I am a 39yr registered nurse, 5'10" & 150lbs. on Post-op day 11, after having a double surgery. And let me tell you the Hysterectomy is a breeze compared to the hemorroidectomy recovery. I prayed for a quick death with my first BM--LAVA laced with razorblades. Let me back up and explain a little.
I was diasgnosed with SLE (Lupus) at age 16- when I finally started menses (Late bloomer). Because of SLE and my issues with it, I had a Tubal ligation at age 21. About 5 yrs ago I started having cycle problems, occasional 'off cycles' with increase in flow/pain/cramping. Also had episodes of starting cycle then suddenly unable to bleed. The first time it occured I went to E.R.; pain was unbelievable. My uterous was trying to expel the blood but unable. This lasted about 4-5hrs then for whatever reason it would suddenly RELEASE. I would gush blood and pain would stop. This occured about 2 times a year. Along with this I was developing IBS symptoms that led to severe hemorrhoids--not fun. My PCP was informed of this but not concerned and PAPS where normal. She did suggest I see a GYN but I procrastinated. Well this year things got worse. My cycles where showing up to soon and/or lasting tooo long. I had 3 episodes of the unable to bleed thing occur with 2 of them within 2 months. I finally decided enough! and I looked into GYN options thru my insurance. I found an excellent female GYN (No man can understand a uterous problem, just like I won't pretend to understand a prostate!)
Being an RN myself I went to the appt armed with all my info and a detailed cycle history for past year with dates etc... Sex had become painful with after cramping and I was turning my wonderful husband away alot because of the hemorrhoid problem that had grown with the uterous troubles. She listened to all of it and my concerns/questions. She Then did exam, made ultrasound appt., & laid out my options for me. Because of SLE I am not a candidate for hormone therapy d/t flare risk. She said she could try a D+C but we both agreed that I'de most likely just end up back to square one. So that left Hysterectomy, which I had no problems with. I was ready to get rid of the problem. She also told me I could have hemorroids taken care of at same time. She referred me to a Female GI she new well and she agreed to do double surgery after exam of my SEVERE hemorrhoids. Surgery was then scheduled.
On 12/3/2008 I had the surgery. Uterous and cervix removed. It was about 4hrs because of both issues and use of Davinci Lap Assist Robot. Waking up post-op the first thing I noticed was severe bilat shoulder pain (Your on a table with your head/body tilted down >45 degrees for entire surgery. Shoulders are against a hard bumper to keep you from sliding off table). Thank goodness for PCA demerol. I honestly didn't notice much abdominal or rectal pain because the shoulder pain overshadowed it. I was thankful for the urinary catheter and have only vague memories of my night after surgery. They had me on the maternity floor post-op. I was told all post-op Hyst go to this floor. I was very thankful to have compassionate/excellent nursing care. It's not easy being on the other side of the fence.
The next morning I started to notice the abdominal pain and utilized the the PCA alot. I ended up staying 2 nights to get pain under control. I also had trouble getting bladder to work correctly after catheter was removed. I had no rectal pain yet d/t large amt anesthetic MD injected in area--thankfully. The first shower in hospital felt wonderful. The nurse had to help me undress and stand by d/t weakness but the hot water felt wonderful. I stuck to soups and high fiber foods because of fear of developing an ileous (Stagnant bowel) and the pain I new the first BM would cause.
I have 6 Lap site incisions on abdomen. I ended up with an extra d/t having to move a site because of bad location. The site at my Right lower Quadrant, above hip bone, is the most painful/sore d/t being a large lap site for large introducer--MD had warned me of this. My rectal area was extremely bruised and swollen--almost like i still had hemorrhoids. MD said this was normal post-op swelling that would go away SLOWLY. She said she had to do extensive repair of area.
Finally on day 5, I had first BM & I screamed & cryed--husband was beside himself. The cramping and vasovagal spasms agravatted abdominal pain. I have a small pillow that I hug to my abdomen for support and that helps. Sitz baths are soothing for my bottom. I am taking colace 3 x day, minimal demerol, motrin 600mg every 6 hrs, and carefully choosing foods. I made the mistake of eating chinese food on day 8 and suffered that night with abdominal cramps/pain, little sleep, and bad BM next day.
I am now 11 days post-op and rectally I am much improved with less swelling and pain, not easy but easier. My abdomen has a constant dull ache that occassionally flares. My right lower quadrant to my pelvic bone is tender to touch and I have a burning pain. I assume it's because of the large probe used there. I will be seeing surgeons in 4 days for follow up; they both have been calling to check on me and answer questions.
Overall I am extremely pleased with my recovery & it's progressing as they told me it would. I am relaxing/resting alot and do minimal around house. Movies and books are my excitement. I find that if I sit at 90 degree angle or more that the abdomen aches worse so I have to be slightly reclined.
I would advise anyone whom conciders a double surgery like I had to really contumplate how painful the first 5-6 days will be. You need to be strong of will for this. I chose to have both at once because I only wanted surgery once. Being a nurse, I wanted to avoid anesthesia x 2 with 2 lengthy recoveries and opted to get it over with in one shot.
I will be out of work 6-8weeks & MD was very adament about NO LIFTING. I have plenty sick time and short term disability & supportive/wonderful husband, so time off isn't a problem for me. My nurse manager is crying though, she has to figure out coverage.
Sorry this is lengthy but I needed to give the full picture. I will update progress in a week after follow up with MD's
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