18 days till my surgery and I need YOU

Hello Lady's
I'm scheduled to have a total hysto, possibly my ovaries too if needed. Surgery date is set for Jan 6th... I was so shocked I have so many appointments set up pre op...I'm so ignorant of such things. I have to go to the hospital to speak to the anistesiologist and get a blood test( cross type and match??? or something like this!) also have to go see my PCP for an EKG, Chest x ray and pre op physical and also go to my GYN for a pre op appointment and more bloodwork. I told the hospital lady I have bloodwork scheduled for that day (pre op) and she said I MUST have the cross type/match THERE in the hospital no longer than 7 days prior to surgery and also the pre op bloodwork at my Doc's too so I have ALL pre op appointments and tests scheduled for the SAME DAY on Dec 30th!!! Then I go to my last work week starting the next day.
I'm nervous about the surgery I guess I have too much time to think about it. Did all of you girls have the same hassle of doc appointments and tests to go through? I know they are necessary and the bloodwork is fine.... No fears there, I'm just weary and need a pep talk I guess... I picture myself shuffling around with my nose smelling my feet and holding my big puffy belly as I try to walk after surgery!!! Anyone out there in the mood to cheer me up? Thanks! Raphia age 48

Hugs Rachel!

I just got done with my pre-op today and will be headig to the castle tomorrow for my TAH. I didn't have a chest x-ray and but the ekg and the vampires sure must have been hungry cause they drew a lot of tubes of blood.

Each hospital is different in what they want and do with pre-op from what I have heard here, but the more they do the safer things will be. I know it's a hassle and scarey and nerve wracking and it sure doesn't help that all this is going on this time of year, but rest assured, you aren't alone!

See ya when I get home!
Hugs,
KarenC

Hi Rachel,

In my case, I had my pre-op at the hospital about a week before surgery (I can't remember exactly) and they did an EKG, drew blood, and took down some health information. I didn't meet the anesthesiologist until the morning of my surgery, so there was no chance to discuss the type of anesthesia that I would be getting in advance. You have got a good opportunity to talk with him about it, and that's great!!

I didn't have to go through my PCP to get my surgery scheduled, so didn't have to see her, either.

If you haven't read them already, be sure to read the pre-op and post-op hints that are found toward the bottom of the main page of this site (click on the Princess logo to get there), and you'll find lots of "real time" support in the Chat Room, too. Here's a link with information http://www.hystersisters.com/chat2.php

(((Rachel))) - I had to laugh at your description of yourself shuffling after surgery. With that great sense of humor, you'll do just fine, I'm sure.

's

Karen

I had a TAH BSO on August 1st and it was the best thing that I ever did. I also work at the hospital where my surgery was (I'm a medical transcriptionist) and had to go through all the same tests and actually had my cross matching done one week before my surgery....I had to walk around with a bracelet for one week before surgery lol....My best advice to you is to take your time to heal and rest as much as possible and don't be too quick to take on the world. I was out of work for six weeks and I sit down at a desk all day and then I went in for about 25 to 30 hours for the first two weeks and gradually made it to the 40 hour mark. I can honestly say now 4 1/2 months later that it was well worth it. Good luck with your surgery and take care.

Hey Rachel!

I'm 49 - we're almost twins! lol!

I didn't have a lot of tests prior to my surgery. Just blood work & urinalysis the day before. Didn't see the anesthesiologist til the day of, so I had no idea what type of anesthesia I would be having. It is great that you have that opportunity! Sounds like you will have a pretty busy day. But, in some ways, that is nicer than having 1 appt. on several days.

Hold onto that sense of humor. Laughter really is the best medicine! (But, be sure to keep your tummy pillow handy post-op!) I actually did kind of "skate" around the house for the first couple of days home from the castle. lol. I had to keep reminding myself to straighten up - it is such a subconscious reaction to stay bent over & not stretch that incision.

Waiting is the hardest part & you just need to keep busy & try to stay focused.

Best wishes to you!