How To Prepare For Surgery

There are quite a few types of surgeries that you can opt for if you have symptomatic fibroids.

Nothing though can really prepare you for a surgery, this is me sharing what worked for me pre- and post-surgery around different facets of my life.

I have had 2 surgeries since I first found out I had fibroids.

1. Laparoscopic Surgery less invasive)

Recovery time is 2 weeks.

2.Myomectomy (equivalent to a CS)

Recovery time is 6 weeks.

Mentally, Physiologically and Spiritually

As I had mentioned before, nothing really prepares you for surgery.

Why?

Different bodies react differently to medication, surgeries etc.

Therefore, bringing yourself to a place of total peace and zero worry is nearly impossible.

You may be dealing with a lot of fear and anxiety if you are preparing for surgery and are reading this.

I can only tell you to breathe, anxiety has been seen to bring about more pain to people who are unwell... so for the sake of your body at least breathe.

For me, I prayed and trusted God, I asked him to carry the load of anxiety from me and I traded it for God’s yoke which is easy and light. Faith and trusting him, that my life has already been planned out by him and there is nearly nothing that I can do to change his grand plan gave me peace.

A lot of it.

This may not be the case for you though if you are not a Christian and you don’t believe in a higher being.

I would then recommend meditation, exercise (if you can) and sleep.

All this will help your physical body relax but the mind is where the real battle is at.

If you can conquer the mind you have won the war!

Whatever you do remember, anxiety, fear and panic are normal but are not the best to subscribe to when you are preparing for surgery.

They are normal because they are meant to protect you from making mistakes or doing things that can harm you... it’s the Psychology of the mind.

Do what you can to bring yourself to a place of oneness, body, soul and mind.

Family and Relationships

Telling your family and friends that you are going in for surgery may be taken differently depending on different personalities.

It is normal that most of them will panic.

There are those who will never show you this part but will be ‘strong enough’ for you! Although they may be dreading the whole experience, they will simply hold their peace and support and love on you.

There are those who will have an outburst.

‘Why do you have to do it?’

‘What if something happens?’

Both reactions are normal, you may have to be on the other end trying to be supportive in case of an outburst.

Don’t mistake it though, both parties care about you. They just handle the news in different ways.

Surround yourself though with people who will love on you and support you. That’s honestly what you really need right now! One less thing to worry about.

When you leave the hospital, you may not be able to run through your daily chores because of the surgery.

Plan for a friend or family member to come and assist you.

This is probably the most important support you need during recovery.

You also need to make a decision whether you want people to visit you or not during recovery.

Career

If you are employed, asking for sick leave a month or at least 2 weeks before depending on when you have scheduled the surgery to take place with your doctor is very crucial.

You don’t want to come back from recovery to no job.

You will need that money even more because you may have taken a dip from your savings or salary to pay off the hospital bills in the event you don’t have insurance.

Also, assign your tasks that can’t wait until you are back to another colleague depending on how work is normally designated at your company.

If you are self-employed or an entrepreneur, delegate prior your work and ensure systems are in place that allow your business to thrive even when you will not be available.

Financially

This is probably the most important thing you need to factor in before even scheduling in a surgery.

Are you financially fit?

Meaning, if you will pay for your hospital bills in cash will it affect your other needs?

By needs I mean shelter and food?

Will it affect your savings that you had been putting away for an important project?

You don’t want to come from hospital and you have nowhere to stay or something to eat.

Also, if you plan to use health insurance you need to factor in whether NHIF has been paid by your employer or you will need to pay for this from out of pocket.

Are you fully covered?

Some insurance companies may not want to bear the burden of paying for fibroid surgeries at a full cost.

This then means having to top up for the deficit.

Physically

You just need to check into a hospital as you are with your everyday essentials.

You may need to also include pads because for a while you will be bleeding post-surgery.

I would recommend the Always Feather Soft 2 in 1 pads.

Always Feather soft 2 in 1 Pads

They do the job and will ensure you don’t experience any leaks better yet they are so light.

All the other things you require, the hospital will provide.

Remember to plan for your transport back home as well.

If you are preparing to go for surgery, I hope this article will help you feel more comfortable and at ease prior to surgery.

You’ve got this and I wish you the very best!

If you have any leading questions on this article, feel free to write and send them to tabitha.ndichu@gmail.com

I always love hearing from you guys!

Godspeed!

XOXO,

Tabby

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