Mony ~
No need to apologize for being apprehensive about AN removal surgery. It's serious stuff - but many have gone through it very successfully. I'm one of those, so is Jan and many other folks who'll be responding to your questions.
For those of you that do or did have one. How was the surgery? Not bad. I was unconscious for the 9 hours it took as you would be during your surgery. I'm sure the doctors were tired, though.
Was it painful? No pain afterward except for a too-tight head bandage (think turban).
How long did you stay in the hospital? Barely 5 days.
How long was recovery time? About a month, for me.
As Jan correctly stated, the hospital experience varies from patient to patient. Some have a very uncomplicated surgery, are back home in a few days and back to work in a few weeks. However, Jan's statement of a 4-7 day hospital stay is quite accurate and the 6 week recovery time is also the norm.
Frankly, until you have a confirmed AN diagnosis, fretting over a surgery you may never need seems unnecessary. Please try to think positive and not assume the worst case scenario.
Jim
