Upcoming hysterectomy Sept 26th ... 34 y/o Very nervous & high anxiety

I've been waiting for what seems like forever and now my time is almost here! Things started getting real today, got the reminder call for my pre-op appt! I've already purchased some loose shorts, capris & pants along with the dreaded granny panties. Getting the house cleaned and in order but I think it's really just to keep my mind busy as once I stop, the pain hits like a brick wall (reminding me I've made the right decision), my mind wanders & my anxiety gets really bad!
I'm 34, married with 2 kiddos, no stranger to surgery but other than my section 6 years ago, this is my only major surgery! I'm nervous about surgery, the hospital stay (even though I work at the same hospital) and the surgical menopause!!!!!!
Any ideas to keep the mind at bay for the next 11 days?

The anticipation of surgery (for me) was worse than the surgery itself! I called my mom daily crying. I suggest treating yourself a bit in the coming days - a pedicure, a massage, a night out - because some of these things will have to wait a few weeks while you recover. I also must have packed, unpacked and repacked my hospital bag a dozen times. For some reason it helped me feel in control and adding personal items that I knew I might need made me feel better. I even put a playlist together on my ipod for the hospital.
I would try to focus on things that you enjoy. Ultimately the next few days will be filled with nervous energy but the good news is, once your surgery is over, you'll have plenty of time to relax and let others pamper you.
Just remember - YOU GOT THIS! I know you'll do great. One other suggestion too - if the anxiety gets to be too much, call your doctor who may be able to prescribe something to help you "chill out" a bit.

It's major surgery, and I daresay a little freaking out is okay !

Best thing I found for the nerves was to keep busy: I kept working, working out, decluttering, and prepping freezer meals which was probably the most useful thing. You've already done the recommended shopping spree ! Line up a project you can do in a recliner or easy chair - I had two years worth of magazines to go through, and it was perfect. Get some shows lined up to watch. And let your family know how you'll need help afterwards since you'll have restrictions (no bending, pushing, pulling, reaching, lifting more than a gallon of milk, no driving for a while). Housework - even loading the dishwasher, doing laundry or sweeping/mopping/vacuuming - will be out of your hands for a while.

Best wishes!

Thanks ladies! I do plan on getting a pedicure before, I'm working full time plus 2 kids in school with homework so that does keep me physically busy. I also have my son's birthday party to prepare for, it's 12 days after my surgery, at home but I have almost everything for that done and plenty of help so I won't have to lift a finger that day. I haven't packed yet, but I do have all of my 'after surgery' clothes washed and put out so they're easier to get to. I text my cousin constantly, thankfully she's like an older sister and doesn't mind me bugging her!
I've done the clothes shopping, planning in the cooking this and next weekend ... what about pillows? I've read they were a must for some but not needed for others ... not sure if I should spend the money

Hi Jen536 -

Pillows do help, but you can probably scrounge around your house and make do.

I used a small pillow held against my tummy for coughs and sneezes, and to protect my tummy from my cats when they sat on my lap. I just used a throw pillow from one of my couches.

It is also nice to have a regular sleeping pillows in your recovery corner to lean against. I also draped a pillow over my abdomen when I slept so the said same cats could walk on me at night and not hurt me.

Be careful of a pedicure. Some hospitals restrict nail polish - I know mine sure did. Shaving or waxing was also restricted for me.