Fear and Death Thoughts Before Hysterectomy

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Fear and Death Thoughts Before Hysterectomy

Fear and Death Thoughts Before Hysterectomy

Date : 04-10-2003 - 05:34 PM - Readers : 35468

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I'm very frightened that I might die during surgery. Is it normal to be fearful?

Even if you rationally and logically understand that a hysterectomy is an operation with an extremely low mortality rate, it is still natural to fear that you might be among that unlucky, tiny fraction-of-a-percent who do not survive the surgery.

For some women, these fears manifest themselves in vivid and disturbing pre-op dreams. Others are spared from nightmares, but spend most of their waking hours worrying about it. Some women feel compelled to write letters to their children and other loved ones, (even their pets!) to be opened in case “the worst” happens. Women may discuss their fears with their spouse, and encourage him to be a “merry widower” and get married again if the opportunity arises. Other women decide to revise their will, or they inform relatives about their music selection preferences for their funeral.

Even if you are fortunate to have repressed your fear of death from the surgery, that possibility may be thrust into the forefront of your mind when you are presented with the “paperwork” at the hospital, to read and sign before you are prepped for the procedure. The word “death” may seem to jump out from the pages presented to you.

How do women successfully conquer these fears? The simple answer is…most don’t. There are those who say they are calmed by placing themselves in the hands of God. Others find satisfaction in getting their personal affairs in order…“getting all their ducks in a row” so to speak. Many women find that talking frankly about their fear of death with a close friend or relative helps. Don’t hesitate to share your feelings about this with someone you love and trust. The comfort that they can provide can be immeasurable.

Be calmed by the fact that these morbid thoughts are experienced by almost everyone. Don’t worry about the fact you’re worried!

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.

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