Sympathetic ear

[Janey66]

Hello ladies

Having had a hysterectomy early last year at the age of 42, i am still finding it difficult coping with the mental and emotional side of what i have been through. Although my family and friends were very good at helping me through the physical side, they are unable to understand what i am going through emotionally. I have a good circle of friends but there are times that i feel alone. Also i feel that have to put on a brave face to the outside world or otherwise i am seen as just "another emotional female who should have got over it by now". This is one of the resons I joined the Daisy network.
I was at the annual conference last week and met a lot of lovely ladies. The conference was very informative and I found Hazel Hodge's talk particularly meaningful as i can sympathize with what she went through.
I would like to hear from anyone who has any advice on how to get through this emotional time, but in particular from any ladies who have had a hysterectomy to share experiences on coping. I am single and childless.

Many thanks

Janey66

[Janey]

Hi Janey66,

How are you doing?

[Janey66]

hi Janey

I'm doing ok thanks. It's just a matter of taking one day at a time and life should get easier in time. Physically everything is ok but it's still the emotional side of things which will take a lot longer. Since my post I have joined an organisation called More to Life which provides support for the involuntary childless. Things have got better since I joined them as I have now got contact with other women who know exactly how i'm feeling. It's great to know they are there as my family and friends can't or don't understand how I'm feeling or what I've been through.

How are things with you?

Janey66

[Janey]

Hi, good to hear you about the support group. I do know what you mean about friends and family not understanding. I think some people assume that as I have not had children by now that it was my choice. I have not closed the door yet, but financially it is a problem to start the whole egg donation programme, still researching. I'm also just taking it day by day and trying to stay positive about the "lucky" aspects of my life.

Janey