  I think your response is the norm for most people.  Sending you very good thoughts!

Sandy Harvey  Very Normal to feel fear and anxiety. But think of how good life is going to be in a few months. Keep positive thoughts ... goes a long way

Rose Madura  Yes, it is normal. But trust the doctors because they do this every day and even if there are complications (I had many), they know what to do.  Godspeed.

Pamela Gregory  I think I am "normal" and I am scared to death! I think it would be extremely unusual if anyone didn't feel this way. It helps to hear other people share their success stories the most for me

Rita Savelis  Everything is normal. You are normal. You are responding to a difficult situation and this is human. One day at a time. I'm sorry you have to go through this. It's hard and scary and there is much one can not control. But one day at a time and you move forward. Please continue to express all that you feel. It can be very liberating to be honest. Take care.

Claudia Kwalbrun  I feel the same anxiety but I am telling myself Over and over that I have a great surgeon and I am going to be OK. Positive vibes is really helping me. My surgery is October 18

Steven Methot  Rich, I have been living with the possibility of surgery for over a decade now and even with that amount of time I am still nervous, more so now that it is becoming a reality.  Nervous is too mild a term.  I am best with anxiety over it.  But I talk about it and it helps.  It really does.  I avoid those in my circle who are all "It'll be okay"  I kinda know that.  Maybe that's what the women folk mean when they get upset at us guys for solutioning.  I prefer people who will sit with me in the worry and hear me out and not offer platitudes but be with me.  Talking it out helps.  I hope you have friends or family like that.

Steven Methot  Rich, I have been living with the possibility of surgery for over a decade now and even with that amount of time I am still nervous, more so now that it is becoming a reality.  Nervous is too mild a term.  I am beset with anxiety over it.  But I talk about it and it helps.  It really does.  I avoid those in my circle who are all "It'll be okay"  I kinda know that.  Maybe that's what the women folk mean when they get upset at us guys for solutioning.  I prefer people who will sit with me in the worry and hear me out and not offer platitudes but be with me.  Talking it out helps.  I hope you have friends or family like that.

Rita Savelis  I second Steven's post. I certainly did not need anyone to say "You'll be fine", "You've got this" or "Everything will be alright". I needed them to sit with me in the dark difficult moment and acknowledge it. Of course this is more difficult than saying it will be alright. I feel for you. It's hard. I guess I shouldn't mention that pre-surgery anxiety often turns into post-surgery anxiety. But then days, weeks, months, years later (7 for me) it's easier.  Take care Rick, take care Steven.

Klara Čičić  Rita I love your posts. Just love them. So honest and real. You seem like courageous and smart women. I am glad it is easier for you now. 

Rita Savelis  Klara, honesty is what helped me get through. Other people need different things, but I needed honesty and acknowledgement that the moment was hard. Sometimes not trying to feel better than you are can make you feel better. I hope you are coping. It can be hard because the people around you expect you to be alright now that your surgery was successful. No one talks much about post surgery. But you have changed and recovery can be long and one does not feel great immediately. One may not feel better, just different. Listen to your body and take your time. Everyone's recovery is singular and different and normal, with ups and downs. Take care.