Very nrevous about upcoming surgery and recovery!

I am scheduled for a total hysterectomy and oopherectomy this Friday, August 3rd. I am very nervous about everything, from pre-op work to post-op pain. I have been living with a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome for about 12 years,which has caused countless numbers of hormonal problems and now has caused my current condition, Endometrial Hyperplasia. They found no pre-cancerous cells but could not guarentee they would not pop up in the future. We made the decision 2 weeks ago and now I am sitting and waiting. The longer I wait the more nervous I get. I found this website about a week ago and reading the stories has helped tremendously. Especially those about catheters and other pre-op procedures. Does anyone have any advice for calming my nerves or anything else I am about to face?
Thanks for listening and good luck to all of you!

KAT

Hi Kat,

I had atypical hyperplasia in the endo and my doc told me I could have a hyst or try radiation treatment first. I chose the hyst for the peace of mind. Hyperplasia can be a very tricky thing to deal with. Your nervousness is perfectly normal. I did a lot of reading here and on WebMD. I am the kind of person who likes to know everything about the situation that I am in. That kept me busy but I can't say it kept my mind off of things. I also tried to keep very busy so that my mind wouldn't have time to dwell on what was happening. It worked sometimes.

I think there is a list of things to do before surgery on the homepage of this site. YOu might want to check it out.

Keep reading and posting, we are all willing to lend you a shoulder.

Hugs & Prayers,

My TAH was just under two weeks ago and I do remember the pre-surgury gitters. I didn't know what to think or how to act. One minute I was calm and the next I was angry at the world. Everything for the most part turned out well. After the surgury I had a pain pump to control the amount of pain I had and how often I wanted to use it. This way I didn't have to wait for my medication to come by the nurse, nor did I have to be woke up to see if I needed something for pain. It put me back in control of my body (when my body decided it wanted to control me. lol). I tried to delay my operation for fear; because I wanted to have more children; I didn't want to have my body "cut-up" for nothing in the world; and many different reasons. I do so much remember how I felt just over two weeks ago. Remember though, there are many of us women - AND I DO MEAN WE ARE 100% WOMEN - out here to support you in the commin weeks, months, and years to come.

My prayers are with you.

Hi Kat
The best thing to overcome fear is knowledge. This site is filled with it! From reading other princesses stories you can gain insight on everything from pre-op jitters to what to expect during your hospital stay and your impending recovery. You will feel better and be less nervous if you know you have some control over what's happening with your body and that you are not just left to the mercy of the and . I was very scared of the pain also, but after becoming informed through this site, I knew that I could let my caregivers at the castle know if I needed different or more pain meds. They are happy to work with you to make you comfortable, even after you are released and back at home. The pain I've had since my surgery is not much more than what I've had to put up with over the past 20 years... and remember that once you have recovered, that pain will be no more! You need to heed the advice you will hear over and over again to PAMPER yourself. No matter what! Your recovery time will be less if you don't do things that will set you back. No matter how GOOD you feel the first several weeks it will take time to heal internally. Don't fear the catheter! They generally put it in while your still under, and you don't feel anything when they remove it. I was up and walking 5 hrs. after my surgery with my catheter still in place and my IV tower following behind. You will get through this too, and remember that you have many friends here on Hystersisters willing to lend an ear, calm a fear, share experiences, and say a prayer! Ask about ANYTHING that concerns you...someone's been there and will be more than happy to help you!

Everyone, without exception, is nervous and jittery befoe the surgery. Don't focus on the operation, focus on your life after the operation. No more pain, bleeding, etc. It will be a new life!

Everything will be fine. I was scared to death and it went so much smoother and I was in much less pain than I thought I would be. It will be over soon!

Hi KAT Welcome to Hyster Sisters. I'm glad you found us just in time for us to wish you well on your way to the castle.

Believe me, it is normal to feel overwhelmed as our big day nears. Being informed really helped me calm down. I found that the wealth of information I found in the Pull-Down menus, available at the bottom of the Hyster Sisters Home Page really helped prepare for my surgery.

Please know that you, and your Hyster Twins, will be in my thoughts and prayers as you head for the castle tomorrow. Wishing you a peaceful stay in the castle.

Looking forward to reading those stories.