How do you cope? Feeling Anxious......

[marchogaeth]

Night VC 'n beraidd breuddwydion

VC pure dreams!!???? Oh boy.

Not sleeping is a bummer which can only add to anxiety.

This is not advice here are some of my observations about sleep (and I know about not sleeping, honest) :-

You sleep because it is boring lying down awake for that length of time but your body needs that down time - so make yourself do it.

Often when we think we aren't sleeping we are dosing more than we realise - so make yourself do it.

Watching tv, x-box, etc very very bad for tired brain - don't do it.

(Music good as long as it's not Motorhead or similar. My favorite is Radio 4 or any talk based programmes as you sort of concentrate on what they are saying and then get too tired to bother.)

I find the problem with pain is it stops you doing the physical stuff that makes you sleep even when you are worried (busy mind/not tired body). So if there is anything physical you can do it's worth doing - swimming, repeat weight with the bits that work?

Really bad worth talking to GP/consultant about melatonin (not to be confused with melanin) although I see you can buy it off the shelf.

Anyway good luck. I'd go with getting rid of pain in the long run is the best. You just have to stop thinking "able bodied" for a few months and think "determined with a disabling problem": that'll wear you out!

[Feral007]

What everyone else has said Darcy. Tis awful easy to give others advice and fret something shocking yourself, but try to keep something close by to keep your mind occupied. I have a mediation tape, and a boring book next to the bed.

[Mikey]

I had to go and check what procedure you were talking about, I'm very much the same Darcy. When someone says you will have this done, off I go and find out as much about it as poss, then worry I can't afford the down time.

Its only natural to be worried dude, but knowledge is power it allows us to make an informed decision as to what is the best approach for us. Gardening on painkillers is not a long term solution, I have friends that have had wristed fused which is nothing compared to the ankle. You'll make the decison that is right for you.

To put things into perspective my neighbouring plot holder told me last saturday that he has advanced prostate cancer. One of his first questions for the doctor was will it affect me gardening and will I see out the year. The doctor answered no to both.

Life is precious mate, carpe diem.

[Seahorse]

I second the advice to be totally open with Mrs D. She will know already. My chap lives with constant pain but I can always tell when it's worse, even though he tries to be a big brave boy and pretend it's fine.

I am not great at sleeping, due to various issues. What works for me is to just stay in bed in the dark. No tv, no comp, not even a book. Sometimes I have the radio on low but my key is to have nothing 'interesting' going on. Doesn't always mean I get a proper rest but I at least get more dozing/defocussed time.

Hope things go as well as they can for you.

[Nicos]

Let's hope it doesn't come to needing further surgery.

Concentrate on what you will say to your anesthetist and consultant if it comes to surgery ( specifically ask to see the Anesthetist!). Explain that your post op pain control last time wasn't any where near adequate and ask what they will do to ensure you won't have to experience that sort of pain again.
People react differently to surgery- and they need to know you are a 'special case' and need keeping an eye on.
If you don't say anything before hand then they may not take you quite as seriously as they need to.
Write it all down and take it with you tomorrow.
I'm the world's worst worrier ( yep- I claim that title ) in fact I'll worry for you tonight- and you have a good sleep
In fact- give yr Mrs a huuuuge cuddle and tell her you love her...I'm sure that will help. Together you can support each other.

All the best- and let us know how you get on x

[Tripmeup]

Hope all goes well tomorrow Darcy and try to be positive (easier said than done I know)

Presuming that one answer could be you dont need further surgery (yet)...Then good news...
And if you do, then hopefully, in a year's time you will be relatively pain free... and winning the Allotment Open Day 110m Hurdle race...

[mothhawk]

Hope you won't need the surgery, Darcy, but for some positive comments have a read of this message board. 90% positive, I'd say.

Life after a triple fusion (arthrodesis) in foot

[Samurailord]

Good luck Darcy.

I'm sure everything will turn out for the best and you will be back on your plot in no time at all.

Andy

[darcyvuqua]

Thanks guys I told mrs D before she left for work that we need to talk tonight she just smiled and said 'is it about tomorrow' hehe yep she knew.

I will post the outcome tomorrow I have to say I feel a lot more positive from all your reassurance

Yet again the grapevine proves to be a kind of support network outside of gardening

[darcyvuqua]

Hope you won't need the surgery, Darcy, but for some positive comments have a read of this message board. 90% positive, I'd say.

Life after a triple fusion (arthrodesis) in foot

Yep and I have re read lots of posts and seen lots of positive stuff on YouTube I just wish if it comes to it I could skip the middle bit

[spanish_gardener]

Is there a support group for folks have had the procedure done, either online or real so you could at least talk about your fears with people who possibly felt the same way?

I have SA. There are a couple of forums and lots of secret groups on Facebook. I am in one of these FB. I prefer to speak with others who feel the same rather than going to therapy. Therapy make me feel worse.

[spanish_gardener]

Thanks guys I told mrs D before she left for work that we need to talk tonight she just smiled and said 'is it about tomorrow' hehe yep she knew.

I will post the outcome tomorrow I have to say I feel a lot more positive from all your reassurance

Yet again the grapevine proves to be a kind of support network outside of gardening

Good luck, Darcy.

[veggiechicken]

Sleep well tonight darcy 'cos you know we're all thinking about you so you don't have to.
All the best for tomorrow.........

[scorpius]

All the best for tomorrow darcy

[Feral007]

Best of luck with the day Darcy.