Getting really scared!! :(

Hi everyone!
This is my first post so I hope I do this right! Surgery is set for Nov 29, TAH. I have known the date for about 1 1/2 weeks, but it really didn't set in until the hospital called me at work on friday to set up my pre-admission testing. I know that this probably sounds silly, but until that call I wasn't as nervous...maybe because the date is getting closer, I don't know. I just turned 35 last month, and I'm kinda taking slack about my decision from others since I have no children. Trying to explain to them that having periods lasting a month to a month and a half, always being exhausted, having ?endometriosis?, having 3 confirmed fibroids (softball size, double golf ball size, and tennis ball size) plus numerous smaller ones, and just feeling plain old lousy just doesn't seem to change their minds. I know that this is my desicion and my husband has been supportive, but it has become more difficult to deal with this. Am I just being crazy? Is this normal? Sorry for being so whinny, I just needed to tell someone who might have experienced this. I would much appreciate anyone that can offer any suggestion. Thanks so much for listening. Oh, by the way, I have been to the chat room twice and the ladies that I had a chance to speak with were GREAT...I just wanted to mention them and thank them for their wisdom and support. Good luck to everyone out the going through the same thing.

Thanks,
Tina

Tina,
No, you certainly are not crazy! Let's clear that up right away. What you are feeling is very normal...which of course does't make feeling it any more pleasant. And I am very glad you have found HysterSisters because it is such a great place for support from people who know better than to second guess you. IMHO, those who are giving you grief about your decision are a little out of their league...the decision is yours and your doctor's!

Keep reading, posting and talking everything over with your doctor.

I am 37 and have no children either. My husband has two from a previous relationship and they have presented nothing but annoying problems. I am scheduled for surgery on Dec. 17. I work in a school and work with kids all day long and would love to have one of my own but my health is more important. I get lots of love from my students and then I get to send them home. Long painful periods and illness have been a part of my life for years and I would like to have some quality of life while I am still young. In lieu of having kids, I will simply travel, shop more and enjoy the things that I love like snorkling and relaxing on the beach as much as possible. You can't do that with the kiddies in the picture. Kids are expensive. That will be more money for me. That is one positive and there will be nothing to hold me back from attending events that I really want to attend. No babysitting problems and no loss of sleep. I also plan to trade in my VW and buy my dream volvo after this surgery. I will deny myself nothing after this. Besides, I am a super aunt to my three nieces and I can give them back to their Mom when I am tired. I hate it when people ask me when I am going to reproduce and sometimes they even ask if I am pregnant because of the swollen belly (fibroids). My response has always been, "No, I am not pregnant. I just live extremely well." I will enjoy now saying, No, I have had a hysterectomy am now pain free and I still live extremely well. I can't wait to watch the eyes pop out. People just don't have any concept of how personal referring to peoples reproductive capabilities can be. Always remain strong and even a little selfish and don't worry about the kid thing. Pamper yourself. The important thing is your health and quality of life. Stay focused on that. Pam T>

Hi there, Viking,
I agree with Linda - waiting is the hardest part. Facing the unknown is hard, but this site gives so much info, it helps ease the nerves. I am now almost 8 weeks postop and felt like a rollercoaster of emotions prior to my date. I also have no children, and even though I thought I had come to terms with it, I kind of had to go through it again a bit. This is an emotional surgery, even when we know it is the best thing for us in the long run. There were certainly days when I just thought I had lost it! It is absolutely normal!!! Keep coming back for support and it will help you get through. Good luck - you will soon be on your way to recovery,

Hi Tina!

I'm 41, and have no children, either. I am so sorry that there are people out there who have the audacity to even think about commenting to you about something so incredibly personal! How insensitive! You don't owe ANYONE an explanation !! I thought we were making progress over time on that old premise that giving birth is a requirement for being female.

Suggestions on how to deal with this? Hmmm... gosh, it would take me some restraint not to be harsh with a biting comeback. But I would probably swallow my ire and simply state that I did not wish to discuss it, or that "it has become medically necessary, my, it sure is a pretty day outside!". Period.

I wish all the best to you in your journey to the castle and back home again, a punctured princess! Lifting you up in prayer that you have a successful surgery, asking God to bless the hands that care for you in the castle, and praying that you have a peaceful and comfortable recovery.

Hi!

Thank you for your encouragement!! This site is the best! I just ordered the HysterSister book yesterday, this will give me time to read it before the visit to 'the castle' Thanks for your reassurance too. May all who have went through this and all that are waiting to go through this be blessed.

Thanks Again,

Tina

Hi again, Tina!

I got the book after my trip to the castle, and I wished I had time beforehand to get it.... it would have been GREAT to have with me in the castle.