4 days to go, freaking out

I am having a LSH on 12/7 (removing uterus only) and I'm freaking out. I have been on an emotional roller coaster since I scheduled this surgery. I'm not in pain now, just a never-ending period. Some days I'm calm about it, some days (like today), I'm freaking out. Today I got my surgery time. At my pre-op appointment I cried in my doctor's office because I am very nervous about the IV and the post-op pain. He was very sweet and made some notes in my chart (probably says big, scared crybaby). I've had other surgeries before so I'm not afraid of the overall part of having surgery, just the pain part. My doctor told me I could have a pain pump if I want it (I do) and that I could have novacaine (spelling?) before getting the IV put in, but I don't quite get the idea about putting a needle in my hand (novacaine) so they can put a needle in my hand (IV), but that topical cream just doesn't work for me. I have a low tolerence for pain and a high tolerance for pain meds so I guess that's part of why I'm so scared. They told me I'll be in the hospital 2-5 days but no one could tell me how long I'll have to have the IV. They all say "it depends". I hate feeling like a high-maintainence patient. Ok, I'm just venting here, but any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

you are having a really amazing surgery. hopefully you will have an easy recovery like i had. i have to say that the first 48 hours for me were the hardest. it was my first lap surgery and i found the gas to be very painful. morphine took care of the pain really well. i stayed inpatient 48 hours. i would suggest you stay in the hospital on iv pain meds as long as you need a lot of pain control. pain pills just arent the same.
the novacaine needle works great for the iv. it didnt hurt me at all..its a much smaller needle than the iv.
i had no pain after about 48 hours. i felt really great when i was discharged. i was able to drive and do housework from the day i got home. i was cleared for everything, including sex...at 2 weeks.
i think you will be surprised at how easy the recovery is (with no complications).

I've got 4 days to go also and I'm also freaking out. We'll be ok, I'm sure of it. Right?

	Quote:
Originally Posted by almostuterless I've got 4 days to go also and I'm also freaking out. We'll be ok, I'm sure of it. Right?

Maybe if we hold hands we can make it through together!

I am at the freaking out point as well. Everyone tells you to think positive and hope for the best, and if my brain could accept and do this I would be fine. I too have a low tolerance for pain and high for pain meds and it's not always to communicate to med staff / nurses and them treat you best. I have been trying to keep busy- organize, clean, prepare etc. avoiding the emotional aspect and now it's catching up. Loss of potential for children, but happy about end of yrs of pain, suffering etc. Dec 6th TLH / TAH and i'm medical freak of nature w/ weird complications all of the time. How do you stay optimistic when past has been so bleak.Lastly, I'm military spouse and our insur sucks- very cheap and not the best care.
Hopefully you will speak up and don't be afraid to ask for quality care and you'll have a problem free recovery. Good luck