TAH: very nervous

i am scheduled for this Friday and I have been having nightmares and waking up crying constantly. I am so nervous about having surgery even though I have had surgery before. I keep dreaming i will not wake up which scares me so much. I really need to get a good nights sleep but with my nightmares that is hard to do. anyone have any help in this area? i could really use some.

Hi, sorry you're having nightmares. I am 11 days post op and I too couldn't sleep in the days leading up to surgery. I spent lots of time on this site, reading all I could on what to expect. I wish you lots of luck and just know that we are here for you! For me, its been the best decision to have the TAH, as I am now completely pain free!

I too was very nervous and had some trouble sleeping. It's normal to feel this way. A lot of us have been there. Just think, next week you'll be telling someone else how nervous you were, just like I am right now. I don't have any suggestions besides calling your Dr to see what you can take to help.

I'm listening to Successful Surgery by Belleruth Naperstek every night at bedtime. It's guided imagery, affirmations, and relaxing music for successful surgery and healing. I have it on my mp3 player so will be listening to it at the hospital also. No nightmares here.

Best wishes to you for calmness and strength leading up to your surgery. Mine is Thursday so we will be together in the post op recovery thread. Take care ~~ StarryNite

thank you everyone for your kind thoughts and words. It is sure nice and relaxing to know i am not alone during this time.

Everything you are feeling is completely normal. My fear prior to the surgery was off the charts. I ended up being pleasantly surprised how well the surgery, hospital stay and recovery were in the end. It's okay to have fear, but make sure you think positive. You will get through it and in the end you will feel better than ever. My only advice to you is make sure you walk alot and drink lots of water. You won't care to do either of these, but force yourself as it pays off in the end. Good luck

I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning, and have found that I have been having trouble sleeping for the last few days, too. Stay positive seems to be the best advice, and know that you are not alone.

Wow I thought I was losing my mind. My surgery is the 23rd and the past few nights I've had a terrible time going to sleep. Feels like my mind is racing and won't shut off. I feel so much better knowing that it's normal and I'm not alone in this.....

I was in the same boat. I couldn't sleep for anything. I cried a lot and felt so nervous. It helped so much coming to this site and reading the experiences of other women who had gone through it already. It gave me so much hope and relief to know I wasn't alone in what I was feeling. Just try to stay positive. Think about how much better you'll feel afterwards. It will all be done and you can concentrate on healing.
All the best to you. You'll be okay. :-)

Your fears are natural. I am going through the same...trying to decide on a dr./time for my surgery....probably in March. I have been listening to some relaxation tapes as well. Try some yoga, meditation, walking...anything to calm your nerves. Best of luck to you....you will be my inspiration when it is my time!