TAH/BSO - My Story - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

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TAH/BSO - My Story

TAH/BSO - My Story

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Expecting to be frozen with fear, that morning a wave of serenity swept over me. I checked in at 10am for my noontime surgery. I was sent to a pre-op room to change into the trendy hospital gown, opening to the back. After going over and signing some papers, the nice lady said that I would going to a holding area. My DH says, "You're taking her now?!" Um, yes, she was. This was about 10:45am. My DH walked down the hall with me, we said our "I love you's", I blew him a kiss and he was gone. By 11am, I had already spoken to the anesthesiologist and there was my doctor, holding my hand and saying a prayer for me. I can't remember her words, but I remember that it was nice of her to do.

With my IV already in, including an antibiotic and a good dose of sodium pentathol, I wheeled into OR #8. I slid on over to the operating table, stared at the ceiling and started to count all the lights I saw up there. For some reason, it seemed important. A few minutes later, it seemed, I remember waking up in the recovery room and being told about the "magic button" which I promptly pushed giving myself the first of many doses of morphine. (Gotta love that stuff). Being wheeled to my room, it was so hard to open my eyes, but I managed to catch a glance at a clock. It was 3pm. I have never been so happy to see my DH. (Well, yes I was but that's another story).

I slept on and off for two days, pushing that magic morphine button. They had kept me on oxygen until the second day. They didn't take the catheter out until the third day. It was then I realized that they would expect me to get out of bed to use the bathroom. Needing a nurse to push the IV, I got out of bed for the first time. I have NEVER felt such horrible pain in my life! I felt like someone had just ripped a butcher knife across my belly! The nurses offered to help in any way they could, but being a big gal, I turned them down and was bound and determined to do it on my own. I put the back of my bed up as far as it could possibly go and I still had trouble sitting up. Once I got my legs over the side of the bed, I had to get my bearings because I had already become lightheaded. After another minute, I was on my way to what would become a much-needed, good old fashioned pee.

I really expected to be up and around by the second day, but the nurses never said a word, so I was just as happy to stay where I was. By the third day, when I refused most food and liquid, and my temperature was fluctuating, my doctor told me that she may keep me another 2 days. When DH came later that night, we took a walk down to the end of the hall...the longest in my life. I forced myself to eat and drink. That night my temperature was up to 101.3.

By the time the doctor came in on my fourth day, I had already eaten breakfast, was sitting up in a chair, and had just sucked on some ice. When she asked how I was feeling, I said, "Please send me home today." So without all the fill ins, I was so happy to get home.

Now my biggest problem is getting out of bed.

I cannot thank the women on this site enough for sharing in my fears and calming me and for all the advice they gave.

I am deeply greatful for Dr. Karen Rehder in Pittsburgh, PA for doing this so quickly without putting me through years of other treatments and procedures. She already has HER crown, but is much more deserving of a golden halo.

Frankie
TAH BSO
5-1-00

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TAH/BSO - My Story

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