Been there -- now done and thoughts

Greetings to all --

I've waited a long time to post. I've been more of a lurker
here. Due to a benign tumor and months of bleeding, I had
a hysterectomy on Nov. 4th. -- Uterus, cervix and tumor gone.
Ovaries intact.

There is wonderful advice on these boards though I will admit
that at one point I simply had to stop reading the posts because I was getting frantic about so many possible negative outcomes.

Since the surgery was out of my hands, I decided to focus on
what was in my control. I offer these thoughts hoping you might find something here that will be helpful in a mind/body/spirit
preparation.

1. Sometimes the communication at the doctors office was
appalling. I had to remind myself that the office staff was not
doing my surgery. I had confidence in my doctor which came from asking questions and more questions and trying to be my best
advocate.

2. I tried new approaches. Found a visualization/relaxation tape
series and practiced it every day. I firmly believe if nothing else
my body was not stressed and could then deal with surgery with
healthy responses intact. Two folks to check out : Peggy
Huddleston and Dr. M. Oz ---

3. A friend stayed with me at the hospital on the first night.
What a gift. Very secure in knowing someone could hear any of
my thoughts or fears as nurses trooped in and out.

4. Gas pains. Yes, walking helps. Also be sure to avoid the foods
and beverages which are gas producing. I was astounded how many of those items showed up on my food tray.

5. If it is your inclination, let your spiritual family know you would
welcome blessings, prayers, etc. I asked ten people to be my
pre-surgery prayer team and to pray for my ease of mind and
recovery.

6. Shop now. I filled my cupboards with things like toilet paper,
stool softner, dried fruits, high fiber foods .Stock in reading
materials, borrow videos. I had everything ready to work on
my Christmas cards which were done and addressed by 11/15.

7. For the three weeks prior to my surgery, I went to bed by
10. Did not take phone calls after 9:30. Your timing of course
will be your own but again, I wanted a truly rested body before
surgery. An exhausted body cannot withstand assault and though surgery is well-intentioned, it is an assaut for the body!

8. I am lucky to have friends who do a bit of massage work,
Reiki -- no matter what they offered, I said "Thank you."
Since I live alone, people offered to help shop, bring fruit, fix a meal. But I did draw the line on one thing ----the first day after
surgery there were a good number of people who came to see
me. On the second day, I asked the nurses to put a sign on the
door which read "please limit visits to 5 - 10 minutes". While
I could certainly opt to allow people to stay, again --- I wanted
the best amount of rest I could get before heading home.

9. Remember -- there are so many advances in medicine. But
every intervention has a "price". Morphine for pain (which is what I had) is constipating. Catherers can be great and better
than bedpans but you also run the risk of infection. Sedatives
are a wonderful aid but the mind can do as much if you prepare
and there will thousands of ways in which to use those
relaxation skills.

10. Trust yourself. Ask for what you need. Question.
Accept help. Let your body have the reward of good care
or it is gonna be payback time someday and you ain't gonna
like it! *grin*

Offered in love and best thoughts for everyone here ---
and in gratitude for what I learned on these boards.

Dear PM123
thank you for such a thoughtful and caring message.
It is very good news that you got rid of the tumour and it was benign.

Welcome back from your surgery, and may you do as well in recovery as you did pre-op!

Hi PM123-

Your post is invaluable to the ladies in waiting.

I could have used you a couple of weeks ago when I was not yet a princess I was SO nervous!

Thanks for being here and posting for everyone like you did... you definately gave back what you got here and thats what I believe this board is all about!