Second Thoughts

Well I have less then 24 hours to go before I head to the hospital, why am I so scared? Why am feeling like my womanhood is being taken away? Everytime I see a pregnant woman I cry because I know that will never be again. (Even though I didn't really want anymore) Scheduled for a LAVH with rectocyle repair tommorow at 9am. It seems like ever since Saturday I have done nothing but watch the clock and count down the hours. Today I feel like I am going into a nesting stage trying to get all the laundry done, clean the house, pay all the bills and take the kids to school for the last time for 3 weeks. No bowel prep, my doctor said I could take a mild laxative today if I wanted but no special orders just don't eat or drink after midnight. But shouldn't I eat light today, like broth and clear liguids? I am ready for afterwards though, I got my donut pillow, a sitz bath, stool softners and water. Any other suggestions? Also having alot of pain on left side is it stress or should I call the doctor. Well I must go now to finish the laundry and cry. Thanks ladies!

What you are going through is perfectly normal. The night before my surgery, I thought about sneeking out of the house and staying gone for a couple of days! Glad I didn't. I am 6 days post-op and doing great. My surgery was supposed to be laparascopic but had to do incision. I am getting around fine, can wait on myself if I want to. My only problem is that I am bored to death. I go this morning to get my staples out and am hoping to talk my daughter in to taking me to a store just to look around. Feeling this great, you have to make yourself rest.

Just hang in there and it will be done with before you know it.

PS..I believe that eating light the day before and a light supper around 7pm was very helpful to me. I was not starving the next morning and did not have anything heavy on my stomach.

Praying for you

Joanna

I did it big time when I chose myomectomy over hysterectomy last year. The reasoning was rooted in fear, not factual info, but I justified the decision of keeping my ute like crazy. However, rational analysis of facts after the myomectomy told me this was the only workable option for me. I had to work myself into the decision, just like everyone else does around here.

Womanliness is a mind-set, not just a product of having certain reproductive organs. Yes, estrogen acting on our bodies is responsible for us having periods, breasts, pubic hair, all those secondary sexual characteristics. But femininity is also a factor of socialization. That teaching we got about being intuitive, loving, passionate women doesn't disappear with removal of an organ or two or three. If I needed proof of that, plenty of older menopausal chicks out there that are all woman to see out there in the world. Fertility is not any indication of womanliness either. I am not fertile but still all woman.

My theory on the left sided pain is that the ute and ovaries stage a last revolt when they know they are headed to the path lab. Mine sure did!

Well, I know how you feel - I'm due to go to the castle in less than 24 hours. Except that for me, I've delayed this inevitability a very long time, just in case I might find the right partner to have a family with. Well, I found the right partner, and got married at 45, but the family thing is not going to be. I'm worried that this might hit me very hard at some stage :cry:, although I think I have adjusted. Very, very prepared - lots of good info from all my sisters here. I still keep thinking - maybe I'm menopausal and this will all go away of it's own accord. Maybe I'm looking after myself so very well (specific naturopathic diet and supplements for pre- and post surgery) that I will be miraculously 'cured'. In reality, I generally look after myself reasonably well, and have been using Chinese medicine/acupuncture as a sort of last chance cafe, with mixed results. In fact, however nervous I am, I think the decision is right. I just want to thank you all for this fabulous site, which has been a lifeline. I particularly like the care, kindness and 'lightness' of it all.

I don't think anybody rushed this decision. Within forty-eight hours we should both be on our way to a better life quality. My best wishes to you

A Stray Liana

Lady in Waiting for Not Much Longer, TAH, leaving ovaries I hope

No kidding. I did it not once, but almost twice. Once I ran out of there, ripped the IV out of my arm, and got dressed. The surgeon called me at home and said, "What do you think you're doing". I said, "Not having this operation".

The second time, my husband caught me and persuaded me to at least talk to the doc first.

I eventually had the surgery. It's been a rough road for me. But many, many women wish they'd had the surgery long long ago.

Where I messed up was having repeated surgeries for removal of endometriosis (10) and then doing the hyst (too many adhesions and nerve damage by then).

Good luck, I'll add you to my "good thought/prayer list".