The reason I had to have a hysterectomy is because I had fibroids. One very large one and "numerous" smaller ones ( I found out after surgery that they were not that small)
One evening I had severe abdominal pain which is what brought me to the Dr. What I found out- as I said- I had fibroids and my uterus was the size of a 16 week pregnancy. I had about 2 weeks notice before my surgery. The waiting for me was terrible!! I think the thing that had me the most nervous was the
"anesthetic phobias". Well that takes us to surgery date: December 3, 1999.
I got to the hosp. at 9:30 AM. My surgery was scheduled for 12:00 noon. When they called me. I was put in a cubicle (alot like the ER room with the curtain that goes around) They hooked me up to my IV, took my vitals, Asked
all the necessary questions, put the stockings that go all the way up your leg,
circuation stimulators ( they help the circulation in your legs. they massage your legs- felt good). Then my family was allowed to come in for awhile until I went to the OR prep room which before I knew it I was there. I had asked the nurse for something to calm my nerves. She told me the anesthsiologist would give me something. But wanted to wait to talk to me. Finally the anesthsiologist came in. He gave me something to calm me down. At first I didn't think it was working. Looking back I know it did calm my nerves. They moved me into the OR and I moved on to the table. They put the mask on. Now I remind you that I had mega anesthetic fears. Well I remember them putting on the mask. Next thing I knew they were waking me up and saying the surgery was done. I was so relieved! When I woke up I remember feeling
uncomfortable. I wouldn't say it was pain but just uncomfortable. I was finally wheeled into my room, where my husband was waiting. I guess I scared my husband. I found out that the surgery was pretty complicated with my fibroids being on the top part of my uterus they were hard to get to. I lost ALOT of
blood ( they thought I would need a transfusion but I didn't). Needless to say I
was VERY white when they took me to my room. The day of surgery was pretty uneventful. I slept on and off all day. I was on the morpheine pump for pain and they also gave me IV meds every 6 hours. I did make a point of
moving from side to side the day of the surgery. Which as it turns out Im glad I did. Another very important thing I applied chapstick throughout the day. VER IMPORTANT!! BRING CHAPSTICK. The day after surgery ( Sat.) I knew I would be getting up to walk so I slowly raised the head part of my bed. (every 15 minutes or so I would go up alittle) so that when I did sit all the way up it wasn't such a shock. Well, I got to an almost sitting up position and felt ready
to get up. The only problem was I kept falling asleep. I could not stay awake. I
found out later that it was because of the blood loss and that my body was building up again. Finally late afternoon they took out my catheter ( which they put in during surgery) and I felt the need to urinate. So I got up all went well. Sat down.... and couldn't go. Finally went back to bed. About 15 minutes later I couldn't stand it and tried to use the restroom again. Again no luck. After the 3rd time of no success I was told that they would cath. me again if I couldn't go. Well I sat and sat finally a little tinkle. Not enough to empty my bladder but at least I went alittle. The rest of that day and all through the night I was in the bathroom urinating. The next day I knew that I had to do alot of walking so that when the gas pains hit they wouldn't be as bad. Well I walked and walked and no gas pains & no gas. I was starting to get a headache. I think because I had only had chicken broth, jello and juice up to now ( I had heard they give
you solids the night after surgery- not me!) Well when I saw the clear liquid diet for Sundays lunch. I asked the nurse if I could please have some solid food. I told her I was sure that, that was the reason for my headache and the reason my bowels were not moving. I finally got a solid meal that night. Sure enough during the night I could feel my stomach churn. No gas or gas pains
just rumbles. I was released finally on Monday. It was the day after I got home
that the gas hit and the following day that I had my first BM (I have to say I had a hard time with pain then) Other than that my recovery has been great!!
I came home on a Monday and took pain pills at night until Thursday and have not had anything since. I am alittle sore. I get tired very easy. I feel very blessed. I am at exactly 2 weeks post-op right now. The nurse I think said it best when she removed my staples. "My mind is ready to go back 100% but my body says Whoa!! not so fast" So I will take it slow. People ask me what was
the worst part of this whole thing. My answer is "THE WAIT" So for those of you who are waiting to have your surgery. In my opinion your at the worst part. After surgery it onward and upward. Just dont over do. For all you LIW- I wish you all the best. May God bless you and keep you in his loving arms!
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