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List of Fears
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01-24-2014, 08:23 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 620
Hysterectomy: March 20th, 2014
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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List of Fears
So, I have been in a constant state of anxiety and am obsessing about possible negative outcomes. My brain is really trying to talk me out of this.
An older friend of mine suggested I make a list of all of my fears so that between now and the surgery, we can find logical and rational reasons to cross off each fear.
I was thinking maybe some of you could help me with this? The list is below...and above anything else - by far - is dying. Either during surgery or after from bleeding or blood clot. Petrified.
Dying during surgery – not waking up: General anesthetic is one of the scariest things in the world to me; closest thing to being dead
Dying from complications after surgery: Biggest fear here is blood clots (pulmonary embolism/DVT) or internal bleeding
Scary complications during or after surgery: Same as above even if I do not die from them
Pain I cannot handle: I have read that some people wake up bawling from so much pain
Losing too much blood: This happened when I gave birth and it was a horrible feeling and very scary
Having to take hormones: Increased risk of strokes, blood clots, heart attacks – my biggest fears...would worry constantly
Anxiety about possible bad things happening after surgery (like waiting for a ball to drop): Not being able to handle the anxiety, ugh
Not having the help I need after surgery: My mom still works full time and lives an hour away. And I just don't have a lot of people who are...well...helpful lol
Bladder/Bowel prolapse
Cancer found during surgery: Again, very possible. What if THIS is the reason I have been feeling so awful for so long. Grandmother died from ovarian/uterine cancer in her late 50s.
Gain weight: Have heard this is common.
Loss of sex drive: I mean, come on. That would suck.
Not feeling any better after recovery: The thought that I could go through all of this just to continue to feel poorly…ugh
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01-24-2014, 09:00 AM
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Posts: 12,392
Hysterectomy: October 15th, 2009
Surgery Type: TVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: List of Fears
I too had a lot of fears pre op. In many hospitals, it's possible to have an appt with an anesthesiologist prior to your OR date. You could discuss your concerns, and they could explain the monitoring and precautions involved for your safety, and how your post op pain will be initially managed. I'd also suggest you discuss your clot concerns with your Dr and make a plan. You'll likely have the leg squeezes post op, and possibly heparin or lovenox shots. Ask if TED hose will help, and remember inactivity is the biggest factor. Plan to be up walking frequently, and don't cross your legs the first month post op. You can be proactive. All of your concerns are valid, some you can plan ahead for, and others, realize that if you follow post op instructions, don't overdo, and take your meds, you'll have the best chance to do well. Personally I have not gained wt, had prolapse, or had sexual issues, and had a good surgical and post op experience. When my pre op anxiety got too bad, I got Ativan to take the edge off, and that helped me manage my fears--I had a list similar to yours. I'm sure other ladies will have helpful input as well. Best wishes for an easy surgery and recovery for you.
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01-24-2014, 09:11 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 163
Hysterectomy: January 21st, 2014
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: List of Fears
I just had my surgery on Tuesday. All of the medical staff took such good care of me. The anesthesiologist met with me before surgery and explained exactly what would be going on during the procedure. He was very professional and comforting. They gave me heparin to prevent blood clots while I was in the hospital, and I am now injecting it myself for the next 30 days. So they do everything they can to prevent clots. I had everything removed, and woke up in discomfort but not horrible pain. And they kept the pain meds coming. I am now home and feeling pretty good for someone who had major surgery a few days ago! I will be praying that you will find peace and comfort prior to surgery and a quick recovery afterward. Best wishes and God bless!
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01-24-2014, 09:33 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 620
Hysterectomy: March 20th, 2014
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: List of Fears
Thank you so much to both of you.
Lexi - Are you predisposed to having clots or is that their typical procedure (the heparin)?
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01-24-2014, 09:41 AM
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HysterSister
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Re: List of Fears
Following...I am just beginning this journey. Just joined the site this morning and cannot for the life of me figure out how to post something other than replying to this. Help! I have some questions but don't want to fill up Cheers44's thread with my issues
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01-24-2014, 09:41 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 163
Hysterectomy: January 21st, 2014
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: List of Fears
No, I'm not prone to clots, but I will be 60 y/o next month. Age may have something to do with it, not sure. I also had those "leg squeezers" on during surgery and after. Now that I'm home I try not recline too much. I sit, then get up and walk around.
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01-24-2014, 09:43 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 9
Hysterectomy: January 2nd, 2014
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List of Fears
This kind of anxiety is totally normal and I was afraid of most of the same things you are. I think if you weren't afraid/anxious that there would be something too worry about, this is major surgery BUT our surgeons preform these surgeries all the time and are good at what they do. I would ask too meet with the anesthesiologist before your surgery date if possible because they are REALLY great about answering your questions. They are there just too focus on you and your anesthesia so their undivided attention is on you. The vast majority of women have no complications, I was told by a friend that the reason we hear so many horror stories is because the ones that don't have any issues aren't on support pages. The pain after surgery isn't unbearable and they are very good about making sure you're comfortable. I was in recovery until they knew my pain was under control and they were very attentive with it. As long as you take your pain meds regularly then the pain is very manageable. Walking is a big way you can help prevent clots, also not laying in one position in bed can help too, I used pillows to help prop me up and on my side at times. I haven't been able too resume sexual activity yet but I definitely still have the drive and desire. I had urinary urgency before surgery and that's gone...it was such a relief not feeling like I had to pee all the time! I also had added back pain (I have back problems) and I didn't even know that was something that was affecting me because I couldn't tell the difference with the pain i already had but after a few days I noticed a big improvement in that I was ecstatic! Also I've actually lost a little weight since my surgery. I hope that some of this has helped check off some of your concerns xXXx hugs xXXx
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01-24-2014, 09:46 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 163
Hysterectomy: January 21st, 2014
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: List of Fears
Hey, auburn tiger, did you receive your welcome email yet? That should have a link leading to the welcome page. Or you can go to the "pre hysterectomy" section and post there.
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