fauxmaven

I am having a rectocyle and cystocyle surgery in 10 days . Although I have had several surgeries -2 C-sections ,etc I am very nervous with the prospect of surgery in a most sensitive area . BTW ,Hystersisters was not that useful for me . How do you calm yourself about such matters ? I know I need it ,so I am not cancelling the procedure . I am afraid of the pain , as well as the idea it might not improve my situation a lot . I have been trying to distract myself ,but it's getting nearer . Once in the hospital ,I can ask for something to relax me . It's between now and then that I am concerned about . I would be so grateful for suggestions .

SplashMom

Best wishes for a successful surgery with a full and speedy recovery. Why don't you call your doctor and ask them to go ahead and prescribe an anti-anxiety medication for you? My friend did that before her surgical procedure (hip replacement) and it really helped her. Good luck!

musicamusica

woops, splashmom beat me to it!
Call your doctor if red wine and/or chocolate isn't helping

zipyourlips

I bet it would be really helpful to be able to talk to someone who has had this surgery. Would your doctor be willing to put you in touch with a former patient? It couldn't hurt to call the office and inquire.

Good luck to you!

fauxmaven

I already take Paxil ,but I could use something more . Calling doctor is a good idea .

VeryHappy

Many years ago I had a month between the scheduling of my open heart surgery (for a congenital defect) and the surgery itself. I was on the ceiling, I was so anxious. I found Valium helped.

Nrdsb4

Before the surgery, tell your doctor that you want adequate pain control post op. And don't be afraid to take your medicine. You will receive only a short term prescription, so no need to worry about dependence or anything like that. Many patients are afraid to take their pain medication because they have heard so much on the news about addiction, but as long as your doctor is responsible and orders only the necessary refills (if any), most people do just fine with their meds, and wean off of them earlier than the prescription calls for.

Secondly, I've only known a few women who've had this surgery, but all of them were thrilled with their results. Small sample, I know, but maybe a little helpful?

MomLive

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy on Jan 3rd, so I know how you feel. I cycled through many emotions before and after the surgery. At 11 weeks I'm feeling good and am glad I did it. What kept me going prior to the surgery was the fact that I had quite a few women tell me how much it improved the quality of their lives.

They are so good about controlling pain these days it will probably be a lot less painful than you think. Pain control has been one of the things the Joint Comission on the Accrediation of hospitals has made a priority - forcing hospitals to prove they are being meticulous about controlling pain.

The one thing I found to be critical to recovery is to not rush things. If they tell you not to do too much or lift things that are heavy, believe them. The women who seem to have the hardest time with long-term recovery are those who believe the rules of recovery don't apply to them.

My mother had the surgery you are having and said it really helped her. My GYN had not only a hysterectomy but cystocele surgery 2 weeks after she did my surgery. Hers was done laparoscopically and she was back to work within 3 weeks. I feel like if a Gyn surgeon is willing to have this type of surgery then in their experience it is beneficial for most. Good luck.