D.B.
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Hi ladies, I was so excited to finally hear that my doctor said I had suffered enough, I had been waiting to hear those words for years. Well now I have come to realize that it's almost like a pregnancy and getting ready for "the big day". I have so much anxiety I can hardly sleep at night. I am cooking and freezing meals, cleaning, getting affairs in order, etc so everything is going very smoothly and I am not in any rush. I will have my mom here for three weeks and have schedules/activities laid out for my daughters (all three have special needs) and everything really does seem to be under control. I think my biggest fear is the recovery as I don't recover well at all from surgery, any surgery. I've had so many-cryotherapy, laparoscopies, ablation, C-sections, even my Paps- you name it and I just don't recover well whether I am under general anesthesia or local. I think my body just doesn't like to be messed with AT ALL. For the past 20 years I have been living a woman's nightmare of pain, although I know it can be much worse.
I know there are some of you out there that know what I am going through. I am constantly in pain from endomitriosis (with constant leg and back pain), ovarian cysts that rupture every few months and very abnormal cycles that seem to last 3-4 weeks out of the month. Is there any advice you can give me to help ease some of this anxiety and help me sleep better at night? I still have three weeks to go and I'd like to get some sleep, lol.
I am also on a VERY limited diet and am curious as to what they make you eat in recovery (typically). I am on gluten-free, dairy free and haven't been able to eat fresh fruit or fresh veggies in 6 months. I have only been able to eat steamed carrots and corn so far in the veggie category. If I eat any foods not in my diet I get very bad stomach aches... I will talk to the hospital about this, but my preop isn't for another 2 weeks. I think this might be some of the anxiety I am feeling. :/
Thanks so much for your help ladies, sorry this is a bit long, but it's been so many years in the making, YAY!!!
Thanks for your help ladies. My anxiety has calmed a bit just from opening up and talking a bit. I am looking forward to being pain free and a "new me" lifestyle.
Thanks again. :D
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I had a hyster a year ago. Life is so much better now. One thing that helped me lessen the anxiety was every time I started to worry...I made myself instead think about the positive changes this would bring to my life. I am sure you are so limited now like I was or you wouldn't be having a hysterectomy. Imagine life afterwards and how it will be different. Picture yourself in white pants doing an activity with your kids. Don't read any message boards or hyster. info. until after your surgury. It will be okay and you will recover!! Best wishes. Also, xanax works great for anxiety and I am sure your doc. would prescribe short term while waiting for surgury, mine did.
Congratulations!!! I had a complete abdominal hysterectomy about 9 yrs ago. absolutely the BEST thing I ever did!! I'm on the HRT patch.
www.hystersisters.com is a great site for gaining more info.
I had a great recovery. I believe it is how fit you are, how positive you are about recovery. I did not have swelly belly, weight gain, etc. and my sex drive skyrocketed because I was FREE!!!! No worries of an oopsie every again.
I will the the worst part of the enitre thing was the wait until surgery day.
It is a relatively easy surgery. You should be functioning quite well in about
a week to 10 days. It sounds like you are already anticipating a long
recovery. It will become a self-fulfilling prophecy if you feel that way no
matter what. I would try to be a bit more positive and everyday get up
dressed, showered, and put make up on. You will be surprised how much
that helps. I just had a kidney removed, which turned out to be the nastiest
surgery I have ever had. The next morning, I did my hair, put on lounge
wear and make up and was ready for the day. So go in with a positive
attitude and your recoup will be quick and easy.
Congratulations! I don't have much advice to give---I'm still waiting for my doctors to finally 'get in there' because I've been dealing with some severe endometriosis symptoms for years, and you know how they are soooo tentative. All I can say is-- rest a lot, eat what you can, and know that I (even at just 40) am jealous. With the very real exception of my son, my reproductive system has given me nothing but trouble. I want'em out!
Hope you heal well. Congrats, you seem very happy. Just take it easy and make for sure that this time, you heal well and properly because its obvious that this surgery is the "mack daddy" of all surgeries and healing properly will change your life forever and for the better. Good Luck
Have you considered any alternative forms to help with the anxiety?
Acupuncture
Acupressure
Hypnotherapy
Visualization
Talking with a counselor for a few sessions
EFT
EMDR
There are a lot of really great methods out there that could support you in releasing all the scary and worrisome thoughts you are having right now that are causing your anxiety. We often aren't really concious of all the terrible thoughts that are racing through our heads and any tool that would allow you to become more aware and to question and release those thoughts would be beneficial and allow you to find some peace. All of these methods could also help you shorten the recovery time through pain management and relaxation.
