vaginal hysterectomy

My surgery date is 6/19/01. I am absolutely scared to death. I really don't know what to expect. I'm hearing all these horror stories from my friends. I guess it is fear of the unknown that frightens me. I've been researching all I can to find out what to expect. One of my biggest fears is going on hormone replacement for I am having both ovaries removed also.

If anyone can give me the support I need I would greatly appreciate it

Hi Fatfree45,
What you're going through is perfectly normal.....I'm going in on Friday, June 8th for a TAH and I am settled down. Before that, I was unbearable.....extremely scarred and nervous.....but the habit of knowing that you have no choice but to have this surgery because you're well being, lessens the fear a bit. You'll see as your date approches, you will resign yourself and accept the surgery. It's a phase I believe that we all go through. As far the the hormone replacement, I too had great concern about that....and found out that our body stores up to 4 months of estrogen after our ovaries are removed. Our body is a great machine. So maybe you can discuss this part with your doctor and explain your fears about the HRT. I'm sure your doctor will put everything in perspective for you.
Good Luck and I will think and say a prayer for you....You'll do just great!
Justone10

I am going in on June 12th and I too am scared to death. I am on hormones now and actually feel better on them I have more energy during the day and I am sleeping all night which I was not doing before them. I am scared of going under. I am having a lap hysterectomy and he will try to leave one ovary. I also need a birch procedure and a paravaginal repair for a prolapse and cystocyle, I keep thinking do I want to go thru this? Can I live with the back pain and incontinence?

Ladies,
I know it is scary before surgery. I was a total nervous wreck prior to mine, depressed and crying. The nurse in pre-op sensed my fear, and made sure I was given something immediately to calm me down.
After the surgery I was immediately put on Permanin. Honestly, I felt like a new person. No more moody, unhappy days. I was not only changed physcially, rid of the pre-op problems, but my mental state was so much better!
After you phyically recover from the surgery (and take it slow, you will exhaust easily), you can get back to your normal routine.
Looking back (I'm 6 month post-op), it's the best thing I could have done. I'm a happier person and feel great!!!!
Good luck to you all.
Strum

Hi liw's, you're pretty normal in being nervous and afraid of the unexpected. My surgery was 5 weeks ago. I rode that emotional roller coaster before surgery and like justone, you do settle down and can't wait to have the surgery overwith. I kept my mind off the surgery by keeping busy, getting ready for post op stuff-having food in the freezer, getting the garden set, doing laundry etc. Keeping myself busy kept me from thinking about the surgery, therefore less time to worry and cry about being nervous. This was my first surgery ever and not knowing what to expect makes your mind do weird things. Needless to say, surgery went well and my recovery is going great. They say waiting is the hardest part and it certainly is. I laugh at myself for the the time I wasted crying or worrying. So, consider yourself normal. It's part of the process we go thru, it's too bad we can't skip that part. Anyway ladies, future princesses, I wish you well in your surgery and wishing you a speedy and painfree recovery. Remember to rest and drink lots of water after surgery. Jan

I also had a TAH/BSO, and was started on .625 dose of Premarin 2 days after surgery. I have felt fine, no menopausal symptoms at all. I feel the same all of the time. I sure don't miss the PMS (neither does my DH). I feel pretty much the same all the time, which is great. Along with the heavy periods and awful cramps, I had severe headaches and mood swings right before my periods. I often felt like I might just "jump out of my skin".

I was very scared right before my surgery, but everyone at the hospital was just great. I remember being in pre-op and being cold (they keep it chilly there), and someone brought me this wonderful heated blanket.

My recovery was quite non-eventful, and 8 plus months post-op, I feel like it is one of the best things I have done in my 49 years.

Good luck to you!!

I'm going in tomorrow morning. I'm on the calendar. Stephanie, sionsgroupe@wans.net. I'll be right back on the boards and in the chat room friday when I get home to let you know how it feels. I'm scared too, but it can't be worse than peeing on myself daily, and feeling everything falling out. Chin up and e-mail me! I'm sure it will be ok. Good Luck!