Scheduled for surgery and alittle scared

Hi Sisters!

I'm new to this site and feel very grateful that I have found it. I'm scheduled to have a vaginal hysterectomy and anterior repair on June 15th and I feel scared. Not sure what to expect. My doctors says that I will stay at the hospital for two nights, is that the normal for most woman? My doc explained some things to me concerning pain and recovery but I would feel more comfortable hearing it from women that have gone through it than a man that has performed it. Please share your experiences with me. Its five days away and I become more and more anxious as the day draws near. It's easy to comfort my children and family when they are anxious but I'm not having much success soothing myself.

Truly,
Michelle

I know how you feel. The waiting is absolutely the worst part. I had a TVH and bladder sling on June 1 and I am recovering great! I have no pain whatsoever and am walking at least one mile every day, drinking lots of water and eating a high fiber diet. Keep an eye on the gas as I found it the most bothersome, but Gas-X helped a lot. Also, eat a diet high in fiber like high fiber muffins and fruits and vegetables. Try to eat more protein like fish and chicken and stay away from red meat after your surgery and you will be just fine. I had so much anxiety about everything that could go wrong, but as my day approached I became more calm and positive. It was nothing like I had imagined. You will do fine. Stay positive and sensible and don't do more than you can at first. It is important to be active, but rest in between activites. I will be thinking of you. Good luck!

Hi Michelle,

Yes the waiting & worrying is really the hardest part of the whole thing - I found that concentrating on doing housework & cooking frozen meals kept me occupied in the days leading up to the surgery (though you never really forget about it!).

I didn't have any repairs, just a TVH & found the whole thing not nearly as bad as I had imagined it to be. I was very well prepared though, from reading all the stories on this site, which meant that I was not fazed by anything during the first week of recovery. As far as pain goes, I found it completely manageable with the meds given at the hospital - had to try a few different ones however as I have a delicate stomach & most of the heavy drugs did not agree with me. Once I found the right meds it was great.

I'm now in my 4th week & have so much more energy, still get tired pretty quickly but I do not regret the surgery one little bit

Stay strong & just think about your recovery - I look forward to hearing all about it

I'm 7 weeks post-op and I'm doing pretty good. Just taking day by day and not pushing myself. I still can't lift anything over 5 lbs until I see my doctor again on July 16th. I was scared when it got close to my surgery. And after surgery you will feel much better

Milattobunny, I've kept very busy with my exercising at the gym & reaching out to those who need help to cheer them - then I don't have too much time to think about my 6/11/09 big date... still feel calm about it now... I'm too tired at night to think too much about it... keep really busy & eating very healthy & praying for myself & others have helped me a lot... keep praying & smiling...

I was a little scared before surgery too....maybe terrified! I can honestly say that it was not nearly as bad as anticipated. I am eight days post-op and feel good...not great...but really good. I had laperscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy, three small stomach incisions, and stayed in hospital for one night. (I had everything removed.) I took pain meds the first night home...didn't feel the need to take them after that. I slept alot the first few days. Day 4, I experienced gas pains and constipation. Honestly gas pains were the worst pains I experienced...more so than after surgery pain. Gas X made a difference! I have experienced a few hot flashes, more like warm moments. Resting seems to be my biggest problem. I am already stir crazy and trying my best to take it easy. Every person is different and this site really prepared me for what to expect before and after surgery. I have spent many hours reading through posts, articles etc. Hang in there. You will be in my thoughts!

Thank you so much! It really helps to know that I'm not alone. I've had many surgeries in the past and I don't know why this one has me sooo nervous. Thank you again.