Lacking motivation to prepare

Just a little over 2 weeks to go, and I find myself completely lacking the motivation to do any of the cooking, cleaning, or even purchasing the things I will need for the hospital. I read so many posts about cooking and freezing soups, casseroles, etc. for family. I can't seem to put my mind to it because I know my family won't eat it, and my parents will probably be making me more homemade soups than I could ever consume (they always do). Based on my last surgery in May, I also know that despite all of my cleaning frenzy, the place was a wreck less than 24 hours later. What I do end up doing is stuff that is really unimportant -- like deciding to go through the boxes of baby stuff in storage and prepping that to give away. Last night, I shredded receipts. About the only thing I've bought for the hospital was a sleep mask and a tube of my favorite lotion. Silly stuff! I tried robe shopping and found it so depressing that I left after about 10 minutes.

Where do you find the motivation? Did anyone else have trouble getting started? I keep hoping as each day gets closer to my surgery date, I will get that surge of energy or motivation.

You are not alone! I have a looooong list of things I want to get done before my surgery date but feel so awuful I haven't really done any of it. I did go shopping yeaterday... I told my DH that we needed to go have dinner just the 2 of us to talk.... we ended up sitting in the car eating little caesers because I was too tired to go in anywhere after foing to walmart. At walmart I got a ride on cart and did that but it just wore me out! all the stopping and starting hurts! I did buy some fuzzy socks a nightgown and bathrobe... I am wearing the nightgown right now. I did have my neighbor cut my hair off yesterday.. it is now a almost shoulder leingth bob... used to be all the way down my back.

I was the same way, and than 2 days before surgery, the nervous energy kicked in and I was cooking, freezing, cleaning, laundry, like a mad women...LOL...it's normal what you are feeling....still plenty of time to get things done!

I had a list of 'to-dos' as well, and also kept thinking I would get that burst of energy to get it done. But in the end, I spent my last night at home thinking about rearranging furniture in the family room(!!). I did get a few things at the store, but sure did not feel ready when it came time to leave Monday morning. Now that I'm home, I just keep telling myself it's OK, things are getting done without me doing it myself, let it go and rest. I am seeing how capable my family is for taking care of what needs to be done, and it's a good lesson for me! I know it's hard to do, but try not to fret over the small stuff, and before you know it you will be on the other side.
Best wishes!!

I have spurts of nervous energy. I have done most of my shopping for the things I will need. I really do need to write a list of what needs to be done.

I have yet to clean ... that I am hoping to begin next week, we'll see. I am not going to cook and freeze anything, it just seems like too much work. I will however go and buy some good frozen meals that I like so DH won't have to do all the cooking from scratch.

Best of luck to all of you for your surgeries


Barri

I went through this as well and I think its perfectly normal to feel this way. I used my energy to get some stuff done. I did a lot of shopping about a month before hand but then as it got closer to my castle time, the less I wanted to do. My pain/symptoms also seemed to increase as I went along. I ended up doing last minute packing and still overpacked.

You know I've been like you all week just sort of thinking of things I want or need to do. Finally today about 1:30 Pm I started with cleaning the refrigerator and the bathroom that are downstairs in the garage I figure we hardly use those and will remain clean. But as far as cooking I haven't even thought of doing it. Maybe it will hit me soon that I only have two weeks left and just might start this weekend.
I hope all goes well for all of us.

You are all so sweet to respond and reassure me! Thank you! It's just what I needed to perk me up. Today, I've just really felt like I need a good cry. Maybe if I get that out of my system, I'll be ready to move forward.

I did go buy a new comforter for my bed. Not the most important thing, but I guess it is at least a step in the right direction.

Thanks so much to all you special ladies for making me feel better and not so alone. I'm sending you all a today!

Mich

	Quote:
Originally Posted by CAmich You are all so sweet to respond and reassure me! Thank you! It's just what I needed to perk me up. Today, I've just really felt like I need a good cry. Maybe if I get that out of my system, I'll be ready to move forward. I did go buy a new comforter for my bed. Not the most important thing, but I guess it is at least a step in the right direction. Thanks so much to all you special ladies for making me feel better and not so alone. I'm sending you all a today! Mich

Mich,

I have cried several times since I found out I was going to have this surgery and I always felt better. Go ahead and you will feel better.

A new comforter is nice, it if made you feel better, then it was important. ... I bought a feel soft cuddly blanket and it was one of the first things I bought.

This whole tal about cleaning got to me and I have cleaning out my desk drawers and straightening out this room


Barri

It's amazing, we are all so different, but yet so much the same!

I made my appointment for my surgery in early September, now I'm going in on Monday! It has been such an emotional rollercoaster. I had many days where I was sort of depressed and just did NOTHING! No motivation whatsoever. Then, next thing I knew, BAM! The nervous energy hit and I was like a tornado going through my house. I've been "spring cleaning" for the past 2-1/2 weeks. I've thrown so much stuff away, you wouldn't even believe it.

In between, more days of blah! It happens. It's a process. You'll get through it, really and it sounds like what you are going through is completely normal.



Cry if you need to. It helps. Take care and know that we're all here for you too.

Christine