new and scared...

Hi there .... I have to have a total hysterectomy and bladder tie up on April 15th ...and to be honest I am scared. I am sooo afraid of how it is going to change my life. I have really bad endometriosis and I was told in 1990 that I needed to have this surgery done between 30-35 and I am going to be 32 in May...I have since this time seen a different OB/Gyn and he said I
needed to have the surgery as well. He has done the lap and said things where in there sooo bad that he would NEVER do another one of me and that my only real choice was surgery. I saw him again in Feb for my one year check and again we talked about the surgery and that there were other options but in the end the result would be the same. I have come to terms some what that I can not have any more children ..I have three...but it is still hard. I am not
sure how I am suppose to not compare it to my c-sections as he is going in through my old scar and it will be the same thing only this time no baby. Anyway ...if you could give me advice on this what would you tell me? Any ideas. thought, or information would be great....thank you if you made it this far in reading...

I don't have endometriosis, but some friends told me it was incredibly painful! I know you will feel 100% better after your surgery!! My doctor is going to do my surgery through my c-section scar, also. I keep thinking it will feel similar to the c-section, but I have been told its not the same at all. I have really gained alot of good information from the ladies on this web-site and I know you will, too!!! Good luck - I'll be praying for you!

Hi, Robin -

First, I want to assure you that it's NORMAL to be scared..most of us were. This is major surgery, and it is all unknown. Getting more information (read as much as you can on this web site) and asking questions - of us, of your doctor - will help. My experience, and that of many others is that the waiting is the worst part of this experience. I would bet that the way it will change your life is that you'll have less pain - endometriosis HURTS.

Your feelings of loss, even though you feel you have already completed, is also very very normal. You are not alone - there are a lot of women here who have gone through similar fears and come through it with flying colors!

I've never had a c section, but from what I understand, this surgery has a bit more of a recovery period. With the c section, they do some cutting and take out a baby (that in itself is different - they don't give you anything warm and cute after the hysterectomy :-)), and with a hysterectomy, they are cutting organs out and rearranging where things are. If you are having your ovaries removed, then there are also hormone issues to consider.

What's important to know is that you will get through this, and there are lots of great women here who will give you support and help! Facing one day at a time is a great motto!!

I am pretty new here as well and i understand your fear. I know that there are NO options anymore except to continue getting worse, but it is still scary to actually be at this point...but we have to remember that our lives will be so much better afterwards...

Robin!

Hello from a fellow Hoosier! Where are you? I grew up in Elkhart and live in Indianapolis currently.

Robin, I also had endometriosis so I totally understand the pain you have right now. Believe me when I tell you you will feel infinitely better after your surgery. Especially since you have suffered for so many years.

I also understand the fear and anxiety you have. It's such a major step - what you are feeling is so normal - and I'm so glad you have found us. We'll be here for you every step of the way.

I had two c-sections and can tell you that the recovery is harder with the hyst than with the sections. And, just like with the sections, it slowly gets better. BUT, I will also tell you that even in the early post op days, I could tell I felt better. I was in discomfort sure, but just felt better having all that stuff out of my body.

Please feel free to e-mail me anytime with questions you might have. Welcome to the site and hope all goes well for you. Join us in the chat room sometime too - real time comfort and support. We'd love to have you!

Welcome to the best place around for info, support, and hugs!

Please read our Pull Down menus on the home page...they are full of really helpful ideas, lists, and the stories of other women who have gone through this!

Keep reading, post all your questions, and we'll all be here to help you. I started my very first post with the heading "Terrified"...I think we all have. But it gets better when you realize you are NOT alone...and that this surgery has an excellent chance of removing the pain and suffering from your life.

Hang out here with us, and we will be there for you 24/7.

s

Karen