Worried about having to be operated
Posted , 6 users are following.
I suffer with Fibromyalgia and OA which makes everyday chores not easy....due to muscle weakness. I am always breathless when going up stairs but lately have the same problem when walking, my arms and legs get heavy and tired, so have to walk slowly. I also have lightheadness too....I put it down to not enough energy in my muscles. I haven't read though that this is a typical symptom for Fibro.
My biggest worry is coming up to me.....I am due to have my gallblader removed soon and terribly worried about going through the anaesthetic because of the breathless and weak muscles.......or maybe worrying unnecessary?? I have never had an operation before. so makes it worse for me anyway. Can muscle weakness have an influence on the anaesthetic? Will it take longer for me to recover?
Would be pleased to hear from others with Fibro who have gone through operations with no difficulties.
0 likes, 13 replies
Oompa carol17830
Posted
Hi Carol, fibromyalgia is similar yet different I believe for everyone who has it. I too get out of breath going up the stairs, particularly when rushing, I don't run up them but briskly go up, anyway I just put it down to being unfit, but that's just me. I too struggle with household chores, cooking is a literal pain but I have to keep going otherwise it beats me. I am able to do a full time job, but it hasn't been easy.
Basically what I wanted to say Carol is please speak to the surgeon, the anaesthetist as they should be able to answer the questions relating to the operation.
No operation is fun, I've had a couple as a child and adult, but talking through any questions helped a little. I hope you have someone close to support you, and wish you a speedy recovery once you've had it.
carol17830 Oompa
Posted
Thank you Oompa for writing......it is always a good feeling to hear that I am not alone with my problems. How you manage a full time job, I just don't know. I go through some days where I can't get things done that I want to do. Fibro certainly makes one feel depressed at times !!! Thank you for the advice concerning the operation....I have an appointment with a doctor one week beforehand, but whether he will understand about my worries, is another matter. Yes the anaesthetist is the right doctor to talk to, but that will not be possible untilI am actually there in the hospital.
I just worry in case there is more of a risk for people who have Fibro !!
Oompa carol17830
Posted
Hi Carol, fibromyalgia is becoming more common so who better than the doctors to understand? I do wonder how I work full-time time, and it's not always easy but I am fortunate that I have some support. I hope all goes well x
Suzi59 carol17830
Posted
I don't think the muscle weakness will pose too much of a problem, just make sure to alert any and all medical staff prior to surgery. However, you might have a fibro flare after surgery. I know that any procedure, so much as a flu shot, sends me into a flare for a couple of weeks thereafter. Fingers crossed you will be ok. Sending positive vibes your way! I do believe that us fibromites are warriors, as we need to be to get through the day!
Best of luck and most importantly, try to stay positive....state of mind plays such a large roll !
carol17830 Suzi59
Posted
You kind words are very much appreciated Suzi and is a great helpto hear from Others who understand !!!
I actually had my flu injection the other day and took several days before my shoulder stopped hurting. I believe it takes Us longer to get over any pains than by Others. I plan to stay only around 3 days in hospital as I can't bear to be any longer away from my darling cats......just hope everything will go that way!!
christine26761 carol17830
Posted
Hiya Carol, your stressing and that just flares fibro...it loves it when we stress.I had a total knee replacement in July, yes it took me a month in hospital because of a Fibro flare opposed to the lady opposite me who left in 5 days usual it’s 5-10 days...I was very worried too about my breathing...I get very bad asthma, so the hospital referred me to a lung specialist prior to get me cleared for the op...I still had some probs with my breathing, but the hospital new and worked with that..I am in Oz we have pre op meeting with all the docs, anaesthetic interviews before every op..they referred me to the lung specialist who gave me a Bipap machine which I use every night and I used it at night in hospital, I have such energy in my body now it’s unreal..the specialist said it was all due to a floppy trachea-windpipe ...so please try not to stress, you will not be given anaesthetic without the drs knowing everything..I never had general anaesthetic I had it needled into my spine...you should have seen me I wore blackouts mask on my eyes and ear plugs when I went into the op theatre, but the sedate you anyway...so all good now....my muscles spasm and cramp a lot, but that’s just the old Fibro when it flares I feel like I’ve been run over by a steam roller.,so please try not to stress and if your hospital don’t refer you to a lung specialist after you tell them...ask them for a referral for peace of mind...I didn’t get a general anaesthetic because of my breathing...cheer up....I’ve had Fibro over 30years now, we all have such differing symptoms, it would be good if it was all the same, as every time I would get a new symptom I’d get soo worried only to find out: 1, it was only Fibro and 2. My stressing over it just made my symptoms worse. have a lovely day carol and be blessed...please keep us all informed..🙏🙏😍😍😍
carol17830 christine26761
Posted
josephine33162 carol17830
Posted
Hi Carol, Don't worry about your breathing when under the anaesthetic, they always have a nurse at top of bed monitoring your breathing. I was worried i thought i might choke and die while they were operating but they reassured me that i would be well monitored. As for your arms and legs, i am the same. Sometimes i can hardly pick up my legs, they feel like led. I have a problem to do my hair and my arms used to be so strong. If i didn't force myself to do things i could quite easily stay in bed all day. Seems like i've got flu all the time. Hope your opp. goes well as i'm sure it will. They will look after you. God bless, Josephine.
carol17830 josephine33162
Posted
Thank you dear Josephine for your kind words. I am worrying because I have never needed an operation before and wondering whether it is really necessary to have my gall bladder removed, even though there are stones there, I have no discomfort. It has been advised because of the problems caused by a big stone which had to be removed a few weeks ago. It is the anaesthetic which really worries me....I have the fear I will not wake up afterwards !! There is always a risk. even nowadays, and wonder if I am "fit" enough to go through it?? I go through the same problems with my arms and legs being so weak/tired as soon as I start to do normal things. My muscles have no strength in them, though I don't believe this is a typical Fibro symptom.....like fatique and pain is.
josephine33162 carol17830
Posted
Hi Carol, I am like you i always have the fear that i will not wake up after the anaesthetic but i think the doctors know what to do. I even went as far as putting a letter in kitchen with my wishes for my dog and noticications where to find things if i should die but i'm still here. I laugh at myself now but i know its not funny to feel so scared. If they advise you to have gall bladder removed then it must be for the best. Go ahead, you'll be ok. They will look after you. Best wishes, Josephine.
hippyginger josephine33162
Posted
Oh Josephine, I don't know what country you live in, but in the UK it's the actual anaesthetist who is constantly monitoring you during any general anaesthetic or spinal block not a nurse.
But one thing I can guarantee is that all patients undergoing any surgical procedure will be well looked after.
So Carol please try not to worry about having your gall bladder removed. You'll wonder what all the worry was about after it's all done and you'll feel so much better once you've recovered. One of my nieces had hers removed years ago when keyhole surgery was still in its infancy and she's been a changed woman ever since. Just has to watch that she doesn't overdo it on the fatty foods. Totally unrelated that only a few of years ago did she also get diagnosed with blooming fibro!
Chin up, you'll be fine.
josephine33162 hippyginger
Posted
Hi Hippyginger, I am offended by your comment that i said nurse instead of anaesthetist. I was merely trying to assure Carol that she would be well monitored. Doesn't matter who i said as long as she has peace of mind that someone will be closely monitoring her and that there will be plenty looking after her what ever there title is. Josephine.
christine26761 carol17830
Posted
really feel for you Carol, gentle hugs from over the seas...you do need to talk to your doctor I had a knee replacement and because of my breathlessness etc. I was give a spinal anaesthetic its much safer anyway, it was great..please try not to stress as it makes the fibro much worse..i wonder just how many of us are really fit due to this rotten fibro..i do hydrotherapy its great but its only once a week..be bkessed carol and have a lovely day.