New Hystersister, surgery scheduled

Hello Sisters!

I have been dealing with fibroids and extreme bleeding causing anemia for over 5 yrs. I was hoping to avoid surgery by waiting until menopause, especially since my younger sister died after a myomectomy. (It was a blood clot). Naturally, that increased my fear of surgery 100 fold.

However, at this point, my body can't make blood faster than I'm losing it and the anemia has become chronic and debilitating despite taking iron supplements.

My doc has been very sensitive to my fears, but doesn't think I can wait much longer for surgery because of my extreme bleeding. So my hyst is scheduled for 1/15. I also thought it was best to do it sooner rather than later, so as to give me less time to talk myself out of it.

I'm not a good candidate for ablation or embolization because of the size and position of the largest of the fibroids.

At this point I'm half-excited at thought of finally feeling good again - it's been so long, I really don't remember. On the other hand, I'm terrified. The fear of dying like my sister did paralyzed me for so long.

Any encouragement, advice, etc., you all can offer is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Welcome to the club! It sounds like you made the right choice for you. It's normal to be terrified of surgery, and you have more reason than most. Fortunately, a hysterectomy is a pretty standard and low-risk procedure, so you'll likely be fine.

Do you know yet what kind of hysterectomy you'll be having? I think you'll find lots of support on this website, with so many wonderful women to hold your hand along the way.

Sistergrrl61!

Feeling terrified is normal and you have an extra reason to feel that way! Try reading and doing as much research on your procedure as you can. There is a wealth of information on this site! The other princesses are great!

Have you had any other surgeries? I have had two prior major surgeries and one minor. I am still here and that makes me much more unafraid of my upcoming TAH. I have done tons of research and that has helped me feel more comfortable in my decision (and I have asked questions here).

Just think of how much better you will feel after your surgery is over. Just like I keep telling myself here when it snows several inches almost everyday, each day is one more day closer to spring!

I would bet after this is over, you will not regret it and hopefully feel much better! Good luck to you!

Hi, you are very brave and have found a great place for information and support. Welcome

Sistergrrl61, you are not alone! I am having a TAH on the same day as you, so let's send each other postive thoughts that morning and take strength from it.
I think we're all half-terrified, half-relieved to get things over with, but remember, knowledge is power. Read all you can about your recovery so you know what to expect, and have faith in your doctor to look after you. I'm so sorry about your sister, but you'll be fine. Big hugs....

Your surgery is the same day as my Mum's birthday so I am hoping that will bring you luck :-)

I am so sorry you lost your sister through a complication of this surgery, that must make is doubly difficult for you.

We are here to offer you help and support whenever you need it.

Hugs

Katy

Ladies,

Thanks so much for all your kind words and thoughts. I am a bit better now that I've had a few days to process things.

I am having a TAH (depending on what the doc finds, I may get to keep my ovaries). I have good friends who are going to help and I guess I just feel a lot more confident as I've had time to pore through this site.

Nancy, you will definitely be in my thoughts on *our* day. My sister who passed away..her name was also Nancy. It feels almost like a message from her to me that you and I are going to do great!

Again, thanks to all of you wonderful ladies!

Sistergrrl61,

I'm so glad you're feeling better about things. I went for my pre-op today, and got the green light, so I'm all set!

What a wonderful thought about your sister Nancy! I'm glad you shared that with me-it will help me think positively when I occasionally "spaz" about all this, in the lingo of my 13 year old!

Let's keep in touch, and we'll laugh about all our gas pains in a couple of weeks!

Nancy