So what stage is next for me??

It seems to me that there are several stages that most of the women on this board go through. For myself, I found that I had a gut feeling that things were not right, and having been through an US and diagnosis of fibroids just over a year ago, the surgery is not totally unexpected. However, when the gyne confirmed that I need a TAH now, rather than in the future, I still felt a feeling of shock. Once I got home, I told my DH and kids about the upcoming surgery. I came to this site, having lurked here before, and started reading as much as I could. I was asking some questions, which probably seem rather silly, but were there nonetheless. Then, after reading and asking, I came to a feeling of acceptance. Okay, so I know that I have to have a TAH, and I know when the date is. I think I have a fair idea of what to expect. I have a list of things to have ready at home, as well as for the castle. So, now I am wondering, what stage is next?? I have been through the shock, and now the acceptance, so what should I expect next??

Well, when I found out I was finally having my hysterectomy, I felt happy. Glad that this was finally going to be done, as I'd had enough suffering.
Now, with surgery tomorrow, my stomach is in knots from the nerves. It's not the actually surgery, it's the IV and the staying in the hospital overnight. I don't deal well with those things. I know that soon it will all be over and I will finally be healthy, but for tonight, I'm nervous and slightly nauseous.
Good luck to you!

Well dear don't feel bad about being in knots over the IV and overnight stay, I am going through the same thing. Difference is, I am already having anxiety over this and have over a month left before surgery. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you face tomorrow. I found that sounds of the ocean, soft comforting music helps the anxiety though, and since I know you aren't supposed to have anything to drink, I wont suggest my other method, which is camomille tea. If you have some lavendar scented candles or lotion, this may help as well. Anything to take your mind off of the IV. The stay won't be so bad I am hoping, because maybe I can catch up on some much needed sleep! HA! Who am I foolin...can't sleep in a hospital! None the less, good luck!!!

I don't know what the next stage is. Maybe start getting your house ready. I,m catching up on laundry, etc. all though my surgery is this thursday. I know come tues & wed I'm going to be a wreck. Good luck to you!

Although we all go through a process of coming to accept the surgery, I'm not sure we really go through the same phases--except maybe the last week before surgery. There's so much that depends on why we're having the surgery and how long we've had to think about it.

In my case, with three months to prepare for it before the surgery, I went through a phase when I really didn't think about it much at all. I had gotten all the information I needed, but my surgery was too far ahead to need to think about the details. As I got closer, it seemed more real and I began to focus on details and logistics. The last week was the hardest for me.

If you feel a sense of acceptance and calm now, then perhaps what's next for you is enjoyment. You know as much as you can about what's ahead, and you have some time to acknowledge the good things in your life and make sure everything is set for your return home from the hospital. Surgery can be frightening, but it sounds like you've been preparing yourself quite nicely.