Hi, my son is due to go into day surgery to have some teeth removed... and I'm just wondering if my anxiety over it is normal, I'm so scared I'm constantly crying whenever I speak about it, I send myself into a nervous wreck always thinking about it to the point I have vomited on several occasions... I know it's a simple procedure under GA but I keep envisioning the doctor coming to tell me it was supppose to be a simple procedure but some people just take a turn while under GA and he passes away!! The visions I have of this are so real and I can't pull myself out of them, I can feel my heart breaking and racing so much and I'm telling my mind to stop it but it keeps on going.
A back story, my kids and I were in a car accident two years ago, an ice effected driver ran a red light going 100ks and hit us, The passenger side had my 6 year old in the back, he was unharmed however my side was hit on impact and I had my then 2 year old son behind me so our side was completely wrecked... I was pregnant at the time and lost one of my twins and my son sustained a very large head wound and was placed in an induced coma and in ICU (this is reason for needing surgery on his teeth as they suffered damage in the accident) and I now also suffer PTSD which is why I have these stressful visions I can't pull myself out of (I'm already seeing a therapist)
I know my anxiety isn't normal, however is it normal to be this scared about such a simple day surgery, all staff have been so wonderful comforting me, and he really does need the surgery, the teeth are causing him so much pain :( but I'm so scared, what if it's my mothers instinct telling me something is going to happen or is it just my mind working overtime as usual.
Omg I sound like a mad women.
Xx
4 Replies
Wow, what an awful thing to happen! People who drive under the influence (of anything) absolutely infuriate me for this reason!
When your children are having surgery/going under GA I think a certain level of stress and anxiety is normal. However, I think your level of anxiety is a bit extreme, which is totally understandable given what you've been through and I would say it definitely is linked to your PTSD.
Mother's instinct is incredibly strong but I also think sometimes our hearts work faster than our brains meaning that even when we can see and understand the rational side of things, past trauma can obscure that.
Can you talk this over with your therapist beforehand? They may be able to help you with some coping techniques.
All the best hun and I hope your son makes a quick recovery after his surgery (which kids tend to do, they are super resilient).
It’s not your mothers instinct. It sounds like your PTSD in full effect.
It’s normal to be nervous and worry (my son has had more than a few surgeries at quite a young age) but your reaction is definitely more than normal and sounds like your mind is working over time again.
You know what, I don’t think you are crazy though. You had a terrible experience, and so things effect you differently. The hard part for you is getting through that so your children get the necessary medical care that you know they need.
Good luck x
U really need to go to a dr and get ur meds adjusted...his obviously been under GA whilst in a coma and had no reaction so chances are very slim that he will this time. Yes it is a bit nerve racking to see ur kids go thru surgery but to be honest, especially with simple procedures like this there is no need to worry. Good luck!
I’ve lost count of the number of time my youngest son has had a GA. I’ve always stayed with him until he is asleep and then go into recovery as soon as he’s started to wake up. My son has had issues with GAs in the past so it’s extremely important for him to be as calm as possible before and after to reduce the known issues. You know your anxiety is an issue, so as much as it’ll be harder on you, is it possible for another adult (dad, grandma, grandad, aunt, uncle, close family friend) to go in with your son when he has the GA then as he wakes up to ensure he remains calm and doesn’t pick up on your anxiety. Then you can see him once he’s awake.