Surgery next week...

Pre-op is tomorrow...surgery is the 15th. Having a TAH. EVERYTHING is being removed because of my endo..has everything glued today. Being only 30 yr old, it has taken me a year to schedule this! And I still don't think I'm ready. I don't know what to take to the hospital...I don't know what to have at home when I get out. Help!

Hi honey. This is a stressful time. I certainly never felt ready for the surgery, even when I was being wheeled into the OR. Here is what helped me. For home: heating pad, body pillow, stool softener, Gas X, moist wipes for your fist couple BM's, movies to watch, comfy jammies, lots of meals in the freezer. For the hospital you don't need much. All I took was my iPhone to listen to music while I was trying to sleep and texting my son, Chapstick, comfy pj's for the car ride home, and a teddy bear to sleep with (I'm used to my cat sleeping in my arms), toothbrush, and maxi pads in case you have bleeding. Please ask all your questions. Wishing you luck.

I'm right there with you. (Though I've got 20 years on you.) My surgery is scheduled for the 29th of this month. Gyn is performing a saline hysteroscopy tomorrow to get more info. I am less than thrilled. The next day is a 2nd opinion visit.

I cant imagine being "ready" for this, though clearly we are. I feel like the decision to have surgery places us on well worn path, but we're still walking it on our own, albeit with advice from all these hystersisters!

For every challenge narrated on this forum, there seem to be at least twice as many smooth sailing narratives. Wishing us both the later.

I'll be looking for your posts.

Hi Jen. I know this is a scary time. I don't think I was ready for my hysterectomy either. It is one tough surgery to wrap your brain around. You are probably pretty emotional and scared. Know that those feelings are normal and we are here for you and will support you.

Sugarandspice has some great suggestions. She is right - you don't need much at the hospital. They provide you with most things. I had my cell phone and brought a magazine. But I really could not read it because it was too hard to concentrate. I was in the hospital for 3 1/2 days with my TAH BSO.

At home, I had my recovery nest set up with DVDs, blankets, warm comfy loose-fitting clothes (for swelly belly), and a small pillow to hold against my tummy when I sneezed or coughed. It also protected me from sudden cat visits. I had meals in the freezer, and simple meals planned that DH could cook without too much supervision.

Be aware you will need help with housework, cooking, cleaning, dishes, driving, shopping, etc. especially for the first few weeks. You can then work SLOWLY back into things. Complete recovery can take about a year, but over time you will be able to do more and more. Just listen to your body.

You might also look through the site's pre-op section.

Good luck. I know this is really overwhelming.

(((Hugs)))