scared as hell about my hysterectomy on 9/16 - what are expectations both pre-op and post-op

It's totally normal to be frightened. I think everyone is going into a surgery like this. But you're doing it for a reason, to make your quality of life much better than it is now. My uterus was about the size if a 25 week pregnancy and I had a fibroid the size of a cantaloupe, so we're pretty similar.

Charlotteel had some great advice pre-op. Make sure everything is ready for you to come home so you don't have to do anything for at least the first week. I was exhausted, uncomfortable, in pain sometimes, and only got up to go to the bathroom for most of that time. So be prepared for that. Also make sure that you friends and family really understand that this is a major surgery and you're going to need help. Explain the surgery, show them this site or Mister HysterSisters, whatever you need to do so they get it.

Afterwards, you're going to be sore and uncomfortable. It's hard to imagine now, but it's surprising how many things you do that involve your abs and that's where you're going to be feeling it the most. The biggest thing is to rest! Rest, rest, rest as much as you can. Get a couple small pillows to have with you, one for your tummy, and one to use to prop wherever you need it (under your knees, your head, etc.) have movies or Netflix ready, books, coloring books (they have awesome color by number ones at Micheals that are fun!) video games, knitting, whatever you think will keep you engaged while you're resting.

My number one thing, no matter what kind of surgery it is, don't push yourself to do too much too soon. If you need a break, take it. If people are expecting too much for you, tell them you simply can't do that much right now. Take care of YOU.

I just had my surgery on September 9th. My uterus was the size of a 26 week pregnancy and touching my rib cage. I had the top surgeon who does lap hysterectomies and I had a lap instead of open. I was in surgery for 6 hours but considering I had major surgery I came home last night. Very sore and stiff from the positioning and gas but glad I did it. No complications. I had an amazing surgeon. Good luck and will have you in my thoughts and prayers for your surgery next week.

I'm so glad you are doing well... I hear so many great recovery stories but I'm still extremely nervous about it. So many negative thing are constantly entering my mind about the surgery... I'm trying to keep a clear mind that I will be fine besides I'm tired of crying lol

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Originally Posted by smoochez I'm so glad you are doing well... I hear so many great recovery stories but I'm still extremely nervous about it. So many negative thing are constantly entering my mind about the surgery... I'm trying to keep a clear mind that I will be fine besides I'm tired of crying lol

all I did was cry and very anxious prior to surgery. The mistake I made was that I read too much on the internet. Stay away from the Internet and searching because all you will see is the negative. Even though I have the swelly belly and my sides are sore from the positioning on the operating table my back pain is gone and I can see my toes. Today I am just propped up with pillows in the recliner and bossing my husband around. Lol. Will never have to buy kotex! I'm not even bleeding after surgery. Make sure you drink alot of fluids

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Originally Posted by smoochez My uterus is the size of a basketball and my surgery is scheduled for September 16th and I am scared.... I'm ready to change my mind about it.... not knowing what to expect preoperative or postoperative can someone please help ease my mind before I make myself crazy

I was also terrified! When I got to the hospital I told the nurse that was prepping me that I had never been in a hospital and was terrified. Everyone was so nice, accommodating and reassuring. They kept me so busy with drs, nurses, anesthesiologists coming in asking questions, I began to feel comfortable that everyone was on the same page. They gave me something to relax me and something so my stomach wouldn't get upset. I remember being wheeled into the o.r. And then basically nothing until I awoke on my way to the room. They put in breathing tube, heart monitor and catheter while i was out, the only thing I had left when u awoke were the iv and catheter. I was not in pain, was up and walking around later in the day, got the catheter and iv out that night and went home in the morning. Only pain meds were in the iv and once they took it out, I didn't take anymore because I wasn't in pain. Once home, I adhered to the restrictions my dr gave me, which weren't too many, and otherwise went on with life, although the first days my pace was slow and of course I tired fairly easily, at the end of the day, all I wanted to do was relax and go to bed early. This got better by the day and by the end if the week I had more long lasting energy. Trust me, the reality is the surgery is probably nothing compared to what you are imagining right now. You will be fine, and in the end it will be worth all of the worry and stress because you will feel so much better!