TAH: Going Crazy....

Hi all, I'm sitting here trying to remember all the things I need to be doing, but all I can think about is the what if's and how much pain I will be in after the surgery. I try to think possitivly, but I keep going back to the what if's and all the other things that keep me awake at night. I know there are tons of people who have been through this but how do you get over the what if's and the worry about the pain after words?? I've been trying to stay busy but it doesn't always work. I also have read all the pre-op stuff I can read on this site and it doesn't help any. Well thanks in advance for any suggestions and possitve thoughts.

I haven't been through it yet but from what I understand getting throughthe last few days before the surgery is the very hardest part of the surgery!
And try to focus on how much better your life will be in just a few short months!

Hi - I had my TAH/BSO on 3/12 - i wasn't in much pain at all - and am not now either! I had a really good experience & i'm really glad I did it. Sure I'm a bit slower around the house right now, but not in pain- which is great.
Surgery is always scary & it's normal to think of the what -if's. But just focus on the recovery & following advice & you'll do great!

You will speaking to the doc and anesthesiologist about pain management, and if you take your meds as directed, you should not be in pain. You will be uncomfortable, but that is expected with any surgery.. you will walk around slowly and carefully, but that improves a lot after the first week.. so try not to worry too much and just follow all of your doctor's orders... good luck to you.. we are here when you need us!!

I completely agree with Kimmywoman. I had a TLH on 3/10 and my Dr and the nurses did a great job of managing my pain. At your pre-op ask about pain management. What they'll be using and if you'll have a morphine drip with a button you can push for more medication (don't worry they have it set so you can't take too much at one time).

I arranged to pick up my post-op pain meds prior to my operation. So no stopping on the way home from the castle at the drug store.

The main thing to remember about pain is that you need to take your medication as directed so that you do NOT get to the point where you feel pain. You need to stay ahead of the pain and keep your body comfortable and healing.

I also made certain that while I was in the castle I pressed my lovely little button for medicine a couple minutes before I tried to do anything like walking.

At this point I feel good and while I'm experiencing discomfort I have never been in any pain.

Frankly the worst part of the whole thing was anticipation and waiting for my surgery date to get here!

Good luck!

Fear of the unknown is always bad. I understand where you are coming from since I was there myself. I had a TAH 2 weeks ago. I had a previous c section so I had some idea of what I may expect. In the hospital the nurses will make sure to keep your pain at a level you can handle, if not your meds will be adjusted. At home, just make sure you keep up on your pain meds. You will be sore, tired, constipated (take your stool softener). It does hurt, but its not unbearable. The pain meds do make you constipated so be sure you eat fiber, use stool softeners and gas -x. You will get thorugh it, good luck to you.

You aren't alone. I am consumed with the worries and what if's. My surgery is May 3. Hope it helps to know someone else is feeing the same. It helps me.

I think all of us experience the what ifs and the worries. It is natural. I made sure at pre-op appointment to ask about pain control. They did a great job at managing my pain. I have problems with most pain relievers but they were able to control it. Let them know if you are having any pain and don't hesitate to use your call bell to get the meds. I discovered that the hospitals have really changed how they deal with pain now so I am sure that they will take care of you. It really helps to tell them of your concerns at the pre-op and also to talk to your doctor about any questions you have. And please don't hesitate to ask us. We have been there and gone through it.

Thanks

I hope this helps. Good luck with everything.