For me I didn't get time to dwell on the surgery too much. Myself and Mr Treacy decided that surgery was the best way forward for me on the Wednesday and two weeks later I was having the surgery!
In truth I couldn't wait for it to happen. I'd been fighting the system and various surgeons for three years so when Mr Treacy agreed, I could have kissed him! I was ready, ready to get rid of the wretched arthritis pain that had been dominating my life, and at 31 I know I couldn't face anymore wasted years on crutches or in a wheelchair.
Everyone is nervous before any surgery. It's normal and natural. All I kept thinking about was how good my life was going to get afterwards. I think the worst part was laying on the bed, waiting for the anaesthetic to me administered, I may have even shed a little tear waiting, but the nurse who was looking after me, held my hand, stroked my hair and said 'close your eyes, have a nice sleep and i'll be the first person you see when you wake up'. And she was.... with tea and toast waiting for me!!
I had no pain for the first day as the spinal was still in effect, but once that had worn off, the meds took over. Yes, your body will feel it, but no more than a heavy session down the gym. And the best part? When I took my first steps with the PT's 24 hours later? No arthritis pain, at all! I actually cried!! But with happiness and sheer relief.
You really won't regret this. I'm a little over 3 weeks now and the progress is small day by day, but my surgery wasn't straight forward. On the whole though, i'm very happy.