Is it real?

Just a quick update: I was scheduled for surgery June 23rd, only to be denied five days prior by my insurance company as they stated, "Try something more conservative first." So after appealing this decision, my doctor put me on a low dose of BC pills which only made matters worse with other complications. After three months of the BC pills, my doctor was determined this surgery had to be done, and eventually got the 'approval' from my inusrance company.
NOW: My surgery is scheduled for December 8th, and I am a mess. A mess because I am a teacher, and leaving my class is a hard thing for me to do anytime of year, let alone at Christmas. I am a mess because I need to have all of my shopping done prior to the 8th as I know I won't be able to get out and do it later. I am a mess because I will miss some of my daughter's basketball games, I am sure. I am a mess because I want my house spotless and I am not sure I have the time for all of this.
Good News is I have kept myself so busy with writing lesson plans, xeroxing papers for the sub., and etc...that I sometimes don't think about ALL I have to do. Surely everything will get done, surely!!!!!!
When I went in for my pre-op in June, only to be told I was not having surgery, I was flabbergasted because I was so prepared. My kids were taken care of, I did not have to worry about missing school, my house was spotless, and I was so ready mentally. I am not sure I am so ready mentally now. In matter of fact, I am scared. HELP

WHEW
THANKS FOR LISTENING.

You poor thing!
Of course you're a mess. I think we all kind of are at this point and add being unhealthy/uncomfortable to all this running around and we are due to break down at some point. My upcoming surgery on the 21st (Dec. that is - No Christmas for me this year) was expected but the date so soon and so close to the holiday's was not. I too am feeling pressure and guild and pain, and holiday anxiety and I too am a mess. But I keep thinking that "This too shall pass" and when Dec. 21st arrives, I will be there ready or not. And when it's over, I'll tie up all the loose ends that I'm sure I will leave becasue lets face it...we are only human.
Good luck to you!

s

My DD is a teacher ( her 2nd year ) and she absotutely hates to miss too. At least now , you'll have a couple of weeks where school is out anyway for the Christmas break. That way you won't have to miss the whole recovery period.

I like for my house to be spotless too but did learn during my own recovery that dust bunnies can't really hurt you Don't be afraid to ask for help if and when you need it. I learned that people are very willing to help if they know that you need it.

Being nervous is very normal - it's probably doubly so for you because you've had to deal with it twice now. Take a couple of good deep breaths and try to relax. You're already busy so I won't tell you to do that

Best wishes, I'll be praying that all works out well for you this time.

s

Hi Itsie,
My date is 12/7 and I had a lot of the same thoughts you are having - needing to be ready for Christmas before the date, missing my daughter's basketball games (which start this weekend). I work at a juvenile rehab facility and we do a lot of Christmas activities with the boys there and I'll miss all that and our staff Christmas party, too.

But, I talked to my daughter about her games and, at age 9, she says, "It's okay, Mom. Your tummy is going to feel lots better and then you can come see my games." AND I'll have some time to spend with just the family during the holidays instead of feeling "harried" over getting stuff ready for work activities and last minute shopping.

I've finally talked myself into being okay with this and knowing that things will be so much better despite the timing of my date!

Good luck!
~Tammy

I'm new here and waiting on my surgery date of Nov 30. So I have to get all of the Christmas stuff done in the next 13 days. Wow! Only 13 days left, that sounds so soon. The surgeon went in to do a laproscopy and take my left ovary, but found endometriosis instead, thus a TAH is required. I'm not sure what to expect before, during or after, so I'm hoping this forum will help me. I had no idea there were so many of us out there. My thoughts go with each and every one of you, and am glad we have a place to meet.

Hi, LIW. I'm now 6 days and 4 hours post-op from TVH/kept ovaries. Everyone is back to work/school and I'm taking care of myself at home which I've pretty much done from the first couple of days. It has been quite easy and I have had really no pain. Discomfort and lack of energy, but I want to encourage all of you in waiting. I'm so very glad I did this. I already feel better and any discomfort I have had has not measured up to what I had before surgery. I agree with jeanus...no dust bunnies have attacked me yet and I'm not TOO stir crazy.

I had to leave a caseload of patients so I can identify with leaving work and the things of work. I just trust that the therapists covering for me are taking good care of them as I'm sure your subs will do for you. I intend to go visit as soon as I have a little more rest and recovery under my belt.

I know it only helps a little, but the hardest part really is the waiting. This side of things is much better. A friend stopped to deliver some get well flowers yesterday from church and she said it didn't look like I even had anything done...was I sure I went through with it?? If those who know me in high gear can't tell that I'm slowed down quite a bunch, then I must be looking okay. Rest and fluids.

Keeping you in my prayers.

Itsie,


You’re right trying to be prepared for Christmas without any added stress is hard and you’re working full time.

My surgery is Dec. 7th. I keep telling myself I will be ready for Christmas when it arrives. I have 1 tree up and decorated already and in the process of doing the other 3. My kids are starting to think something's up or else they're afraid to tell me they think I've went off the deep end.

It sounds like your very organized and the thought of leaving your students is a hard thing to do. Just remember they will be so happy to see you return back to class and you will have survived the surgery and Christmas will have been a time to truly take some time to relax and enjoy all those around you.

Try not to let all the little things overwhelm you (yes, I should take that advise as well the "big" things will fall into place, one has to believe.

Maybe right before Christmas is the best time to do this; look at all we will have to be thankful for. A fully decorated house to look at while we are being princesses, all the yummy cookies calling out our name and who would want to miss all those corny Christmas specials that I see are coming up on TV. Yes, I think Christmas is the best time, beats having to stay inside in the summertime when everyone is outside having all the fun.

Let's try to hang in there together.

Rhonda

Itsie

I am going in for my TAH on Dec 7th.

I understand your frenzy of getting everything done before you go to the castle. Clean what you can to make it nice not perfect people will come to see you not your home. Remember you are the Princess and you can and need to ask for help. I have had to c-sections and have learned to do this the hard way.

I also feel your heart ache of missing your kids I teach toddlers at our church. The thought of not being with them makes me sad. I have to look at the fact that right now it is difficult for me to have them crawl on me and I am in a lot of pain. When I go back to them I will be a better me and will be able to give them more than ever before.

Take care
:HUGS:

Angel314

Hi, Itsie. I'm having a LAVH on December 7th and feel the need to get all my Christmas stuff done early, too, along with working full time. Although I'm not quite as organized as our friend, Rhonda, I'm getting there. I have already completed all my Christmas shopping, have everything ready for wrapping (it will all be wrapped this weekend), am having my carpets cleaned as I sit here, and have completed addressing all of our Christmas cards, stuffed with invitations to celebrate Christmas day here at our house. I intend to take the 4-day Thanksgiving weekend to decorate (3 trees, Rhonda -- gosh I love it when I find folks who have multiple trees -- I don't feel so goofy) and then the last weekend before surgery to clean my house and generally have my breakdown, which I know is coming so I may as well set aside time for it. >grin< I've arranged for a service to come in to do a thorough cleaning a few days before Christmas so I really won't have to do much for our party and this year, for the first time, I'm asking folks to bring a dish for Christmas instead of trying to do it all myself. I figure my DH can put the roast in the oven.

I hate to be away from work for a month -- I'm the only one in my office who does what I do, so it will not be pleasant when I return -- but have decided I'm simply not going to stress over work. If any stressing is to be done, it will be over my hyst and recovery and not over what's happening at the office.

And, Itsie, don't worry if you don't actually get all of your shopping done before your surgery. You can order any last minute items on-line and delivered right to your door, even wrapped if you want. Plus you can get groceries that way too in most cities. For every problem that pops up, there's a solution!

Planning and preparation are great, but realizing that the world won't end if we don't get it all done is the biggest present we can give ourselves.

Chris

Hi,

i too am a teacher and i totally agree that leaving is hard to do, especially around the holidays. my surgery is on the 22nd, so i have two more school days to get ready. unfortunately i do not have the energy. i'm still trying to get my sub plans in order, get my class in order for a sub and then turn my attention to my home.

i told my 1st graders that i'm leaving and tonight i sent a note home with the kids informing their parents. It is nice to be around for the holidays, but everyone who i've talked to who has had this said i will feel so much better. keep focusing on the positives.

good luck to you and hang in there!

Julie