stressed out and panicking

My op is scheduled for mid march and I nearly called and cancelled today, not because I am worried about the op (although I am sure I will be nearer the time) but because I can't even begin to imagine how I can get my life and my family organised so that I can go into hospital for the op and then come home and rest properly.
DH will take some time off but i find it so difficult to switch off and relax. If the kids have problems or anything or can't find things they all tend to rely on me and I really don't know how , practically, I can manage.

I can totally relate with what you say. My dh is paying my 15 year old niece to stay over and help, but to totally relax, get real. I am sure I will be up and about before I am supposed to, they can not do without me that long. It is sad, but true. Try not to worry, things will work out and be okay. I just have to keep telling this to myself and hope things work out for the positive.

Do not cancel your surgery due to this, then you will probably never reschedule. I am still waiting for another dr to schedule my surgery, since my dr is not doing any surgeries for a while. Take care and things will be fine.

Charlene

Hi Amandarose. I'm Michele from Georgia/USA. I, too went through those initial panic thoughts of how? what if? how can they? etc. It's natural and we've all been through those moments of doubt. I have 3 children, my husband will be able to take a little time off, too. You've got a good bit of time to get ready. Every trip to the store, buy 2-3 (post-op) items. Stock the freezer with easy to cook or microwave meals. Make a schedule for your husband or put a big calendar somewhere visible to everyone marking meeting times, doc appts, kids school schedules, bus schedules, etc. so they have no excuse for forgetting something. (ha!) I sent out a mass email to friends and family notifying them of my surgery date and point blank asking for any assistance they could provide during the following 3 weeks post op. I had tons of responses and offers to babysit kids, clean my house, prepare meals, etc. I took them ALL up on their offers. One friend who works at a salon even offered to come give me a pedicure and manicure afterwards. People love to be asked to help. I set up 3 baskets in laundry room (darks, colors, whites) and told them all I could do laundry as long as they brought it down and took everything back up afterwards. I've already got my kids learning new chores like putting away dishes, making a perfect cup of coffee for me (ha!) and cooking simple meals like mac & cheese or spaghetti. I'm putting a bed downstairs in my offc w/t.v., stereo, computer, phone, night stand, etc. If you belong to a church, go ahead and let them know too and you'll probably be suprised with the outpouring of love from them. You can do this. We will get each other through. I posted a thread titled something like "LAVH on Jan 30 leaving left ovary, anybody else??" and it's on this main board. Go in there and read all the comments. One very special person completely detailed her pre-op, surgery and recovery there and it's been a huge help to all of us. I still worry from time to time, but you know, it's not going to be the end of the world if they have to wear the same pair of socks 2 days in a row, or if they miss a softball practice, or if daddy doesn't wake up in time and has to take them to school a little late. Life goes on and you will be on your way to a much happier, healthier quality of life. Stay in touch. Don't give up - you can do it. (Oh and one more thing I forgot...my kids mentioned to their bus driver that I was going to have surgery and she offered to pick them up in front of my house for a week or so, instead of my walking them up to the regular stop - very cool!)

Michele

seems you can never know before how good or bad things are going to be after. the only day i took pain meds or a nap was the day of the surgery, my insurance pre approved me for 4 days in the hospital and although the doc would have released me i opted to stay, after that i never went back to bed during the day. i listened to my body and sat when it told me to , moved slow mostly. told different mussles to do the job of the tummy, the day i got home i fixed stew and fed the horses. i had a very good surgeon, who said she got real good stitches, the only thing they told me when i left the hospital was no lifting over 10 pounds and no driving on pain meds (which i wasn't taking any) , the doctor told me to putter about, but i drive a standard shift pickup so i waited 10 days to try that. i was released to work 16 days post op. you've got some time to exersise and train your body, think of which mussles do what. i am a very busy person by nature and i'm not saying many are as lucky to have it as easy as me after surgery. prepare for the worst, but prepare yourself, and it might not be that bad. precook meals and put the schedule on the fridge for everyone. (i meant to cook that stew the day before i went in the hospital so we'd have it to eat on for a few days when i got out)