emotions

I had a sub-total hysterectomy on 22 October and was very frustrated at the beginning by being unable to do everyday tasks. However, this has now improved but I am now very weepy and unable to motivate myself into coping with housework. Unfortunately the house is in a state as an extensions is being built and it seems to have affected every room. Some days I can cope and some days I get very depressed and cry for long periods as I think it will never end. I have a very supportive husband and a teenage son who helps enormously. I should return to work at the beginning of January and at the moment I feel unable to cope. Is this normal?

Billy

Hi Billy --

I think what you're describing sounds very normal.......at least to me. I went thru a lot of emotional ups & downs after my surgery. I see from your profile that you kept your ovaries........but they may not be functioning all that great, sometimes it takes a while for them to get going again after the surgery. Have you tried talking to your doc about how you're doing? He may have some suggestions. And your body has been thru a lot.........it takes a while for things to settle down -- it's really only been just over a month since your surgery........probably seems like a long time to you, but really not that long in terms of healing.

We had our kitchen remodeled and I thought it would never end.........I know how you feel. And I understand about it affecting every room in the house.........I had kitchen stuff EVERYWHERE including the entire new set of cabinets taking over my living room until the new kitchen was ready for them to be installed. It probably bothers you more than anybody else in the house. Try not to let it get to you.........sooner or later your extension will be finished and you'll be so glad you got it done!!

I hope things get better for you soon!

's

Ann
TAH/BSO 1/5/01

About a year before my surgery, I realized that life was just not going well. I was upset at everything and I could not find the good in anything. Well, I recognized a trend and talked with my DR. After a long discussion and many tears, I am now on Wellbutrin SR and doing great.

I am sure I would not have handled everthing during the following year if I had not been on the anti-depressant. My DR was suprised that I recognized that I needed help because most do not until it gets real bad. I just know myself well enough to recognize that I was slowly going out of control.

So, please talk to your DR and look into some help. House remodeling can be very stressful and it comes along at a rough time with everything else. Treat yourself first!

Tracey

Dear Peachybabe

Thanks for your reply - I am very grateful. At the moment I can see some blue sky outside and this certainly makes me feel better. I have spoken to friends who have had a hysterectomy and they have returned to work after 6 weeks and felt extremely well, so I think what's wrong with me? I suffered from post-natal depression when my son was born and I know I do not cope with stressful situations. On the surface I appear fine but underneath I get very emotional. One good thing is that I talk to husband about how I am feeling and not keeping everything to myself which I am sure helps.

We are fast approaching Christmas and panic is setting in with all the shopping, cooking etc. However, I am learning to cut corners and not put myself under pressure to produce a marvellous dinner or the perfect present.

I am sure life will improve and I have one particular friend who is a great comfort to me and understands how I feel. It is also good to correspond with somebody like yourself as I feel I am not alone.

I go to the hospital next week for my post-operative appointment and I am going to discuss how I feel with the consultant nurse.

Thanks, again.

Billy

Wow, surgery and a remodel sounds like a lot to deal with. Home is our den, our secure place.... Need that after surgery. I know I'm putting off moving in with my DBF because, for now, I need to be cozy in my own bed, with my three doggies nestled on the covers around me.

Be kind to yourself and patient... Surgery is an ordeal.... takes time to feel OK again.