TAH preparation -work? or rest?

I am having a TAH on April 14

I have multiple fibroids (one quite large) and have been suffering from incredible bouts of bleeding

My hemoglobin has been low at some points due to these flooding 'episodes' which happen sporadically with no warning

I am not working at the moment and have been offered a temp position for 5 weeks at an office (which would bring me right up to the surgery date)

It's just desk work and the extra money would be great but my husband thinks I should just take it easy and rest before my surgery.....

We don't REALLY need the money - I've been a stay at home mom for the last few years....

What shall I do??? How much "rest' is really necessary before surgery and does it make any difference at all?

Hi Sandy

I was also a fibroid sufferer and worked until my hospital date with both surgeries. I found the distractions of work to be a great help in keeping my mind otherwise occupied because if I thought about the surgery too long I'd go crazy with worry.

In my opinion there is no "rest" needed before surgery, though you may want to take one day to do something special just for yourself.

Good luck with your decision!

I think the distraction would be great. I just had my TAH/BSO last Tuesday and I found the busier I was before the better. Keeping your mind off of it is best.

You do nothing, but sllep the first few days afterwards, though not soundly. It will not hurt you to do it if you wish.

Hi


First let me say best wishes on your surgery. I worked up until the day before my surgery[physically demanding job] & taught my CCD class that evening. You will have so much time after that you will get very restless. I have to say what a sweet DH you have to take such good care of you, maybe you could comprimise & work a few weeks with some time off before. Take Care.

Hi - I too had multiple very large fibroids, however I did not have heavy bleeding and all the problems that can cause. I worked up to the evening before surgery and also was glad for the distraction. I had not ill effects from that. The one thing I wish I had had more time to do in terms of preparation, was exercise and work out a bit more than I was able to. I think the better shape one is in physically- strength, endurance, cardiovascular, etc, the better one is able to get through both surgery and recovery. Of course, there are many things one cannot control or fix before hand, expecially if you have been having alot of physical problems related to the bleeding. But given my experience and the chance to do it over, I would work to get myself in the best physical shape possible - exercise, no smoking, whatever vitamins are allowed pre op (check with MD as some are NOT allowed), anything the doc recommended to counteract anemia, etc. I would agree with the suggestion to do something for yourself beforehand. You will be pretty well inside for the first few weeks after your surgery, so take the time to enjoy something special before.

Best wishes for you in your surgery, may it be uncomplicated with an easy recovery.

Hi

Working will keep you occupied and help to keep your mind off your upcoming surgery. A lot of ladies have an overwhelming desire/compulsion to clean their houses from top to bottom before their surgery. If you find yourself needing to do this (also commonly referred to as "nesting") are you going to stress yourself out if you don't feel you have enough time due to working? That would be my main concern for you.

I don't remember you asking about getting into shape before surgery, but if this is a concern, don't worry too much about it. I was very out of shape and breezed through surgery and recovery with no problems whatsoever. I think your mental attitude has more to do with it than anything.

Best wishes!

I guess I have a more cautious nature regarding this issue. Although I agree that the work could keep you distracted, there are other ways of doing that. My concern would be twofold: 1) starting a new routine is often taxing and you don't want to get yourself run down right before surgery and 2) it's 'flu season and you will want to whatever you can to prevent yourself from catching a cold or the 'flu in the couple of weeks before surgery.

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best.

Joselle