New here, 3/3 Castle visit

Hi,

I am having TAH/BSO for endo, heavy bleeding, constant pain, next Monday, and I thought I was fine with everything, even relieved to have made the decision, but I just went in for pre-op bloodtests and had an anxiety attack. It doesn't mean I don't want to do it, but I feel sort of sheepish about reacting like that.

My doctor is giving me an epidural for a few days, and something I read here made me wonder if that means I won't have as much anesthesia? Has that helped anyone's recovery? Believe me, I am not shy about asking for pain killers!

thanks for all the info and support,
Stephanie, 35

Hi Stephanie and welcome to Hystersisters! Best site on the internet for information and support.

I think all of us here can relate to the anxiety leading up to surgery. Please don't feel sheepish about having an anxiety attack during your pre-op! It's so normal and when the reality of it all hits you, there can be meltdowns. I cried at my pre-op visit.
You will hear over and over that the waiting is the hardest part...and it truly is!

I do not have personal experience with an epidural, but I've read other posts here of women who did have epidural, and it sounds like it is an excellent pain management treatment. There are two types of anesthesia for this surgery. One is general anesthesia (which I had since I had LAVH and epidural was not an option for me)---the other is epidural with sedation during your surgery....is that what your dr. recommends for you during surgery? I do believe it means "less anesthesia" since you won't be completely put to sleep as with a general.

Keep reading as much as you can and post any further questions that come up for you. The more you learn here, the better prepared you will be for your surgery and recovery.

Best wishes to you!

I had a Leep procedure for cervical cancer in Sept. I had asked for a general as I did not want to be awake and I didn't want to hear anything.

The anty guy told me that an ep is considered heavy sedation but not total, but that I would not see or hear anything....And I did not.

Now maybe there were some other drugs in my IV that helped with that all...but I could have been under general anty and I wouldn't been able to tell the difference.

Plus there was no side effects of the general coming out of it.

Actually, I cannot imagine not having some anxiety before surgery. I think you are very normal.

Good luck.

ConnieW

Hi, Stephanie

My surgery is also scheduled for 3/3/2003. I feel a lot
of anxiety, also. I think that is normal. I know I am
doing the right thing, but waiting is very difficult. I have
pre-op on 2/27/2003. I have had lots of pain and bleeding
from 2 small fibroids for the last 6 months. Before that, I
tried a DNC, which worked great for 8 or 9 months. I have
also had cervical polyps, also. I am looking forward to all
this being over and being able to live a normal life. I think
if we just focus on that and getting our health back, everything
will be fine. This is no way to live your life. Good luck.


karen
surgery date 03-03-2003

Hi Stephanie,

I visit the castle on 3-3 too! I agree with everyone that the anxiety is totally normal. At some moments I feel totally calm and at others I am truely freaking out. When I am really anxious I visit this site and/or try to remind myself that I have been in constant pain for 3 months now, and that I truely did exhaust all my other options!

My date is 3/6 and today i had my pre-op testing and my bp was 151/93!
usually it runs 110-115/80
The nurse said I was probably just having anxiety which I have been having all evening.
I have been trying not to take medicine but I think I will take a xanax.
Ask your doc maybe he would give you something for your anxiety
Good Luck
((((((((hugs))))))))))