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Worried about upcoming operation

(27 Posts)
Glinda Sat 29-Feb-20 09:23:57

Hi all. I'm 52 and am having open surgery on an aortic aneurysm in 2 weeks time. It was found when I had a scan to diagnose appendicitis back in 2018. Although it is still small my vascular surgeon wants to repair it as I have recently been diagnosed with cushings syndrome which is very rare (4 in a million ). I am very worried as I am a single mum to a 15yr old son and lost my 24yr old son tragically in 2016. My head is all over the place and I was wondering if anyone on here had the same surgery. Many thanks

rafichagran Sat 29-Feb-20 09:34:29

I am sorry you are so worried, all I can say Is , that there was no one more frightened than me when I had a procedure for a heart condition.

When I went into hospital on the day I felt terrible, but of course afterwards I realised I had no need to worry.

Talk about this with medical staff when the time comes you will not be the 1st or last very nervous patient.
Good wishes OP and I hope all goes well for you, now and in the future.

Jane10 Sat 29-Feb-20 10:14:13

It's really good that this is going to be sorted out. It would be much worse for you to be constantly worried about it if it was just left. Soon it will be over and you'll not have to worry about that.
You've had some bad luck in your life. I'm sure the future will be brighter. Let the hospital staff look after you.

Marydoll Sat 29-Feb-20 10:43:59

Glinda, I'm glad you decided to start your own thread, it would have been lost in the other one.
Best wishes for your op.
Mx

Anoia Sat 29-Feb-20 11:11:48

Hi Glenda, I have heart problems and have found a great deal of support on the British Heart Foundation web sites. There are bound to be fellow suffers of your particular problems who will support and advise you. They also have a help line you can telephone. Good luck and sending you a big hug.

silverlining48 Sat 29-Feb-20 13:27:58

Glinda do tell your doctors what you might be worried about and why, they will reassure you, or phone the Heart foundation who will also help. It’s understandable you are worried, but hope talking and asking helps. Good luck.

timetogo2016 Sat 29-Feb-20 13:34:12

silverlining48 is spot on Glenda.
Great advice silverlining.

EllanVannin Sat 29-Feb-20 14:15:38

If it's any consolation Glinda an elderly gentleman who lived near had this operation when turned 90 ! He was a smoker too and enjoyed a pint now and again. His aneurism was beginning to protrude as well.

He did very well indeed and was soon out of hospital.
I speak in the past tense because he sadly died not long ago of a chest infection( probably 'flu ) at the age of 97, but had enjoyed his last few years. You're a youngster in comparison so I'm sure you'll be fine. Best wishes for its success. x

Glinda Sat 29-Feb-20 22:15:09

Thank you for all your kind words. I will speak to my doctor and also look on the British Heart foundation website. I'm a born worrier. Will be back on here when I come through the other side smile

Doodle Sat 29-Feb-20 22:27:50

glinda I used to work for a GP who did some of the firs AAA screening exams in the country. On the day of the first session he sent two people to hospital who were operated on the following day and it saved their lives. I understand the reason they screen for this is because they can operate and save lives. It is something that works well. I am not surprised you are worried under the circumstances but I can only reiterate the advice to contact the British Heart Foundation. I have been a member for many, many years and their information is fantastic. I wish you the very best of luck and hope to hear back from you soon after your op.

BlueBelle Sat 29-Feb-20 22:35:06

glinda I have no advice but wanted to wish you good luck and just send you a hand to hold
I m sure all will be well xx

absent Sun 01-Mar-20 06:01:06

Facing major surgery is always a bit scary but there have been so many major advances that it should be less frightening than it was even ten years ago. The surgeons know this, but maybe the patients are not so sure because it isn't routine for them. No doubt it will all go well and you will be up and about in no time.

Esspee Sun 01-Mar-20 06:24:13

Worrying is natural but you are doing the right thing in sharing your concerns and asking advice from qualified professionals.
We will all be looking forward to your update.
Best wishes ?

tanith Sun 01-Mar-20 07:12:38

My husband AAA surgery after it was diagnosed at screening it certainly saved his life and he did really well discharged after 5 days. You are much younger and will do really well I'm sure.

mumofmadboys Sun 01-Mar-20 07:26:50

You must be quite young. 55 at the oldest as you have a 15 year old son. The surgeons would not undertake the surgery if you were high risk. They probably think it is better to put it right while you are young. I am sure it will all go smoothly. It will soon be over. Try not to worry . Let us know when you are safely through it.x

grannypiper Sun 01-Mar-20 07:49:56

Glinda, i understand why you are worried, its only natural. Make sure your son understands how much help you will need afterwards and spend the next week or so stocking the cupboards and freezer as this will make life easier post op.
Dont forget we on GN are here to listen flowers

Jane10 Sun 01-Mar-20 09:40:37

Looking forward to hearing from you that it's all over and you're doing well. Good luck ?

BlueSky Sun 01-Mar-20 09:47:48

Only natural to worry about an op but usually the wait is the worst part. Get it over and done. All the best flowers

Fennel Sun 01-Mar-20 12:10:53

Glinda - if you have this aortic aneuryism it's important to have it repaired.
My Dad had the same thing and put off an op. but was worried about it for the rest of his life.
I've been checked out for it because evidently the weakness can be passed on to the next generation.
Bon courage!

silverlining48 Sun 08-Mar-20 13:52:16

Not long to go now Glinda. Hope you have been able to talk about your concerns to your doctor or the BHF, and are feeling more confident and that all goes well. Good luck.

Tweedle24 Sun 08-Mar-20 16:50:14

Sorry you are having this worry. I have worked on a surgical ward with patients having this surgery and saw emergency admissions of others who had not had the surgery. Were I in the same situation, I would definitely go ahead with the operation.

Good luck and hope all goes well whatever you choose to do.

Glinda Thu 19-Mar-20 13:31:15

Hi all. I had the surgery last Thursday and came home yesterday. Although I feel like I've been hit by a train I'm glad I've had it done. Myself and my son are now self isolating. I'm teaching him basic around the house jobs and he is doing OK so far. Thank you for all your well wishes x

Jane10 Thu 19-Mar-20 13:35:38

That's good to hear Glinda. At least it's over. I hope the staff were kind and reassuring.
Given what's going on right now it could have been postponed for ages with all the worry about that.

annsixty Thu 19-Mar-20 13:56:13

Such good news Glinda I hope you go from strength to strength now with your worries behind you.

Doodle Thu 19-Mar-20 21:21:08

Great news glinda. Thank you for letting us know. I have been wondering. Stay safe and take care of yourselves