 TAH/BSO - The cranky room mate |
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Recovery - Preparing Your Room for Hysterectomy Recovery
TAH - How to make a scene in the Recovery Room (or, Surprises anyone??)
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Hello. My name is Gerri. I'm 51 and happily married to a man who makes my life easier.
Thank God some of his patience has rubbed off on me.
Back in August 2003, I made an appt. to see a new ob/gyn that my hair dresser recommended. Hadn't had an exam in a few years. After the pap, she immediately ordered an ultrasound. Doc was surprised when my medical records from my previous md showed nothing about any fibroids. Now there was one really large one. The thing now was, should I believe that, according to old record, that I never had a fibroid? Or that my old records were lacking the correct info?
I had to make a big decision. Number one, since I just hit menopause, wait to see if my fibroid would shrink, or just have surgery and be done with it.
I was petrified. Never had major surgery.this was all new to me.
I kept thinking, why did I wait so long to have my regular check up? I started punishing myself for procrastinating. Now I didn't have that luxury.
My md told me, if it were her, she would have had a hysterectomy last week.I on the other hand couldn't jump through that hoop that soon. I decided to wait, but md said she wanted to do a D&C. Well, I went through D&C, an IVP series and a triple contrast cat scan. One month later, had another ultra sound and found that Mr. Fibroid was getting larger. MD said it has to go.
I was finally scheduled for TAH 11/07/03.
I then started to research internet for hysterectomy info.
That's when I found hystersisters.
What a spirit-lifting support site!
I just couldn't get enough. I would visit several times a day to the pre-op board, sharing all the ladies in waiting's thoughts and fears.I want to thank all the post-op ladies for all their stories and helpful advice. I learned no question is stupid and information is power.
I went to the hospital still scared, but knowing I had no other choice, I was happy with that.
The A-man came in and we talked about choices for anesthesia.
General.
My MD came in for final questions and at 9:30 went to O.R.
Next thing I knew, I was in my room. DH was at my side, and I went in and out most of the afternoon. Surgery was about 2 1/2
hours. They had to put extra stents in to protect my kidneys as the fibroid was really large.
I spent the night mostly medicated.
Saturday morning I wanted to lose the morphine drip. It was making me nauseated. I went to the bathroom[with the help from Monique] I cleaned up best I could and lost my catheter.
Back to bed and rested till DH came. I told him about my room mate, who was quite cranky for the whole time I was there.
She did have complications and was having a very hard time.
I tried my best to give her my support[since I had terrific support]
I tried to encourage her to help herself to get better.
She told me she wished she could get out of bed as well as I did. I continued to tell her she would be fine, she just needed to work on getting well.
Sunday was first shower day. Wonderful.
I felt human and told myself I needed to walk and work with my
lung exerciser. I wanted to get home to start recovery in my own home. DH came everyday and stayed late. Sunday we bought pizza for the night shift. And if you can afford it, I recommend it. DH got dinner, nurses knew they were appreciated.
They told me they do their job regardless, but it sure helps when they know what they do is appreciated!
Monday morning was d-day.
Took an early shower and waited for MD. After she came in, the decision was made to let me go home..
Nurse came with a list of instructions, told me to call for my ride.
then at about 12:30 DH showed up and off I went
I gave my best wishes for my room mate and gave her a hywstersister flyer. I also left one at the nurses desk and tolde them not to hesitate to pass along a copy for future punctured princesses.
I'm now 1 week post op and doing fine. i still use my lung exerciser and still take a few pain meds, but I'm well on my way to recovery.
I hope this helps our ladies in waiting.
Gerri TAH 11/07/03 Large fibroids. MD took everything
Related Titles
Recovery - Preparing Your Room for Hysterectomy Recovery
TAH - How to make a scene in the Recovery Room (or, Surprises anyone??)
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Gerald Harkins, M.D.
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Christiana Care Health System
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302-623-4410 |
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1301 taylor st
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columbia SC 29201
803-254-3230 |
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