Clinical depression

I have borderline personality disorder and debilitating anxiety. I just told my Dr today that I will go through with the hysterectomy. I have to have my ovaries out because of stage 4 endometriosis and also suffer debilitating pain so the surgery has to be done. I had horrible reactions to lupron & various other hormone treatments and bc pills. I'm petrified that I will be a mess after the surgery. Has any one with mental illness had a hysterectomy and come out allright after the surgery? Please help

I have dealt with my share of depression and anxiety! It's not easy, I won't lie but the key is in the preparation I think. I found some special meditation CD's and had them at the ready. I actually wrote my husband a "remind me" note that included things like, "remind me that even though we won't have biological children, it doesn't mean I won't be a mom some day. Remind me that even if I have some pain, it will go away & it's all part of the healing." Honestly, I never had any pain that was any worse than what I had before from my fibroids, endo, ibs etc... These were my issues but for you it might be different. Identifying the things you think might be triggers could make it really manageable.

I also developed a mantra that helped me through and which I shared with my husband and all those involved in my recovery. "Be Flexible & Hopeful". I found it to be broad enough to apply to various challenges during surgery and recovery but just specific enough to be accessible.

I also knew that I needed a window bed at the hospital to get my vitamin D and keep me focused on getting the heck out of there! We had to opt for a private room the first night for a nominal fee and it was totally worth it. My husband stayed with me almost the whole time and we were not shy about telling everyone we saw; nurses, doctors & care workers alike, that I needed everyone to treat me delicately because we were dealing with a lot! Maybe you'll want a warm blanket or your favorite tea, but whatever it is, identify the things you can use to remind yourself of home and what it feels like to be ok.

Most of all do not be ashamed. These are real medical issues just as much as the ones causing the hysterectomy and you deserve to be treated as a whole. If you are struggling to stay level and feeling overwhelmed, tell your doctors & nurses. They will help!!!

Finally, do a search for these issues (in the top right corner of the page) and I promise you, you will find many women in your same circumstance who have come through with flying colors. I hated the pill & the lupron & wasn't a fan of the hormones. I'm not on anything at this point and though I'm still figuring some things out as I go, I'm really doing ok 7 months later and I DO NOT miss the pain and bleeding three weeks out of the month! Good luck sister

I don't mean to pry but what do you mean you are not doing ok? Like depression wise? That's what I am so scared of. I have put my family through hell with my depression & anxiety that I have had consistently since the birth of my 3rd child. I was hospitalized 2x and have been to the ER several times because of it. Don't get me wrong I'm blessed to have 3 healthy girls having endometriosis and I thank God for them and my very patient husband everyday. I'm just so afraid of having my depression even worse after I have my ovaries out. Hormones are evil and I think that's why I have been a mess since they were born. I had post partum with each of them. I just want to be better.....

I have dysthimia and C-PTSD. I can relate to your fears. I am having one ovary left but am terrified that things will be a problem to my state of mind. I can't even be on hormonal birth control! I mentioned this to my doctor and she had assured me that the HRT isn't the same as the hormones I struggle with.

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Originally Posted by Lovesfe I don't mean to pry but what do you mean you are not doing ok? Like depression wise? That's what I am so scared of. I have put my family through hell with my depression & anxiety that I have had consistently since the birth of my 3rd child. I was hospitalized 2x and have been to the ER several times because of it. Don't get me wrong I'm blessed to have 3 healthy girls having endometriosis and I thank God for them and my very patient husband everyday. I'm just so afraid of having my depression even worse after I have my ovaries out. Hormones are evil and I think that's why I have been a mess since they were born. I had post partum with each of them. I just want to be better.....

I'm missing what you mean. As I said, while I do still feel I'm in the recovery period and it's taken a very conscious effort not to let things get the best of me (I am still me-lol) I'm managing with the help of my docs, husband and good friends. Wishing you the best!

Thanks so much for your comments and support I wish you well love & healing sent to you!!

Same to you lovesfe. I'm a sunshine sister here so I'll be around... keep me posted for sure and never hesitate to reach out for support!!! You too Curvalish... I firmly believe the success is in the planning, the hoping and the keepin' on goin'!!! Healing Hugs!