LAVH 5/17 and stressing!!

I'm scheduled for laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy may 17th.. I have a 10 month old and 7 and 10 yr old.. I'm sooo worried about everything! Will I be ok, will they be ok- whose best to take baby while I'm in hospital. I really have no help for when I get home :/ I have absolutely no clue what to expect whatsoever. Any info and advice would be great! Thanks <3

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Originally Posted by HollyAnn I'm scheduled for laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy may 17th.. I have a 10 month old and 7 and 10 yr old.. I'm sooo worried about everything! Will I be ok, will they be ok- whose best to take baby while I'm in hospital. I really have no help for when I get home :/ I have absolutely no clue what to expect whatsoever. Any info and advice would be great! Thanks <3

Hi I am sorry that you are stressing and am happy that you are on this site! There are some helpful hints listed on this site that offer great advice to make you more comfortable and prepared when you return from the hospital. Preparing some meals that you can freeze (a weeks worth at least) so that you have to only heat them up is a very good idea. Are you married or have a boyfriend who will be able to take any time off? A church friend? Neighbor just to help so you can rest and not pick up your baby? It's ok to ask for help people usually surprise us with their willingness to help. Ask around it will be good for your sanity and health and remember to read the helpful hints and daily checkpoints. Keeping you in my prayers!

Hi HollyAnn- I am one week post op after LAVH for uterine prolapse and cystocele. I also have 3 kids (11, 10 and 4 yo). Like you I was very worried about them but they have been totally fine. I told them about it 10 days before surgery expecting them to worry, but they were all cool with it. They understood that they would be spending a lot of time with their grandparents for a few weeks and getting rides with friends to school and soccer. It was really helpful to have them all stay put of the house (with my parents and in-laws) for the first weekend. My husband was able to stay with me 24/7, and I needed him. We came home to a quiet house. On the 3rd day my youngest stayed with me for a few hours and it was too much- the bouncing, noises, and not being able to jump up and be mom as usual. On Day 5 she came home and watched a movie with me and I sat outside and watched her ride her bike in our driveway. That was manageable. At day 7 I was comfortable being alone at home for several hours, and I read, did some dishes and put away some clothes. The older two kids are easier to have around now because they are more independent. So my suggestions:
-do not let the stress of impending surgery keep you from enjoying your time with the kids. It's hard not to be consumed but seriously the stress and worry Pre-op is worse than the surgery itself. Try try to relax and smile a lot.
-set up help with rides for kids to/from school and activities starting on day before surgery for 2 weeks.
-stock the fridge with your favorite nutritious non-gassy foods so someone can easily make you a meal
-clean house thoroughly the day before surgery including fresh sheets on all beds; this will last for a while.
-put your OTC meds and supplements (i.e. gasX and stool softener) and your necessities by your bed within close reach
-if at all possible, have the kids spend the night out for your first several days... I know that sounds impossible to super mom but it is so helpful. I miss them but I could not have handled being in bed in pain while listening to my kids fuss, laugh, etc. across the house.
-prepare games for your 10mo. Old to play somewhere close to you without you needing to physically do much (toys, puzzles) so you can be near him/her.
-set out favorite DVDs
-provide activities your older kids can do independently at home (shooting hoops on the driveway, playing in the backyard, art supplies, craft projects)
-let go of the need to do it all, just for a little while. Yes, It's part of our job description as moms, but you need this time to respect your body.
-Let other trustworthy people in your life help you. They will feel honored.
There are so many other great suggestions for preparing here on the site.

Sorry that was so long- it sent before I was ready. If you want to chat anytime, feel free to message me! I worried a lot in the months before surgery, and everything has fallen into place nicely. Lots of grace
Blessings, Natalie

Thank you, my husband is a truck driver, he is able to have off the weekend of my surgery but must go back that Monday. Honestly he's not very helpful.. I don't even think he knows how to prepare a Bottle or food for the little one. My mother in law will help couple hours a day but also goes back to work Monday. I have a friend whose in school so she can't help. I have another one who can help but has a 2 year old that has to come with her. Lol so I'm feeling overwhelmed that I'm going to get stuck alone. I had back surgery in feb and I was terrible how little help I was given. I will def prepare meals and freeze them that's a great idea. My older kids will be away the weekend of my surgery. My 10 month old is really good baby, I'm just afraid I'm going to have to lift him and I know I'm not suppose to do any lifting after surgery. During the day I'm ok I don't think about it and keep busy with the kids, it's at night keeping me up that I worry. Like now it's 2:37am here. Ill be happy when it's all over

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Originally Posted by HollyAnn I'm scheduled for laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy may 17th.. I have a 10 month old and 7 and 10 yr old.. I'm sooo worried about everything! Will I be ok, will they be ok- whose best to take baby while I'm in hospital. I really have no help for when I get home :/ I have absolutely no clue what to expect whatsoever. Any info and advice would be great! Thanks <3

I have my surgery on the 17th as well. Yet mine will be a da vinci hysterectomy. I find myself worrying the same things, and I only have a three year old. Maybe a parent or someone YOU trust with the baby and the older kids could even maybe help you. Best of luck !

Oh good luck to you too! The 17th also happens to be my birthday. What a bday present huh lol. I also just found out my husband has to go away on business for 3 days the Monday after my surgery. I'm going to have to figure out something :/

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Originally Posted by HollyAnn Oh good luck to you too! The 17th also happens to be my birthday. What a bday present huh lol. I also just found out my husband has to go away on business for 3 days the Monday after my surgery. I'm going to have to figure out something :/

My birthday is the 26th and I was thinking the same! Yet it will help us be able to lead more happy and healthy lives. Where are you from? Maybe post on here Askin if anyone is close to you and picking someone to come check on you and help during those three days? Or ask your babysitter or someone to come check on you and the kiddos?

I don't have Babysitter I live in somerset county New Jersey. I have to somehow just try not to worry, and what happens happens. I'm so glad I found this site. I feel pretty alone in all this