How do you deal with your fears over the upcoming surgery?

Surgery Scheduled: 20 September 2004

Dear Lovely Princesses,

I am trying to find out if there are any suggestions, etc. for preparing for the surgery---

I mean, did you do anything special for yourself, go somewhere, write, etc.

Any particular diet/foods consumed/exercises, et al. to get yourself into top shape?

I hope you understand what I am saying---One thing I am hoping on doing, is exchanging phone numbers, etc., with other members, so that when I get out of surgery---and I am lucid, to call and have them write that they heard from me! :-)

Despite that I am a Stand-Up Comedienne, it is difficult to find a way to laugh through this period of time. Being happy seems to be a far-reaching goal right now.

Anyhow, any books, advice, prayers, or any other methods to help in preparation....I look forward to hearing other points of view!

Blessings to all,

Elizabeth

Elizabeth,

I did several things --

1. I read everything I could get my hands on regarding my surgery. I read a lot on this website.

2. I began walking during my lunch hour to build up some stamina. That also helped me to focus on, accept, and plan out what things I needed to do -- both at home and work.

3. I received two "blessings" from the elders in my church. These gave me great comfort.

4. I talked about the surgery with some real good friends. One of them had "been there, done that".

Mostly, I focused on the "after surgery" recovery, rather than the surgery itself.

Help this helps you as you cope.

SusieQ

I did retail shopping therapy and cleaned like an OCD freak. reading here helped.

I also threw a a "Farewell to my Uterus" party and that was fun.

take good care!!

FL

Hi,
I prepared for my surgery by writing about my feelings around and dealing with that first.
Second, I set up a plan of after care so it did not all fall on my SO.
And finally, I had all prescriptions filled so they were ready at home when I got there.
My surgery was fairly easy, recovery quick, and I feel like a new and younger woman!!
Good luck!

Hi -
I did a few things:

1. I read a book entitled: Preparing for surgery. It gives you ways to visualize your recovery and prepare your body for what is happening. It was just wonderful. At first I thought that it may be a little hokey - but you know what - it helped me to center myself and be prepared. You can either find it at the library or in the self help section of a local bookstore.

2. I stopped taking vitamin E and eating garlic as it makes one oozy.

3. I told everyone who I know, loved, and trusted, that I was terrified and that I needed their support. If I didn't think they could give it to me, I didn't really have much contact with them.

4. I was kind to myself. I forgave myself for having to have the surgery and for feeling vulnerable.

5. I was upfront with the medical staff. When they asked how I was, I said - "I'm ok - but I'm scared". This was because my original diagnosis was "pelvic masses" and I could have been looking at a cancer diagnosis (which thank you G-d it was not!).

6. I prayed alot.

7. Every night before I fell asleep I said the following to myself "you will be ok. your body will heal." I thanked my uterus for giving me a beautiful son told my uterus it was free to leave and become part of the energy in the universe and I hoped that it would help to bring me beautiful grandchildren"and then I'd visualize the post op visit to the doctor.

Quite frankly, I think all these things really worked. I had NO complications, healed quickly, am not on any hormones, feel very even keeled and balanced and feel terrific. I work with alot of people who are very spiritual and they all suggested this.

Best of luck to you. If you need to talk more, please let me know.
I will be thinking of you!

Hi Ally:

I know your post wasn't geared towards me... but those are some very good suggestions and I am going to use them for myself to help me get through the next few days.

~Uneque~

Uneque -

I'm glad these suggestions will be of help to you. And you know what - every post on this website whether addressed to us or not - is for everyone. That's what so great about this site.

Best of everything tomorrow! I will be thinking of you!

Elizabeth

I hope you have an exercise program as part of your life style already. I practice yoga, hike and walk a good deal. Get yourself fit and recovery will be smoother. You might try an internal cleanse with various herbal teas to clear out your system. Any good health food store carries elixirs that will gently clear out the digestion and blood. I recommend nettle tea.

I also went through Polarity therapy. This is a form of gentle massage, reflexology, relaxation combined. During the therapy, a tape was played that in effect set up positive intentions in my body and mind for the surgery. The therapist happened to have had a hysterectomy 6 months before and knew exactly what to do. If you can find this type of treatment, it does wonders for the whole self in calming and acceptance of this ordeal ahead.

If all else fails, apply a drop of Lavender oil to your forehead every day and into surgery. This will calm your psyche.

The last thing I did, my dear friend who accompanied me into the surgery, is a practicing Wiccan and gave me a blessing just before the deed. And, she picked out the surgery dates using astrology. This may sound far out, but I believed it and always will. I am doing well now because of all these steps. My recovery was hard for me, but by all accounts went very smoothly without a set back.

Do what is best for you!

Dear Elizabeth

With all the useful suggestions you have been given. this post may be superfluous but here's a few which worked for me.

Tell your surgeon you want the incision made horizontally and as low as possible - draw a line for him in washable ink if necessary -it will make him laugh as well as give him something to work with.
(Mine is just below my bikini line and was invisible after 12 months)
The lower the cut, the less restrictive movement is afterwards. Apparently it isn't necessary to cut the stomach wall muscles anyway - they work around them.

Buy crimson silk pajamas and take a full box of make-up to the hospital. Put on both as soon as you feel capable of holding a mascara brush and show the world how fantastic you look instead of the washed-out old bag they were expecting!

When everyone else is eating stodgy, tasteless hospital food, (remember this is the NHS I am talking about - your's might be better) go and lie in a hot bubble bath until your skin soaks up the very expensive body lotion you bought yourself.

When you can get up, take short walks to keep mobile, but don't shuffle about bent double, stand up, (Invalid? Me?)

After the op - never reveal to other patients when your first bowel movement was. I promise you - they will ask! (for some reason everyone is morbidly interested in this subject!)

If you are in pain - tell someone! There are no medals for suffering in silence and modern pain relief is excellent - so grab it with both hands!!

I know this is light hearted - but I was truly terrified before my op and everyone kept saying, "You'll be in a terrible state afterwards for quite a while - it's major surgery you know? My best friend/mother/sister was housebound for months!!" until I wanted to scream.

But when it came to it - the pain wasn't nearly as bad as the agony I was going through every day in the months leading up to it! And I was back at work within two weeks - part time yes, but I felt great!!!

Living without pain changes your entire outlook on yourself, your life and your future. Things which drag you down, making you feel like an inadequate failure now, take on a different perspective when your body isn't holding you back.

The very best of luck - and think of all the material you will be able to gather from your experiences!

I had my surgery planned about 2 months in advance and right away I was wishing it was coming up sooner. But.... it's next Tuesday and I can hardly wait!
I started out this week with a really crappy Monday, just feeling depressed, feeling a cold coming on and shall we say... cranky!
Luckily, I had my pre-op appt. that afternoon and as soon as my doctor walked in the room I felt better. Younger than me, but calls me "Hon", a sweet lady and awesome doctor! She proceeded to give me the rundown of what to expect on surgery day and the couple days after, which answered most of my questions....this made me feel so much better.

I was already on a health plan (exercise, eating better) for many months, but kicked it into high gear recently, went on the South Beach Diet (yes, it works and we've stayed on it for the most part) and increased the intensity of my weight training and tummy exercises. I am in better shape than I've been in years. This has been just about the most important thing I've done to prepare for my recovery.

I've refused to read the horror stories - I already know things can go wrong, but I don't want to fill my pretty little head with anything other than positive thoughts and will deal with things as they arise.

I've tried to remember that I've felt crappy for years (numerous fibroids and all that comes with that) and most of that should change soon, so that's what I've tried to focus on.

The boards have been the best resource for me and it's wonderful to get ANY question or concern responded to and to know that other's have had the same thoughts!

Other than that I've been lucky and have discovered that many women that I know have already had hysterectomies and alsmost without fail "it was the best thing I've ever done".

Good luck and email me if you'd like!

Pamela