A perfect storm
by Exile From Hysteria
I finally have a date.
I will have an abdominal hysterectomy at 11:30 a.m. March 14.
Is it wrong to be excited?
All this waiting has been dreadful. Now I finally have something tangible to work toward. Lists to draw up. Shopping excursions to plan.
This is where I shine.
I keep organized with a turquoise/blue journal. Without it I’d be lost. I categorize everything, and keep track of medical details and things like what to pack for the hospital. I also use it to break down what to expect in each of the six weeks of recovery.
And I’ll admit it. I’m neurotic. Just a bit. (Ask Matt.) So in many ways, prepping for a surgery is the perfect storm. All these lists, all these phone calls, all these websites to read and appointments to check off one by one.
I heard this lap pillow will become my best buddy in recovery.
In my blue book, I have a list of things I need to buy in advance of the surgery. Last weekend I bought the first item: a lap pillow.
Matt actually spotted it while we were late-night shopping at Meijer.
“Hey, didn’t you say you need a pillow?” he said, pointing up at a shelf filled with what looked like fluffy puppy dogs. “How about this one?”
He tossed me a bright, multi-colored pillow shaped like the head of a flower. I held it against my belly. It was perfect.
The research I’ve done suggests getting a small pillow to hold against my stomach incision. This will ease the pain when I cough, or when I put on a seat belt.
I also purchased a pair of oversized men’s sweatpants. Yeah, I know. Sexy. But after the surgery I’ll be going for comfort. I’ll have to save fashion for “Project Runway.”
Four weeks sounds the perfect amount of time to prepare for a major surgery. Not too far out. Not this Friday.
In some ways, this reminds me of preparing for a hurricane. When I was 10, I hunkered down in southern Florida as Hurricane David powered through. I remember the shopping trips, taping up the windows, putting batteries in the flashlight and radio. Nervously looking up at the ceiling as I heard the rafters moan. Rejoicing with my Barbies out back once the sun reappeared.
Four weeks. Just enough time to cross everything off my lists.
The perfect storm? You bet.
And I’m riding this one out.
I definitely recommend a lap pillow! You will definitely need it! Instead of mens sweatpants however, I recommend buying oversized night shirts. My hysterectomy was done abdominally and I could not stand anything being near my incision for weeks so I lived in night shirts or dresses when I needed to leave the house for appointments!
Your suggestion is right on! Yesterday I spotted some cute nightshirts at Kohl’s. I plan on getting back there this weekend. My boyfriend had suggested flowy dresses, as well, so it looks like I am going in the right direction. Thanks so much for your feedback!!!
Your journal habit sounds exactly like me! I have a pink Little Miss notebook with sections of different coloured paper and I would be completely lost without it.
When I got the date for my operation (excision of endo) I went into organisation mode too. I even made a giant wall chart for my best friend to hang up in our office while I was gone. We’re planning a conference together.
All the best for your prep and organising. I got pyjamas several sizes too big, extra comfy!! And lots of second hand books and box sets to keep me occupied during recovery.
Ha, thanks for sharing! The more I move toward the surgery, the less I feel alone. I’m also so excited that prepping for surgery means shopping!
I’m glad you got your date! I’m 8 days away now, it’s nerve racking, but it will be here before I know it. I haven’t bought a lap pillow yet. I used a regular sleeping pillow last time, but I like the idea of having something smaller!! I bought pj bottoms that are way too big that come up just below my breasts, so I hope they don’t bother my incision. I can’t stand wearing night gowns, I always feel like they are chocking me!! I’ve also bought ear plugs and I’m trying to get my hands on a sleep mask for the hospital!
Thanks for your note! Eight days is so close. If you forget your face mask check with the hospital. My boyfriend recently was in hospital with a kidney stone and they offered him an eye mask and ear plugs. My best to you!!
Off topic: I am so jealous that you live in a place with a Meijer. (I used to, now I don’t, and I miss it.)
Awwe. So true. Meijer is a great place. Especially late at night, when it’s just the freaks and geeks (like me!) shopping for eggs.
Congratulations on the date! I completely understand the excitement and I think mentally it is much better to know the date you are working towards. I will have mine a week before yours actually – very exciting! (I know, it does sound a bit wrong, but it is!)
You are strong…I haven’t read any of your other entries…this is the first….do you have kids?…just wondering i don’t …I was going to go through with this surgery then shit hit the fan….now im seriously going ahead with the “endo diet” Im not ready to throw in the towel…im f’n scared out of my mind to do this ….
Hey, thanks for your note. This stuff is really scary at first. It gets easier. I don’t have children, but my boyfriend and I have decided that we may adopt. I write about it a bit in this post: http://exilefromhysteria.wordpress.com/2013/01/17/falling-apart/
The main concern is addressing my endo pain. I’m hoping the hysterectomy will help. Best of luck to you…
Thanks hun..I will read it!…I take very heavy pain meds ….i understand …thats why I wanted to do it at first …..but I think you may have read “my story” on my blog …..Today I’m going to the whole foods store and getting some food there and vitamins and other supplements…..Iam tired everyday from the meds from the endo pain the pain its always the pain
My top tip, one given to me, is to get waxed or similiar rather than shave. Least then you dont have to put up with the itching of regrowth afterwards as well as the discomfort of having a scar thats drying out and healing. Best of luck.
I love your blog and completely understand your excitement! The prospect of having no more pain is so appealing! After years of trying any number of snake oils for my pain, I was delighted to have a hysterectomy! I can say that my hysterectomy worked wonders for me. I retained my cervix and ovaries but the rest is finally gone and I have no more pain, bloating and dread of the exquisite pain that I was in.
In the UK I was given a laparoscopic hysterectomy and told that I could go back to work within two weeks but, as I take public transport, I was prescribed four weeks off work after my hysterectomy. I don’t know how your doctors are planning your hysterectomy or how much time they’re telling you that you’ll heal BUT I would say that you need to remember that only you know how you feel and to take your own sweet time recovering. I went back to work pretty much full time (mainly because I’d run out of sick days at work so needed to be earning) and caught a lift with a friend to and from work so didn’t have the added hassle of public transport and still struggled for the first two weeks back at work. Be gentle with yourself. You’re having major surgery and will take several months to totally recover.
Take care. I’m sure everything will go smoothly.
Foxy
Thanks so much for your note, Foxy! I totally know what you mean about trying snake oils for remedy. I’m completely looking forward to this possible relief. I appreciate you sharing about your recovery. You are so right about taking the time you need, and that every person is different. I wish you well on your continued recovery…
[...] the surgery less than two weeks away, the majority of my “To Do” list is crossed off. Now, quite a few friends and family members have been asking what they can [...]
Hey congrats! I gotta say, there is something pretty sweet about walking through safeway and not having to buy any feminine products anymore! I had mine at age 29 and don’t regret it at all. Sounds like you’re feeling ready and I wish you well!
Thanks so much! I’m having some pre-surgery jitters, but I’ll get through it. The thought of possible relief from this pain is all the motivation I need.
Thank you so much for putting into words so much of what I’ve been feeling. My surgery is scheduled for April 3 and it cannot get here fast enough. Keep the words of wisdom coming and know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
(((Ruth))) My heart is with you as you move toward your surgery date. I hope it brings you great relief.