Time is running out

I almost chickened out, but after talking to a couple of nurse friends, I went for my pre-op testing.
I am still terrified of the surgery, waking up in pain and spending such a long time recovering. I can't imagine laying around for so long and what will it be like when I finally can take care of the house. Five kids and a husband can do alot of damage in one day, let alone weeks.
I will see my doctor for a physical on the 9th and I am going to tell him not to take out anything he doesn't have to. I know everyone says the waiting is the hardest, but I don't see how with all the physical discomfort after surgery. Three days in the hospital makes me ill just thinking about it.
Any advice?????

I would be a bit shaken also thinking of 5 children and dh alone for 3 days... There are times when we have to make arrangements and now is one of those times for you. Can dh take vacation time to help? How old are your children? Can't some go off to visit grandparents or aunties?
How about a high school girl dropping in to do the beds, laundry, dishes etc for 2 hours a day?

Start planning simple. fast meals for your dh to prepare. Frozen foods, fast foods etc. Plan meals for the entire first 2 weeks and post the menu on the refer. Even if it is Toco Bell one night and Big Mac the next. When friends ask if there is anything they can do...ask for a casserole. Use all paper plates and cups. The older children I'm sure can be helpful. You must know alot of other families through the school...make arrangements now for sleep overs the first week you are home.

Please ask for help and take your recovery very seriously. You must heal properly the first time.

Did you catch the thread on pain a few days ago? The girls were talking about using a spinal with morphine so you don't have pain for the first 20-24 hours? Some used an epidural for post op pain in the hosp. Then they used toridol shots and then to darvocet pills at home? They used Zofran anti nausea meds also. You will talk with your "A" man before the surgery. Tell him and your doctor your concerns.

Ask your hubby for some support and ideas here along with neighbors, friends and other family members.

Best regards,
Maralyn

Hi Jittery,

Maralyn has given you some very good suggestions. I just wanted to send you a big and to ask you to put your surgery date in your profile so that you will be on the calendar for July 16th.

You have not said how old your children are, but hopefully they are old enough to help take care of you for awhile. You might want to print out some of the post-op information from the drop-down menus on our main page and discuss them in advance with your family.

http://www.hystersisters.com/dirpost.php

Please let us know how you are are doing.

's

Karen

Hi....I had a TAH and I am 5 weeks post op and it is one of the best things I have ever done. FEAR??? Yes it is truely the worse part of it all. I had shoulder surgery 3 yrs ago and I had more pain with that then I did this surgery. My menstrual cramps were worse than this surgery. But.....everyone's different. I have a very high tolerance to pain. But, you will do fine just like all of us have. You just need to put your foot down to your dh and kids like I did with my 3 kids and dh and tell them your are going to need some help. But, really and truly my dh helped out as he always does. He's a sweetie.
Email any time I love getting email. I can also be contacted at volzokie@yahoo.com
Hey Karen........Where do you live in Fla I lived in Fla for 32 yrs right outside of Ft Laud in a town called Davie.

I'm with Rose --- I had knee surgery (ACL reconstruction) 5 years ago, and that pain was MUCH worse than what I've experienced so far --- it is tough (and boring!) to be good, but I'm looking forward to reclaiming my life!

Hang in there, we're all here for you!

s

Boy can I relate!! I'm going in for a TAH on Tuesday and I keep thinking how is my dh going to manage with our 5 kids. My eldest is nearly 9 and the youngest is 21 months. Hopefully my dh's sister is going to come the 3 days I'm in the hospital to help take care of my house. I'll be happy as long as it is still standing when I get home. My dh has to work while I'm in the hospital so he won't be a lot of help. Ha it is going to be interesting. I'm more worried about when I come home. Just because my kids just don't realize how much I do and how much I won't (and can't) do.
I have gotten to the point that the sleepless nights are here while I think of the surgery etc. I have had 5 c-secs but I just keep worrying about everything else.
Oh well it won't be long now. Kerri TAH 7/9/02

My kids are 17,15,11, 11, and 7. I just know how bad it gets when I am gone for one day. Then I end up cranky and mad at everyone for leaving so nmuch for me to do. I'm afraid I will be in a bad mood for a month.

Jittery, I was truly blessed. My husband was the greatest and my 2 teenage daughters were okay. I had my sister in law who was very helpful and my father in law too. My sister who flew in from out of state was useless!!!She hates hospitals and is a real whimp(It was the thought that counted)I am a nurse which made matter worse!(too much knowledge)Talk to the kids and explain that you will need there help.You might be suprised. As far as your husband goes. Explain to him how much you need his support and he MUST help. It is only fair.You would do the same for him. There is no such thing as Supermom!!!!!!!!!!!!This is major surgery and If you don't listen to the Dr. and rest you could end up back in the hospital with a post op complication. The other sisiters made some great suggestions. Also how about church members? At our church we have a womems group that helpl other women in this exact situation. Well Good luck. Angela

Jittery,

Check out the post-op message entitled "Incredible Husbands" --- some of us have been incredibly lucky, and our DHs have really pitched in!

Also be sure to print out the "FAQ for Family Members" --- it really explains (from a third party) why you will need help.