Ways to get your mind off surgery?

[gothique11]

I'm trying to find out ways to get my mind off surgery so I don't go batty.

It feels like Christmas, and the more I think about surgery the more it seems so long.

I'm trying to keep busy, however. I just started a new job. I'm hoping I can keep my mind off things for a while.

My surgery isn't too far away. I'm not telling the date just yet. I don't have a "fixed" date, but I know when it is -- I know that sounds weird, but I'm on the list at Montreal, but I'm waiting for funding to come through which got delayed via the province. So, basically, I'm there in the list but I could be bumped up a few weeks or a month, depending on when things come in and if they need to book that date. My doctor also has to confirm still that I'm under his care and when funding is supposed to come in. My GRS package is in the mail somewhere, etc, etc. But, assuming the doc sends the letter (I have both of my GRS letters) and tells them when funding is in, and I send my GRS package back, the date should be fixed.

I'm not going to tell the date at this time, however. I don't even want to think about it or of all of the things that could go wrong. I already had the big blow of having things delayed -- even my psychatrist down here (not the GID clinic one) was very surprised at the delay, because she was told by the GID doctor that the paperwork, etc, was going in Oct/Nov. Not Jan/Feb (she wrote my second letter at the end of Aug. At my year of full-time mark). The GID has all of the paperwork finished and sitting in a file. A few other people have been delayed until the first of the year, too. I have two friends that are getting there stuff in at the same time, so we are all going around the same time, actually.

Anyway, does anyone have any suggestions of things I could do before I go insane?

--natalie

[melissa90299]

Train your mind using Buddhist Mindfulness techniques. (Meditation.)

[Ember Lewis]

Being with friends keeps my mind occupied...but most of the time 2-3 times a day I think about GRS and feel I have the right too. The only way it won't bother me is to make GRS happen. Keeping yourself busy might help, just remember it's happening things are moving forward, so theres nothing to worry about. At least you know it wont be too long now, I wish I was in that situation.
Hugs+Kisses

[gothique11]

Thnx Jessica. Yeah, I hang out with my friends all the time. I keep trying not to go out so much so I can save money, but I end up going out almost every night. All of this week so far, and it's not even the weekend. It's good that it helps me not to think about GRS since we don't talk much about trans stuff anymore (yay, no more being a walking-talking-trans-educator). I find it helps.

Yeah, I know it's happening. Of course fears that something will stop me go through my head. Like the system deciding no -- they already delayed things for a few months for some reason (rumor is that someone got through the system/program and things didn't end up well, so they are double and triple checking everyone to make sure they are ready... I understand their position, but for me it's frustrating to be so close but not there yet). I'm very lucky, however, that this is even possible out here. I'm $25,000 in debt, most if it will be paid in 5 years (if not all, I hope... you don't to see how big my bills are to pay it of... paying that debt back is costing me around $700/month -- that's more than my rent!). So, trying to get that money for GRS in five years would be hard if I'm already paying so much into debt (unless I pay off debt and then go for grs, etc). So, yeah, I'm pretty lucky other wise I might not ever be able to get GRS. I've already been waiting two years, and I couldn't imagine waiting another 5. It would kill me for sure.

hugs and kisses back,

--natalie

[shanetastic]

I think we always look forward to something if you understand what I'm trying to say.  The first was going to therapy, second was getting that HRT letter, third looking forward to results, fourth srs letters, and finally srs hehe yay.  Yes, of course this can vary and is very generalized, but I think everyone is bound to being. . . narrow minded?  in a sense to looking forward to the next thing that is soon to come.

[Hazumu]

I don't think there is an effective way to get this kind of thing out of your mind.

And I understand all the fears about something mucking it up.  Our own Cindi Jones had a setback when her surgeon broke his leg in a horse-riding accident (at least, that's what I think I read.)  With recent events, the world could blow up at a moments' notice again.  Try NOT to think about that when your surgery is 10 months out!

I think somehow you just soldier on.

(Or, "Suck it up and drive on," as they say in the army...)

Karen

[gothique11]

10  months out, oh no, it's a lot sooner than that.

[Anonymouse]

Train your mind using Buddhist Mindfulness techniques. (Meditation.)

This is really worth learning and will help you throught the recovery period and though the difficult early days of dilation.

Also think about the phsical activities that yu love to do but won't be able to during recovery. Make the most of them now and it will also make you fit and strong for a rapid recovery.

Ann

[Valentina]

I've got the same problem.  I know I'll be getting GRS at the end of 2008 but can't get my mind off it, so I'm turning into a workaholic and it's working

[Jeannette]

I would have to say meditation and also exercise; tons of it

[Wing Walker]

I'm trying to find out ways to get my mind off surgery so I don't go batty.

It feels like Christmas, and the more I think about surgery the more it seems so long.

I'm trying to keep busy, however. I just started a new job. I'm hoping I can keep my mind off things for a while.

My surgery isn't too far away. I'm not telling the date just yet. I don't have a "fixed" date, but I know when it is -- I know that sounds weird, but I'm on the list at Montreal, but I'm waiting for funding to come through which got delayed via the province. So, basically, I'm there in the list but I could be bumped up a few weeks or a month, depending on when things come in and if they need to book that date. My doctor also has to confirm still that I'm under his care and when funding is supposed to come in. My GRS package is in the mail somewhere, etc, etc. But, assuming the doc sends the letter (I have both of my GRS letters) and tells them when funding is in, and I send my GRS package back, the date should be fixed.

I'm not going to tell the date at this time, however. I don't even want to think about it or of all of the things that could go wrong. I already had the big blow of having things delayed -- even my psychatrist down here (not the GID clinic one) was very surprised at the delay, because she was told by the GID doctor that the paperwork, etc, was going in Oct/Nov. Not Jan/Feb (she wrote my second letter at the end of Aug. At my year of full-time mark). The GID has all of the paperwork finished and sitting in a file. A few other people have been delayed until the first of the year, too. I have two friends that are getting there stuff in at the same time, so we are all going around the same time, actually.

Anyway, does anyone have any suggestions of things I could do before I go insane?

--natalie

I am pretty much in the same position as you, Natalie.  The package has been submitted to the health plan. I know it will be Drs. Brassard and Menard.  Likely in June 2008, but no letter in-hand sending me there.

I'll be asking *you* for suggestions very soon!

Wing Walker

[gothique11]

I have my two letters, but I'm suck in the system so I have to wait extra. I've had my 2nd letter since Sept. Well, I don't have a copy of it, but the GID clinic has it and I'm not having luck getting a copy.

I have a tentative date from Montreal for sometime in May, but that date could be bumped up as they keep filling in the spots. So, it could be June. It could be a zillion years from now. Although, my doc at the GID clinic says the funding should be in Feb. So, all paid for in Feb. and then waiting for the Montreal list. Sometimes the system sux. I hate everything being in limbo.

--natalie

[OtokoSuki]

Daydream about how happy you will be once you reach your destiny as who you're supposed to be. In other words don't let any negativity take you over and stay positive no matter what.