@rwdixon4 Fly fishing... that sounds like the perfect "escape". As you think about that listen for the sounds of the birds and the gentle water dancing among the rocks. It's an absolutely beautiful place bringing peace and tranquility perhaps in the mountains? The lure dances in the cold crystal clear waters and you see the iridescence of a trout navigating the currents. This is yours to write the rest of the story and describe your perfect day.

I had previously worked with a therapist about facing my own fear of surgery, and she told me to imagine a safe place that I can go to in my mind anytime I feel stressed. I think your safe place involves a fishing reel, hand tied lures, and some warm summer breezes. Remember to inhale deeply that fresh mountain air.....

This really works, and it will lower your blood pressure when you start to worry. The beauty is that you can do this anytime and as it lowers your blood pressure, it also helps ease some pain. Visualize this as you think about it, and you can also pair it with some of your favorite music. This becomes your exercise and response when you need to occupy your mind when you would rather be someplace else, so you have permission to go there in your imagination. The human mind is amazing. I'm glad Sherry is helping you along the way here with her experience. Good luck with your surgery and getting to the other side to begin the healing. That takes patience, and remember, we are here for you.

As, an afterthought, I'm adding this link so you can think about fly fishing. I personally knew Pete Huttlinger, and since his passing, this fly fishing and music camp in Montana has continued in his memory. Could that be a goal for you as you recover to go fly fishing somewhere? Pete was a guy who faced very serious medical issues and he learned to embrace his challenges. He was a great musician, composer and fly fisherman.
https://www.petehuttlinger.com/camp
As told by Pete himself (which I find very inspiring) "Don't just live; live well."