# I've got to have surgery. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 22, 2000, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794 "2000-12-22T01:23:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![andygirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a9adbd/32.png) [@andygirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andygirl)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/1 "2000-12-22T01:23:23Z")
As some of you have been told, for a while now I’ve been experiencing numbness in my left hand. I’ve been through one misdiagnosis and a few X-rays at school, and today was a visit to the local hospital and a local neurologist. First were the X-rays of my spine, shoulders, and other various bits of my upper body. Every time I get X-rays I wonder if I’m going to be bit by a radioactive spider. That would be kind of cool. I’ve been seeing those spiderman game commercials where the guy hangs to the ceiling and wouldn’t that be a useful skill? Then came the neurologist. I had to have some nerve tests done. The guy put some sensors on me that were attatched to a computer and then he ran electricity up and down my arm to test how the nerves responded. It was like having a half hour case of the hand twitches. Then he did something involving pins… I’m not so clear about that part. It hurt, but the doctor was really nice. It turns out that I have something blocking my Ulnar nerve in my left elbow. So I get to have surgery. Surgery is pretty much the only thing on the planet that I’m terribly, painfully, and irrationally afraid of. Damnit. And I know that it’s just a minor thing and I’ll be just fine, but I still feel like screaming and crying until I can’t anymore. Quietgirl is right here with me, which makes things better. I don’t really know what an Ulnar Release procedure is… I don’t know when the surgery is. Probably not for some time. I don’t know what’s going to happen. ☹ That about sums it up. ---
**Author:** ![That\_Girl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e79b87/32.png) [@That\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Girl)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/2 "2000-12-22T01:26:03Z")
Trust the docs. You’ll be better in no time, I’m sure. Just don’t let the waiting get to you. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![caircair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/91b2a8/32.png) [@caircair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/caircair)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/3 "2000-12-22T01:26:06Z")
Oh, Andygirl! My sympathies! Wish I had some great advice, but I’ve never had surgery myself (although everyone else in my family has, including my husband – numerous times). All I can say is, I know you’re scared, and it’s normal, but trust your doctor and the medical team, they know what they’re doing. And once it’s over, you’ll feel MUCH better (eventually). Meanwhile, I’ll keep a good thought and a prayer for you. ((((((Andygirl)))))) ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/4 "2000-12-22T01:29:00Z")
{{{andygirl}}}} I’ve only had oral surgery, but I can tell you-if they put you under, it might not be so bad. I slept through mine. I don’t know anything about what you’re talking about though. But I’m sure they’ll give you lots of pain killers. This may sound trite, but if you’re feeling scared-rent a lot of silly videos and laugh. Trust me, it WORKS, for me at least. (This coming from a total pain wuss and a scaredycat of doctors and hospitals…so I feel your pain). Hope you feel better soon! We’ll be rooting for you! ---
**Author:** ![Silo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ac91a4/32.png) [@Silo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silo)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/5 "2000-12-22T01:31:00Z")
_hugs_ Try not to worry about it too much. You just go to sleep and wake up later a lil doped up. And then you’re all better. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Silly\_Rabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47774/32.png) [@Silly\_Rabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silly_Rabbit)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/6 "2000-12-22T01:31:59Z")
I have had a few surgeries and before them I am nervous and after them I think, “Wow, why was I so nervous??” _HUGS_ You just have to ask for some meds to relax you before you even go in. Tell the doctor how nervous you are. …SR xoxo ---
**Author:** ![Rasa](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rasa/32/3578_2.png) [@Rasa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rasa)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/7 "2000-12-22T01:34:54Z")
Good luck, andygirl! ---
**Author:** ![delphica](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9a140/32.png) [@delphica](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/delphica)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/8 "2000-12-22T01:37:21Z")
You have my most sincere and heartfelt sympathy, because I know exactly what you mean when you say that you’re terribly, painfully and irrationaly afraid of surgery. I’m exactly the same way. One positive result of this fear is that the actual surgery won’t be as bad as what you’re imagining. In fact, when I had surgery, afterwards I thought it was almost a good experience compared with the scenarios my mind was inventing. Scream and cry if you want to! And tell your doctor and the nurses that you are afraid – they will do whatever they can to make everything as easy as possible for you. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Griffin-Kentzel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/larry_griffin-kentzel/32/14787_2.png) [@Larry\_Griffin-Kentzel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Griffin-Kentzel)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/9 "2000-12-22T01:40:11Z")
> [@](#): > > Surgery is pretty much the only thing on the planet that I’m terribly, painfully, and irrationally afraid of. I know whatcha mean…my best to ya, **andygirl**! ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/10 "2000-12-22T01:41:22Z")
I had a friend who had to have the same surgery. He turned out fine, and they gave him all kinds of good drugs. So don’t worry. It’ll be cool. Just don’t go to an Army hospital, and you’ll be fine. ---
**Author:** ![obfusciatrist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/4af34b/32.png) [@obfusciatrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obfusciatrist)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/11 "2000-12-22T02:22:36Z")
I’m sure the surgery will go fine, **andygirl** , and who knows, maybe when it is over you will find that is was so not-terrible that you will ask that they do the other arm. I’ve never had surgery (or even a major injury, I’m UNBREAKABLE) but I was wondering this: For something like arm surgery would they be able/willing to just use a local anesthetic and let me watch? I’d think it would be terribly fascinating to see your own arm cut open (I know I was fascinated when the foot doctor pulled out my big toenail). ---
**Author:** ![andyman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8491ac/32.png) [@andyman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andyman)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/12 "2000-12-22T02:32:34Z")
Trust us, you’ll be fine. Since 1980, everyone in my family, except me, has had a procedure done. The first (and worst) was my baby sister, 2 years old at the time, who had to have open heart surgery to repair a hole in her heart. My Mom’s had her gall bladder removed, my other sister had to have all 4 bones in her forearms set after a 3-wheeler accident, and my Dad had some sort of prostate thing done (He used to drink about 2 pots of coffe a day… I don’t drink coffee at all). In all cases, they came through with flying colors! Anyway, what I’m trying to say, is our hearts are with you, we’d be there with you if we could, and trust the doc, he knows what he’s doing! ---
**Author:** ![porcupine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ac91a4/32.png) [@porcupine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/porcupine)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/13 "2000-12-22T02:34:58Z")
Good Luck, **andygirl**. I’m also a lucky one who’se neve had surgery. I have had that nerve test with the electrodes and needles that you’re talking about, though. They were checking my leg for nerve damage since I have a herniaed disk. You’re right, it does hurt, in a really weird creepy sort of way. _Aaaaaah, why is my leg jumping around like that?_ ---
**Author:** ![Rysdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7cd45c/32.png) [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/14 "2000-12-22T02:43:20Z")
As has been said, tell the doc you’re nervous…or scared…or fucking terrified, whatever. They’ll give you something that will not only erase your fears (in very short order), but it’ll make things seem absolutely _peachy!_ That’s what they did with my son when he had tubes put in his ears. 10 minutes after drinking a little capful of stuff, I was carrying him into the operating room…with him giggling madly. He woke up cheerful, and goofy, and ready to go home. No worries. I know your surgery will be somewhat more intrusive, but they can still help you out there. Better living through chemistry. You’ll be fine, AG. ---
**Author:** ![Geobabe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/geobabe/32/3908_2.png) [@Geobabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Geobabe)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/15 "2000-12-22T02:53:18Z")
☹ {{{{{andygirl}}}}} ---
**Author:** ![Una\_Persson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/una_persson/32/346_2.png) [@Una\_Persson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Una_Persson)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/16 "2000-12-22T03:19:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by andygirl \* > **I don’t really know what an Ulnar Release procedure is… I don’t know when the surgery is. Probably not for some time. I don’t know what’s going to happen.** Seek out the muse of medical knowledge, and you will feel much better about the Ulnar Release. Here, you can find an entire Web forum where people discuss these things: [Repetitive Strain Injury](http://neuro-www.mgh.harvard.edu/forum/Repet.StrainInjuryMenu.html) Here, you can find a large number of patient education materials on the problems, and the procedures: [Medical Multimedia Group](http://www.sechrest.com/mmg/reflib/ctd.html) I’m not sure what exactly you are suffering from, but it sounds like this: [Radial Tunnel Syndrome](http://www.sechrest.com/mmg/reflib/ctd/radtun/radtun.html) Or perhaps it is this? [Cubital Tunnel Syndrome](http://www.brainsurgeon.com/CUBITUN.HTM) You need more information. It will give you more confidence. Hey - I’m terrified of surgery too. I know exactly what you are feeling, and what you are going through. At least you have someone that loves you to stand by you. All things considered, it’s very minor surgery. They could probably do it while you were awake if they did not have to worry about one running out of the office screaming. 😉 I’m hoping for the best for you, Dark Princess. ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/17 "2000-12-22T03:34:20Z")
I would think arm surgery would be fairly easy. I am sure you’ll pull through. Keep us updated as to when the surgery happens and what they do. Also if they take anything out be sure to ask to get it back in a jar or something. I always wanted something like that for my knick-knack shelf. ---
**Author:** ![iampunha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/74df32/32.png) [@iampunha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iampunha)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/18 "2000-12-22T03:38:14Z")
From my father (a RN): An Ulnar Nerve Release is basically where the surgeon will take out whatever’s annoying the nerve. No guarantee that you’ll get feeling/motion/whatever back. [This](http://www.pncl.co.uk/~belcher/ulnar.htm) might provide you with some comfort . . . and as always if you want to email or IM me I’ll be happy to talk to you about it, and if my dad’s available he can try to answer questions you may have. He is not a doctor, but he does know a helluva lot about medical stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Zero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c4cdca/32.png) [@Saint\_Zero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Zero)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/19 "2000-12-22T03:40:36Z")
Should be all right. I’ve been to the neurologist, and had the tests done for Carpal Tunnel and a pinched nerve in my neck. It was freaky, but I didn’t need surgery. Good Luck! ---
**Author:** ![Sue\_Duhnym](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/91b2a8/32.png) [@Sue\_Duhnym](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sue_Duhnym)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794/20 "2000-12-22T04:02:23Z")
It’ll be fine sweetie! Be brave and you’ll be pain-free soon! Good luck and good recovery (assuming Quietgirl will help with recovery)! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-have-surgery/46794.md?page=2)