Upcoming hysterectomy 1/18: Insomnia and nerves pre-op

I know I'm not in the minority after seeing other posts so I am thankful to read other's posts and know we're all worried (more than we should be).

2 weeks to go and I'm a nervous mess. Stressed I'll get sick with the weather in such deep freeze and co workers dropping like flies to the flu and colds, I basically want to bathe in purell!

Add to that I'm getting my period now so hormones are low and my level of angst is high along with horrible insomnia - been waking up almost every night 2-3 am and can't get back to sleep.

I try and have a chat with myself to remind that I know the facts, my doctor is great and that if I get sick, I cannot control it...so I should just stop!

So glad when Jan 18th rolls around

Hi
I share your thoughts. My opiration is scheduled January 18. as well and I did not get much sleep last night. It helps reading all the stories here and knowing I am not the only one with silly worries.

I remember feeling like that in the weeks leading up to my surgery! One thing I found that really helped was regular exercise; If it's too cold or snowy to take an outdoor walk - I live in Toronto, Canada, where the current wind chill is -30 Celsius (-22F) - good alternatives would include your local mall, the walking track at your local community centre, or a YouTube video. In addition to "bathing in Purell," be sure to regularly disinfect high risk surfaces; that includes doorknobs, light switches, faucets, your computer keyboard and mouse, your mobile devices, and your toilet's flusher. Having a warm drink before bedtime can help to calm your nerves, producing a deeper, more restful sleep; my top pick for this is Natural Calm, a powdered magnesium supplememt that dissolves in hot water. If you are awakened at 2 or 3 AM, then get out of bed, go to another room, and do something relaxing, like a little light reading, or a few minutes of meditation or deep breathing exercises, which can help you to fall back asleep. And speaking of deep breathing, that's another thing that really helped me through this time. So just relax and take a few deep breaths; before you know it, you'll be on the other side! Best wishes for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery!

Thank you for the good advice.

Deep breathing is my go to right now along with Melatonin. I'll look for the 'Natural Calm'.

Been slinging back as much Echinacea tea and other herbal teas as possible to stay hydrated - will have to look at some 'Sleepy Time tea'

All of us are anxious beforehand its totally normal I think. You're doing great!! you're in the countdown less than 2 weeks!

Yes ma'am - 2 weeks till the new me!

Hi Udella -

All of your emotions, feelings, anxieties and fears are very normal, as well as your insomnia.

The ladies on this thread have great ideas. Exercise really does help so much. Also, keep yourself very busy, and distract yourself with favorite DVDs and books.

Here is an article that may help: Coping with Anxiety and Fear before Hysterectomy.

Your surgery will be here soon.