TLH: Should I be worried?

I'm just not worried about my upcoming surgery. About a month ago I was really freaking out. I had my son come and give me a blessing and since then, calm. The things I worry about are the little details, little compared to the surgery anyway. The biggest worry is, how bad is it going to hurt when they take the catheter out? When I had urodynamics done it really, REALLY hurt when the catheter came out (didn't even feel it going in). But, it was at that time that we discovered I'm allergic to betadine. I'm hoping the pain was from the allergic reaction. And, I will already be asleep when they put the catheter in, right?
The reason I wonder if I should be worried about the surgery. I've had the same primary doctor now for 20 years. He is wonderful! Excellent doctor clinically and also very compassionate. I went yesterday for my surgical clearance with him. As I went to leave, he hugged me and told me everything will be fine. He has never hugged me (even when my husband died). So, now I'm thinking, wow, is it that bad? I know I'm exhausted all the time. Everyone tells me how tired I look. Do I really look that bad right now?

I think the removal of the cath was the least painful thing !! And yes you are asleep before they place it. At least I was. Relax I know it hard but everything will be fine😊 good luck to you!

I'd never had a catheter before and was really worried. I asked the nurse if it would hurt. She said I'd feel a little pulling. It didn't hurt. And, yes, they put it in while you're under.

I think everyone feels the pain differently. I had some pain in hospital, but most of the nurses got that under control. When I was back home, I felt discomfort, but not necessarily pain. I barely needed pain medication. But, of course, everyone is different. I'd say my pain was no worse than some of the painful cramps I'd had from the fibroids.

No, don't worry because worry doesn't change anything,only makes you sick. Quit it now. You're going to be fine. Feed your mind positive thoughts. Replace the negatives with positives.

My catheter was in for 8 days and I was really nervous when they took it out but all I felt was a tugging sensation--no pain.

Thanks so much ladies. Now to come up with the next silly thing to worry about in the middle of the night.

Hi AnnieKing. These things aren't silly! I think we all think about the same kinds of things and it is great to have such a wonderful forum here to be able to express ourselves and not be judged...plus get great advice and information! I am the same way...the thoughts come on strong in the middle of the night. We will be fine and everything will be even better after the surgery. Hugs to you sister!

I think to some extent many people are somewhat at peace with the decision which makes it easier. Not that I'm not scared to death, I am, but it is more little things that overall surgery. A year ago with the preliminary stuff I was much more afraid and anxious.

Right now I'm running out of things to clean that aren't far beyond what I can do right now (moving rooms around). I've also washed nearly anything I can find that fits in the waster. And tomorrow morning I have to take my cats to the vet where they'll be staying, so I have to make it through one lonely night at home and a pretend night (I have severe insomnia. We have to leave at 2:30. Little sleep is likely) at my mom's.

I know now that I should be in my room by lunchtime. Not that I'll be allowed to eat, but it sounds better than getting there about dinner time.

As it approaches I'm becoming more detail oriented.

I'm glad you're not freaking out!

The catheter was one of many things I was worried about before my surgery. I had never had such a thing before, and I was afraid that it would be painful to have there, in the area that so much surgery was happening, and that it would hurt when they removed it. Well, it was totally a non-issue when the time came. I did not feel it while it was there, and it did not hurt when the nurse took it out before I went home. I did feel a faint sensation when she removed it, but not anything I would call painful. Remember, you will be on pain medication in the hospital (and afterwards), and the medical team wants to make sure that you are not in pain, so speak up if you are. If you are hurting, it will be hard for you to rest and rest is what will help you heal.