Autism

6871 readers

6 users here now

A community for respectful discussion and memes related to autism acceptance. All neurotypes are welcome.

We have created our own instance! Visit Autism Place the following community for more info.

Community:

Values

Acceptance
Openness
Understanding
Equality
Reciprocity
Mutuality
Love

Rules

No abusive, derogatory, or offensive post/comments e.g: racism, sexism, religious hatred, homophobia, gatekeeping, trolling.
Posts must be related to autism, off-topic discussions happen in the matrix chat.
Your posts must include a text body. It doesn't have to be long, it just needs to be descriptive.
Do not request donations.
Be respectful in discussions.
Do not post misinformation.
Mark NSFW content accordingly.
Do not promote Autism Speaks.
General Lemmy World rules.

Encouraged

Open acceptance of all autism levels as a respectable neurotype.
Funny memes.
Respectful venting.
Describe posts of pictures/memes using text in the body for our visually impaired users.
Welcoming and accepting attitudes.
Questions regarding autism.
Questions on confusing situations.
Seeking and sharing support.
Engagement in our community's values.
Expressing a difference of opinion without directly insulting another user.
Please report questionable posts and let the mods deal with it. Chat Room

We have a chat room! Want to engage in dialogue? Come join us at the community's Matrix Chat.

Helpful Resources

Are you seeking education, support groups, and more? Take a look at our list of helpful resources.

founded 1 year ago

MODERATORS

[email protected]

Having surgery on the 15th. Could use some reassurance if that's okay? (lemmy.world)

submitted 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

25 comments fedilink hide all child comments

As a result of having an antibiotic-resistant case of chronic sinusitis, I’m having to get an endoscopic sinus surgery along with septoplasty, turbinate reduction, and a few other related procedures on the 15th….

and my anxiety is going nuts!

As of now, I’ve got severe pressure in my ears causing tinnitus, pressure behind my eyes, headaches, and all-over body aches. All of my sinus cavities are infected or so the CT scan shows- so I know I absolutely need to have this procedure, but I’m so worried!

At 51 years old, I’ve never had surgery before in my life.Never been touched by a scalpel. Essentially… I’ve lived in my safe little bubble all this time without having ever had to deal with anything even remotely close to this- and it’s driving me batty!

I’ve tried going over this with my ENT and even explaining to him that I’m on the spectrum, and but he’s incredibly dismissive.

Is there anyone here that’s got some positive energy they can send my way? Maybe some stories of similar procedures? Some advice? Or at least some reasons why I shouldn’t be so worried? I really could use some reassurance here.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] [email protected] 22 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I had almost exactly what you had. The surgery is easy. You're anxious but as soon as the sedative anaesthesia hits you're out and wake up having no memory of it all. It feels instant and you then wonder what all the anxiety was for. Seriously, don't sweat it. You'll shut your eyes then open them and it will be done.

The hard part is after the surgery, you'll have some pain, but the meds they give you will blunt most of that. And you'll feel so relieved it's over and optimistic about the future that you'll work through the miscomfort of healing.

Best wishes and please update us when you're done.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Thank you so much! I’m hoping it’s as easy as you say. I know results may vary person to person, but I’m really hoping I get to be one of the easy ones.

I’ve heard some horror stories.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I don't know if it's the same in every hospital, but my experience is that when you get to the hospital, a nurse will talk with you about the surgery plan and your medical background/medication etc. This is the person you can tell about your ASD and ask for some extra guidance if needed. Also be prepared that for a while you might be prepped for surgery without anything to distract you (no phone, headphones or your glasses on) and just waiting, as this is usually the most difficult part for me. One thing that helps me distract myself in those times is to think of a nice story prompt before the day and than try to write that story in my head.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 10 months ago

Thank you for the advice. Thats good to know before going it. Oftentimes it’s easier when I’m not surprised by things like this. I greatly appreciate it.