TLH - Star Trek Surgery - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

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TLH - Star Trek Surgery

TLH - Star Trek Surgery

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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
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Hi Everyone-
I just found this site nine months after my total laprascopic hysterectomy. To me, this amazing, relatively painless surgery is like something out of the old Star Trek series. After reading other people's experieces, it seems maybe I was luckier than a lot of people in that my pain was very slight. The only intense pain I felt was immediately upon awakening. I had vomited waking up, so they kept me under an extra two hours until they could bring me up without getting sick. It hurt a lot then, but for a very short time. By the time they were wheeling me back to my room I was doing OK.
My problem was with vomiting. Unfortunately, the bowel prep made me sick and I threw up all night along with everything going out the other end. Since I had driven three hours (or been driven) to the surgery, I really didn't want to have to reschedule.
I was given IV painkillers and something else besides morphine in the self-administered pump because of the nausea. Whatever it was, it worked, but I kept throwing up. The nurses told me it was from the pain medication, and I finally figured out, oh, if I stop hitting the pump I'll stop puking!
So I limited myself to once an hour, and was fine at that. The next morning they took out the IV and pump, and then I was given a dose of oral darvocet.
The WORST part of it was the catheter, which I was begging them to remove. I think it must have pulled out a bit as I tossed and turned at night. When they finally took that out I was dandy and able to pee with no problem!
Just a little over 24 hours after surgery I was walking out of the hospital (because the wheelchair never came and I got tired of waiting for it). I took ONE more darvocet for the three hour, very rough ride home, and that was it.
Once home, I was comfortable in bed and had a nice little vacation for two weeks with no driving, no cooking, etc. I required NO more pain medication. I was very sore, but it was like I had done 5,000 crunches. I had no pain from the surgery other than that muscle soreness.
I started walking that day, and three days later was walking for 20-30 minutes around the pond at a nearby park.
The biggest problem I had was with getting my digestive system working again. Although I was supposed to go home with a stool softener, it somehow slipped through the cracks. By the third or fourth day I found my self EXTREMELY constipated, to the point where I considered going to the emergency room because I was so uncomfortable and just blocked up. I got the stool softeners and actually ended up having to use a fleet enema to get things going.Ouch!
So TAKE THE STOOL SOFTENER!!!!!!!
I was very tired, but it was a wonderful excuse for an overworked mom to be able to take a nap everyday, or just be too tired to...cook dinner, wash the dishes, vacuum the floor, etc.
Ha! Like many moms- the only time you really get a vacation is at a time like this! I would say it took about six months to get back to a good energy level, during which I have to admit I did say on a few occasions, "gee, my energy level just isn't completely back yet after that surgery, think I'll go lie down and read a book".
So I have to say I actually enjoyed my little mini-break.
I have read other people's stories who had this same surgery (total lap hyst.- she took everything, ovaries, cervix, etc.) who had quite a bit of pain for several weeks afterwards. I guess I was lucky in that I only had real pain for one day. After that it was managable soreness - didn't even need a tylenol
My diagnosis, unknown before surgery but suspected by the surgeon, was adenomyosis, which explained the pint of blood lost and horrible pain I went through every month.
I think that I did really well with the surgery for a couple of reasons. Number one- I was so worn out, physically and emotionally from having to deal with the shocking amount of blood loss and pain every month, that the pain of the surgery was nothing compared to what I went through every month.
The other thing that REALLY helped me is that my insurance company sent me a visualization cd to listen to before and after surgery. It puts you through a guided relaxation session where you visualize yourself going through surgery, the surgery going well with little bleeding and pain, etc. Then it helps you visualize yourself doing something you love to help you recover- for me it was picturing myself ice skating in the beautiful outdoor rink at Squaw Valley. So when I became scared, uncomfortable, or in pain, I would listen to my tape and feel myself gliding across the ice, pain and blood free and happy!
Oddly enough, after the surgery, the doctor came and talked to me and what she said was like a quote from the tape. The surgery was perfect, lost only about a t-spoon of blood, etc. So I guess there really is something to that new age visualization stuff!
Finally, I guess having a positive attitude about what you are doing and why you are doing it is important. I was SOOOOO ready to be done with the pain and bleeding, that for me it was an exciting positive step and one that I have never regretted for even an instant!

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Recommended for Hysterectomy Recovery

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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."

TLH - so far so good!

TLH - Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Find A Doctor Near You

Lauren Streicher, M.D. Gynecologic Specialists of Northwestern, S.C 680 N. Lake Shore Dr., Suite 117 Chicago IL 60611 (312)654-1166	Emily Cunningham, M.D. 1720 Nicholasville Road Suite 702 Lexington KY 40503 859-264-8811	Amie Napier, M.D. Medical City Hospital 7777 Forest Lane Suite A331 Dallas TX 75230 9725667760
Michele Cowling, M.D. 303 Nicollet Blvd Burnsville MN 55337 952.460.4000	Jack Ayoub, M.D. 44035 Riverside Parkway Suite 435 Leesburg VA 20176 703.858.5599	Ellen Wilson, M.D. 5323 Harry Hines Blvd - Dept of OBGYN Dallas TX 75390 214-648-4747
Mayra J. Thompson, M.D. 5323 Harry Hines Blvd Dept OBGYN Dallas TX 75290 214-645-3888	Jennifer Fuson, M.D. 1720 Nicholasville Road Suite 702 Lexington KY 40503 859-264-8811	Siobhan Kehoe, M.D. Gynecological Oncology Clinic - SW Med 2201 Inwood Road Suite 106 Dallas TX 75390 214-645-4673

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