Upcoming hyst, very anxious

Hi, I am due to have hysterectomy 12th Feb 2007 and I am feeling very anxious. Its not so much the op, its the "afterwards". As I am having both uterus and ovaries removed I am getting very scared about the after effects " Menopause".
Any advice would be very welcome.

Sarah,
I think it is normal to be anxious about the surgery. I know I was! There are no guarantees when it comes to surgical menopause. Many women do just fine, while others struggle to find balance. It took me time and patience, but here I am 7 years later doing quite well hormonally. You will find some good information on menopause in the articles at www.hormonejungle.com

in there and best wishes on your upcoming surgery.

Sarah -

I know I was so scared before my surgery. And while you will hear a 100 times between now and then, the waiting is the worst, I think the unknown is really the worst. Waiting just creeps up the poll when you are tried of knowing and just want it over with already.

I can't help you that much about long term effects as my menopause was chemical and short term. I did find my 'chillow' pillow was great for hot flashes and I also took it with me to the hospital. I found, even with an incision, the day after my surgery, gently placing my chillow across my belly (a combination of the coolness and even weight like the weighted aprons they put on you to take xrays) was wonderfully soothing.

Things that helped me to think of (maybe this will sound weird now) was like to know that while getting out of bed the first time was hard, it would never be that hard again. And it wasn't.

Another thing was knowing for gas I had to get on my left side (for weeks it was the only way to fart and that was an absolute must).

Once home, my mom is so awesome, she had planned very short outings for me each day at about 5 days. Everyone is different, I know some people like to hole up for a week or two and that is fine, but I would have gone crazy not getting out. So we did little things like through the drive-thru at Tim Hortons each day.

The other 'sanity keeper' was ofcourse this site. I really did pretty much live on here for a month or so, I was so thankful it was here for me.

I hope I haven't taken this in a direction you don't want to think about. I just believe knowledge is power.

Best wishes on your surgery and feel free to ask me anything,

Julie

Everyone is scared before surgery. Once it is behind you you will be glad you did it. Everyone is different in their menopause, I have never had any symptoms.

Hi Sarah, I totally understand your feelings as I am feeling that way too. I am having my ovaries removed and it is really scary to think how my body is going to react to this. I have experienced hormone imbalance before and I tend to turn into one very person. WIlll you be going on hrt or are you going to see how things go? Keep in touch. All the best.
Kat

hi kate, well the docs have told me they will try me on ERT injections for 3 months and see how it goes. HRT is out of the question as breast cancer and ovarian cancer is very high risk in my family!!!!
Im very worried about my sex drive also, as i havent got a high one now but they tell me I can take testosterone tablets or patches....crikey as long as they dont deepen my voice ha ha!!!!
Nice to hear from you.
Keep in touch x

thanks for the reply. Hopefully they will do the op vaginally as I have 3 children under the age of 6 years to cope with after so fingers crossed!!!!!
Anything is better than feeling like I do now...suffer with Endometriosis and polysystic ovaries..ouch!!! Feel dreadful most of the time!
Keep in touch
Sarah x

Hi I am very nervous also. My date is Feb. 7th. This is normal and I am sure we will all be fine. I go between crying and being happy that I won't be having these heavy periods anymore where I feel I can't go anywhere or do anything. Good luck.

Hi Sarah, I could'nt believe it when I read your reply as I too have endometriosis and polycystics ovaries. So I do understand how painful and unwell it makes you feel. I am having a LAVH so that any endometriosis that is present can be cut out. Hoping that there is'nt too much there since my last op a year and a half ago. Unfortunately we don't have any children but you most definately have your hands full with three children under the age of six. In regards to the lowering of your voice I keep having the other half on about growing a beard after my op . You have to laugh after all it is said to be the best medicine. As the others have said it is quite normal to be feeling scared and nervous. All the best of luck to us all.
Kat

hi kate,
Its so nice to be able to share this with someone.....men dont understand half the time!!!! The more im on this site the more positive I become and I feel less anxious. The fact that all my visitors will see me without my hair and make up on petrifies me!!! They will think they have come to see wrong person ha ha!!!
Feeling a bit crappy today as my period is due....but guess what...its my last one ever...YIPPEE!!!! That thought has just put a massive smile on my face ha ha.
Anyway keep in touch and take care.
Big Hugs x x