Vaginal Hysterectomy - TVH - Sherry's Daily Journal

		HysterSisters > Princess Stories Articles
Vaginal Hysterectomy - TVH - Sherry's Daily Journal

Vaginal Hysterectomy - TVH - Sherry's Daily Journal

Date : 01-28-2001 - 06:04 AM - Readers : 6417

Printer Friendly Version

On Wednesday, March 15, 2000, I had a vaginal hysterectomy. I had bled profusely most of my adult life, particularly at times of stress, and doctors prescribed the birth control pill to regulate me. As a result of the hormonal problems, and taking the pill, I never conceived a child, which was my personal tradedy. By age 47, I was taking the strongest pill available. Unfortunately, the strong pill then caused a fibroid tumor that began to grow rapidly. Hysterectomy was recommended, in light of my age, and I reluctantly consented. I made the choice to leave the ovaries, because to remove them might have resulted in an abdominal cut. I wanted a vaginal because the recovery, pain, etc. is supposed to be much easier, and because, in my case, there appears to be no problem with the ovaries. However, the surgeon warned me that since I have never had children, a vaginal is apparently a bit more difficult.

Monday, Pre-Op: I was pretty scared but talking to my doctor seemed to help. I was told I was first and therefore wouldn't be taken in late, and was pretty pleased about that. Pre-Op was only about 3 hours long from beginning to end, so I was in and out fast. Talked to doctor, did some bloodwork and paperwork. Had time to do some grocery shopping. Asked the Doctor the following questions (answers in parentheses):

Do tumors ever just go away? (No)

Verify vaginal, leaving ovaries. (Yes)

If we remove uterus only, what about cervix? (With a vaginal, cervix must go)

Will losing cervix affect orgasm? (In a small percentage of women who have deep orgasms, possibly. But probably no effect. I believe I am one of those women on occasion).

What can I expect in the way of preparation? Shaving or enema, other? (I will give myself the enema the night before and they will shave me after I am asleep)

What can I expect in the way of after-effects? Pain or fatigue? Other? Any limits on food? (I will have morphine in hospital and take some pain pills home)

What can I do to increase stamina? Limits or suggestions? (Complete instructions will be given to me)

Time frames on dancing, sex, lifting: can I burst stitches? Where are stitches? What if I cough, sneeze or blow my nose? Bowel movements any problem? Do I have to return for anything? (Plan on 8 weeks, but my first checkup will determine limits. Stitches are up inside only. They will see that I don't cough despite my allergy problems. Must return at the 3-week point, and then again later for one more checkup)

I have a Five Wishes (advanced directive) statement. Do I give it to anybody, or should it be in the possession of my husband in case anything should go wrong? (Give a copy to nurse when I arrive on surgery day)

Preparation:

Nail and toe polish okay? (No, take it off)
Makeup? (No makeup, wear glasses and not contacts)
What do I bring? (Personal hygiene items, robe and slippers)

Time of surgery? Length of surgery? (I am first, takes about an hour; arrive at 6:00 a.m.)

Tuesday: Packed my bag and made everything ready as I could. Didn't sleep at all this night due to sheer fright.

Wednesday, Day 1: Surgery Day: Arrived at the hospital at 6 am - pretty scared. In-processing went very smooth and fast - and before I knew it I was in the 'holding' area talking to the anesthesiologist. Too bad I couldn't see him since they took my glasses! They hooked up my IV and that's the last thing I remember. I was apparently out before heading to surgery. I then recall waking up in my room, but later learned that the vague recollection of the catheter being removed was in recovery, not my room, so I must have been awake then. I was allowed to press the 'morphine' button every 6 minutes, which I tried not to do but found that as the day wore on, I needed to press it more and more. I had two visitors that afternoon, but don't recall much of the visits due to the morphine and whatever else I was on. I remember telling a somewhat off-color joke to one of the nurses - one I'd heard but would never tell anyone in my right mind. What I didn't know was that the 'pain' I thought I was feeling was really possibly my bladder filling up from the IV fluid, and with no relief. The nurse commented that she didn't know why they had removed my catheter in recovery, and that my bladder was 'still asleep' and therefore not working yet. By 7 pm, she had to do a 'straight-line' catheter (kind of a manual thing), and she drained me of 1000 cc's! She threatened to do it again if my bladder wasn't working by 9:30. It wasn't, but she ended her shift without re-catheterizing me. I was grateful, since I found the first time quite humiliating and a little uncomfortable (although I did feel very physically relieved afterward). At 11:30, I nearly knocked everything over trying to make it to the bathroom. Between 11:30 and 5:30 a.m., I urinated about every 30 minutes all night long for a total of 2300 cc's! (They placed a 'bucket' on the toilet for the purpose of measuring). The trips to the bathroom were grueling and seemed like way too much strain for my first night after surgery. My legs were wrapped and strapped to the bed with some kind of stimulator machine, my IV was on the right, and the plug to it on the left and high above me. I had to rush to unhook everything and drag that thing with me each time I had to go to the bathroom. The first time I rang for the nurse, but instead of rushing to me, they called, "What do you need?" What I needed was not to have a long conversation, but to get the heck out of that bed! After that, I didn't bother to ring them. I felt like my every-30-minute exercise program was too stressing on my body, but I had no choice. What a terrible night. When I finally did get to sleep around 5:30, I was continually awakened by the lab lady, the vitals lady, and the "Did you drink anything lately" lady.

Thursday, Day 2: Now with two nights of no sleep, I felt a bit cranky. Beautiful flowers were arriving, and everyone was nice to me, but I was in no mood for any crap. I did a basin bath and changed my gown. I peeked at my genital area and the whole back ¾ was shaved. Ugh. I saw a 1-inch cut near the folds and wondered who had been so careless. The doctor soon paid a visit and assured me that all had gone very well and the uterus had slipped right out. He said the ovaries looked good, so they're intact. He also said he removed a large mole on my outer genital area and put a couple stitches in. That explained the cut. I didn't immediately recall having seen a mole there, but later vaguely remembered having noticed a mole some years ago. I had never looked at myself down there very often. My mom later told me that she also had a mole in that area and that it was a good thing the doc removed it, as they grow through the years and sometimes become inflamed and sore. Anyway, the doctor was very pleased with the operation and my progress and said I could go home tomorrow.

This night was even worse than last night. Two nurses threatened that I wouldn't be released tomorrow if I hadn't had a bowel movement. I was having gas pains but had only begun eating that morning! I was nearly in tears at the thought of not being able to go home and so my mom slipped me two Correctol laxatives, just over the counter stuff. The directions said 1 to 2 tabs. I took one and waited the 6 hours it said with no results, so I took another around midnight. Within about two hours, I was feeling like I had to go. But I didn't. Instead, I got dizzy and nearly passed out on the toilet and had to ring for the nurses, who came and helped me back to bed. I confessed, and they then chewed me out for taking the Correctol. They said I had over-stimulated my bowels and that it wasn't true that I couldn't go home, they just needed to be sure I was passing gas. I had done that, so they were satisfied that all systems were working. I complained about the conflicting information, but no one seemed to much care. My whole stay seemed to be full of threats and hassles. I really wanted to go home just to get some sleep!

Friday, Day 3: After three nights of very little sleep, I was finally going home! My nurse practitioner came early to sign the release papers and I quickly packed my things to await my mom's arrival. My nurse said that I looked so good yesterday that if I had pushed it, I could have gone home then! Rats! Wish I'd known that! My pain consisted of gas pain and mild tummy pain, kind of mixed up. But nothing near what I expected. I asked for two Percoset and got them, which helped me for a few hours. After getting home, mom filled my Percoset prescription and I slept a few hours. Went to bed again at 8:30 pm and slept well all night with just an over-the-counter sleep aid.

Saturday, Day 4: Woke up at 5:30 am with pain or something. Seems to be a combo of gas pain and just pain pain - not sure how to describe it. It was a dull ache, not a sharp pain. Took a Percoset and went back to bed for two more hours. Woke up feeling okay. With the pain pill, I feel good and feel like doing things. Have to remember that I can't. Except for continued gas pain or discomfort, was okay all day until around 4 pm and around 5 pm I had to take two Tylenol. Had my first bowel movement today around 2 pm! And a second, and third….Hooray! All the plumbing is working and during the bowel movements I felt no pain whatsoever like they predicted. Went to bed around 9 pm and took an over-the-counter sleep aid but nothing else. I am struggling a bit with phlegm deep in my chest. I can't blow my nose to get rid of it, and I just keep coughing and gurgling. I guess it's the anesthesia.

Sunday, Day 5: Woke up at 5:15 am with some steady dullish pain - this is a bit different than the gas pain feeling. Took a Percoset and went back to sleep until 7 am. Woke up feeling good. Mom said she needed to leave to take care of things at home - Bill is getting sicker. I assured her I would be fine and could take care of things by myself. Larry is being good about getting things for me, but he doesn't pick things back up and all the tables and counters are getting full of Kleenex, half-empty glasses, cups, etc. I can see that I will need to be doing some light housework no matter what the doctor says. Took two Tylenol around 3 pm. Light pain twice a day seems to be the pattern. I am pretty confused about what is okay to do and what is not okay. Coughing and sneezing is okay but riding in a car isn't? Is making the bed okay? Is doing light laundry okay? Light cooking? Is it just the amount of time I'm up as long as I don't lift anything heavy?

Monday, Day 6: Woke up at 5:30 with less pain than yesterday but took a Percoset anyway and lay back down for about 45 minutes. When Larry left, I took a shower - a nurse told me that it had to be lukewarm, but I ignored that and simply took a short shower of comfortable temperature - and put on fresh nightclothes. It felt wonderful. I started picking up a few things, nothing too heavy, and made the bed and such. After about 30 minutes of light work, I felt weak and shaky, and my tummy felt strained, so I took about an hour's nap. I didn't wear a pad and seem to be okay, though my shaved genital area is quite sensitive, more so with the panties than with a pad. Larry is working late and being alone and chained to the house isn't fun. You can only watch so much TV.

Tuesday, Day 7: I didn't take a pain pill this morning, but had quite a bit of gas pain. I had an early bowel movement (in two sittings). By 9 am, I noticed some spotting, the first since I got out of the hospital, and had to put a pad back on. I am a bit concerned in light of yesterday's events, but they did tell me that spotting was typical. I won't worry just yet. After lunch, I felt the need to lie down and did so for two hours. I don't really know if my concern over the spotting is making me feel weaker, or I really am!

Wednesday, Day 8: I am hoping I am done with the pain pills now. Only left with occasional stabbing gas pains and sure hope that goes away. The spotting seemed to pretty much stop during the day yesterday, but resumed this morning. I re-read my paperwork and it says to expect spotting during the 6 weeks of recovery as long as it doesn't get heavy like a period, so I won't worry too much. Trying to keep my activity limited. When I wake up I feel a strong urge to stretch and am not sure if that is okay, so I try to keep from doing it. I sure miss dancing and sometimes tempted to put on music do a few steps. Resisting that.

Thursday, Day 9: I really messed up today. I ran the dishwasher and, when it was done, figured I could put the dishes away if I only picked up one or two dishes at a time. By the time I was almost done, I began to feel as if my insides were coming loose - not pain, exactly, but a weird feeling of my insides about to fall out. I lay down much of the rest of the day. Still no pain pills. I am now clearer about what I can and cannot do. When I can't do something, I find out the second I do it! Still coughing a lot with phlegm, but really not sure if I have a problem from the anesthesia, or if it is pollen - it's that time of year.

Friday, Day 10: Felt better this morning, but I still feel as if I've taken a step backwards. Maybe it's just fear, but I don't feel as sturdy as I did yesterday morning before the dish incident. I lay around much of the day.

Saturday, Day 11: Got up and showered and dressed since Larry was meeting the boys here to attend Gabie's wedding. Wow, do I hate missing the wedding, but my hospital paperwork says I can't ride in car for another week and the wedding is two hours away. Rats. I walked slowly down to the end of the road and back, my longest walk yet. Around 4 pm I changed back into my PJ's and pretty much took it easy. Still not feeling like I've recovered from the other day.

Sunday, Day 12: Am spotting, mixed with discharge - I don't know if I've passed any sutures yet. Maybe a medical person would know if this timeframe is likely. Felt a very defined pain in the groin from around 3 pm until I went to sleep at night, but refrained from taking anything for it. Having several odd inexplicable pains and sensations in several places on my body, things like my nerve endings are acting up or something. Tummy still feels fragile.

Monday, Day 13: Still feeling fragile and told Larry I thought I'd just lay around today. I don't know if I have messed myself up from Thursday, or if this is typical. I really think I was feeling better on Thursday before the dish incident - but now I'm not sure. Maybe I'm just scared due to the substantial spotting and my imagination is telling me I feel worse. I really don't know. I can't seem to not do anything, not only because I need something useful to do, but because things really need doing! I am also still feeling sharp gas pain as material moves through my intestines, and I also feel some indigestion, which is unusual for me. I occasionally feel the gas pains just prior to or with a bowel movement.

Tuesday, Day 14: I am finding that I stretch like a cat even before I am awake, just as I am coming to consciousness. I've always enjoyed a good stretch first thing, but I am nervous about it under the current circumstance. This morning I couldn't catch myself and stretched fully even before realizing it. It made me feel more fragile, and I got worried that I pulled something. Indeed, I have had more discharge than usual so far, but it doesn't seem to really be mixed with blood. Don't know if it's related to the stretching or not.

Wednesday, Day 15: Two weeks since my surgery. I am feeling better today, less fragile and kind of like the wound has healed. I don't know why I think this, just a feeling. Did a few light things, but nothing much, no risks. I am supposed to be allowed to ride in a car on Friday. Whoopee! Today is the first day that I notice the phlegm seems to be gone. I cough a bit, but it is a big improvement. Again, I don't know if it was the anesthesia or pollen.

Thursday, Day 16: Felt pretty good again today, and did a few light things in the kitchen, including making a dessert. But I talked with a friend who had her ovaries out a few years ago, and she said that she rode in a car at 2 ½ weeks and really suffered for it. She said it was way too soon for her and that she supports waiting at least another week beyond the recommended timeframe. Now I am nervous since Larry and I plan to go grocery shopping this weekend. She also said that starting to drive is even worse, as the braking is very hard on you. I was going to drive next Wednesday to my checkup appointment, but now I am thinking I'll have Larry drive me (he offered).

Friday, Day 17: I overdid a bit this morning, but accomplished quite a bit. I made up dinner (for baking later), washed sheets and re-made the bed in the guest room, and did several other little household things. But instead of that feeling like everything came loose, it feels like I just did 50 sit-ups, kind of a muscular pulling sensation, but not really that bad. The discharge has lightened, so I'm hoping I'm home free. If I'm lucky, and don't push it too fast, it should be better and better from here on out.

Saturday, Day 18: Went to the grocery store today. Wow, it was great to get out. Did a little more lifting of store items than I should have and didn't feel too good the rest of the day. I don't think it had anything to do with the 3 mile (round trip) ride in the car, but possibly.

Sunday, Day 19: Felt okay today. Didn't do much. I'm making daily dinners now, and trying to select ones that don't require a lot of rigmarole. I think the gas pains are diminishing - I hope so. Still having enough discharge to require a panty liner pad.

Monday, Day 20: Overdid a bit, but I did quite a lot of light housework. Got that sit-up feeling, but it doesn't feel bad, just noticeable. The bending/stretching/lifting thing seems to get me the most, such as making the bed, lifting wet laundry out of the washer.

Tuesday, Day 21: Felt almost normal today. I made two beds, but not too much else involving housework. After making the beds I didn't really get that strained feeling, so I think that's an improvement. Tomorrow is my checkup, and I'm kind of scared about that - don't really want anyone touching me down there. Ugh. I plan to take a Percoset just to avoid any potential pain or discomfort.

Wednesday, Day 22: Had my doctor's appointment today. Had a very good report. He said that whatever I am doing, it was good, because I am healing nicely. He said that I might still pass some sutures soon.

I had a list of questions to ask the Doc:

When Can I:

1. Lift as normal? Help lift furniture? Regular Housework? (May begin slowly in one week)
2. Dance a little? Dance actively? (Gently in one week and all I want after 2 more weeks)
3. Exercise such as sit-ups? (Didn't ask this one)
4. Do gardening? Bending okay? (Didn't ask this one)
5. Have sex? Have orgasm? (Three weeks)
6. Return to work on May 8? Letter to that effect for my files? (Yes)
7. Travel to Pensacola? (Now is okay)

And:

1. When will the discharge stop? (It will slow down/stop in about a week)
2. Gas and indigestion? (Will cease soon)
3. What is ahead re: hormones, ovaries, etc. Do I have menopause symptoms? (will have normal symptoms - could be none- but if/when I do, they will give me hormones.)

Basically, the doc said I should take it easy for another week, and then can begin increasing my activity over a period of 2-3 weeks, slowly adding things in. I see him again on the 26th for a final check. After that, if my checkup goes well, I can do as much as my stamina will allow.

Larry and I stopped for 15 minutes at a store and wow, did I get exhausted! I was pooped for the rest of the evening!

Wednesday, April 12: It is one week later and I am feeling pretty good. Larry and I went out on Sunday, stopping at about four stores. I did well, and was not exhausted like last week, so I've made great improvements. I did some fairly strenuous things yesterday (sorting papers on the floor for several hours with no back support, and then carrying the piles to different places), and felt okay. I haven't driven yet, but have an appointment tomorrow to have some moles removed and will drive for the first time. The discharge has not stopped yet, but the gas and indigestion has ceased (it was almost gone on the day I visited the doctor). I have been cooking for the past week and a half, and doing well with that. Have cooked some pretty involved things, and lifted fairly heavy pans and such, and am okay. I still feel the 'sit-ups' feeling sometimes, and hope that will go away soon, but I don't think that is a sign of anything bad.

Monday, April 17: Suddenly, my breast nipples are EXTREMELY sensitive - even my nightgown is bothering me. I assume my hormones are acting up - it is the week prior to when my period would have been, and I have been just a wee bit grouchy, but no other period symptoms. Previously, that nipple sensitivity was only for a day or two just prior to my period.

Tuesday, April 18: I weigh myself everyday and I am suddenly up three pounds, just like before my periods. I don't know if this is water weight or my being at home and munching more has suddenly caught up with me. But it fits with the menstrual symptoms. I'll ask the doc about it when I see him on the 26th.

Thursday, April 20: Had an appointment today for a hair perm. My goodness, it hurt like the devil. I thought she was wrapping me way too tight, but she said she was doing the normal thing. Could it be my hormones? My goodness, everything hurts!

Wednesday, April 26: I had my final checkup today and was pronounced OKAY! Hooray! The doctor said that I may now do whatever I have the energy for. I am still feeling the nipple irritation, and asked him about it. He said that hormones can either recede or surge, and obviously mine surged. He said it would go away but I failed to ask him how soon. Anyway, I will be happy when it does, because my nipples are still extremely uncomfortable and only wearing my bra can stop the rubbing irritation. Other than that, I feel GREAT!

Saturday, April 29: Had sex today - was pretty scared of pain or discomfort, but all was well. Hooray! Orgasm intact, I didn't notice any changes from previous to the hysterectomy. All I can say is that everything seems better, mentally anyway, and that translates into EVERYTHING seeming better! Maybe part of it is staying home from work in a stress-free environment for six weeks. In general, I keep catching myself smiling and feeling positive about things. This whole thing was a piece of cake. Onward and upward! And ya know? It's just sinking in: no more periods!

Sunday, May 7: Just when I thought it was over, it isn't. Had sex today again, but with a bit more activity and a different position (spoon style). I started to bleed. Not profusely, but fairly substantial and bright red. I am waiting to see how it goes today before I call the doctor, but I will likely call anyway just to see what caused it. I am pretty scared, and will be, until the bleeding stops or I find out that it is a minor complication.

Tuesday, May 9: I called the doctor yesterday and he wanted me to come in. Although I only bled for a few hours on Sunday and haven't since, after looking at it he confirmed that I had torn open the incision just a bit. He said that I had to come back in a week, and that if it wasn't fully healed on its own, he would need to cauterize it. He said that we needed to wait on sex for at least 5 days. I asked him if the different position might have caused the bleeding, and if I should avoid certain positions. He said that no, it shouldn't have made a difference. At any rate, we plan to wait on any sex until after my next appointment.

Wednesday, May 17: Saw the doctor again today. He said my tear had become 'granulated', but I'm not sure what that means. It is apparently the inside of the body's version of a scab, but I'm not sure why that is bad. Anyway, he cauterized it with silver nitrate. It didn't hurt, just a 'pressure' feeling, but then, I took one of my pain pills to insure it didn't. A few people had said it would hurt or sting a bit. I had Larry drive me in case the pain pill had an effect on my driving. Doc said he wanted me back in another two weeks, but I almost cried. I'll admit I whined, so he said that if I don't bleed anymore after two days, I didn't have to come back.

Sunday, May 21: So far, no bleeding, and I feel good. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it is over. Haven't tried sex yet. That will be the big test. I think Larry and I are both afraid to try!

Saturday, June 24: Haven't written in a while, but the saga isn't entirely over. Sex was fine, no bleeding, but we still haven't used the position that caused the bleeding last time. We will probably wait until after our upcoming trip, just in case. I am having all kinds of minor hormonal changes and symptoms. For the first time in my life I had three headaches I can only term as migraine: they began with a 'fuzziness' in my right eye, and progressed until I could hardly see to read (about 20 minutes), then I would begin seeing wiggles in the right eye, like movement. Others who've had these describe them as flashing lights. Within another 10-20 minutes a severe headache begins, that Tylenol can't touch. Fortunately, after the three times, I've had no more, at least, not yet. Talking to other women who've had these, it does appear to be hormonal and often during or preceding menopause. I am also experiencing some PMS symptoms that don't coincide with my expected period. But then, I realized that since I was on the pill previous to the hysterectomy, I didn't really know when my natural cycle was (since I began the pill after an extended bleeding episode). I am guessing my body is lapsing into the natural cycle, rather than the pill-induced cycle, but that's only a guess. The PMS symptoms I've had are irritability and teariness. I am also experiencing up to a dozen or so hot flashes per day, and I don't really think it is just the heat outside, but it could be. Time of day doesn't seem to be a factor. The symptoms I have not had are breast or nipple tenderness, bloating or cramps. Other than the above, I feel pretty good and have most of my energy back. Our big trip in two weeks will be an 'energy' test, as we are doing a European tour with LOTS of walking and long days!

Friday, August 25: The trip was fine and I did well, with energy levels. The hot flashes increased to several per hour, 24/7. Three weeks ago I started taking "Healthy Woman" Soy Tabs and within 48 hours they decreased, and within 1 ½ weeks they were entirely gone. I still feel the monthly cycle effects, teariness, irritability and such. I may even be experiencing water-weight gain - jury is still out on that one. No more migranes, thankfully. I am now at the 5 month mark and find my energy levels have taken a leap. It's not really a physical feeling, I just seem to be getting things done both at home and at work, cleaning out closets, drawers and actually finishing! I just feel more like doing chores and I seem to be organizing my time better. I hear I'll take another leap in another 6 months….oh, I hope so! This is terrific!

Tuesday, October 17: I have been hot flash-free since I began taking Healthy Woman Soy tabs, and two weeks ago reduced them to 3 days per week, M-W-F. Several weeks ago I began taking St. John's Wort, one capsule (1/3 the recommended daily dose) each night before bed. The teariness and irritability have smoothed out, and I feel much, much more even-keeled, emotionally. I am curious about what 2 capsules per day would do for me, but as yet have not increased the dosage. Again, the standard recommended dose is 3 capsules per day, and I only take one per day. Even so, I have noticed a substantial improvement in my emotional symptoms. I weigh 135 on a fairly small frame, and am sensitive to medications, so lower doses usually work well for me.

January 13, 2001: I have been experiencing little backaches, when I've never had them in my life. When I do housework involving bending over, my back starts to feel sharp pains between the shoulder blades: not too terribly bad, but enough to make me stop and sit down. Now, that could be my age (49), or any number of other things, but one co-worker who had a hysterectomy five years ago told me she began to have backaches and her doctor told her it was that her insides had shifted a bit due to the new 'roominess', and that backaches were part of the side effects. Ugh. I still experience a bit of irritability each month, but I am very pleased with the St. Johns Wort effects. Started taking calcium tabs on my own, just because I'm supposed to at my age. Have reduced the soy tabs to 3 times per week - will see how I do when the hot, humid weather arrives.

Printer Friendly Version

HysterSisters is girlfriends with -- Moms Who Think - - Girls Get Going -