getting very nervous - and 5 wks to go!!

I am SO nervous about my upcoming surgery, for several reasons.

First, I work at the hospital that will do my surgery. As an RN, I float to different units depending on the needs. Last week I worked on the Women's unit (hysterectomies, c-sections, female problems) - this is where I will be post-op. I usually don't go to this unit because their staffing is pretty good. Anyway, I took care of a patient who just had a TVH. This was her first day post-op and she was in pain. At one point in the night, I walked out of her room thinking, "H*ll if I'm gonna have this done, I think I'll cancel!"

I know realistically I can't cancel my surgery, that is just not being rationale. I also teach part-time at a local college and my semester starts the end of August. If I don't have it done now, I have to wait until next summer because I can't jeopardize my job during the school year. Plus, I'd have to be uncomfortable and in pain for another year, ugh!

So, the second reason I am so scared is because having ANY work done in the private area has to be so sensitive and painful. I have had a tummy tuck and a rotator cuff repaired, but I expect this pain to be different. I mean, in order to do the A&P repair, they have to cut my vaginal wall - geez! - that's gotta hurt! I think I have a pretty good pain tolerance, but the fact that this work will be done in my privates scares the h*ll out of me!

I have 5 weeks to go and I wish it was sooner, I just want it over with and these next 5 weeks are killing me!! It was going to be scheduled for 7/7, but I have a planned vacation from the 6th thru the 13th.

Any thoughts on how to relax? (My husband told me to stop reading about the surgery and visiting the boards, but I can't help it!)

Anyone experience this A&P repair with a LAVH? What should I expect?

Thank you!

I understand your being very nervous, I was terrified before my surgery too. I have a tendency to have severe anxiety attacks. The only way I was able to stay calm was to pretend that I wasn't going to fo through with it. I also found that when I went on these websites and read about the surgery it did make me more nervous so you might want to take your husbands advice. As far as the pain goes, I didn't find the pain to be too bad. I was able to get through it all by only taking 600 mg Motrin. It mainly hurt when I had to walk around. The pain was tolerable while I was laying down (which was most of the time for the first few of weeks). I don't know if this will help you. I know that not thinking about it is easier said than done but it worked for me. Good luck with your surgery.

It's always nice to meet another nurse!

My surgery was a bit different than yours....I had a TAH, L salpingectomy, with the horizontal incision. My 'vaginal cuff' from where my cervix was removed still had some undisolved stitches at my 4 week check-up.....so I still have some soreness, but it is very managable with rest and low dose of ibuprofen.

I did have a good bit of pain in the hospital, but it was managed very well. I had long periods when I could rest comfortably because of the PCA and anti-inflammatories via IV. Get up from bed hurt, but once I was up I felt just fine.

The only way I could calm myself prior to my surgery was to stay busy. I found things to distract myself, like treating myself to a visit to the local coffee shop for a nice Cafe Mocha. I also kept lists...like check lists....for things related to my surgery. I had a list of chores to do around the house, a list of books and magazines to get for my recovery time, a list of things to buy to wear after my surgery, and a I still keep a notepad with questions to ask my doctor. It seemed like 'taking action' helped calm my jitters. I did not finish everything on all my lists...but whenever I felt anxious, I could distract myself by checking things off my lists.

Best wishes to you!

Hi, I too was scared to death. Im just over 2 weeks post op and can say that it was not nearly as bad as I had imagined. The worst part IS the waiting. Sure there was pain, but it wasnt excruciating, it was manageable. I came out of the anesthesia just fine, no nausea or vomiting, no complications. you just deal with the pain when its there. Its actually more frustrating now not being able to do everything I used to, getting very bored, and having a little more pain the last few days than before, but you just take in all in stride. Try not to worry, all will be fine. Obiemsue

Hmm maybe someone should suggest to your husband we cut his private parts off in a month and see if he don't hit the boards for the next 5 weeks.... I know extreme but gets the point across..

You are in the same position I was not long ago. The time will fly by and before you know it you will be having surgery in a week like I am...

Take the time to get well educated on what is going to be done and what the possible complications are immediate and further down the road... I read this board daily looking for clues and tips, it is great...

Sometimes I find lots of interesting suggestions I would never have thought of, and others just need a hug like you. It is this type of support that gets us through the highs and lows of all the stress related to this surgery.

Hang in there the time will go by faster than you expect.

Ces.