Losing it Pre-op

The closer this surgery gets, the more I'm losing it. It isn't until Feb, but I'm to the point where I need to tell my boss so that we can do some planning. I've had my date since the beginning of Dec. and I'm running out of reasons not to tell people. I think the problem is that once I tell people, it becomes public knowledge and I'll have to abandon all hope of "magically" getting better.

My other problem is this darn nervous nibbling I seem to have started. I'm not really fat, but I had planned on losing a few pounds after the holidays so that if I gained after surgery I wouldn't panic. I'm going the opposite way. I can't stop eating and we're not talking about carrot sticks. I have this fear that I'll go into surgery up 10 pounds.

Maybe, just maybe, after I tell my boss tomorrow - I'm giving myself one more day - I'll feel better.

Hopefully it's true that the waiting is the hardest part. I know that if I gain a few pounds or lose a few nights sleep it isn't the end of the world. I'm sure that I'm making the right decision, I've just had too much time to think about it.

I hate that you're so nervous about telling people. Is there some reason why you're so nervous about telling your boss? Will he/she react badly about you being out?

Luckily I have one of those bosses that understood. Since I'd been having problems for years, which he knew about because of all the time off for biopies, tests, doctors appt and a previous endo surgery, the hyst was not that big of a surprise for anyone. I am an admin assistant for a small group within a HUGH corporation. Everyone that I support was so understanding and willing to help out while I was out for 4 weeks.

I just sat down with my boss before I even scheduled the surgery and we picked a time that was best for work, me and my hubby. I had my LAVH/BSO on 12/5 and I came back to work this past Monday (1/5). He even made sure that my work was covered while I was gone so I wouldn't come back to a desk piled high with things other people could do while I was out.

I think if you go ahead and let your boss know you'll feel some relief from all the stress you're putting yourself through. Just one piece of advise, tell your boss first, you don't want him to hear it through the grapevine that you're planning on being out for several weeks.

Let us know how it goes. Good luck.

The waiting is the worst part about this whole process. Just relax and reassure yourself that everything will be fine.

When you visit with your boss, friends, family, ect., just ask them to respect your privacy and not broadcast it to everyone. I think you'll find how supportive everyone will be. Mine were. You'll need their help and understanding as you adjust to the new you.

Unfortunately, this is one surgery/procedure that you won't "magically" recover from, but you can make it a positive experience. Enjoy the attention and pampering you'll be getting. Believe me, it doesn't last long enough!

Good luck!

I didn't mean to give the wrong impression. My boss will fall all over himself to be nice. He's a good person and will make this as easy as possible. It's just that he has no idea there's a problem. I scheduled the surgery at a good time of year, but it will still be inconvenient. I'm the office manager for a law firm and many of my duties will fall back to him.

Our receptionist on the other hand, probably won't be the least bit surprised. I have to walk past her everytime I go to the bathroom and she has to wondering what my problem is.

PSumary----i had a complete freak out too when i finally had a date scheduled. Waiting is truly the worst part, and I too dealt with the emotional stress in part by eating anything that was standing still or even moving slowly!!!!

Just go ahead and tell your boss. As soon as i found out i needed ANOTHER operation (see Road Less Travelled) I let my bosses know.

Do some nice things to take care of yourself like shopping for nice fluffy nighties or slippers, or videos for your recovery time.

All will be well--and this from a sister who had FOUR (count 'em four) complications!!!

Fluffy Lemur

It's true -- the waiting is by far the hardest part. I look back on it now and think, "What were you so worried about?" but I was a complete basket case beforehand! I also was apprehensive about people knowing. My boss (who is a total psycho!) was actually very understanding before my surgery. (Of course, since I returned to work she's been acting like I was on an eight-week vacation to the Bahamas instead of a medical leave! ) But what I learned is that the people I was afraid would find out turned out to be a really great support group, at a time when I needed all the support I could get.

Take heart, this really will be over before you know it.

Kathie

One week from right now, I'll be a Princess in the Recovery Room, not a LIW freaking out about the whole thing.

Yes, I'm getting really anxious and nervous as the day gets closer. The best remedy I've found so far is to stay busy, make time for me, and not let anyone give me any manner of grief about the decision to proceed with surgery. My life, my body, my decision, PERIOD. Being a little self-centered and selfish right now is a good thing, I think. The world can get along without me for a month or two.

Remember, YOU'RE NUMBER ONE!!!!!