Scheduled for Surgery

Finally I have my surgery date. It is in October,3 weeks from now. Since it is Endometrial the Uterus has to be removed. It is going to be Abdominal Hyster. They say it is grade 1, but can't tell, till the surgery date. hope the ovaries and surrounding are fine. Am glad to have the surgery date, but part of me is worried 'cause once the Uterus is removed don't think of the chance to conceive. Secondly, don't know what to expect during the surgery,(TAH?) and my doctor is a OB/GYN too. Don't have any choice 'cause I been waiting for monthes with non stop bleeding/flow. It is a taff choice. Am going to be in the hospital for 3 days. Am thinking of driving myself to the hosp, don't feel telling anybody. Nobady knows anyway except sis, but don't want to bother her too, 'cause she is busy with her family. What do u think? how is life after surgery in the hospital, pain? depression? boring? I cry all the time especially at night, don't know if I can handle it, but at the same time don't want people to see me crying too. I thought I was storng but am not. I guess I was expectin Mr. right, Marriage and family.It is all gone. Don't know If I can be happy.
Another quetion is, what should I be prepared for before and after surgery?. What to take to the hosp, should I move around when I get home, prepare my own food? what kind of food to get? etc...I live by myself, so I need to be prepared for the post op, since am not going be able to drive. I know it is going to be boring at home for over a month, I can't stop crying now. That's it for now. Need your advice please. Thanks u. Amy

[DaneGirl]

I'm sorry that you are going through this very hard time without very much support.
I am scheduled for a dermoid tumor removal in 2 weeks, but have the full support of my husband, parents & friends.  At times I feel weak - even with all of their help.  Do not feel that you are not strong!  You are an incredibly strong woman to face this alone!  Remember it is OK to cry!
From what I've heard about my surgery (will be open abdominal surgery) I will need some help around the house for the first while.  You may want to lean on your sister for a bit.  She may have to drive you home (I've heard that it is not recommended to drive for 4-6 weeks after surgery) and help you with the day to day things. You won't be able to lift anything heavy, so grocery shopping is out.
I'm planning on stocking up on books & movies, and plan to watch every one in my movie library.  
From what I've heard from other women recovering from major surgery, don't over due it!  Rest as much as possible, read a good book or two, watch tons of TV, see all of the movies on DVD or Video that you want, and enjoy 'your time' off.  It is very rare that we as women get to relax.
I wish you the best of luck. The women on this site are always there for you!

[GreenWoods]

This is my first time posting here and I feel moved to reply to your post.  I, too, am outrageously independent, live alone and have surgery scheduled in October.  After going through this wonderful website's archives and the hyster cysters website, I learned a great deal about what to expect.  So I decided to stock up on food, music and clean house.  In fact I dissipated a great deal of nervous energy by cleaning out a closet that hadn't been cleaned for 15 years!  

But the most important thing I've done for myself was to realize I can't do this alone so I've told a few close friends.  They have been so patient with me and because of them my mood is great.

So my best advise to you is to share yourself with a friend or two.  By asking for their emotional help now and lining up practical help post op you are actually giving them a gift.  I suggest you may want to consider asking in such a way that the person you ask knows they can accept or decline with no guilt either way.  Some people have become my emotional support and others will be helping with grocery shopping and laundry. And some aren't doing anything at all, and that's OK.  It all depends on what they are comfortable with doing.

[Silla]

Thanks for your comments DaneGirl. Am an indipendent person but this time, feel like I need somebody to talk to, not about my problems but, to keep me company so that I think less of it. Since it is abdominal we going to need sometime to heal the wound. Am glad u have family support, it will be easier for u,especially emotionally. Am going to collect some books and movies, as u suggested. Thanks and good luck.

[GreenWoods]

Good luck with your surgery too and please keep us posted.  I am so glad you wrote back, it's a little scary posting on a forum for the first time.

I'm thinking perhaps part of the reason you are crying could be that your hormones are messed up and you may be run down from all the bleeding.  So please don't worry about crying.  

[Silla]

Thanks for the wonderful ideas and good luck on your surgery.

[lactac1224]

I had laparotomy at the end of July.  Was in the hospital for 5 days because I always have a problem with my stomach waking up after surgery.  A week after surgery I did not need pain meds.  At first it is painful, but with the meds you will receive it is definately tolarable.  Do take it easy after the surgery.  Maybe make about 4 or 5 days worth of meals and freeze them.  Have some soup on hand too!  I really did not eat much of anything for about a week.  Also, I was worried about being bored.  All I did was watch TV.  Your body will be healing and you will need to rest and sleep more.  I drove after 3 weeks and it was OK.  Do not try to drive yourself home from the hospital and do not drive for 2 weeks post-op.  You can do more damage to yourself and you will be back to square one.  Your sister will not mind driving you home from the hospital.  You need to take help now.  You would want to help your sister if she needed it and I am sure she feels the same way!  Best of luck!  You will be feeling so much better sooner than you think!

[kathy o]

I am so happy for you, you have hung in there and you hopefully will be on your way to recovery on Oct 3!! Just a little bit longer to wait. Were you able to get any financial asst. Social Security does not kick in until you have been unemployed due to illness for 6 months (standard unless you have Lou gherig Disease- ALS). Any way prayers and thought headed your way. Maybe your days are not so dark and gloomy anymore!! :)
kathy