I am to have colon surgery on Tuesday and find that I have great anxiety and seem to be in some bowel distress since colonoscopy about 3 weeks ago. Really scared now of the colytely prep tomorrow. Anyone relate to this?

Moondoggy

Yes, the prep is NO fun but it is a must.

Surgery makes all of us anxious. My rectal surgery is coming up in about one month and I am as antsy as anything. I am having silly nightmares about it - most recent was that surgeon was a chimp ...

jeni

I agree that the Prep is rough. I have used many different kinds of prep and found they all work about the same. Surgery of any kind can cause high anxiety.

I have had 6 surgeries in the past 33 months. Breast/rectal/hysterectomy.
I was very anxious for all but did very well each time. I was afraid of every aspect.

Pain control is great today. I can honestly say that while in the hospital I was almost pain free. I had the epidural for rectal cancer and the pump for the other surgeries.

I also had weird dreams in the days leading up to surgery. If at all possible try to relax, get as much rest as possible before surgery and try and put your trust in the doctors. Read up on the type of surgery you will have and if you have any questions ask your doctor. I found the more I knew and understood the less anxious I felt. If you need help to relax ask for a sedative to take the night before, if you ask they can sedate you before you enter the OR.

I wish you both much luck and peace of mind in the following weeks.

My surgery is for, we hope, an insitu cancer in a colon polyp. I have always had a kind of generalized anxiety and right now it is crippling me even though I know intelectualy that is not good for surgery. I too have had some weird dreams. My appetite has disappeared. I make myself eat but not eating well and so I think that makes me feel weak and shaky. This is Sunday, surgery tuesday and I am a trembling basket case in spite of reading everything and listening to pre surgery relaxing tapes etc. My anxiety has over ridden my intelligence. I know that there others facing a lot more but my imagination is over the top.

Moondoggy