 TAH - 1 wk post-op |
From the Abdominal Hysterectomy Stories Articles List |
 Related Titles
6 days post TAH and feeling great
TAH/LSO May 2011 - Best thing that ever happened to me.
41 tah
My very long story of what led up to my hysterectomy, and now.
I was scared to death ... now its over a year later ...
HysterSisters Articles
Options to Hysterectomy
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor
April 7th had TAH with removal of tubes, uterus, and cervix. Made the decision since I was slowly losing bladder function. Found on MRI that in addition to fibroids under the uterine lining, had also adenomyosis of the uterus which accounted for unexplained out of nowhere searing pain (like a knife) and even more bleeding. During the day I could only urinate 1/2 cup of less at a shot and I no longer could tell when I had to go. At night when I fell asleep would become incontinent. Prior to these bladder issues in the prior year before surgery I had uterine fibroids for which were removed by D&C but the bleeding did not go away. I tolerated for the rest of the year bleeding and much pain 2 weeks out of the month and had HMO physician who did not want to do a hysterectomy though fibroids were now growing under the uterine lining. She said no surgery unless my blood count was abnormally low. I have a history of cancer & tx of the cervix in my youth and each month my periods would last 9 days with much clotting and pain. In January of this year, my insurance carrier changed to a PPO and saw a new physician and gyne. They could not believe that a physician would not let me have the option of a hysterectomy. By January the symptoms were getting hard to manage on the job. I was becoming very irritable and it became hard to plan outings without an accident.
In addition to these gyne problems, my asthma was out of control. Prior to surgery I had to get this together of which I couldn't feel better breathing in years, before my chest felt so heavy.
Your website was absolutely wonderful after many internet readings about hysterectomies at other sites. I knew that surgery was the way to go but is often discouraged by the literature. I wanted support and to hear what other women thought in relation to making this decision and their experiences. The dark tunnel I felt so vulnerable and fearful lifted when I started reading your website. I could prepare for the hospital and what to expect afterwards.
The surgeon stated that my uterus was not very pretty and there was a tough fibroid on top of my bladder. She removed an unexpected cyst on one of my ovaries. There were in addition to adhesions on the bladder, some on the colon.
My hospital experience was over the course of two days. The night before surgery I had to do a bowel prep that kept me going until one am. I went to the hystersister website and felt reassured when reading about how for one member the hysterectomy made a positive difference in her life---This helped my fear of surgery as a means to end this physical misery.
All I remember of the surgery is that I dreamt of riding a beautiful golden horse at a picnic and was having the time of my life! However, recovery room was not pleasant--the morphine, versed, and valium did not work--I had such pain and cramping--they had to call in the pain clinic who recommended fentenal which finally worked (I was in recovery for 4 hours). They told me that I was one of the rare few that morphine does not have an effect on. From there onto my room I had a pump with a push button which I used whenever there was a tinge of pain.
From home I brought a bag with the following earplugs which are essential to block out hospital noise, chapstick, mints, cell phone (hard to reach the phone by turning), phone # list, note pad, and pen. I kept this bag in bed with me at all times. I also brought two smoosh pillows for my elbows. I had a foley catheter for urinating. The nurses were nice and the night passed quickly.
The next day the pain pump and foley were removed. I showered and walked the halls. I put on what one hystersister recommended was a silky like moomoo gown which helped to slide in and out of bed easily. In stead of a robe, I brought a thin long sweater coat. Instead of slippers, I brought my slip on gym shoes which made walking easy. For the month prior to surgery I walked for an hour 2-3x a day goal as recommended by a hystersister which helped with my stamina. My visitors I requested to go home at night to sleep so that they could be strong to help out during the day. Overall, the nurses were nice except one who argued about bringing my pain medication on time (as was planned with the day RN a good schedule) one am in the morning and had some major attitude problems. I could not sleep that night for fear of not getting my pain medication and being in the pain of my recovery room experience. The toilet seat was so low and small and I had someone from home bring a binder----Wrong to do. The surgeon the next day instructed me to not use a binder which caused major bruising of my lower parts. I asked to go home early where there was a toilet chair lift already attached, round the clock care of loved ones, and the freedom to just give my own medications. Though I wanted a private room, the hospital ran out of these, so I was sent to a maternity floor where babies are born! For some reason, they had a great influx of births and I was told that there was going to be a big chance of rooming with a new mom--so going home early was a definite goal.
For the ride home, I did what one hystersister recommended which helped greatly: put the swoosh pillows under the seat belts, take a pain pill prior to leaving, and a pull over dress.
Once home, I changed into my silky moomoo gown (best investments), and got into bed. I bought a single siderand attached it to the bed prior to hospital (I do not have posts to attached any pully devices). I slept for 2 hours straight!
Even though I am one week post-op, I don't feel the irritability of previous. I try to keep on track of the pain, now with rest periods. Its wonderful not to have the bleeding. I no longer have night urine incontinence! I did have to retrain myself on bladder emptying (I go several cups at a time and now can feel the urge but there is pain as well). Getting from the bed or chair to standing is still painful (especially the left side-suspect that's where there was the ovarian cyst). To use the easy chair, I have utilized big silk pillows which make the transition easier with my silky gowns. Next week I will make an appointment to see the surgeon, each day the bruises and swelling are going down.
Related Titles
6 days post TAH and feeling great
TAH/LSO May 2011 - Best thing that ever happened to me.
41 tah
My very long story of what led up to my hysterectomy, and now.
I was scared to death ... now its over a year later ...
Recommended for Hysterectomy Recovery
The HysterSisters Store has gathered products made specifically for your recovery from surgery. Here are the best sellers we can recommend to help you:
- The Great Binder Set - We have made it very easy for you and combined the two best binders and the Silky Sac into a great set to save you money! Our favorite is the Perfect Pocket binder with cold/hot packs!
- Deluxe Hyst Prep Set - As you plan, we've gathered the best products into one set for special pricing.
- Post-Op Panty - These great panties speed recovery, and reduces scarring. They contain a medical-grade silicone panel over incision to reduce scar's apperance while they provide support to weakened muscles and tissues from surgery. Excellent!
- Softest Bra Ever - When you want to wear something, but feel nothing. This is the softest bra ever, in microfiber with no hardware or tags to chafe or dig! The comfort-ribbed underband stays in place gently, so it is perfect for sleeping and lounging.
- HysterSisters Accessory Kit - Are you a HysterSisters fan? This set has a fun collection of HysterSisters items.
- Very Private Moisture - Once your doctor gives you the green light for intimacy, this is the stuff! This is a best selling product with a high rate of permanent, satisfied, repeat customers! Relieves vaginal dryness instantly, protects tissue & enhances intimacy.
"Buy it for the problem, use it for the pleasure."
|
|
|
Hysterectomy News
June 18,2013
WEBSITE NEWS
Checking In June NewsletterThe HysterSisters June newsletter has been published and can be accessed on the website here: June 2013 HysterSisters Ch [ More]...
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Store »
Hysterectomy Checkpoints
