Hi Nancy... I remember when I first found out I'd need a pulmonary valve replacement. OMG!!! I was freaking out all over the place!
I've always loathed and HATED hospitals, so this was such an overwhelming thing to be told.
Personally I found the more info I had about the whole thing (the procedure, what to expect before and after, the "little" things doctors don't think to tell you about, etc) the more at ease my mind became. Some people freak out the more they know, but I find the more I know the calmer I feel (must be the control freak in me
).
Anyway, 5 years later the tables have really turned and the longer they were keeping me waiting, then more depressed and upset I was getting. The minute I got my date I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders and am still on a high a week later! (sad, I know
)
Still, in those early days, I found forums like this where I could vent my fears and frustrations (unlike your friends, people here can take as much or as little interest as they like) and having people to talk to who UNDERSTOOD first-hand was immeasurably helpful. We KNOW how it is to question every little symptom and second-guess yourself at every turn. It's also good to have other hobbies to take your mind off things so indulge in all the things you enjoy and try not to worry too much about the things you can't do anything about. I know this is much easier said than done, but it always help to focus on the good things in life.
Didn't mean to blather on quite so much, but I hope something here has been of help.
A : )