scared of surgery!

I was totally absolutely scared of the surgery. I kept trying to think of ways to get out of it. But I was pregnant with giant fibroids blocking the way out, not to mention the extreme pressure they were putting on my other organs. The actual experience of surgery was much better than my anxiety. The fear of the surgery hurt more than the actual physical pain! I felt so much better mentally afterwards. I am so much more light hearted and happy now, I can't tell you.

I had no complications. I was up by the second day. I did much more than I should have from the start (little choice there). Other than feeling more tired by the end of the day, nothing bad happened. I was able to walk pretty much any distance, as long as it was a slow pace. Even with the worst pain, I just popped a pill or two, relaxed on the easy chair, and watched tv. I can truly say that the pain was never bad enough to ever make me regret the surgery, ever. It was tolerable, and managed quite well.

I did have a problem with gas pains. More than most, it seems. But I didn't fully explore all the possible ways to relieve it. I kept thinking, it can't go on much longer! But even that got better every day until I forgot about it one day. If I had one thing to do over, I'd try a heating pad for the gas, and some different gas relieving medications.

Take care, and good luck!

Hi Karr.

I want to encourage you. My surgery went so well. I had a TVH, a a&p repair, and a bladder sling. After flooding for for 4 years (almost non-stop), I feel wonderful. I have no pain, no cramps, no bleeding, .no severe backache (this was an unexpected perk!!!), and I feel feminine and pretty again.

My recovery has been easy. I have had NO pain...at times I was uncomfortable when I first arrived home, but it was nothing that Mortrin couldn't handle. The most discomfort that I had was the gas pains, but Gas-X works very well. Try to stay on schedule with the Gas-X, then you don't have to endure the gas while waiting for the meds to kick in.

I also used a microwaved rice bag instead of a heating pad. I made it before my surgery, and it was wonderful. The moist heat worked better for me. If you are interested, you can PM me and I will tell you how to make one.

The first week I slept most of the time. My son allowed me to borrow his laptop, and I propped it on the coffee table and was able to operate it whle reclining on the couch. I spent many hours on this site during the first 1½ weeks. I was able to walk a bit, and it felt good to rest in different rooms...change of scenery is always nice.

I was given the okay to drive at 10 days, but I waited until 16 days. My car is low to the ground, and scooting behind the wheel put a lot of pressure on tender areas.

At 3½ weeks, I really noticed that I was fatigued. I believe the healing process was taking a lot out of me, but, again, rest was the answer. Now, at 4½ weeks, I am able to drive every day, go out for lunch with a friend occasionally, make a light meal - no turkey dinners...too heavy- a load or two of laundry - a few pieces at a time...no baskets...still too heavy. My husband even took me out on a date last weekend!!! I still won't push a shopping cart, but I can walk through the stores for a short period of time.

Hang in there...your wait is nearly over.

mss

hi ya karr, i am 11 mths post-op sweetie and i was scheduled for a three day stay at the castle following my hyster.Guess what? i went home the next day.honest to god! my dr said to me then, that she has been doing hysters for years and i was the first person who she thought was a breeze of a patient. i came home and experienced for the first three days somes gases.uncomfortable but not diabling. i would get a pillow when i felt the gases coming and lean over it as i sat and they went away real fast. i used the pillow to lean on when i had to pee too and it worked great.that pillow of mine was my saving grace. i was up and about a week later. i healed beautifully. not one complication.i had a laporoscopy and vaginal hyster. i dont have any scars my stomach to this day is as flat as a board. i never gained and ounce of weight either. i weigh less now 112pds then before my surgery(123pds then). i started to have some complications about 4-6 mths post-op. i was left with one ovary and now i am in the begining stages of menopause because the ovary isnt functioning properly.i dont take any hrts (too chemical sensitve). i just take vitamins. but over all my surgery was a breeze and i didnt have any problems with recovery. i have some problems now.but nothing is perfect in life.i just have a attitude where i always hope for the best..good luck honey..god bless and i hope all will be fine for you..always..angel (see not everyones surgery has been a nightmare.there are positves here too)