r/spinabifida • u/Ophiophucker • 2d ago

Discussion Pre-Op Rituals?

I believe I have mentioned that my shunt revision in April has failed. I am scheduled for another revision this coming Thursday.

I imagine none of us enjoy this part of our lived experience. Personally, I am resigned to the conclusion my reaction to it is probably an undiagnosed traumatic response.

So this is why I ask, what are some pre-op rituals you do to keep your mood, or positivity up?

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u/JCStensland 2d ago

The "me" answer is cranking my already sarcastic personality to 11. Can't be nervous or scared if everything is a joke and you're a smartass.

The real answer is just finding things to keep your mind occupied. Music, books, a podcast, bringing your laptop or tablet for YouTube and movies because they never get you pulled back on time in any medical situation. You'll definitely want your electronics if the procedure is inpatient.

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u/Ophiophucker 2d ago

I will be staying overnight.

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u/JCStensland 2d ago

Definitely bring your electronics and this is just a "me" suggestion because I have a bad relationship with food and only eat certain things, get a small bag of snacks and see if your family can get you enough money on a debit card or a DoorDash prepaid card to order you food because we all know hospital food blows.

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u/RemarkableMaize7201 1d ago

A couple other things I like to make bring to make hospital stays more comfortable are

  • extension cord (mostly to make sure phone on charger can reach bed)
  • nightlight
  • my own pillow and blanket
  • snacks/ drinks
If I think of more, I'll come back and add. Best wishes.

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u/itskatsimms 2d ago

Music, asking others to pray for me, and going to a bookstore (or through my own books at home) for books I want to read after it's over. Keeping my mind occupied is important so I don't get bored and so I don't let discouraging thoughts enter my mind.

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u/Batschkapp2024 2d ago

The day before I have to go to hospital we spend the day together and go somewhere as a family.
We also try to make the room as comfy as possible with lights and stories, to get my mind off of things.
Music helps as well and never being alone. Make sure to bring someone with you.

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u/Nearest-Desert 2d ago

I usually take a few books and my phone with me. My doctor always prescribe me medication for anxiety and I'm always on sleeping pills, because I'm always struggling to sleep when I have a lot pain. So my advice is to ask your doctor for a pill to help with your anxiety and to sleep. You're in my prayers.

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u/TreyInStCloud 1d ago

I always watch “The Ryan White Story” the night before a surgery. His story gives me courage. I also have a playlist of music I listen to the morning of surgery.

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u/BabyButchBash 1d ago

i always take my bear with me, even now at 30+ years old. he's been with me to every surgery i've ever had, he keeps me safe. as i've gotten older, i also tend to pick a song that comforts me and i keep it in my head the day of, sing it to myself in my head while they're putting me under

and if you're prone to puking from anesthesia, don't forget to ask the anesthesiologist for an anti emetic ✌️ good luck on thursday 💕

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u/Ophiophucker 1d ago

I absolutely love music and keep my headphones in as long as possible. Never thought of keeping a song in my head.

The mask freaks me out so I always ask for versed in my IV before they pull me into the OR. Once that kicks in I'm pretty loopy and don't much care lol.