TLH: Freaking out

My surgery is four days away and I am freaking out. We were supposed to move into our new house on November 15th and it is still not done. The house we live in now is a family members house and the washer went out two months ago so I have to lug laundry from a family of five to my mom's house every weekend when I want to do the laundry. Then, last night the fridge went out. So, all of our cold food is in a dorm size fridge on the back porch. We have boxes all over our house and I can't stand to be in all the clutter. I am having a radical hysterectomy due to severe endometriosis that I have had for over 16 years. I am only 32 years old. I have three beautiful children and I should consider myself lucky that God allowed me to have them. I am worried about recovery because as soon as I come home...to a house that is a disaster, the kids will be on Christmas break. How am I going to handle recovery and three kids, ages 8, 6, and 2?! And maybe a move?? My husband is here, but I am not sure he will be a big help. My mom has no compassion, so I am not sure she will be helpful either. She thinks I make up the endo pain. I just don't know how I am going to do it! Also, I have to go back to work in 2 and a half weeks. Please pray for me! Pray my new house gets finished by Tuesday! Thanks for letting me vent!

kgott,

I am also freaking out and I don't have all that stuff you have going on. 11 more days for me. Trying to keep my mind on other things and Christmas is helping but I keep thinking about the 'day after Christmas'. My kids are a little older 10 years old and 16. They really don't do much of anything around the house at all except take out the trash and mow the grass like 1 time per month (the 16 year old). Praying for you that you will have an unexplained peace and fast recovery.

Take a deep breath. Yes you are going to be tired. Try to make your meals ahead and freeze them. Pick up the area where you will be resting, mostly likely the couch. Have your hubby out the fridge on top of a table so that you can reach things. ASK friends to come over and help. Make bags or games that your kids can use to keep busy. Ask someone to be on laundry duty for you. I'm post op week 3 from davinci and I'm just starting to feel normal again. I have been able to get up and around since the first day, but you need to remember to rest a lot. You only 1 chance to recover and heal. I had to rely on my hubby and friends. Try to get everything set up ahead of time so all you have to do is call.

Hi kgott -

(((Fgcusweetie))) has great suggestions.

Your DH has to understand that you will need help in the weeks that follow your surgery. This is MAJOR SURGERY! I have heard that the only surgery more major is open heart surgery. You will be VERY EXHAUSTED and sore, and you will have lifting restrictions of no more than 10 lbs for six weeks, and maybe longer. A gallon of milk weights about 8.5 lbs. You will need help with cooking, cleaning, dishes, laundry, shopping, driving, etc. for several weeks.

Would your DH read some information? Here is a site: Mister HysterSisters. It will at least give him some idea of what you are up against and how to help.

It will also be very difficult for you to move AND have this surgery. Please talk to your doctor on this. Also, going back to work in 2.5 weeks may be a tall order. You should talk to your doctor on this as well. My surgery was a TAH BSO. I went back to work after 3 weeks to a moderate stress desk job, but could only handle part time for another 4 weeks. And that was TOUGH, TOUGH, TOUGH!

You need to rest much during your recovery, and do lots of brief but frequent walks. You truly only get one chance to heal right. See if friends and neighbors can help out as best they can, if family will not help.

I hope you can work some of this out....

Bless your heart! Today was your surgery date and I hope it went well. I hope your mom and husband's eyes were opened to the support you need while you recover! This is a difficult time but you are strong and will pull through it!