Re: getting nervous for Sherrie

[Guest guest]

Hi Sherrie,

(first, I will say that I am a pre-op...just so you know where I am

in this...)

The latest article (came out Tuesday), which stated that post

surgery concerns are greater than previously reported, had some

valid points, but there were several things which should have been

highlighted, but instead were glossed over. (my that was a long

sentence)

Apparently, the older stats which show the GBS is rather successful

and not too dangerous...were incomplete because only " superstar "

surgeons had been polled, not ALL of the surgeons who perform the

surgery. Once ALL the surgeons stats were tabulated, post surgery

trauma's rose in quantity and significance. So - based on this new

finding - people currently condsidering GBS should be warier than we

have been.

The biggest problem I have with this is, the stats were tabulated

for surgeries performed from 1997 to 2002. We are now in 2005.

Much has been learned in the last few years to better aid in our

survival and successful recovery. At least they could have included

2003 and 2004 in this study.

The other thing is, that as far as I am concerned, we

have " superstar " surgeons! I have jumped through all of the hoops

(except the 10%) and the medical staff have all impressed me. I am

fully confident in their ability to do their jobs, and take care of

what THEY need to take care of - both during and after the

procedure. The potentially weak link in this process is with the

patients.

That, I feel, is something that is overlooked in all this. Our

society feels that the doctors should do all the work (doesn't

matter for what health issue) and that they - as patients - should

just lie back and let whatever happen to them. It should not be

forgotten that we share responsibility for what happens to our

bodies during this transformation. We have work to do as well!

So maybe it will make you - and your friends and family - feel

better about this whole thing if you take charge of your care and

recovery. Show them (and yourself) that you are on the

ball...posess the necessary knowledge, embrace the necessary support

and can stand tall and resolute in this adventure.

Look forward to this...and let everyone near you see that you are

looking forward to this...and they too will begin trade in their

nervousness for excitement. Revel in the success of others who have

already gone through this, but keep your mind clear and stay aware

of the potential pitfalls that can happen.

If they see you are confident, they too will become confident...

(climbing off soapbox)

>

> My surgery date is December 14th and I think I made the mistake by

> telling some of my friends and co-workers that I was getting the

> surgery. These people are not too happy only because they are

> concerned about my life. They keep telling me that they read news

> articles about the negativity from the surgery and certain

percentages

> about this about that. I have done my research and I did read

cases

> on not only good but bad. The good out weigh the bad. And In my

> case I have diabetes that is uncontrolled. I respect the fact that

> they are concerned about me but also irritated that they are just

> finding information that is only negative and in cases that are

very

> rare. I was wondering if you guys had gone through that and how

you

> felt about it and what you said to them?

>

> Thanks-Sherrie

>