I've been very calm, even looking forward to it until..

I got the pre-paperwork from the hospital yesterday to schedule the pretests and provide information about myself, along with some brochures on pain and surgery - really a nice little kit.

But I just stood there at the mailbox starring at the envelope with dread. Stupid, I know. I don't know why I reacted that way. I'm still sort of shaky but I've filled out the papers and will probably go do the prework Saturday morning: CBC with Diff, Basic metabolic panel, ekg, chest xray et al.

I'm sorry to hear that the paperwork threw you for a loop. I think we all have or will go through the same thing once we get ours. Its that final piece of the puzzle that makes it all so real.
Best of luck to you!!

Jen

Good luck to you too. Hey, at least we're going during a "lucky month" - Shamrocks and luck of the Irish and all that.

My TAH is tomorrow!! I was fine yesterday but around 6:00 PM last night I started crying. Today I'm feeling very scared. I'm at work to try to keep my mind occupied but it's not working. I'm a smoker (hoping to quit) and I can't smoke today so that is stressing me out too.

I'm very weepy today but everyone at work is very sympathetic to my situation and are being very kind.

Anyway, I find out at 1:00 what time my surgery is tomorrow. I hope it's early in the morning. I just want to get it overwith.

I also got my period yesterday and am in quite a bit of pain but I guess that's just reminding me why I'm having this surgery. I bid a fond farewell to my monthly horror!!

Sorry if I'm sounding a little insane but that's how I'm feeling and I appreciate this website so I can get this stuff off my chest.

Cheers to all.

I'm sure I'll be feeling the same way. Big huggs to you hystersister as we all hold hands and JUMP into the post-surgery daze.

For those who are wondering what to do with their spare time a friend recommends The Sims (computer game).

I'm still waiting to hear from the hospital. I thought they would have contacted me by now. I've never had surgery so I don't know how this thing works. I have appts next week with primary and gyne. Of course, I'm loaded with questions for them.

I got my period two days after receiving my Lupron shot. Shot was on 2/14 and period started 2/16. A couple of days into the period, I was conveniently reminded of my monthly misery. It finally occurred to me that I had been going thru this misery for too many years. Each month I would tell myself I was too old to be bleeding like this. I begged Mother Nature to send me into menopause but she ignored my requests. She did allow me the night sweats every night even while I was menstruating. I guess she didn't understand what I meant.

So, I'm kind of looking forward to getting this thing over and done with it. People who I have talked that have had a hyster ALL say they are so glad they did it. No one ever said anything to me about the recovery period, though. I never thought to ask because they were just ranting and raving about how glad they were to have had the surgery done.

dlhavard ~

I was the same way...I was fine, even kind of looking forward to the surgery, until the paperwork, the pre-op labwork, the pre-op appointment, etc. I really think it is normal, that reality sets in. The papers and pre-op procedures bring it all to life, and it is then that you REALLY REALIZE, "This is going to happen." Prior to that, it is more of a notion in your mind.

Rest assured, all will be well! The anticipation is TRULY the toughest part. I am now 3 weeks post-op and doing great, smooth procedure, fast recovery. The "other side" is fantastic, and soon you all will be here!

Allow yourself to feel what you feel. You are normal! I think as women, we expect so much from ourselves. This is surgery, it's a big deal, yet somehow we expect to just be "normal" during a very different time in our lives.

My best wishes to all sisters in waiting. Soon you will be on the road to recovery with no more worries! I know exactly how you are feeling, I was there just a few weeks ago. You will be AMAZED at how great you will do, really. I say that sincerely. Hang in there, and until your surgery date arrives, do something fun, take care of YOU, splurge, laugh, ...take some time to free your mind of the worries. I forced myself to do this, and it helps. The days leading up to your surgery are going to pass, that is a given. You may as well do your best to enjoy them. Go out to the movies, to dinner, buy something fun. You deserve it.

All will be well, sisters!

Nora

Hi dlhavard!

I think most all of us experienced "trigger moments" when we were Ladies-in-Waiting. For you, it was getting the big envelope in the mail from the hospital.

A hysterectomy is a very emotionally-charged surgery for many women, and you may find some other challenging moments between now and your Castle date. Remember you may always come here for hugs when you do!

I would like to remind everyone reading this thread that yes, for many fortunate women, like (((Nora))), the waiting does end up being the worst part of their entire "hysterectomy expererience." Unfortunately, for other women, the pre-op nervous anticipation and stress pales compared to the struggles they have with recovery and the consequences of the operation. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict in advance the outcome of any surgery.

I am hoping for the best for you, and sending positive thoughts your way!

s and Best Wishes!