pre-op appointment-scary

Hey sisters! Well I had my pre-op appointment today. Boy I did not realize everything I would have to do before surgery. I think I dread having to be on a liquid diet for the entire day before surgery-hello Christmas goodies. I am so worried but ready to get this over with. Is there anything I can do to quit worrying soooo much?????

This board has been the biggest help in the world.

The best thing you can do to quit worrying is probably reduce the time you spend on the site (but come right back after you get home from the castle!). The other thing you can do is remember how many times you've read the words, "the waiting is the worst part" because it is SOOOOO true! Before surgery, I thought to myself, "if I end up getting myself all worked up and it turns out not nearly as bad as I think it's going to be, I'll be really mad at myself!" Sure enough....it wasn't nearly what I expected! So know that while you're fears and concerns are very normal, also know that before too long, YOU'RE the one who will be telling other ladies in waiting, "the waiting is the worst part!"

GOOD LUCK!
Lisa

SOOO TRUE! The waiting is truly the worst part.

Don't get me wrong. Post surgery is hard and the recovery is long, but the relief I felt when I woke up in my hospital room knowing it was all over was amazing.

I was worried and nervous before the surgery. Had a few tears leading up to the morning of. Cried when I said bye to my kids and on the way to the hospital as DH drove me. Tears flowed when we kissed goodbye too. But I didn't try to be strong and hold back. It really felt good to have a good cry to release all the tension.

Once hubby left, I settled down and the additional help of relaxation pills helped a lot!

Don't fight the nervousness. It is normal. Go with it, release it and think positive, relaxing thoughts that this is going to be fine. Your sisters can attest to that!

Good luck!

Sarah

One thing that really helped me was to think about what it would be like after surgery instead of the surgery itself. So instead of letting myself think "two days until surgery", I'd try to think "in three days I'll be recooperating" or "in a week I'll already be feeling a lot better".

Good luck!

I am focusing on something a friend said recently, not in connection to my surgery:

"Worrying is like praying for your worst fears to be realized."

I am also trying to focus on how I feel now: cataloguing the problems so after I will say "glad I did that!" but also enjoying the time because I know there will be a lot of weeks of down time after the surgery. And also on after: my plans to start jogging again once this huge organ is no longer smashing into my bladder with each bounce, keeping up with my family on a fast walk, not bleeding and bleeding and bleeding...

I wish you a merry Christmas (feed off the love on your liquid diet days!) and success in the Castle!

I would like to add.....Pounds lost from a liquid diet. Pounds lost from the little culprit causing the hassles. Pounds lost from eating fiber to try and go to the bathroom.
I'm thinking I'll be thinner when I comer back to work and they will be amazed. COnsidering I've been dieting for 50 years

I guess I should cancel that farewell luncheon the day before???

Well, I guess all Doctors do things differently. I went for my pre op visit this morning expecting him to tell me about the day before prep and cleaning out........NOT! He said, no, just don't eat or drink after midnite, don't shave anything....what a surprise. I'm still going to be careful what I eat the day or two before, just becuase I know I have to get that plumbing going again after surgery so I can go home sooner! I too, am thinking past, like....this time next week, I will be coming home, my Mom will be here to wait on me hand and foot, and I can JUST SAY NO to lots of lifes everyday things for awhile! Then, there's the food from friends and the extra attention............not bad! Positive is the only way to go! I get to go first next Monday..........I'm ready!
(Well, almost.....presents to wrap, food to prepare for Christmas, and those silly cleaning projects I seem to think I want done now!) Would love to hear from others going next Monday........Good Luck.............Merry Christmas! Jenny

Jenny,

I have the same surgery date. Same instructions. Gotta be there at 5:30 am I do have to shower with a special soap and douche (YUCK ). Hopefully I will be sooooo tired that I can relax easier. Good luck with your surgery!

Ginger

I too am having TAH 12/27, do not know time yet. I have been told no food after midnight, but think I will try to take it light day before as I get sick from anathesia anway. Past menopause but have large fibroids(growing) & enlarged uterus. Hope this solves many problems, with cramping, nausea, backache, etc. Have my doubts & what if I still have these problems after surgery. I am up one minute & down the next & would not mind surgery if I knew if malignant or not. I keep thinking next week at this time it will be over. Sorry you all are having it done but misery loves company, you know.