TAH - My Story: Adenomyosis - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

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TAH - My Story: Adenomyosis

TAH - My Story: Adenomyosis

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Hi! I am 30 years old and had a c-section 5 years ago. I chose to have a tubal ligation at age 27 and noticed afterwards that my periods became more painful, specifically during ovulation. It was never so painful that I couldn't function, however recently I experienced such pain that I was misdiagnosed by my family doctor with appendicitis.

Fortunately, I didn't have surgery & got a second opinion from my OB/GYN. He thought my pain was due to adhesions from my previous surgeries, but needed to schedule me for a laproscopic to find out for sure. Two weeks later, I had the lap performed and expected to wake up and be told that the scar tissue was removed & that I would be fine. WELL, surprisingly, I woke up & my DH told me that the doctor said I needed a hysterectomy!

My response was, "I don't like the sound of that!" (I couldn't believe it - at age 30!) Fortunately, my ovaries were fine and I would not need HRT - but my uterus needed to be removed ... my diagnosis was Adenomyosis.

This was a condition I had never heard of so immediately starting doing research on the internet and at my 2 week follow up from my lap, got more details from my GYN. A hysterectomy was the only treatment option that worked for me. So, that was scheduled for November 11th and he chose to do a total abdominal hysterectomy.

My surgery time was 7:30am and I was instructed to arrive at 4:30 in the morning. Yikes! And we live 45 minutes from the hospital! I was immediately taken to my room when I arrived on Monday morning and the nurse began all the preparations needed for the surgery.

She took down my weight, vital signs, began the dreaded enema and then tried to start my IV. After 3 tries, the nurses decided to wait and let the anesethesiologist do it (it took him 2 tries also). I was wheeled downstairs to the OR waiting area and got my anesthesia before I even went through the doors - I don't even remember going into the operating room. My DH decided to stay in my room so he could rest, not knowing how long I would be or what the facilities would be like near the OR. They inserted my catheter, put on those leg cuffs and did whatever shaving they needed to do while I was out!

I woke up in recovery - alone and groggy with that awful oxygen mask on. I tried looking around but things were fuzzy. I didn't like that feeling, but fortunately they quickly wheeled me back to my room when they realized I was awake. I was much more relaxed when I got to see my hubby.

I felt fairly good - and was shown how to use my Morphine pump. My best friend showed up for a visit and I was able to stay awake long enough to visit with her for an hour. I missed lunch, but didn't really care. I was so sleepy and dozed on & off most of the afternoon.

The nurses were wonderful - even though they made me do leg exercises to prevent clots and made me do breathing exercises to keep my lungs clear ... every 2 hours (even during the night)! Truthfully, it was not bad though. I knew that I wouldn't be required to get out of bed until Tuesday morning, so that helped my anxiety.

First thing Tuesday morning, they did take off the leg cuffs and also removed my catheder. I was also taken off the morphine pump and given pain meds by mouth. They then wanted to "measure" the amount of urine that I was producing. Of course, I had a clear liquid diet, but I didn't have much of an appetite either.

I actually took a shower that morning too - I'm not sure why - it was pretty tiring. I was able to get out of bed fairly well, but was well aware of the pain that I was in for. I tried some walking, knowing that it would help in the long run. I finally got my IV taken out after I had urinated enough for their liking.

I think I did pretty good in the hospital. I took a book, magazines, etc. but never even got them out. I watched the tv and slept when I wasn't on the phone or visiting with hubby.

By Wednesday morning, I was starting to feel gas moving around in my tummy & then passed some. I was released from the hospital on that afternoon - so I was there 2 1/2 days. It was nice to leave the hospital, but it was so much easier to rest there than at home. I couldn't seem to get as comfortable in my bed! LOL

I then had to return on Friday to my GYN to have my staples removed & replaced with steri-strips. I have always been an independent person & wasn't used to having someone drive me around and do things for me, but I have to say that it was good to have someone there to help. I could not have done it on my own.

A word of advice - if someone is willing to help - LET THEM! I have tried to not over-do it, but some days I just get bored. I think I should take it a little easier and do a bit more resting. It does take time to heal.

I'd be happy to answer any questions - feel free to send me an email or a PM. Good luck to you!

Lyndi

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