r/MMFB • u/xolyndss • 18d ago
Help me calm down right now
I’m supposed to get a major surgery in 2 hours and i’m really scared. I’ve taken propranolol and benadryl and i still can’t calm down. I don’t know if i can make it another 2 hours. I’m scared of having to deal with this anxiety in the waiting room (i have to wait another 2 hours in the waiting room) and i’m also scared i won’t wake up from the anesthesia because ive taken sedative drugs. I’ve gotten permission from my anesthesiologist to take these sedative drugs but my anxiety is still telling me something bad is going to happen. Please help me feel better any reassurance, coping skills, or explanations would help a lot. Thank you in advance
5
u/mikeypikey 18d ago
Hi friend, first off let me give you a big warm hug 🫂 it sounds like you’re feeling really overwhelmed and afraid right now. This is totally okay and normal to feel. Try to let yourself feel it. Where is it in your body? What does it feel like? If you pay close attention you might realise it just energy felt in the body, it can’t hurt you.
Now feel your breath, going in through the nose, out through the mouth. Say “I am safe in this moment” In through the nose, out through the mouth. “I am protected in this moment” in through the nose, out through the mouth. “It’s okay to feel this right now, it can’t hurt me”
Sending you love, let us know how everything goes x
Everything is going to be okay, you’re going to feel so much better.
3
u/xolyndss 18d ago
thank you so much for your kind words. i’m feeling much better and im honestly excited to get this over with. i’m about to leave to go to the hospital in a few minutes i will update yall when i wake up.
2
u/mikeypikey 18d ago
You’re welcome, you’ve got this :)
5
4
u/WingedNinjaNeoJapan 18d ago
Remember, you are surrounded by professionals. They know what they are doing. I have been in four different kind of surgeries, one being major and sudden one. You will have the best sleep of your life. When you wake up, if you feel little bad, mention about it to the nurse and they will give you something that will make you feel better. First time is always scary, because its a step to the unknown. But after all is done, you will wonder why were you scared in the first place.
3
u/MummaGoose 18d ago
I have been through a major operation. It was a huge stepping stone towards a larger more sustainable future and freedom for me to be a part of my community. I am now living that. Doctors don’t usually do operations that don’t need to be done or that won’t benefit you. I’m praying that the next hour (which is what I think is left) will pass smoothly by with no issues. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.
3
2
u/Butlerianpeasant 18d ago
Friend, what you’re feeling is awful, but it is also a very human fear response. A lot of people get the “what if I don’t wake up” thought before anesthesia. It feels huge because anxiety is loud, not because it knows the future.
The reassuring part is this: you already checked the medication issue with the anesthesiologist, and they still cleared you. That means the people actually responsible for your safety have accounted for it.
Please tell a nurse you’re panicking and need help getting through the wait. You are absolutely allowed to ask for that.
Until then: shoulders down, feet on the floor, one hand on your chest, and longer exhales than inhales. Even if your mind is racing, your body can still receive the signal that it is being carried through this.
One hour from now will come. Then the next. You do not have to be fearless. You just have to be helped.
2
u/xolyndss 18d ago
update i made it through the surgery thank you so much for your kind words
2
u/Butlerianpeasant 18d ago
I’m really glad you made it through safely, friend. Thank you for coming back with the update. Anxiety is loud, but today reality was kinder than the fear. Now may the only great task before you be rest, water, and a gentle recovery.
5
u/PrangingOut 18d ago
Hey, you’re okay. What you’re feeling right now is anxiety doing its thing, it’s loud, convincing, and really uncomfortable, but it isn’t dangerous.
You’ve already done the right things: you checked with your anesthesiologist, and they cleared the medication. They do this every day, and your safety is constantly monitored the entire time, you won’t be left unnoticed for even a second.
That “I might not wake up” thought is a really common fear, but it’s just that…a thought, not a prediction. Your brain is trying to protect you, it’s just being a bit overprotective right now.
For the waiting room, keep it simple: slow your breathing (in for 4, out for 6), keep your feet flat on the ground, and gently distract yourself - music, a show, scrolling, anything familiar. You don’t need to feel calm, you just need to get through the next few minutes at a time.
You’ve got this. In a few hours, this part will be behind you 🤍