[catrinka]

No, not of driving in a car. I've gotten past that.<br><br>
No, not of getting in and out of the bathtub on my own and by myself.<br>
I've gotten past that.<br><br>
No, not even about bending my knee, strenghtening all of the muscles and pushing the tightness out of the tendons.<br>
I've gotten past that.<br><br>
But I'm feeling like a newborn baby about arranging to get 3 sutures that have not dissolved and risen to the surface of my knee taken out. They are under the skin so I know it'll probably be a simple procedure... But the very thought of cutting over such a tender and vulnerable spot makes me literally shake (as I am doing now).<br><br><img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif">

 

[QuixoticNotions]

((Cat)) It will be okay. See what you've faced and gotten over and managed already? For someone as strong and as tough as you, even if you're scared, it's not going to be a problem.<br><br>
Feel better!

 

[triciaflower]

You have come so far.<br><br>
You are so strong.. you can deal with 3 little measly sutures.<br><br>
Now go get them taken out.

 

[catrinka]

i.don't.want.to.<br>
i'm in waaaaaaaaaahhmbulance mode! <img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif">

 

[diablita]

Aw Cat. It sucks that you have to go through more poking and prodding. But the others are right: you've already weathered a lot and are a touch woman.<br><br>
It probably won't be any worse than a skinned knee that you had when you were a kid. Maybe arrange for a reward afterwards, like going for ice cream, to take take the sting away?

 

[catrinka]

yeah, i know i'm being a baby. i'm very cognizant of it... too much cuz i'm feeling awful weak to be this worried/anticipatory. it's one of those days. i hope i'm braver tomorrow cuz i have to make the appt.<br><br>
p.s. i love the ice cream idea.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Hey cat, shouldn't be anymore a biggie than popping some pimples.

 

[RaisingArizonainNH]

Can you explain the anxiety to the doc and ask for a local anesthetic. They give it to put in the sutures usually.<br><br>
The suture/staple thing IS gross! For my knee surgery they nevermentioned I had a line of big industrial looking staples on my leg.. and I unwrapped 2 days after and almost barfed.. (My husband RAN from the room, my 9 year old daughter looked even closer and said "COOL- STAPLES!" )<br><br>
Hope it comes out easily - it will probably be a piece of cake you know!

 

[catrinka]

oh, i'm so glad i didn't have to get staples removed! my external sutures stung like a muther when they were removed... but i got through it...<br><br>
these aren't the external sutures... these are internal sutures that were used to close the knee after it was gaped wide open (knee cap off) so they could drill through the femur bone to insert the titanium rod. the whole idea, the imagery i get... blahick!

 

[wyrillco]

Ice cream fixes anything. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> Good luck, it will be done before you know it, Cat.

 

[CrazyEye]

Yeah, don't sweat it. You'll get local anesthetic. No problem! <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[Ileneforward]

I asked the surgeon if the sutures he put in my shoulder were the dissolving kind. He said no, they were in there permanent. <img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif"> They are blue and plasticy looking, I saw the pictures. I think about them in there now.<br><br>
I wish I were getting mine out like you get to. {{catrinka}} Be strong, you can handle anything!

 

[Gingerbread]

I got staples for some surgery too, and my response was similar to your daughter's. I just thought it was so-o-o freakin' cool, but I was about 19 so it <i>was</i> cool <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> They just popped those suckers out, and I couldn't feel it at all, no anesthetic, but they were surface staples after all.<br><br>
The imagery is disturbing, but you'll be fine!! I think the ice cream reward is a very good idea! Local anesthetic and don't watch, don't even think about it while it's going on. Ask for something to look at or read. Divert your mind!!<br><br>
You are strong and serene! Good luck <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">