Hysterectomy 4/29 getting scared

I am so scared and so anxious about this. I don't like being put under, and am so scared about the pain and recovery. I have very few people that I can count on to help me. Any advice, kind words? Anything is appreciated.

I hope all goes well for you. I remember being scared and anxious before my procedures too. The first surgery I kept my ovaries. Quite honestly, the prep and the days worrying before the surgery were worse than the procedure itself.

I remember the morning after surgery I felt better than I had in years. I had energy and the pain and pressure were gone. I think I was kinda sore for a week or two. Just be careful lifting, bending, etc. I remember thinking it was an easier recovery than my abdominal C-section.

Good luck. Try to take care of yourself and recover at your own pace, not when anyone thinks you should. Everyone is different. Good luck.

The going under part you won't even remember, and they give you the happy drugs beforehand to mellow you out anyways. Then before you know what happened you're waking up and it just feels like you were taking a nap I didn't have much pain upon waking up, just like mild period cramps.

When I was still pre-op I liked to think of the surgery like this: all I have to do is sleep for a couple of hours, the doctor has to do the hard part!

The most important thing is to have a really good doctor and surgeon that you trust. I love my gynecologist but she was not experienced enough to perform the surgery herself - so recommended a specialist surgeon that she thinks very highly of and I trusted her opinion. I also googled him and checked various review websites online and found nothing but good feedback and excellent reviews for him.

Pain and recovery time will depend on your age and health, what procedure(s) you are having done, and the skill of your surgeon.

My recovery pain has been minimal (not even close to as bad as my periods were!), at least with the help of the pain meds I was prescribed- but even when I am late taking a dose the pain is not bad, just a tightness & some tenderness, and some uncomfortable sharp twinges, but not a whole lot of what I would consider pain (however I was used to blinding chronic pain and horrible cramps from my periods, so it might depend what your previous experience with pain is).

Gas is the most painful part and getting your digestive system back online after bowel prep, surgery, meds, etc seems to be the biggest challenge - but I was peeing just fine on my own an hour after surgery, and having good bowel movements by 3 days post op (some excellent aids for this are: colace, prune juice mixed with pear juice, coconut water, and fruit smoothies!).

I hope your surgery goes well and your recovery is quick and uneventful. I'm not even a week into my recovery yet but I'm amazed how good I feel so far. I definitely stressed and worried about it far more than was warranted! I know not everyone has it quite so easy, so I am very grateful. But many do or even have it easier than me- I've seen several posts from women who didn't even need pain medicine after their surgery!

Good luck and try not to stress!

Just remember to speak up. If you have pain, let the nurses and doctors know. They will adjust meds to make you comfortable. If you have nausea let them know that as well. It is good to let them know all of your concerns when you arrive at the hospital. They have solutions for all of the things you worry about. Speak up and let them know. Each and every day gets better. Take it a day at a time and express any concerns you have. You will be well taking care of. Sending positive thoughts your way.

Good morning Outlander10, I have my surgery the same day as you. I am feeling exactly like you are. Very nervous, but anxious to have it over with!! It's nice knowing that all this support is here, and I am not the only one going through this. Best of luck to you, see you on the other side!

I was scared to death, but as soon as I got to the hospital I calmed down. Everyone was so nice and reassuring and efficient. I remember being wheeled into the OR, and the next thing I remember was someone asking if I would mind being on the maternity floor. I awoke pain free and never had any pain issues during my recovery. It will be over before you know it!

((outlander10))

Many sisters are nervous about surgery and what recovery will be like so those feelings you are having are normal. When you get to the hospital, let them know about your anxiety and they can give you something to help with that.

I stayed 2 nights in the hospital. Once I was in my room, pain meds were self administered through an IV pain pump at 6 minute intervals (if I pressed the button) until the next morning. After that, I was on Percocet while in the hospital and took it at night for the first 3 nights at home to help me sleep (doctor's suggestion). At home I took ibuprofen for pain. For me the pain was not too bad. Everyone experiences pain differently. So if you are in pain, make sure you speak up and let the nurses know. Your dose can be adjusted or the pain med changed if what you're taking isn't helping.

Try to stay busy today and tomorrow to keep yourself distracted. Finish doing what you need to get done at home to be ready for your recovery time, but take time to do something you enjoy. All this busyness can keep your mind focused on something else instead of worrying.

to you and ((Chasenme)) for your surgery and a quick, uneventful recovery.

Thank you all for the advice and kind words. I will report back afterwards. Hugs to all!

My thoughts are with each of you and I wish you a speedy recovery and a great start to your new life ahead!

I talked the nurses ears' off. Was still talking after the happy drugs before I got to the OR. It's OK to be nervous and don't be afraid to say it hurts. My pain pump got me through my first night and after that it was percoset. Now all I need is ibuprofen. You will be fine. Have faith in your surgeon. He/she does this to help us, not hurt. I wish you well and will keep you in my thoughts.