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OT -- surgery-related panic

Aziraphale

Veteran

Sorry for the OT, but.....I've got surgery coming up in nine days, and I'm starting to freak out a little. I've been pretty good up until now -- just the occasional bad dream -- but now it's the next thing on the horizon, and all these fears I didn't know I had are popping up. Like, what if I don't wake up from the anaesthetic? What if I wake up and I'm missing all my reproductive organs? What if they damage my (capped) front teeth? etc etc... It's supposed to be abdominal surgery to remove only my fibroid (myomectomy), but there's a slim chance it could turn into a hysterectomy if they can't stop the bleeding.

I'm just looking for reassurance, especially from any of you who have had abdominal surgery. I've asked all the women I know IRL about this, but I don't know many who have had a hysterectomy, and none who have had a myomectomy.

General

32 replies

Latest reply was from Kari

Lisa

Veteran

I haven't had abdominal surgery but did have foot surgery recently. I had no issues with the anesthesia and no unexpected side effects. A close friend of mine recently had a hysterectomy. She was sore and went under general anesthesia so she had to stay overnight in the hospital. But it's been two months now and she's been back to normal for a while now. I wish you luck with your surgery.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Different abdominal surgery here - appendectomy. But it was sudden and I had no time to fret, which was probably a good thing. I don't remember my first 3 days . . . the BF said I was pretty out of it from the drugs. Incidentally, I had had a reaction to anesthesia years prior but no trouble this time.
I did have a friend who had a hysterectomy in her 20's due to bad endometriosis. She's okay today. You will do fine I'm sure. It's the worrying and waiting more than anything

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Aww. Much hugs!

I have been to a dozen gynecological surgeries; and have attended over 50 different surgeries under General Anesthesia.

I hope that your surgeon will have time to talk to you about your concerns, as well as tell you % of likelihood for each of these events - unfortunately, sometimes we do tell patients about the risk of X, Y and Z which are very scary things, but we do not tell them that we are prepared to handle these things, and it's only in very rare circumstances do certain things happen. These rates, of course, will be different at every surgical center - I'm also unfamiliar with american health care - after watching Sicko, I have a skewed view of your health care system :p

I remember that when I was going for surgery, I thought I wasn't going to wake up from GA because my dad had had difficulty waking up from his surgery - everything went fine My dad had to stay overnight after his surgery, and he was fine as well: he just needed a little bit of extra "wake up" medications.

If your anesthesiologist is aware of your capped teeth, he/she will take precautions with your upper teeth - I have (accidently) horked pretty hard on a patient's teeth during a very difficult intubation, but no caps or teeth came off! Phew!

Good luck! *hugs*

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I had intestinal bleeding about 7 years ago. When I finally went to the hospital they figured it was a very well-developed tumor. I had a few days to think about it and the surgery was done before the biopsy results as there was significant risk of rupture.

I had the button for patient administered morphine and stopped using it at the end of the second day. The first day was pretty rough but by day 3 I was improving a lot and it was pretty quick after that. I spent a week with my parents and then was home. I went for a walk every day from the day I escaped.

Try not to fret. I hope it goes smoothly and you don't have to get the extras.

rae

(website)

Veteran

My godmother had a hysterectomy - I don't know too much about it, because it was a long time ago and my family was having issues. But the point of my story is that she recovered very quickly and is very healthy and spry today.

When I had oral surgery, I fell asleep so fast that, when I woke up, I thought I hadn't been out at all. I panicked, thinking that they were about to cut my mouth up while I was awake. I flopped all my limbs around and started slurring, "Wait! I'm still awake!" That was the scariest part of the entire ordeal. Didn't even take my Vicodin. I hope that helps you feel a little better about the anesthesia, at least.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Elisabeth, surgery is always scary and I empathize. I don't have any words of wisdom for you other than that I wish you strength and that positive thinking helps. We will be here for you when you recover and are once again dreaming about your next pair of Fluevogs.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I forgot to give you hugs.

(((HUGS)))

Anonymous

Big Hug, sorry you have to go through it. The only thing I can really say is to focus on the NOW not the future. You can deal with the outcome what ever it may be when that time comes. Remember also that things are never as bad as what we fear they will be.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Elisabeth, I have had exactly the surgery you're about to undergo.

It is normal to be a bit anxious. It's scary to give up so much control, especially if you have never gone under a general before (as I had not.)

All I can do is reassure you that in my case, at least, it all went much better than I feared, and afterwards I was VERY glad to have done this. They discovered some really bad endometriosis when they were in there but they were able to deal with it and it both procedures were quite a help to me. Recovery was swift, a matter of weeks. And I don't even have scars. My surgeon (a woman) was fantastic.

I hope your own experience will be similar. And if you want to PM me with questions, please do.

HUGS!

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

I don't have any personal experiences but i just wanted to offer my thoughts, hugs and prayers if you wanted them. Hang in there! <3

ironkurtin

Veteran

My mother recently had a full hysterectomy, as did a good friend. Both are fine and *very* happy to be rid of their symptoms. Also, my girlfriend said she went down a waist size from no more bloating.

Don't know if this helps, but hang in there! Be honest about your fears and your needs will be met. Big hugs!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I did not have any abdominal surgery but I had a half of my thyroid removed about 3 years ago with a general anesthesia. It is scary but they put you out so quickly you don't have a chance to get scared on the table. I did not have any complications at all and went home the same day.
My husband had 6 hour brain surgery and did not have any complications either. I think the medical care is so advanced now that complications are very rare.
Try some relaxing exercises like deep breathing when you feel the anxiety. I am sure that being stressed about the surgery can hurt you more than the surgery itself.
!!!!! HUGS !!!!!!

MsMaven

Veteran

My DH had abdominal surgery last March to repair damage from gall bladder surgery. It involved rerouting the small intestine. The first few days and weeks were rough, but he now feels better than he has felt in years.

I think the instances where people don't wake up from surgery are rare. Yes, it could happen, but it is unlikely. I've lived long enough to hear stories of incredible problems that were fixed by surgery. It isn't fun, but eventually it is well worth it. My only experience is having my gall bladder removed when I was 25. Weird--they told me "fair fat female and forty." I was 25, skinny and well, at least fair and female. Within four months I was pregnant--freaked out the surgeon a bit, but all went well.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

MsMaven - the F's are the categories that should make us THINK gallbladder; not the other way around (ie: 4 F's or else it's not gallbladder) - glad you got yours out!

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Sending along some 'zen' kind of vibes - and while I haven't had surgery, I have had my fears with dental stuff and in the end, the best thing to do is to keep repeating "It will all be ok..." whenever you get a bit spooked about the process coming up. It really *will* be ok, it's just that the whole idea is scary. The idea...not the actual situation. The situation is being handled by pros, who know what they are doing and to them, it's routine. They are very skilled and practiced at it, and as a result - you'll be in expert hands.

Whenever you get a bit freaked out about it all - just tell yourself, "It'll all work out" and "I can't wait to get through this and feel better.." and so on. If you tell yourself these things at least a few times a day, I bet the bad dreams will stop. Someone once told me that bad dreams were the subconscious working out stuff that wasn't dealt with consciously (ie. waking hours).

Sending along lots of calm and zen-like thoughts. Where you can just sort of float through the next week or so and find yourself thinking, "Whew...am I ever glad to have that over with.."

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Elisabeth, I will be thinking about you and sending good vibes. I have never had surgery, and hope I never need it, but you know I have issues with fibroids as well, so I am fully sympathetic to what you've been going through. So far, i have been fortunate enough to not need surgery, but its a possibility I'm always aware of. I would be anxious too. Surgery *is* scary!

However, I know two women who have had successful procedures like yours, and I am sure you will be fine. Big hugs to you!

Kyle

Veteran

I had gallbladder surgery in my 20s and more recently this summer surgery similar to yours. Both were so much easier than expected. This time I was a bit apprehensive. Being a mother now certainly influenced that, as did the warnings and request to bring a copy of my living will. I also foolishly read some Internet comments and people write crazy things sometimes. All went smoothly, and I wished I had done the surgery sooner. Good luck to you. I hope you feel better.

sarah

Veteran

elisabeth - it's SO perfectly normal to feel scared. I've had 2 c-sections (one unplanned, the second one planned) and it was a big deal to have my abdomen cut open. Just be sure to communicate all of your concerns and needs to your surgical team - if you're feeling uncomfortable at any point, be sure to let them know so that they can adjust how they're helping you to make you feel as comfortable as possible. You'll do great! And be sure to have help afterwards while you're healing. You may not be able to drive for a couple of weeks, and you'll need to avoid heavy lifting. Hang in there! The anticipation is the worst.

Aunty

Veteran

Elizabeth I am so sorry you have to go through this.
Like Suz I had a major op for endometriosis when I was in my mid twenties.
No it is not nice, but you do feel so much better when it is over I promise. Hang on in there it will all be over before you know it.
Sending BIG HUG xx

Deborah

Veteran

Elisabeth, I know how you are feeling. Last August I had a large fibroid removed and did have a hysterectomy. The fibroid was attached to my uterus and couldn't be removed without also removing the uterus.

It is the first time I have had surgery and while for the most part I maintained a attitude of calm and control, the 1/2 hour before the surgery I was incredibly scared and nervous. For me it was my faith that I called upon to keep me calm and reduce my fearfulness. I am sure that there is something or someone to help you stay calm and focussed.

My surgery was a success and due to a minor complication they had to remove one of my ovaries as well. I felt a little worse for wear when I woke up but was looked after wonderfully. I would suggest that you will feel better than I did as the complication meant two surgeries in the matter of hours (please don't let that scare you, it was just one of those things and I was fine). I had a patient administrered morphine which I was hesitant to use at first but it turned out to be very helpful. It made me sleepy which wasn't a bad things as rest helps the recovery process. I made a very good recovery (had 6 weeks of work) and made sure I did exactly what my surgeon told me to do.

I don't know what symptoms you have been experiencing but for me this has been a very positive experience. I am 46, have one child and we were not planning any more so I didn't experience any real sense of loss as some do.

If you don't mind me asking, are you at a time in your life when a hysterectomy would be a difficult thing to face?

Can I encourage you to trust your doctors. They are amazingly gifted people who have your best interests at heart and they will look after you.

If you have any specific questions (I don't mind how personal) that I might be able to answer for you, please feel free to PM me.

Apologies for rambling on a bit, hope this helps:) I will be keeping you in my thoughts and trusting all goes well and that the fibroid can be removed simply and easily.xxx

suzanne m

As always, such great advice and love from all here. Hope it helps quell your fears. Sending more hugs and helpful vibes your way.

Patty

Veteran

AH-OOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM~~~~~~~~calming vibes for you Elizabeth----and fast forward thoughts to quick recovery and feeling better!!!!!

I had a colonoscopy last summer. The anesthetist used the white stuff injected into the lead into my arm to put me under. Just as he was injecting I can remember thinking "Micheal JackZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzz" fade to black--------fade up from black---oh look there's the inside of my intestines on TV.

Aziraphale

Veteran

I want to thank all of you for taking the time to send encouragement and good vibes. I've read all your comments very carefully. I don't have time to respond to them all individually, but I want you all to know that I really, really appreciate your thoughtfulness. It has, in fact, made me feel a little less panicky. I'm trying to be matter-of-fact and focus on how nice it will be to not have a grapefruit in my belly anymore!

A few quick notes --

lyn* -- I'm a Canadian, too, my dear! And thanks for the doctor's perspective -- it's reassuring.

Ironkurtin -- The fact that your friend went DOWN a waist size makes me happy! I sure could do without the monthly bloating. But I've heard nothing but stories about how hysterectomies screw up your hormones and make you gain all kinds of weight.

Sveta -- 6 hour brain surgery sounds a LOT scarier than a potential hysterectomy. If your husband was fine, I'm sure I will be too.

Angie -- thanks for the hugs and for having set up this great forum that is a fashion resource and so much more!

Suz -- my surgeon's a woman, too, and I like her. But she's doing the surgery with her partner, because it's more complicated than a straight-up hyst. And yes, the giving up of control frightens me....which I guess means that I'm a bit of a control freak. But I will have a bikini scar, so I don't think I'm having the exact same thing as you...?

Deborah -- I am not afraid of a hyst because of a desire to have more children -- we have two, which is exactly what we want, and my husband had a vasectomy last year to keep it that way. It's just that I'm afraid of weird hormonal and structural fallout if my uterus goes missing. You can never predict what will happen. My mom had a hyst at 30 and she's had nothing but health problems since.....severe osteoporosis, bladder trouble, bowel trouble, prolapse, etc etc. I'm sure this is the main thing that's contributing to my anxiety. I'm worried that a hyst will turn me into an old woman prematurely.

Banana

Hi Elizabeth! I've had a myomectomy for 4 "largish" fibroids. I was trying to get pregnant, so I was very nervous about any problems. Thankfully, there weren't any.

I don't remember much the first day, but hubby assured me that I wasn't in too much discomfort. I was home for about 4 weeks, but was done with all pain meds after about a week.

nancylee

Veteran

No words of wisdom here, but I'm sending you some courage and a hug to get you through. All will be well.

Deborah

Veteran

Hi Elisabeth, just read your response:) Just wanted to let you know that I there has been no hormonal impact for me since having the surgery. Of course I no longer menstruate but I have to be honest and say that I don't miss that. Otherwise everything else is as it was and I should transition into menopause at the appropriate time as expected. If anything, I feel better and healthier than I did before the surgery. xxx Deborah

Aziraphale

Veteran

Deborah, that's very encouraging to hear. Thanks!

Banana, I'm happy to hear you had no complications either.

rachylou

Veteran

Hi Elisabeth! I just had surgery for hernia. It went just like they said. I was up on my feet in a few hours. Ok - hobbling and requiring opiates, but in 3 days the pain really dropped dramatically. They'll be cutting higher for your surgery, which I believe means a longer, slower recovery period, but I think you'll be pretty amazed. I'm also thinking you haven't talked to the anesthesiologist yet? I didn't until the day of my surgery. You'll want to talk about what anesthetics he/she wants to use and avoiding bad reactions; also, tell him/her you want something that leaves the body quickly. Tell everybody what you're allergic too (there'll be lots of people coming in during prep). Be sure they mark where they're going to cut before they start the process of putting you under. After that, you'll be good to go. I wouldn't worry about the teeth.

Oh I have to tell you, LOL, going under really did wonders for my complexion - total rest and oxygenation!

Freckles

Veteran

Take care of yourself Elizabeth. Try to relax and trust in your docs. They really are awfully brilliant and skilled.

Anesthesiologist's are the ones responsible for your life while you're on the table. They are very skilled and never take the slightest chance. Brilliant, conservative people in my book.

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