Stupid Fear of Surgery

Nurses General Nursing

Published

OK here goes, I can't believe that I am even admitting this, but I have to have a lap chole on Tuesday and I am a nervous wreck. I am not afraid of the surgery at all, but I am worried about what goes on in the OR. I mean what kind of conversations are going on and if people are talking about me, in terms other than surgery. Am I crazy? I would really love to sneak a tape recorder in there and find out what goes on.:uhoh21:

Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
i am having the surgery at a different hospital, i have irritated many surgeons and staff with that choice

just tell them (as i do) that you have a strict policy against being naked where you work!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Tele, ICU.

Good luck with your surgery. I understand completely because I felt the same way just last Tuesday (10/9) when I had a lumpectomy performed. I agree that as nurses we know too much. I didn't want them to see me naked, I was afraid something would go wrong and I'd code (even though I have no cardiac issues). I work in LTC and I see way too many people spend their last days with hemiperesis, on a tube feed, with very few visitors. I told my husband, and the pre-op nurse that if anything happens to just let me go with God. Everyone thought I was crazy cuz I'm only 35. Well thank God it went fine and I'm sure yours will too. Will pray for you tonight.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.
Look on the bright side. Lap choles usually take less than an hour. You'll be in and out of there like a car at Jiffy Lube.

Another bright side. Lap choles exist. It would suck if you needed an open chole.

Another bright side. Lap chole is one of the most common surgeries there is. That means your surgical staff is REALLY good at it.

Another bright side. There are MUCH worse surgeries to have. Even a tonsillectomy is worse than a lap chole.

:yeahthat:

As far as I'm concerned, a lap chole is the greatest thing since sliced bread! I'm old enough to have taken care of a number of open chole patients in the hospital and you do not want that!!! I was sooo thankful not to have to have one.

I had mine done in the very rural hospital where I worked. The surgeon was "imported" but my doc assisted. I knew everyone in the OR well, except the surgeon and his nurse.

I never worried about anyone saying anything. I felt like everyone there had enough regard and respect for me that wouldn't happen; I knew they were not people in the habit of talking disrespectfully about patients; I knew my doc wouldn't stand for any disrespect. I felt very safe there!

I hope everything goes well with you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma, Surgical, Oncology.

thanks for all of the well wishes. i appreciate the feedback and advice from all. this is a great sounding board to ease my fears.

go rockies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :yelclap::yeah::cheers:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
I am having the surgery at a different hospital, I have irritated many surgeons and staff with that choice

Your health, your choice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment