If I am an emotional wreck now....

What state will I be in after surgery?

Someone please help me get through this...

I am scheduled to have a robotic hysterectomy in two weeks. I was reading testamonials about the procedure and one of the women mentioned that they - pardon the graphic nature of this comment - chop up your uterus. I have never really identified myself with or through having a uterus, but that description has sent me into a major tailspin. I feel l like this organ gave me the greatest gifts - my two baby girls - and now it is being obliterated. It has me totally depressed, but I don't know why. I have always had horrid periods, I should be happy to be getting rid of the thing. I am 43 years old, and don't plan on having any more children. Why I am irrationally attached to my uterus?

I have had ovca, I have a new mass, and that is why I am having this procedure done. I should be thrilled to be moving ahead, and moving ahead so quickly. But I am totally apprehensive - the fear of impending menopause is a large part of the situation.

Someone please give me some words of encouragement and optimism. There just seems to be so much scary information out there. I am feeling really panicky!

Thanks!

I had trouble emotionally before my procedure as well - but I just kind of shut down and went into hibernation. I was surprised by my reaction but found out (on this site) that it is a typical response. I did not think I had any emotional attachment to my girlie parts and because of the situation and my age and had all the children I wanted to have that the removal would be quite clinical. In fact it was quite emotional - go figure. I am still struggling with getting my emotions under control - but now I am sure it is because I have to get my HRT in balance.

Intellectually, I am fine with it but it seems on some baser level I have to grieve the loss. This site and the wonderful ladies are a life saver. ANY time you are feeling "off" it helps to come here and find out you are not alone. Sometimes thats all it takes to get through it.

Good luck with your surgery - please let us know how it goes. Hang in there.

I understand my operation is to make me better and make my life my own again but I too keep wondering why the same thoughts keep coming into my mind about my uterus. I too have 2 beautiful children, my boys are 4 & 5. I'm grateful everyday for them. I'm 27 and due for a tAH with BSO in a couple of weeks.
I know that this is an organ that is special to women but if it were your appendix it would be different. I had my tonsils removed & I have to say that if I think about it like that it seems silly to worry, as its just another thing that inpacts on my life.
You will be just fine - I'm sure afterwards you will reap the benifits of a life with less pain & worry. Good luck x

I know this is a major operation and a really big decision to make, and I really don't mean it to sound like I am making light of the situation (so please forgive me if it sounds that way), but it might help to put things in a little more of a context. I also have 2 beautiful children (18 and 20 now) but I have to have a TAH-BSO now for various medical reasons. I am OK with it now because I never believed that my uterus gave them to me. The good Lord and my husband did that. The uterus is nothing more than a muscle bag that was used for them to grow in until they were able to survive on the outside on their own. I have a good friend who has 2 daughters. One of them was not able to carry children (she had her uterus removed for cancer I believe at a young age), but she and her husband underwent in vitro fertilization and her SISTER agreed to carry the babies (twins) in HER uterus and bring them to term. She was therefore gifted with her and her husband's own biological children although her sister carried them for her, so the uterus is basically just another internal organ that serves a particular function. If it is no longer needed because of disease, illness or whatnot, it doesn't make you any less who or what you or your children are and it will be healthier for you to let it go than keep it and have to worry about the medical conditions that led to its removal.
I also wish you good things and a good outcome.

Ask you doctor about how your uterus is removed. Because of my endo cancer diagnosis, mu uerus was placed in a ''baggie" and taken out through my vagina, to avoid the spread of any cancer cells. Because of your ovca, your uterus might be taken out the same way?

BTW I am 57 and 7 years post menopausal and I was sorry to lose my uterus. To me, it was the special place where DS grew. Having made it through menopause without the need for a hysterectomy, I expected to take my uterus with me the rest of my life. But giving it up was absolutely necessary!