Article: Relaxation Suggestions to Prepare for Hysterectomy

HysterSisters Hysterectomy Support Resources - http://www.hystersisters.com

Article: Relaxation Suggestions to Prepare for Hysterectomy
Do you have any suggestions for relaxing? My hysterectomy is scheduled and it seems that I'm a bit in a panic.

This is a stressful time. The HysterSisters have compiled these ideas with suggestions on ways to relax.

Sleep. Lay on your back on the bed. Make sure your arms are by your side and you are completely still. Close your eyes and breathe in slowly through your nose, hold it a couple of seconds, then release it through your mouth. Feel how heavy your head is on the pillow. Feel how you form into the mattress. Let your arms and legs go completely limp. Let your body sink into your mattress. Continue to breathe deeply, taking your time. Smile. Think of the one place and time that you were at your very happiest and most relaxed.

Linen Spray. Try using a linen spray on your pillow and sheets. Lavender and vanilla are favorites for relaxing.

Forgive. Choose to forgive anyone whom you continue to think about as a source of irritation in your life. The energy required to foster a grudge is heavier than forgiveness.

Pray. Take this time to relax in the arms of the One who made you and loves you.

Panic Attacks. Sit calmly and quietly away from rush and noise. Concentrate on your breathing. Do the deep breathing exercise you just learned. Close your eyes and continue to breathe deeply and slowly. In through your nose, hold, our through your mouth. Visualize peace and tranquility throughout your body. Focus on a good and positive thing. If you are stressing over your surgery, then visualize yourself waking up in the recovery room and it being all over with.

Smile. If you're just plain stressed out, visualize something that made you genuinely smile. Something or someone or some time that made you feel so GOOD. Embrace that. Focus on pure happiness.

Pain Management Fears. Make an appointment with the anesthesiologist to discuss pain management. Plan to make your needs known to your surgeon and the hospital staff.

Personal Pampering. Gather your favorite soothing music whether it is jazz, classical, golden oldies, Carole King or Simon and Garfunkel. Using fragance candles and bubble bath create a "get-away" environment in your bathroom.

Massage. Schedule a massage or facial a day or two before your surgery. If you can afford it, set yourself up for a whole day of spa pampering.

Haircut and Nails. Schedule your hair appointment and a manicure too. Nail polish should be transparent as the hospital staff will not want you to have polish on your nails.

Mini Escape. Take time out for a walk, rent a video, go see a movie, read your favorite book, or a quick weekend getaway.

Establish Support Network. Gather your family and friends around you for a dinner or evening with dessert and coffee. Remind them of your love for each of them.

Relaxation Tapes. Check them out at your local library or book store. Some provide guided breathing techniques with words of encouragement. Peggy Huddleston's "Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster" is a tape some HysterSisters recommend.

Memorize Scripture. Find verses in the Bible which comfort you. Memorize them and say them out loud and in your head when you need a reminder to yourself of its comfort.

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.