Starting over

I'm finally scheduled for April 10 to have a TVH/cystocele repair with a gyn surgeon at same time a colo-rectal surgeon will do a rectal rectocele repair/colonoscopy. The rectocele was the worst of any symptoms and had to be addressed, so I went for the all-in-one. Cystocele needs repair too, but I'm not suffering incontinence at this point, and I have hyperplasia and mild prolapse of uterus ... however, strong family history of cervical and uterine cancer, so will feel alot better not having it to worry over. It's worth finding a doctor who understands that this is a whole-picture decision instead of the ones who will only treat one thing at a time! Yes, I also suffered 2 panic attacks this last week (thank God for xanax-as-needed).

As some of you know from Hysteritaville, I'm a highly addicted, emotionally attached smoker. The good news is that I'll only have to be in the hospital for one night, and could be back to my secretarial job after 4 weeks (no abdominal cuts), so that eases my panic ... and I can approach my future there with alot more "reason." Anyone else a smoker? I highly recommend the site I was referred to in Hysteritaville, quitnet.com ... wonderful pro-quit support site / won't make you feel as if you're a disease when you're smoking ... informational enough to help even me consider quitting.

Also yesterday, my boss had to cut me from 40 hours to 24 ... we have business, but it's all stuff that can't be started until customers' budgets allow (2nd, 3rd quarters) ... at least I'm employed (love my job) and keep my insurance etc., and knowing I'm needed helps. We just all have to get over this hump ... and my very needed co-worker retires in August, so I'll have to be trained for at least some of his stuff. - I've been poor before (it's truly a drag), and came home to talk with dh. We have to cancel kids' allowances, cancel our second phone line for the computer and the call-waiting and caller ID on the main one, and no more wine (yikes) ... and start making alot of homemade stuff and a few lifestyle adjustments. Meanwhile, I now have a little more time to improve productivity around home (much needed) and start being a bit more active (I work as a secretary, so activity at work isn't as physical as a homemaker's).

God gives us diversions along our way for reasons. Knowing there's a silver lining in each cloud may not brighten the cloud, but can be the challenge we need to find the lining(s) to not focus as much on anxieties and fears. I'm already trying to teach my boys (14 and 9) to exercise faith where fear wants to grab them (specifically with mom's surgery coming up) ... so I best set the example! Just remember, some of these diversions / challenges are as hard as a difficult labor / delivery and, just like many can and do get through that or go to plan B (C-sections, etc.), God is our loving and caring primary-care physician Who will care for us through all the struggles ... The Specialist in all areas of who we are.

It's a cloudy day, but truly a peaceful one ... :

HI Katie,

You may be pleasantly surprised after your surgery and find that you don't crave cigarettes right away. Sometimes general anesthesia takes away the craving.

I had wanted to quit smoking for a long time, and and tried several methods. None worked. I was looking forward to seeing if the craving would lessen following anesthesia. And, I vowed that I would capitalize on the opportunity handed to me.

I not only didn't crave a cigarette, I didn't even think about it or miss it. Now that I am almost 6 months post op, the physical addiction is gone. I sometimes think about it when I am very tired or stressed, but I just remind myself that I am no longer a smoker.

I hope you have the same experience if you would like to quit. I know how strong the craving is and I can sympathize with you. I am very, very happy I took advantage of the situation. I feel as though I took care of two potentially life threatening things at one time. Just that knowledge alone gives me the boost to continue on a healthy living course.

Stay in touch and be sure to ask any question or express your concerns as your surgery date approaches.

Blessings and s.

Hi Katie!

Good to hear that you've got your surgery date and that you're comfortable with it. It sounds like it has been well thought out.

Sorry to hear about your work hours, but it's so great that you can keep your benefits and your job, AND have some downtime! Really could be a blessing in disguise, huh?

I'm a smoker and I got through the surgery just fine. No problems whatsoever. Stay healthy, avoid contact with people who might be sick - need to keep those lungs as clear as possible for surgery. Keep that positive attitude, too! That will help carry you a long way!

Best wishes, sweetie - we will be with you throughout this journey!

((((((hugs)))))))

Oh, and P.S. Do NOT smoke at least 12 hours before surgery, 24 hours if you can, but don't send yourself into a panic attack over it.

Hi Katie,

I had the same surgery that you are scheduled for. The rectocele seemed to take the longest to get over. Make sure to use a stool softener. I am almost 6-weeks post op and feeling good most days.

I agree, God gives us windows to make changes. Hope you take the opportunity. That's easy for me to say since I've never smoked, but I wish you lots of luck.

s

Hi Katie

I have to agree with Miss Shoefly on this one. If you are really serious about quitting, than this is the most perfect time to do it, when you enter the castle.

I was a 2 pack a day smoker before my hyster. I had tried to quit before, no luck. I really needed this major change to my daily routine to make me quit for good. Physically, I did not feel up to , nor did I crave a cigarette while in the hospital.

My hyst gave me relief from my GYN symptoms, plus the opportunity to be a non-smoker. I really don't think I would have done it otherwise. So, please, take advantage of this time to quit once and for all !!

Best of luck to you! Keep us posted on how you do!