Upcoming hysterectomy 4/7: Help for Anxiety

Hi everyone. I have a TAH scheduled for April 7, 2015 for fibroids. I have a doctor I trust, have a great husband and excellent support. I am doing all I can to prepare for surgery emotionally, physically, spiritually, and mentally. Nevertheless, I find that I am experiencing a lot of anxiety, difficulty sleeping, etc. Given my situation, this anxiety feels unwanted, disruptive, and painful. Does anyone have any suggestions on what might help? Thank you!

Wedome Minervalcat,

So glad you found this site - we are here to help you along the process.

It is quite common to be anxious, even when the logical part of our brain tells us not to be. This is major surgery and sometimes it becomes a challenge to quiet that little voice that causes us to worry and lose sleep.

Herr is a link to an article with relaxation tips that might help you:
RELAXATION TIPS PRIOR TO SURGERY

You might try writing down lists to keep yourself organized with things you need to do to prepare for surgery. I found writing things down helped clear my mind of unwanted anxious thoughts.

Surround yourself with positive people and make sure you find time to do things you enjoy. Doing things you enjoy is a great stress and anxiety fighter.

Best of luck on your upcoming surgery.

I'm having a TLH on 3-31-15. I am also having anxiety and sleepless nights. Some days I'm ok and some days I cry. I feel like I'm pregnant because I'm so emotional right now. Lol. I find it helps me to remind myself that my surgeon is good and that I will hopefully be pain free when I heal. It also helps to just be with the people that you love and keep your mind off it. I can't really do that very well so I clean. Lol. My bags packed for the hospital everything has been cleaned with bleach and I'm reading a lot. Lol. I hope everything go well for you. You will be in my thoughts.

The wait seems to be the hardest part! Mine was scheduled 11 weeks and it seemed like the closer the date came, the better I managed my anxiety. I tried to keep very busy, clean and organize my house, and any other things or outings that I enjoy that I knew would be off limits right after surgery. About 2 weeks before surgery I went for a pedicure and massage. Anything that keeps you occupied and/or relaxed will help!!

Ladies I wanted to thank you for your replies and to let you know how it is going with me. Regarding the anxiety - I am good at stress management and tried all suggestions. Getting organized helped, but still the anxiety was so powerful and painful. Finally I did two things that helped: 1) I made an appointment to meet with my minister. It seemed I was struggling with the step in prayer where you turn everything over to God. Somehow, I kept trying to "manage" everything. My Minister helped me with a number of techniques including making a gratitude list and going over it when I was feeling anxious as well as some more effective prayers. This really helped me. I realized I should have been meeting with my minister more regularly during this stressful time. I also have been keeping well connected to my support system. 2) Also, I did go to the doctor and he put me on some very low dose anti-anxiety meds. I take 1/2 pill at night and am able to function. I was disappointed a bit to go for the meds - but man oh man - when you need them, it is better to take them. So I am feeling much better. My TAH is coming up on Tuesday and I think I am READY!!

I hope your TLH went well and that you are well on the road to recovery Pipper7777! Thank you for your post.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Minervacat1 Ladies I wanted to thank you for your replies and to let you know how it is going with me. Regarding the anxiety - I am good at stress management and tried all suggestions. Getting organized helped, but still the anxiety was so powerful and painful. Finally I did two things that helped: 1) I made an appointment to meet with my minister. It seemed I was struggling with the step in prayer where you turn everything over to God. Somehow, I kept trying to "manage" everything. My Minister helped me with a number of techniques including making a gratitude list and going over it when I was feeling anxious as well as some more effective prayers. This really helped me. I realized I should have been meeting with my minister more regularly during this stressful time. I also have been keeping well connected to my support system. 2) Also, I did go to the doctor and he put me on some very low dose anti-anxiety meds. I take 1/2 pill at night and am able to function. I was disappointed a bit to go for the meds - but man oh man - when you need them, it is better to take them. So I am feeling much better. My TAH is coming up on Tuesday and I think I am READY!!

So glad you are coping so much better.

Hugs and best of luck on your surgery...we will be cheering you on!