TAH/BSO - thrilled - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

		HysterSisters > Abdominal Hysterectomy Stories Articles
TAH/BSO - thrilled

TAH/BSO - thrilled

From the Abdominal Hysterectomy Stories Articles List

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

Aloha girlfriends,
I am now 6 days from my surgery and feel GREAT --some pain, but no meds-- I want to use the discomfort to keep myself from overdoing things.
On Aug.2, I got a diagnosis from an MRI for lots of fibroids and of 2 ovarian masses, suspicious for ovarian cancer. Needless to say, I was shocked and devasted!
As a health professional, I immediately kicked into survival mode--stopped my BioHRT, went on a cleanse, took massive vitamins, researched cancer clinics in Europe and met with the top GYN/oncologist in our state (since I live in Hawaii, this means flying to Oahu). My CA-125 was elevated and a 2nd test 2 weeks later climbed another 30%.
The meeting with the Oncologist went great, he liked my 2 pages of questions and we set up my surgery for last Thur. I particularly emphasized his using his impecible surgical technique to help prevent adhesions as tissues mishandled or dried out can be a main cause.
I got lots of good ideas from the Sisters--back scratcher (the epidural makes you itch like crazy)Gas-X, belly pillow, lip balm, cough drops for the sore throat, etc. The 1st time I coughed I thought I was completely torn up inside! The 1st thing I took after becoming conscious was a Bach Flower Remedy called Rescue Remedy (for the shock) and then another one called Traumeel drops (a suped up arnica) and took them frequently the 3 days in the hospital. (Still am taking the Traumeel) As soon as there were bowel sounds and I could eat, I started on Wobenzme enzymes--from Germany they are very well researched to help healing, digesting the by products of inflammation if taken between meals, helping digest food if taken with meals. I am still taking 8 doses daily. The nurse came in on my 2nd day and said this was the 1st time she's seen it on someones chart that they could take their own meds. (All available at health food stores) I also brought a thermos of peppermint/ginger tea for gas--it was pretty bad, so no idea if it helped.
Everybody, including the surgeon has been very impressed with my healing --walked a mile the 2nd day in the hospital, a routine of getting up every few hours; cough, pee and head out down the halls. Even in the middle of the night, when I couldn't go back to sleep I would wander our floor or another one. I was then able to drop off again easily. After having the Mother of All hot flashes, I started up again on my Bio HRT--yea!
And one of the BEST remedies was having an Ipod loaded with 25 CDs of my favorite music and good headphones--the room was SO noisy and the roomie with lots of visitors & a terrible smokers cough ceased to bother me at all! I wore it all night long. Also brought my cell phone and charger, so I could call my loved ones with the good news. An eyemask was nice since the lights were left on all night and I used earplugs also.
My pathology report came back 2 days ago, 100% benign. Absolutely a HUGE RELIEF!! I have had fibroids for 14 years and never wanted to get the recommended hysterectomy, but now am pretty happy that it's done. One large one was pedunculated & 11.5cm. & was resting on the bladder(and the ovary) so I can now go all night w/o getting up to pee and another was impinging the bowel. The pedunculated one had been twisting on it's stalk for a few years, recently increasing in frequency and intensity, very painful and potentially life threatening as it could become necrotic (and actually was, which caused the misreading on the MRI) and gangrenous. So now all that heavy (6lbs) blood and energy draining matter is gone and I feel great. Seriously--no fatigue, just the normal discomfort from being cut open (6" incision to get out the largest fibroids) and having ones innards removed, but not bad enough to need an aspirin. I avoid analgesics anyway and my surgeon said the more people take the more they need to.
It is important to know that Tylenol, Ibuprophen products can be very hard on your liver--ALWAYS take them with food and avoid alcohol and NEVER take more than what is recommended..Especially if you are combining products. Read the labels. New research shows that is especially true for women as we have smaller body masses and livers. Acetaphenomen use is the #1 cause of liver transplants in this country, so use it wisely. The Vicodin or Percocet are opiate based, and contribute to constipation so if you are having trouble in that area, that might be a cause. Lots of extra Vit. C and Magnesium powder will loosen stools , reduce pain and speed healing.
Taking a tip from a sister, I had organic applesauce with ground flaxseeds for breakfast and home made soup the rest of the time, that DH brought me.
Well that's enough--hope there are some ideas that can help others. With the help of 3 MDs I have also put together a list of the best supplements for healing both pre and post op. If there is interest I can post that also.
Much aloha, mermaid567 TAH/BSO 54 yrs old

Printer Friendly Version

Related Titles

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."

TAH/BSO - This wasn't supposed to happen to me!

TAH/BSO - Thus far, the wait was the worst part!

Find A Doctor Near You

Bret Lewis, M.D. 5780 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Ste 295 (#2 Location) 11975 Morris Rd., Ste. 310 , Alpharetta, GA 30004 Atlanta GA 30342 404-255-3633	Jennifer Hayes, M.D. Visionary Centre for Women 2695 Ulmerton Rd Clearwater FL 33762 727-540-0414	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	David Mainman, M.D. Desert Bloom Obstetrics & Gynecology 6452 E. Carondelet Drive, Suite A Tucson AZ 85710 520-885-5300	Robert Furr, M.D. Women's Surgery Center 1604 Gunbarrel Road Chattanooga TN 37421 4238996511
Arnold Advincula, M.D. Florida Hospital Celebration Health 400 Celebration Place Celebration FL 34747 (407) 303-4573	Christopher Stroud, M.D. 11123 Parkivew Plaza Drive Suite 101 Fort Wayne IN 46845 2609695071	Megan Bird, M.D. 364 SE 8th Ave, Suite 205 Hillsboro OR 97202 503-681-4145

Receive support and resources for your hysterectomy related needs: