How do you mentally prepare for surgery?

Do you think about not waking up?

As a patient with 2 rotator cuffs, one knee and spinal reconstruction surgeries under my belt, I will tell what worked for me -- and, everyone is different, so I am sharing my experience.

First remember that you are undergoing surgery to repair something. Knowing that after your recovery that you will be better, generally will put you in the proper mindset.

Before my first surgery, in the pre-op, I asked to be introduced to the anesthesiologist (not knowing that this was standard protocol at the time). I looked this person straight in the eye and said, "Maybe I have watched the movie "Coma" one too many times. Please take good care of me." He assured me with a chuckle, he would. I chuckled -- and that was the last thing I remembered. But looking back, I had established with him an obligation to take extra good care of me. There was more than his reputation and license at stake here, he made a personal promise to me.

Try this -- and remember that your surgery will make things ultimately better for you.

Best of luck.

I think it is very natural to think about not waking up during a surgery. I have had three in the past year, still needing another & every time when the anesthesiologist came in the room before surgery, I told him, "you'd better make sure I wake up". He smiled and said "you'll be fine"
I had also told the nurse that was rolling me to OR "If I don't wake up my sister in law will be looking for you" She too smiled and said "you'll wake up".
To prepare yourself, just know you'll be in good hands.
If you are having a surgery I wish you all the best.

Absolutely depends on the person.

Some people like to read up on the surgery and what to expect etc but others find themselves dwelling on everything that could possibly go wrong.

I've had 20+ ops and yeah, every time I worry about dying, but I also realise that worrying won't lessen the chance, so why bother?

I'd recommend positive self talk, reassuring yourself that you will be okay. Maybe concentrate on the future, plan things for after your surgery, stuff to look forward to. Distractions help too.

Good luck!

i was terrified. You just got to not worry it is extremely rare for people to not wake up, they have someone watching your heart rate ect the whole time. I was more worried about regaining consciousness whilst paralysed by the drug and having to feel the pain. But they said that they can Monitor that too. Its not bad they count back from 10 you fall asleep, then you wake up when its all over.

I did not think that at all and was surprised that folks here did. Not sure why i was surprised, guess it's a good question. I knew I needed mine and trusted the Doctor and sure enjoyed the buzz i had just before the lights did go out!
It really is rare for things to go wrong. of coarse we hear about those cases, but so many more surgeries are done daily and those folks are all fine.
Hope all is well and will be weller soonest!

I tinks about the eggsroll I getting when wakes up... Makes happyness.