Apprehensive I am

Hi, I am having my surgery on 9/23/2004. I have a very enlarged uterus due to 8 fairly large fibroids. I have also had very heavy bleeding for the last 2 years. I know this is the right thing for me to have a hysterectomy,,,,but I am a bit nervous??? Any good advice for me?? Thank you all!!!

Try not to think too much about the actual surgery. Concentrate your efforts on your recovery.

Think about what you want it to be like. Do you want it to be like a beach vacation where you just lie on the roof in the sun all afternoon or do you want a Victorian novel recovery where you sit and needlepoint and have dear sister read you a novel? I know these sound silly, but idealizing your recovery with how different and better things will be on the other side of the procedure helped me immensely.

Clean the house, organize things, think about what type of clothes you'll want to wear. Line up your support crew (I didn't need much help from mine, but they were there if I did), buy all the supplies you'll want/need. Think about what you'll want to eat the first week out of the hospital (high fiber foods that don't cause gas, easy to cook meals, balanced nutrition, not too much salt and lots and lots to drink).

Think about this as wiping the slate clean. You're going to come out "improved" on the other side, healthier and more comfortable. Plan for all the wonderful things that will happen now that you're rid of the awful bleeding, the bulky mass in your bell, the pressure on your bladder that keeps you from sitting through a movie, all that stuff that has been interfering in a thousand different little ways.

I set up my recovery room in the guest room and spent the first three weeks there. I had fresh flowers, a comfy chair with an ottoman to put my feet up. A bed and a bathroom close by. My DSO and I got walkie talkies so I could have him bring me things without having to yell. I had a little stereo for soothing music and aromatherapy candles to lift my spirits. Oodles of books, a portable phone, magazines and catalogues and of course my trusty laptop for cruising the web.

Of course you'll just find loads of support and kinship here.

Take care.

Helllo and

We're so happy you joined the Hyster Sisters community! You have a few days before your surgery to explore the site, and I would suggest reading the Pre-Op Articles, and taking a look at some of our products in the Hyster Sisters Store. Perusing the Pre-Op Message Boards will also help, as most of the members there share your concerns.

Best Wishes and Good Luck to You on Your Journey to Good Health!

Hi and Welcome!!
4 days and some here. Recovery room is set up, satellite is set up, books, magazines and puzzle books bought, food in the freezer. All I have now is the waiting.

I have spent two weeks home from work with a bad nasty cough, (which by the way has finally left me!! Yesssss) anyhow, I have cooked, cleaned, and planned for my recovery. I have told those who need to know what is going on and have a couple friends who will run errands or get my hubby the heck out if he needs to go. I have food enough for three armies, all stuff the boys can jsut warm up. Easy meals to cook, like instant mashed potatoes. I have enough activities to keep me busy. Only issue right now that I am having is we are selling my car. Hubbys is broken. IF he sells it before I get out, I may have to arrange a ride, but thinnking that might not be a huge problem.

Planning for your "recuperation vacation" is fun, and keeps the mind on the after, not the day of surgery.
Best of luck...and dont be terribly nervous. I hear it is easier on the other side!!
Kat

Hi jbusinelle!!!

Our surgeries are on the same day! The 23rd!!

I am scared to death! But I know this is the right thing to help me have a better life. And I especially know it right now because I am going through my last period and it has been excruciating!!!

I think it is very normal to be nervous and anxious.

For me, reading everything I can on this site has been a godsend!!! I have a plan for meals and someone to take care of me after I get home. I have my questions lined out for the pre-op and my concerns and fears listed to tell the dr.

And bless all my friends and co-workers who have listened to me carry on about all of this for the past month. But, most of all, thank goodness for the support on this site!!!!! It has been a godsend.

So, take a deep breath and visualize how good things will be 2 months from now, 6 months from now, a year from now.




Marianne