Hello deejcop,
I had to have emergency knee surgery as a 27 year old after a grinder (I was working on a boiler plate) cut into my knee, the initial treatment (doctor's office) did not work too well and after a few weeks the knee swelled up to about 3 times its normal size, I went to a specialist and the Orthapedic Surgeon discovered a raging staff infection. Anyway, to make a long story short he got me into surgery that afternoon, had to take the kneecap off, dig around the "mother of pearl," tendons and stuff removing tiny metal fragments and thoroughly washing all the parts of with an antibiotic solution.
The feeling I had before I was being prepped for surgery was of pure dread and terror, my imagination running wild with all the possibilities a paranoid, fearful mind can muster. Then came the pre anesthesia "cocktail," worries over, hand me the knife, let's get this ball rolling attitude replaced the nervous, paraniod state of mind. Then the real anesthesia was administered, she told me to count backwards from 10, I think I made it to 7 and "lights out."
Next thing I know I am waking up in my room with my family around me, it was over, I counted my legs and feet saw that the count was right and asked my nurse when could I get a bite to eat. I ended up having to stay in the hospital a week so they could give me intravenous antibiotics 24/7 until the Doctor felt the Staff infection was under control. I was on crutches for 3 or 4 weeks but in hindsight it was not a bad experience, the pain was gone and my knee has been fine ever since. Once you get "prepped" for surgery it is pretty much a done deal, the next thing know you will be waking up in your room, with smiling friendly faces around you.
Here are some FAQ's on rotator cuff surgery, (I checked it out first to make sure there were no horror stories). Hey Brother, the prognosis looks great!
http://www.scoi.com/cuffdise.htmYou will be in my prayers,
Joe