Hysterectomy Checkpoints Hysterectomy Checkpoints  Hysterectomy Alternatives Alternatives   Hysterectomy Options Hysterectomy Choices  Pre Op Hysterectomy Pre-op  Post Op Hysterectomy Post-op   Hormones HRT Menopause   Sexual Dysfuntion Intimacy   Fitness Pelvic Floor  Fitness Fitness   GYN Cancer Cancer  Grief Grief    
 
 
 

Articles for Hysterectomy Patients
Hysterectomy Article Coping with Anxiety and Fear

From the Pre-Op Hysterectomy Articles List
Related Titles
HRT - Freedom from Fear?
LAVH; nothing to fear
Cancerhead - Coping with GYN Cancer Fears
TVH - Gillian's story "Nothing to fear but fear itself"
TAH/BSO - Fear NOT!

HysterSisters Articles
Options to Hysterectomy
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor





I'm really frightened about my upcoming hysterectomy. I'm anxious and have butterflies in my stomach all the time. What is wrong with me?


Fear is a natural emotion that is hard-wired into human beings. Having any surgery can be a scary proposition, so it stands to reason that you would feel nervous about having a hysterectomy. You are not strange, weak or unusual if you are afraid to go to a hospital for the purpose of having your body cut open to remove organs. If you are experiencing pre-op anxiety, you are 100% normal.

There is no sure-fire remedy for eliminating pre-op jitters and sizzling nerves, but we do have ideas—shared with us by other HysterSisters—for managing the “waiting time” in a number of different ways:
  • Clean your house from top to bottom: really clean it!
  • Prepare “meals for the freezer” for re-heating and consumption in your early post-op weeks.
  • Set up your recovery room, and make it as comfy and convenience-filled as possible.
  • Socialize with family and friends.
  • Go out and physically “do” things like walking, boating, bowling, dancing, etc. Physical activity can help to relieve stress and promote a good night’s sleep.

It is comforting for some women to pray, attend worship services, and request prayers from members of their congregation. And, although it can seem morbid to some, quite a few HysterSisters have relieved a bit of their anxiety by writing letters to their children and others loved ones to be opened “just in case.”

It’s natural for hysterectomy patients who are mothers to try to “protect” their children (even if they are adults) from developing their own fear and anxiety about Mom going to the hospital to have an operation, so consequently they may conceal their emotions from their children. Other women don’t feel comfortable sharing their fears with their spouse, siblings, or anyone. They don’t want to worry or burden anyone, so they downplay everything. This concern is very understandable, but it would be much more emotionally healthy to share your fears with even just one “confidante.” Don’t keep it all bottled in. You need to talk about it openly with someone, even if it is just one person.

If you are suffering terribly from pre-op anxiety, and can’t seem to calm down from trying the remedies we suggest, do talk to your doctor about what you are experiencing. It won’t be the first time your doctor has heard about this from patients facing surgery! Perhaps you can be prescribed a light sedative to take “as needed” until your journey to the Castle. Don’t suffer needlessly. You need to be well-rested and as emotionally fit as possible when you embark on your journey to good health.



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.


Related Titles
HRT - Freedom from Fear?
LAVH; nothing to fear
Cancerhead - Coping with GYN Cancer Fears
TVH - Gillian's story "Nothing to fear but fear itself"
TAH/BSO - Fear NOT!


Recommended for Hysterectomy Recovery

The HysterSisters Store has gathered products made specifically for your recovery from surgery. Here are the best sellers we can recommend to help you:

  • The Great Binder Set - We have made it very easy for you and combined the two best binders and the Silky Sac into a great set to save you money! Our favorite is the Perfect Pocket binder with cold/hot packs!
  • Deluxe Hyst Prep Set - As you plan, we've gathered the best products into one set for special pricing.
  • Post-Op Panty - These great panties speed recovery, and reduces scarring. They contain a medical-grade silicone panel over incision to reduce scar's apperance while they provide support to weakened muscles and tissues from surgery. Excellent!
  • Softest Bra Ever - When you want to wear something, but feel nothing. This is the softest bra ever, in microfiber with no hardware or tags to chafe or dig! The comfort-ribbed underband stays in place gently, so it is perfect for sleeping and lounging.
  • HysterSisters Accessory Kit - Are you a HysterSisters fan? This set has a fun collection of HysterSisters items.
  • Very Private Moisture - Once your doctor gives you the green light for intimacy, this is the stuff! This is a best selling product with a high rate of permanent, satisfied, repeat customers! Relieves vaginal dryness instantly, protects tissue & enhances intimacy. "Buy it for the problem, use it for the pleasure."






Doctor Directory Doctor Directory

Sean Kossari, M.D.
14901 Rinaldi Street
Suite 320
Mission Hills CA 91345
818-365-1616
Jennifer Hayes, M.D.
Visionary Centre for Women
2695 Ulmerton Rd
Clearwater FL 33762
727-540-0414
Bret Lewis, M.D.
5780 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Ste 295
(#2 Location) 11975 Morris Rd., Ste. 310 , Alpharetta, GA 30004
Atlanta GA 30342
404-255-3633
Christopher Stroud, M.D.
11123 Parkivew Plaza Drive
Suite 101
Fort Wayne IN 46845
2609695071
Iris Orbuch, M.D.
202 Spring Street 2nd Floor
New York NY 10012
212-343-3040
David Zisow, M.D.
2005 Rock Spring Rd Ste. 3
Forest Hill - Baltimore MD 21050
410-879-1139
Gretchen Makai, M.D.
4735 Ogletown Stanton Rd MAP II, Ste 2103
Christiana Care Health System
Newark DE 19713
302-623-4410
Jon Nielsen, M.D.
9825 Hospital Dr. Suite 205
Maple Grove MN 55369
763-587-7050
Marshall Bovelsky, M.D.
200 Banning St
Suite 320
Dover DE 19904
302-674-0223
Hysterectomy News
June 19,2013
WEBSITE NEWS
Checking In June Newsletter
The HysterSisters June newsletter has been published and can be accessed on the website here: June 2013 HysterSisters Ch [More]...

LATEST BLOG POST:
When It Becomes Mental

PROUD PARTNER - DaVinci Surgery


Advertisement


Android app on Google Play


Advertisement



Advertisement





All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:52 AM.

HysterSisters.com is a patient support website and does not intend to take the place of the relationship between patient and personal physician.

Mobile Skin
Medical Advisory Team - Give Me a Second - Second Opinions are Good For Your Health

Peer Support Websites: IC-Network
Hyster Sisters® Copyright 1998-2013 All rights reserved.
Page generated in 0.26237202 seconds with 12 queries
HysterSisters Hysterectomy | TOS | Privacy | About | Contact | Help/FAQ | Advertise | Hysterectomy Products | Advertising Policy | Doctors | Twitter | Facebook | Videos| Press Room
 
toggle

Receive support and resources for your hysterectomy related needs:

Support Forums - Hysterectomy Checkpoints - and more!