TAH: 4 weeks out - plagued by doubts

Scheduled for TAH (may or may not keep the ovaries depending on how they look once I'm opened up) on June 16th due to endometriosis that was diagnosed in 2001. It has been getting much worse in the last year. I have been missing more and more work.

The waiting is going to drive me mad. My mind is constantly racing and I feel like no one understands. I am afraid that I am making a huge mistake, but see no other path... then I feel trapped and freak out more.

I know that I am very lucky to have my son and know he is a true blessing. And, I'm very hopeful to be rid of the pain and anguish. But, even those thoughts get buried in the worry.

I work full-time and will be working straight though until the day before surgery. At this point, there are days I feel like I'm going to explode into tears at my desk.

Is there such a thing as pre-hysterectomy counseling?

-JB, 32 yrs old & mother of 1

Are you seeing an endometriosis specialist? This may not help, but it will be important your surgeon does remove all the endometriosis, and not just the uterus. If you have not seen someone experienced with that, a second opinion might help your decision. Counselling for hysts, I haven't heard of, but a good counsellor can often help you with decisions. Its important to feel comfortable that you are making the right decision since you will live with it for a long time. Everyone has pre op jitters but if this goes beyond that I'd encourage you to get more info before you continue, be that counselling, endo specialists, or both sometimes a decision to see a different Dr makes a difference. Good luck in your decision, sending hugs.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by jbkiss Is there such a thing as pre-hysterectomy counseling? -JB, 32 yrs old & mother of 1

WECOLME!!!
If you find counseling, sign me up too!!!

I'm also a mother of one; 15 yo son. I am so grateful I had him when I did. I never got around to having my second child. So, that won't happen now. But I am looking forward to being pain free.

I'm having a TAH with a vertical incision due to my fibroids.

I think that a good counselor could help you out as you deal with this. I would suggest a second opinion may help. Try to find an endo specialist so you have someone familiar with this. They can discuss options and pros and cons about it. I would definitely want to be sure before having this done. I have had multiple complications since the surgery and if I had not been 100% sure of my decision, I don't know how I would cope with everything. So take the time you need,get information and then make the decision for you that is the best for you. Sending you lots of hugs.

Hi jbkiss

I had researched all of my options and truly knew that a hysterectomy was the best decision for me--and still, I had doubts about the whole thing. This surgery is so big and affects such an important part of who we are and how we see ourselves. My emotions were just too big to keep inside, and I had a several times a week while I was waiting for my surgery.

Knowing that the surgery was my best option, I eventually was able to feel a sense of peace. Every time I experienced pain, I used that to remind myself just why I was going through this.

I agree with greyown that it's worth seeing an endometriosis specialist (you can learn more here. A hysterectomy is not a cure for endometriosis, and it is important that you work with a doctor who can help you fully understand why a hysterectomy is the best choice for you.

I'm sending you lots of , because I know this is scary and overwhelming. We're all here for you, and we've been through it, too.

Thank you for all the hugs. The supportive thoughts are really appreciated.

I woke up today with pain. The pain I had almost convinced myself was imaginary, and it helped me to remember why I'm making this decision in the first place: I want to improve my quality of life and be an active Mommy.

I have looked for endo specialists, but have had no luck thus far. I have researched extensively and am certain that a hysterectomy will definitely help with a majority of the problems I experience. If there are future problems, I will deal with them as they come.

It's very easy to get lost in the "what if's." And the FEAR takes over. I am promising myself to hold back on the "if's" and focus on the practical preparations. I am also going to take a few hours off soon to go home and cry and throw things. It's not mature, but it needs to be done.

Again, thank you for the comments.
Love and good health to you ALL!

Sometimes you just need to blow off steam. It is not a matter of mature or not it is a way to reduce stress. Believe me I have done it and it helps. It really sounds like you have gotten all the info and are prepared. I am sure you will do fine. Sending hugs and best wishes

I so understand what your going through.. I'm sched 5/28 for lavh total removal of everything... being newly married and all the hormonal things that go with my hster im scared.. and cry for no reason.. but heck ive been doing that for months anyway... its like we have the rational side of us who knows its messing up our lives our family.. yet we still doubt what we are feeling... I believe with all i am that i have no idea how much pain i have been living with thinking its normal.. and that is pushing me ahead when i get sad... We dont deserve to live in pain... and we will get through this... we are stong women.. We all have breakdowns.. we all doubt our choices.. we all think we are super hereos... but we are human beings who put on a brave front to others to hide the fear and pain... have to find websites to voive our thoughts and fears... thank god for the internet... It'll be ok.... i need to do this for my future... bring it on....