Nervous

[Tay100]

Hi ladies,

I have my operation tomorrow ( total hysterectomy and debulking).

I am so nervous any ideas on how to calm my nerves down. Logically I know I’m going to be okay, but my mind keeps playing tricks on me xx

[Maxjor]

Hi Tay---I am so sorry you are going through this anxiety but so normal prior to a surgery like this. The way I coped and got through the day (or days) before was to focus on the "prize" and why you are doing this. Getting rid of disease and getting yourself ready to get better. Any time the anxiety crept up, I continually told myself that. Did not work 100% but it helped. Doing deep breathing to relax you, and possibly an anti-anxiety if you have will help but keeping busy is also helpful. Wishing you TONS OF LUCK and a smooth time tomorrow. oxoxoxoox Judy

[Solange]

Hello Tay, just want to wish you all the best for your operation and a speedy recovery. I can remember the fear I felt before my debulking eleven years ago and relief that it was nowhere as bad as I thought it was - despite fearing I wouldn't live six months.

With very best wishes, Solange 😊🤞

[Neona]

Wishing you good luck for tomorrow.

[Maus123]

Hi Tay. Best of luck today.

If you still happen to read this prior to surgery, remember you could ask for some anti anxiety meds like dormicum, to keep the nerves in check.

The first few days post surgery can be a tad annoying due to the tubes etc, but it'll still feel good to be rid of the tumours.

Don't hesitate and speak out early if you are in pain or feeling sick, as this can be well controlled e. g. via pca or iv based anti-sickness meds.

I was also told to turn my head to the side when coughing and (as Lily Anne would advise) hold a rolled up towel against your tummy in order to minimize the strain on the wound. Drink lots, if allowed. Peppermint tea might help with wind (it worked for me).

Expect it may take a couple of days for the bowel to start functioning, that's normal after debulking, even without stoma. The doctors will keep an eye on that and if needed, you might receive something like Movicol to help the bowel along. Before you know it, you should be able to move about again and will feel better every day.

Here's to the successful eviction of the alien. xx. Maus

[KBM22]

Good luck with the surgery. You will be fine. It was the thought of general anaesthetic which was stressing me out but it was so fine and the team of staff were amazing at looking after me and so will yours be. As said above just keep remembering our are getting the evil stuff out of you. Xx

[mrstadpole]

I tried to keep busy the day before although this was difficult.Read my kindle, sorted out laundry etc. anything to distract

Surprisingly I didn't feel nervous on my journey to the hospital.I had to leave at 6.30am to arrive on time.I told the anaesthetist how nervous I felt but she was really good and put me at ease. I just remember waking up six hours later my surgeon by my side telling me it was a good outcome and explaining what he had done. It really was okay and I think I stressed myself unnecessarily.

Good luck x

[grammeejill]

Hi Tay. I suspect by now you may be in surgery. But I wanted to reassure you that all will be well and your surgeon is skilled and experienced at debulking and hunting down those critters. I tried to look at it all as a great adventure as I hadn't been in hospitals except to have my kids. I was more curious than nervous about it all. Funny story: I had to be in the hospital 48 hours before my surgery due to getting my blood thinners right, and we had a torrential rain storm. The first night my room flooded! Water was coming in from somewhere! The subsequent drama and moving rooms, etc, kept me from being stressed. It was kind of fun.

But anyway, keep us informed on your progress. Ask questions if needed. You will be fine. Hugs! Jill

[Coldethyl]

Hope it went smoothly and that you’re not in too much discomfort now x

[juliamillen]

Hope all went well I was in remarkably little pain and soon got used to getting out bed. I was in for Xmas so at least you won’t miss your Xmas dinner like I did! It takes a few days before you can eat normally. I wish you well and hope you feel comfortable. Don’t miss out on the physio as it is sometime before your stomach muscles are back to normal. Cushion your stomach for the ride home!

Take care and all the best

[kat98116]

Tay by now you're out of surgery and hopefully doing fine. For me the anxiety was much worse than the actual event. I hope it was the same for you. Take really good care of yourself now. One big hurdle behind you. Healing thoughts from Kathy in Seattle.