Hysterectomy on Thursday

Hi Lizbot

Not long to go now. 

Its natural to feel a range of emotions- I felt scared to go in and have the op- but I also wanted the cancer out asap. 

Once I got to the actual hospital and was checked in- it felt bit better. The anticipation was worse than the reality. 

There was a fair bit of waiting around on the day- so maybe take somethings to pass the time- especially as you are in the night before. I took some magazines, tablet etc in. 

Sleep is understandable. Its been a big build up and lots of worries for you. Sometimes, I feel it is best to listen to your body- and at the moment it is telling you to rest. The promethazine can make you more drowsy in the day than normal so its probably a bit of everything. 

I know what you mean about the birthday party- it can seem like the world is continuing on around you, yet you are facing this massive thing. People try to understand but it is tough for others who have not been through similar to really know what to say or do to help. 

Maybe use the next couple of days to get things ready for hospital- pack your bag etc and also to sort things for when you get back home. I did a big clean and tidy on the day before mine- clean bedding, hoovered etc and also moved some bits downstairs for when I was recovering on the sofa. 

You have gone through a really tough time and the end goal is now within reach- removing the cancer- I have every faith that you can do this.

This time next week, you will hopefully be at home and feeling a sense of relief. 

Good Luck for Thursday- I know you will be well looked after- in the meantime, we are here if you need us.

Jane

Hi Liz

Well done for getting out last night, even if you didn’t feel great.

As a crap sleeper, I wouldn’t worry about sleeping a lot at the moment, you probably need to bank a few hours before your stay in hospital.

You will be fine. I had a great chat with anesthetist at my pre op, something along the lines of we put you in crap backless gowns, put you in crap stockings, take away any control from you, but put your trust in us we know what we are doing. ( he was a great chap, first thing he said to me was “well you’ve had a crap time of it” which really broke the ice!). I can’t believe how calm I was on the day, got to theatre and one minute talking holidays and next minute waking up.

you have done so well, just a few more days to go, to make a huge step forward in getting back to you xx

Maybe sleep was what you needed more than anything. Tension build up can be exhausting I find. It's not long to wait now and you have overcome such a lot to get to this point - don't forget some positive self talk. I found after surgery such a relief that I'd got that far and achieved my goal which was getting through the door of the hospital on the day!  When I came home there was all the distraction of working on recovery which is a good focus. 

I found the anaesthetists very human too. One said to me "tell me how you are really feeling and don't say 'fine'! 

Thank you all. I’ve been to counselling today, she’s told me to be kind to myself so I’m on the couch with a hot water bottle, I’ve put a wash on with the things I’m taking to hospital with me. May have a nap and then see how I feel when I’m awake. 

all of your support is incredible, thank you 

Sounds like a wise lady, hope you have a good nap x

Hi Liz

Good to hear you got out, just a change of scene can help. 

Sound off as much as you like if you need to. 

H 

Well done for going to counselling today! And for doing the laundry. I’ve just realised - this Thursday will be exactly my 4 year hysterectomy anniversary! Had it on 22nd January 2022, not long after lockdown ended. Remember to take your pillow - makes such a difference!

Hi Lizbot, wil be thinking of you this week. There are already lots of lovely and helpful messages on here so can’t add much to that other than my experience of anaesthetists are that they are very funny, good at talking calmly and helping you to relax. 
I haven’t got a date yet for my hysterectomy but I imagine I will be feeling the same as you, anxious about it all. But once you are there you will feel better, there is a super experienced group of health professionals who are all there to help you. 
you have done amazingly well and got through the really hard bit (waiting for op) and got to this stage, let the team do their job. Sending you all the best x

Well done. 

We are here when you need us