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 Family - Telling Children about Hysterectomy

From the Pre-Op Hysterectomy Articles List
Related Titles
Resources for Hysterectomy Patient's Family?
Hysterectomy FAQ for Family and Friends - Part 3
Hysterectomy FAQ for Family and Friends - Part 2
Family - My Husband Doesn't Understand My Upcoming Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy FAQ For Family and Friends - Part 1

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





Family - Telling Children About Hysterectomy

I’m having a hysterectomy next week and my problem is my 6-year-old son. How do I explain to him what is going to happen to me? I’ve tried to talk to him and he cries and doesn’t want me to go. I am so worried about him.

Many mothers of young children have dealt with the same issue you describe. The following are suggestions and sentiments on this topic shared through the years by members of Hystersisters.com:
  • “My son knew for two months that his mommy was very tired and sick, so I told him that I was going to go to the hospital for a couple of days to get better, and that did it. I felt that, at 6 years of age, he didn’t need to know about all the cuts and stitches. It's not changing the truth -- it is treating a 6-year-old as a 6-year-old.”

  • ”I had my son build me something with his Legos, to take to the hospital with me. He also got to pick out a stuffed animal to keep me company. Let him be a part of it -- but try to make it an adventure, not something he will be so afraid of.”

  • “Before my surgery, I told my son that I had a pain in my belly and the doctor was going to make it better, and that I needed him to be a big boy and maybe he can help afterwards. It’s always hard to give advice about kids since they're all so different, and what works for one may not work for another.”

  • “I explained to my kids that hospitals are where doctors fix people. I then told them that I would have surgery and that the doctor wants me to stay at the hospital for 3 or 4 days to make sure everything is good. My 6 year-old son certainly did not want to hear any details about the cutting and stapling. He did want to know why I was having it done. I explained that things were not working right and it caused me pain. They were still upset about me being in the hospital. Nothing you do or say can completely take away the anxiety. I think it is important to acknowledge it and tell your children that you will miss them, too.”

  • “Don’t give too much information. A child's greatest fear is losing a parent. Downplay it as much as possible. Just say that you will be gone to the hospital for a few days and when you get back your stomach will be sore and you might need his help. Answer his questions, but only give the basics. Be sure to reassure him that you will be just fine. Have him come up with ideas of things that he can do for you when you return. Children love to be helpful and feel needed, but most of all, they need to feel secure that you will be okay.”

  • “I have a 7-year-old son who was also very upset about my surgery. He cried often, and I was more worried about him than about myself. I found that just spending extra quality time with him before surgery was more calming to him than the talks.”

  • “I struggled, too, as to what to tell my 7-year-old daughter. I finally decided to tell her that Mommy was going in the hospital so they could make me better and I wouldn’t hurt anymore. She seemed okay with that. We talked about it whenever she felt like it. I tried to answer her truthfully, yet gently, and in words she could understand. I also informed her teacher about the surgery, and forewarned her that my daughter may be a bit anxious for the next few days.”

There are some good books available about hospitals and surgery, and it's often easier to explain if you have a book to help. For younger children (age 3–7), "When Mommy Had a Mastectomy," by Nancy Reuben Greenfield, and "Dakota's Mom Goes to the Hospital" by Annie Thiel have been recommended. For older children (8-preteen), "Let's Talk About When Someone You Love Is in the Hospital" by Marianne Johnston might be helpful.

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
Resources for Hysterectomy Patient's Family?
Hysterectomy FAQ for Family and Friends - Part 3
Hysterectomy FAQ for Family and Friends - Part 2
Family - My Husband Doesn't Understand My Upcoming Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy FAQ For Family and Friends - Part 1


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

Mini Somasundaram, M.D.
4845 Knightsbridge Boulevard
Suite 220
Columbus OH 43214
(614) 583-5552
Ellen Wilson, M.D.
5323 Harry Hines Blvd - Dept of OBGYN
Dallas TX 75390
214-648-4747
Aarathi Cholkeri-Singh, M.D.
120 Osler Drive
Ste. 100
Napeville IL 60540
630-428-2229
James Kondrup, M.D.
161 Riverside Drive
Suite 109
Binghamton NY 13905
607-770-7074
Jon Nielsen, M.D.
9825 Hospital Dr. Suite 205
Maple Grove MN 55369
763-587-7050
Iris Orbuch, M.D.
202 Spring Street 2nd Floor
New York NY 10012
212-343-3040
Francisco Garcini, M.D.
1870 Silver Cross Blvd
Suite 210
New Lenox IL 60451
815-463-3000
Kimberly Newman, M.D.
10030 Edison Square Drive
Suite 100A
Concord NC 28027
704-403-7670
Kym Boyman, M.D.
1775 Williston Rd., Ste. 110
South Burlington VT 05403
802-735-1252


Hysterectomy News May 25,2013
-- May Checking In - Newsletter - Your Bone Density
This month's Checking In newsletter from HysterSisters has been published and available online! Click here: May Checking [More]...

Latest Blog Post: Have you shopped the sale?
Advertisement


Advertisement



Advertisement




All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:44 PM.

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 0.26561904 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!