Petrified about the whole situation

Hi Janet, I am agorophobic and nearly 2 years ago I had to have a hysterectomy because of cancer, just prior to this diagnosis I almost bled to death, my GP wanted me to go in for a blood transfusion as I had lost about half my blood volume, I refused not because I am against transfusions but because the fear of travelling to the hospital was too great, when I knew I had to have a hysterectomy I had to 'shop' around for a hospital that wasn't in the middle of a town, in the end I had to go private, a family member lent me the £8.000 to pay for it, we have a perfectly good (I enphsise the word good here) NHS hospital nearby but it is so huge I knew I wouldn't cope with it, they also tried to get me to have an MRI scan but again I couldn't do it, I managed to go to the private hospital as it is in the middle of nowhere, (fields all around) I had to drive myself my son drove my car home again, I am supposed to have check ups every 6 months but can't cope with it so only go yearly, I sound like a real loony , what I am trying to say is, if I can do it anyone can, it is only natural that you feel anxious about it, it's the unknown, you will get through this you know it's the best thing for you, I wanted to run away ( wouldn't get far though) but on the actual day I went in as happy as Larry, I resigned myself to the fact it had to be done.

You will be fine I'm sure and keep talking to us ladies on here, we will help you through it.

Phoebe x

Hi, Janet,

Sorry to learn you're going through this.  It's only natural to be frightened--surgery is scary.  I was very, very frightened, too.  I think that it might help to accept that you are scared to death.  But the prospect of not having surgery was even more frightening for me. I knew that though I was panicing that not having the surgery was out of the question.  I'd be so much better off after I did have it. Try to trust that your doctor is helping you to heal.  Best of luck, and let us know how you do! 

There is no need to worry I had an hysterectomy last year and was terrified but I was no need as It was not as bad as I made out it was afterwards that is hard try breathing in and out and some relaxing music you'll wonder what you worried about when it's all over all the best x

Hi Janet. Anxiety is a terrible issue to deal with on its own let alone accompanied by the prospect of surgery. I had a hysterectomy 5 weeks ago and I was utterly terrified about it. To the point where I told the hospital I didn't know until the day itself if I could go through with it. If you haven't been to your pre op assessment yet then use this appointment to explain your anxieties. If you have to have the surgery that it. That's what it's there for. A good hospital team will take it very seriously and provide the support you need. Mine did and I've never been so looked after in my life. In fact it ended up feeling like more of a mini break away than a major operation! Your GP should also be able to provide you with something to help your anxiety as well. Good luck with it all. You will get through and afterwards you will feel ridiculously proud of yourself. I know I do! 😊X

I didn't have any fibroids, but did have a cyst on my right ovary & also adenomyosis. They left one ovary (left). I'm 5 weeks post op & still waiting to feel better. I only knew my dr for 3 mos before my surgery, but trusted her & felt we had a connection. Like you, I too was stressing & had anxiety about it. The thing that kept me going was everyone kept telling me how much better I was going to feel, plus the fact that I wouldn't have to buy pads anymore because of no more periods and wouldn't have to worry about getting pregnant. Keep sight of those things or something similar. Even though my one night stay in the hospital wasn't pleasant because they couldn't get my pain under control (because I take strong pain meds for chronic pain in my back), it wasn't nearly as bad as I was making it out to be. They'll give you some "I don't care medicine" before they take you back & that really helps. If your periods were as bad as mine, just keep thinking that you won't have to deal with it anymore. Stay positive & I wish you all the luck in the world!