pre-op jitters

I'm glad I found this board. I'm having a hysterectomy on Jan. 17 due to abnormal paps. I had mild dysplasia and had cryro (frozen) about 25 years ago. I went to the docs for quite some time after that for follow-ups and everything was fine. Then I didn't go for paps for about 11 years. When I went, I had abnormal pap, colposcopy and konization (spelling?). That was about 3 years ago. I only had one normal pap since then. I just had another colposcopy about 2 mos ago and it came back persistent CN1. I finally talked my gyn into hysterectomy. I have a lot of lower back pain and for about 3 mos now have dull toothache-type pain in left ovary, which I didn't tell the doctor about. I have an abnormal fear of cancer because my mom died of breast cancer at age 39 and we have so much of it in our family. I am just so afraid to have this surgery. Not as scared of the surgery as what they might find. Do you think I just have a cyst on my ovary? I'm 49 years old and have some menopause symtpoms (night sweats, etc.). I was all big, telling my doctor I want a hysterectomy, please, come on. Now that I know that you have to be admitted in the hosp and out of commision for 4 to 6 weeks, I'm not so big and brave. Now I'm thinking did I make the wrong decision. My doctor keeps telling me this isn't completely abnormal for people to just always have abnormal paps. It's from the HPV virus, but I don't have the one that causes cancer. This stuff is so confusing. Anyhow, thanks so much for any input on this or anything to ease my mind. I really appreciate it. Happy new year to you all!

Hi and to Hystersisters!

I'm glad you have found us! You will find a lot of information and support here! Here is a welcome !

I'm sorry you are having problems and I am sorry to hear about your mother. I know you are scared...I understand that! I had my hysterectomy due to fibroids and dysfunctional uterine bleeding. I was so scared of what they would find in pathology and what I would hear when I woke up. Fortunately, I was ok and it was just fibroids and adenomyosis.

I was really expecting to have my surgery (dreaded being in the hospital) and then just lay around and heal. I had never had surgery before and so I was pleasantly surprised that I was up and around...slowly and carefully, but not completely bed-ridden for 6 weeks. Of course, I did have restrictions as far as what I was and wasn't allowed to do.

I don't really have any words of wisdom as to your abnormal paps. I know you are frightened and nervous and I will keep you in my prayers that everything works out for you! Keep us posted!

s

Deb