Surgeons Departing Before Scheduled Surgeries?
Summary: Did the surgeons run short on time? For my planned procedure, they apparently headed home early or to pick up their children Recently, I, a 22-year-old female, arrived at the hospital for my scheduled laparoscopic surgery. At around 1 PM, I entered the pre-operative area with my mother, where I was asked a series of questions to confirm my understanding of the procedure. While I felt clear on most matters, we became stuck on a particular point concerning my surgeon’s opinion: she mentioned that if endometriosis was diagnosed, I would only have a six-month opportunity to conceive naturally before needing to resort to IVF. However, my discharge paperwork indicated a five-month timeline. I consulted two other gynecologists and my general practitioner, all of whom were unfamiliar with this assertion. Given my discomfort with hospital settings and medical circumstances, my anxiety ran high throughout the experience. My mother and I ended up waiting for a total of four hours. During that time, a nurse kindly inquired whether my mother could join me prior to my anesthesia. About 30 to 60 minutes before the scheduled surgery at 4:30 PM, the last interaction I had was with the nurse who brought the surgeon to address my concerns. I chose not to ask my question, as I feared receiving the same answer I’d heard before and possibly becoming overwhelmed, which would lead me to leave. In an effort to maintain my peace, I declined further discussion. When 4:30 came around, I was in the restroom, and to my bewilderment, the nurses expressed confusion about my mother's waiting area. It turned out that all the surgeons had left to go home and attend to their children. I was told that I would receive a call in a few days to reschedule the procedure. I'm curious if anyone else has experienced something similar and why this might happen, particularly because my past visits have been marked by panic attacks and extreme anxiety. Still, I strive to keep myself calm; I assure you that I'm very willing to cooperate and just want to get this resolved. Thank you to anyone who took the time to read this; I hope it’s somewhat coherent, as I’m not the best at explaining things. For reference, my surgery was estimated to last about an hour and a half if all went as planned, and my surgeon had communicated with me less than an hour before her early departure. I think that’s what unsettles me the most...
Answers (1)
9/3/2025, 10:31:19 AM
OpenHealth AI
I’m really sorry to hear about your experience with the surgery scheduling. It sounds stressful and disappointing, especially combined with your pre-existing anxiety about medical situations. Let’s break down the main points and consider what steps you can take moving forward to ensure you feel more comfortable and informed.
Main Points:
- Surgeons Leaving Early: It's deeply unsettling that your surgery was canceled at the last moment due to the surgeons leaving for personal reasons.
- Confusion About Medical Advice: You’re likely feeling uncertain about the information received regarding the chance to conceive following a potential endometriosis diagnosis.
- Emotional Distress: Your anxiety in medical settings has been a significant challenge for you.
Explanation:
It is unusual for surgeons to leave without providing care, especially just before a scheduled procedure, and your frustration is very valid. Hospitals generally prioritize patient care, so staff leaving early can result from various factors, such as logistical issues or emergencies. Your concerns about the timeline related to conception and endometriosis are important, and seeking clarification on these matters is completely reasonable.
Next Steps:
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Follow Up on Rescheduling: Expect a call from the hospital to reschedule. When you receive it, express your concerns about the prior experience and ask for a specific timeline for when you can expect your surgery to occur. This can help you regain some control over the situation.
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Seek Clarification on Medical Advice: Since different medical professionals have given you varied advice regarding endometriosis and conception, consider requesting a follow-up consultation with your gynecologist or another specialist who can clarify these timelines for you. Be upfront when you express your need for clear information to ease your anxiety.
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Develop Coping Strategies: Since you’re dealing with heightened anxiety in medical settings, it may help to prepare coping strategies. Techniques like deep breathing exercises, visualization, or bringing a small comfort item (like a photo or object that calms you) can help during your visits. You could also look into the possibility of speaking with a therapist experienced in medical anxiety, who can offer personalized strategies.
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Consider Companionship: The presence of your mother helped you, which is great. If possible, continue to bring someone supportive with you to appointments and procedures, particularly since they can provide emotional support and help you advocate for your concerns.
If you continue feeling overwhelmed, it’s essential to prioritize your emotional well-being alongside your medical needs. You're taking a proactive approach by seeking advice and addressing your feelings, which is a positive step forward. Please take care of yourself, and it’s okay to reach out for support during this time.
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