LAVH/BSO - Day at the Beach - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

		HysterSisters > Vaginal Hysterectomy Stories Articles
LAVH/BSO - Day at the Beach

LAVH/BSO - Day at the Beach

From the Vaginal 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

Hi there,
I will attempt to quickly tell of my experience with LAVH/BSO. My surgery was October 26, 1999.

My day started with a nice drive to the Beach(I mean hospital) at 5AM. I had to be there for check in by 5:30. That was probably the worst part, sitting in that room with all those other people who were about to have surgery. Anyway then they took me into this other area drew some blood gave me a shot of heparin and did a rather complete physical evalutaion. After that I was taken to the pre-op area where the anesthesia guy came to talk to me. First I got some med student who wanted to put my IV in my right hand(I am right handed) I told him he was welcome to do that as long as he planned to spend the first 24hrs in my room to feed me, I explained to him that I eat alot. He did not seem to like that idea, and when the real doctor came he somehow managed to find a vein on my left side. I was thinking I might have to do the procedure for this younger guy but luckily an expert showed up. I do not have any phobias about needles or IV, and frankly can barely feel them. I had this one in the crook of my elbow in the place where they would normally draw blood, and I have to say that it was WAY more comfortable long term than when they put them in your hand. I did not know they could do them this way but will always ask for that if I needan IV in the future.

At that point while talking to the anesthesiologist...I guess I went to sleep because that is the last thing I remember. I was glad that they put me to sleep before the operating room because that is just plain scarey looking and this way was so much easier.

When I awoke, I remember thinking that I did not hurt that much. I also remembered being glad I could see. I learned from my last surgery that the hospital always wants to take your glasses away, and I am blind as a bat without my glasses which adds to fear and confusion and I did not want that, so I asked if my doctor would take my glasses and she told me to tell them to tape my glasses case to the chart and not to let them tell me to do otherwise. That's what I did and I woke up in recovery with them on. The only pain I had at that point was rectal pain. I had a morphine pump but somehow it did not touch this intense pressure/pain. I was later told that this is from the bruising during a vaginal hysterectomy and later checked for myself and yes there were bruises. It seemed like a rather short time until I was in my room, and doing pretty well. I had those blow up things on my legs, but no catheter, so naturally the first thing I had to do was go to the bathroom. I told the nurse I had to go to the bathroom and she wanted to bring me a bed pan but I told her I wanted to get up cuz I hate bedpans. Getting up took about 4 tries before I could do it without passing out. It was actually a bit comical, and I am sure the morphine made it even funnier. When I finally got to the bathroom they sat me down and I couldn't go...they turned the water on etc and nothing. So back to bed. We did this drill about 3 times before I finally had success and I was glad that I did not have to deal with the catheter again. Urinating was very slow at first from the swelling and I was intensely thirsty so I had to go every few minutes..... the nurses said I could dispense with the leggings since I was up more than I was down. They could not believe how well I was doing. The walking seemed to right the rectal pain thing so I was feeling very good and not really using the pump all that much. I could honestly not even tell except for feeling woozy that I had had major surgery. I got a roommate shortly after me who had a surgery to remove an ectopic pregnancy, and the poor thing could not move or get up. Her husband kept telling her..."Look at your roommate, she has had a total hysterectomy and she is all over the place and you are just laying there". She did not have a pump and I think that makes a big difference.

My stay was rather uneventful I was eating and going to the bathroom, and my phone kept ringing, which was nice because I felt good and talking on the phone was good medicine. I went home the following day in the evening. My doctor gave me the option of one more day but I wanted to be in my own bed. Of course when the time came to get in the car and go I wanted to change my mind, but all in all I did fine.

I came home on tylenol 3 and anaprox. I am allergic to percoset and all the others like that make me hyper and itchy. This drug combo worked fine for me and I could sleep very well. I stayed on the pain pills for the first 2 days home and then because I was constipated I decided to stop taking them. Interestingly enough I stopped and did not notice a dramatic pain so I figured I really did not need them. I really believe that my pain from the surgery not counting the rectal pain right after surgery was way less that what I was experiencing every month. About 8hrs after stopping the meds my constipation finally cleared and then of course it seems I could not stop going, but I have heard that is common. I took acidopholus and that seemed to help normalize things in a hurry.

I have to say even the night after my surgery I felt better than I had in years. I can not explain it, but something was different. Besides no pain I had more energy in a certain way. Hmmmm maybe it was the morphine???

In closing I must say that my trip to the beach turned out to be very relaxing and I feel like a new woman.
Love to all,

Printer Friendly Version

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."

LAVH/BSO - Castle Story

LAVH/BSO - Doing Great

Find A Doctor Near You

Sherry L Neyman, M.D. Renaissance Women's Group 12201 Renfert Way Ste 200 Austin TX 78758 512-425-3875	Brad Cohen, M.D. 2477 Route 516 Suite 103 Old Bridge NJ 08857 732-679-6900	John Lenihan, M.D. 314 ML King Jr. Way Suite 104 Tacoma WA 98465 253-403-5432
David Mainman, M.D. Desert Bloom Obstetrics & Gynecology 6452 E. Carondelet Drive, Suite A Tucson AZ 85710 520-885-5300	Jennifer Hayes, M.D. Visionary Centre for Women 2695 Ulmerton Rd Clearwater FL 33762 727-540-0414	Richard W Farnam, M.D. 1700 N. Oregon Suite 520 El Paso TX 79902 9155335600
Mayra J. Thompson, M.D. 5323 Harry Hines Blvd Dept OBGYN Dallas TX 75290 214-645-3888	James Kondrup, M.D. 161 Riverside Drive Suite 109 Binghamton NY 13905 607-770-7074	Kimberly Newman, M.D. 10030 Edison Square Drive Suite 100A Concord NC 28027 704-403-7670

Receive support and resources for your hysterectomy related needs: