TLH: emotional aspects

I am having a TLH 11/17. I am finding things difficult emtionally. I have read about the good outcomes and it is comforting for a while. Then I start freaking again. I lost two pounds from worry. Is all this normal? No matter how I try to talk to myself rationally I am still afraid. Any help? I am a very routine oriented person and the idea of disruption of it is difficult for me-even though it is temporary...I am not in pain-I have pre cancer so the surg is a preventitive measure. Any thoughts? Amila

Yes, what you are experiencing is very common. I was very worried about surgery, recovery and the interruption of my normal life and routine.

There's not a lot anyone can say to change or take away your fears. This is major surgery and it brings so many thoughts and concerns with it. The best I can offer you is to educate yourself as much as you can, lean on your sisters here and have faith.

I'm sending you big hugs and I wish you the very best!

I am in the same boat.....precancerous and preventive. I am 54 and a wreck about my surgery (Davinici on 10/20--10 days exactly). I don't know if I'm in denial or not, but I'm not thinking much about it. I will say, though, that so many stories on here are so contradictory. Some say it's easy and a great recovery, other women complain a lot about gas pains, bad hospital experiences, little help at home, difficult bosses, etc. I When I think about things, I get overwhelmed with fear of losing my job, not being the same woman, emotional upheaval, etc. The last I saw my doctor was the day he said I needed the surgery. We talked at length that day. I also talked with his assistant and she calmed some of my concerns, but, of course, not all.

I don't know if this website is good or not. I love you all and everybody is very supportive, but, again, there are so many conflicting stories.

CindiSusie-Andenocarcenoma? Mu hubby suggests that I am a control freak and this is something I can't control. I think he is right. I do have another appt. with my Dr. before surg to calm down and ask him any questions I want. I read only the positive stories. And people I know have good outcomes. Good luck to you. Amila

I was a wreck because I'm a creature of habit too. But I will say it was worth every bit of losing my control for a short period. I had d easy recovery and feel 100% better now. It's so nice being pain free and healthy.

Good luck ladies.

Being prepared with the things I could control ahead of time helped me through the feelings of being at the mercy of others, as well as my uncooperative body.

Knowing I would be alone for the better part of the day I got my bedroom prepped with lots of pillows, books, dvd's, laptop, etc., and packed my fridge and cupboards with easy meal makings as well. Comfy wardrobe was key. I love my XL soft cotton v-neck t-shirts, and loose shorts that I can pull way up over the vertical zipper under my bellybutton. I wish I had a binder "just because" but have managed fine without. Heat pad, reusable freezer gel packs, and a good over-the counter pain med for staying "on top" when you are easing away from narcotic pain meds. Gas X and a variety of stool softeners and laxatives were a god-send.

I will be honest and admit I underestimated the recovery period, simply because it was my first major surgery, and I assumed doctors always erred on the side of caution when it came to this. You know.. hoping to keep people from calling, worried, saying "I still feel awful, and you told me 2 weeks!!"

If you haven't already read this elsewhere, please keep in mind it is more common for people to report negative happenings and worries, rather than run for the computer to let everyone know it's a zippity doo dah day.