how to plan...

I am new to the boards, although I have been reading them for a couple weeks I have a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer, which is what got me started down this road (along with a few breast biopsies). Have been lucky enough to find a Dr. with a great reputation and a great team, and I actually like him! I'm scheduled to have a Lap BSO on 11/8, but there is a good chance that it will turn out to be a hysterectomy - prob. abdominal. And when I mentioned a few incontinence issues (I seem to be somewhere in the Land of Perimenopause), he set up an appt. with a Uro/Gyn, who can actually do any repairs needed while I am on the table. Talk about convenience.... Also, I will be out of town until a week or so before the big day....long planned trip with DH.

So, I've done my research, trust my doctor to make the decision using guidelines we agreed on, but how do I plan for the several possible outcomes?

I have one child at home (in school FT) and a older puppy, to say nothing of the DH who travels a lot...I may (hard to believe) come home the same night - or stay 1, 2, 3 nights!!!

I'm immensely grateful for having found a great Dr., and the friends who will help, but it is pretty hard to plan for all eventualities! I am also grateful for all of you - it has helped so much to read your stories while I have been trying to figure out my own!

S

Check out the PreOp Hints and Articles (click here) which has lists of questions for your DR, previous discussions about topics such as whether to keep the ovaries and/or cervix, suggestions of things to take to the hospital with you, and lots more!

Also the PostOp Articles (click here) has lots of good advice about your recovery.

Princess Stories (click here) are just that - chronicles of the journey leading to the decision to have a hyst, the hospital experience, and recovery.

Read and research as much as possible to help you, in conjunction with your DR, make the best decisions for you.

Best wishes!

Welcome - I hope all goes well for you. I had a TAH and expected to stay 2 days in the castle. Knowing my own body, besides being a constant worrier, I planned for the "what if." I share my home with 2 crazy cats and 1 blind dog so I made arrangements for someone to feed and check on my pets several times a day until I was released, however long that turned out to be. I was so relieved that all was taken care of. Sometimes it pays off to plan for the worst case scenario and hope you don't need it. Good luck and keep posting!

Diana