Running

[Jynx]

@avant-garde hey hey, how has your Saturday been? 

I've never had a major surgery, only had my wisdom teeth out and I just had local for those, so I feel a bit out of my depth on this one 😅 But I am hearing you hun, like you're also worried about the aftermath, having never done this on your own before. That's huge!! 

I guess like, how would you usually plan for something like this, like for a trauma anniversary for instance? 

[avant-garde]

@Jynx 

I got pretty things today and get to go see Jasmine tomorrow. 

I'm taking her a small crochet otter that says "you're otter-ly amazing"

I got it for me, but it'll get a laugh out of her. 

And it's not like I can't get more. 

Trauma-versaries are different, I have complete control over those and schedule down to the minute. 

It's more similar to a church service level of preparation, planning for the unknown of that makes sense. 

Before surgery is a minute by minute planning but after its a church service kind of plan, what will help me emotionally stabilise and ground...

Does that make sense?

[Jynx]

@avant-garde that is so unbelievably cute 😍 You otter believe she'll love that! Hehehe

It does make sense - is there a stark difference in the kinds of things you put in place in one situation vs the other? Sounds like you could potentially combine the strategies... 

[avant-garde]

@Jynx 

That's what my head is trying to do... combine them...

But my emotions kind of hit and the triggers become overwhelming when I start thinking about it

[Jynx]

Mm @avant-garde sounds both frustrating and overwhelming. Do you find it helpful to write it all down somewhere? Perhaps you could work on the plan a little bit at a time, with lots of self-care in between?

[avant-garde]

@Jynx 

My therapist said she would email a form through for me to fill out with my case manager, however she hasn't done so yet. 

I just wish there was a kind of template for survivors you know? 

Maybe I make the template myself...

Maybe that's the first step...

[Jynx]

Oh that sounds like such a good idea @avant-garde - and potentially helpful for many people! 

Do you  have the kind of relationship w your therapist where you could poke to remind? 

[avant-garde]

@Jynx 

I've only just started with her, but shall give her a couple of days given that she doesn't work Friday and I only saw her Thursday. 

My first question on the form is "what is likely to trigger me before the surgery?"

Part of it is actually the mask to put me to sleep, I do better with pathology tests than I do masks!

The rest of it is not knowing, so now I'm researching. 

The procedure is called "zadek's procedure" and it takes 10-30 minutes under general

I'm gathering references to the answers now too

[Jynx]

@avant-garde oh good starting point! Hope the research also offers some relief in the clarity 😊

Could some of the questions that are often included in suicide safety plans also help guide the process? 

If you feel like sharing the questions with the community at any point, I reckon that'd be ace! Only if you're comfy doing so of course. 

I am sorry but I've either missed or forgotten when the surgery is, and I'll be away tomorrow so I wanted to wish you a smooth process and swift recovery - just in case. I hope you get a medical team who is gentle and understanding of your needs too 🤞

(づᴗ _ᴗ)づ♡

[avant-garde]

@Jynx 

It's not until next year! They haven't given me a date yet

And maybe it could be a newsletter article?

What do you think @Ru-bee @rav3n