LAVH: stress - how do I explain hysterectomy surgery? (children mentioned)

So I'm in my countdown 4 days to my surgery. Super stress making me sick stomach is in knots head is pounding haven't slept in days. I done all my cleaning appointment today to pick up hospital papers and pre register at hospital packing bag tomorrow not taking much just comfy clothes to come home in a tooth brush my husband will have more in the bag then me on last trip to the beach Saturday hope it relaxes me.... sorry for the rabble just nervous I have 3 kids smallest is 1 year and very needy what do I have to expect when I come home? How am I going to explain to my kids that I can't do any thing for them or lifting my lil girl?

Hi liza1988-

The days leading up to surgery are very stressful. You are not alone.

It is hard to explain to little kids what is going on with Mommy. You may be able to tell them that you have a tummy ache and that you cannot anyone up because of your hurt tummy.

Get a small pillow to put across your abdomen. They may be able to sit on your lap with that in between. It worked well for me for pet visits (cats, but my biggest cat at the time was 20 lbs.)

Other sisters with children may also have other ideas.....

My youngest boys are 8. So there is no worries about lifting them. I told them I'm going to the hospital for surgery. Told them the Dr is taking out the baby carriage because it hurts. I explained to them that I would be asleep and not feel anything during surgery. Then on to recovery to wake up and then in a room because Dr is making me stay the night. Told then daddy would bring them in to see me that evening after surgery. I also told them about feeling sore and being tired after wards.

I had a very hard time trying to explain to my 18, 16, and 13 year old. I finally told them I was getting breast implants........they were mortified!!!!! After the initial shock wore off and we laughed I explained I needed to have my "lady parts - uterus" removed. They asked no additional questions!

My son was 16 when I had my surgery so I was able to speak openly with him about it. I think this is a great article on How to Explain Surgery and Tips for Members with Children. I hope these help!

This is a post I can help with! I have been a teacher for 25 years!

For older children, you tell the truth. If you hide anything, they will worry and create their own reasons why you are in pain... So just be honest.

For the little ones, show them your "owie!" Little kids understand "owies" and are very sympathetic to them! Tell them Mommy has a big owie that hurts and nut lit gets better you can't do this or that. They'll understand and will probably try to put a bandaid on it!

Thanks ladies my youngest is 1 oldest is 8 my oldest 2 I told them mommy was having surgery and I would be hurting for a while they have been thru a few surgery s with me already but my lil girl she is going to be heart broken mommy can't lift her she was mad when I wouldn't kiss her when she was sick my lil drama queen thanks for all the feed back