My Story (for any one with 2nd thoughts) - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

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My Story (for any one with 2nd thoughts)

My Story (for any one with 2nd thoughts)

From the Abdominal Hysterectomy Stories Articles List

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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
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Hi Everyone:

I have been lurking on the site off and on since I was first diagnosed last February. I don’t want to scare anyone, but I post my story for anyone who may be delaying their surgery for one reason or another.

In February 2008, I had the worst abdominal pain. Thinking it might be appendicitis, I went to my primary care doctor who referred me to a GYN doctor. I had an ultrasound and a MRI, which showed I had two large bilateral ovarian cysts. The doctor told me I could do nothing about it or have them removed. I scheduled surgery for April, but, after a while, I did not have a good feeling about my doctor and her surgical expertise so I cancelled the surgery. A friend of mine referred me to her OB/GYN doctor who had performed a similar surgery for her. However, I changed jobs in April and had to wait for my new insurance to start. I saw the new doctor in July. He confirmed the cysts, but also found fibroids and Stage 4 endometriosis. I scheduled surgery, a total abdominal hysterectomy, for September 24, 2008.

However, on August 21, 2008, I left work early because I was not feeling well. I never recovered and I did not return to work. I could not keep anything I ate or drank down and stronger medication, prescribed by my doctor, did not improve my condition. I did not want to bother my doctor anymore (he never gave me that feeling…it was just how I felt) so I went to the emergency room, up the street from my house on August 24, 2008, with no positive outcome. My condition continued to decline, but on August 30, 2008, I was able to keep some orange juice and ginger ale down and make it to my primary care doctor for my pre-op appointment. She took one look at me, and told me that she was not going to even touch me because I belonged in the hospital. This time, I went to the hospital my OB/GYN was at and was admitted.

At the time of my admission, my hematocrit (red blood cell count) was 17 (it is suppose to be in the 40's) and my white blood cell count was very high. They did a complete body scan and found out my abdomen was full of infection because the cysts ruptured and I was loosing blood internally. I was pumped up with fluids, potassium, iron, procrit, lupron and a host of other things. I was in the Critical Care Unit (CCU) for 8 days. During my time in CCU, I had a PIC line placed in my arm so the IV would not get infected and Interventional Radiology put three drains in my abdominal area (not a pretty site). A complete body scan indicated that I had a blood clot so a filter was inserted. I could not do anything for myself!! This was very humbling (at times humiliating) experience for me since I was use to doing everything for myself.

I went home on September 11, 2008 with the drains, PIC line, and IV antibiotics that I had to self-administer. I also was put on Lovenox and have been self-injecting myself every night. I will hopefully be done with this medication in mid-March. I had nursing visits 3 - 4 times a week to check my blood levels, change my dressings and monitor my vitals. I also had a couple of outpatient procedures and I saw my doctor every week. My Mother and Sister, who are both disabled, put their lives on hold and travelled from Massachusetts (I’m in Maryland) to stay with me in the hospital and care for me at home from September 3 – November 15, 2008. Two local friends looked after my home and cat and did errands during my illness. I recovered enough to withstand surgery (the total abdominal hysterectomy) on October 13, 2008.

I almost died and I owe my life to my doctor and the excellent care I received in and out of the hospital. During this time, I had no household income (I am divorced), since my short-term disability company denied my claim due to my condition being a pre-existing condition. I managed to pay my bills and expenses with savings. My employer and team were very supportive and understanding during this time, so I did not have the extra stress of wondering if I would loose my job, but my physical and mental state stressed me out because I didn’t know if I would have the energy to perform my job. At times, I thought that I had lost my subject matter expertise and would not be able to keep up once I returned. I was able to return to work, part-time, on November 17, 2008 and I started back full-time December 1, 2008.
Needless to say, it has been a very difficult and strenuous time for me. Many lessons learned; however, the two most important ones I have learned are (1) not to think I can always take care of things myself and (2) not to think I’d be bothering my doctor if my situation doesn’t improve.

I am now experiencing insomnia, fatigue, depression, anxiety, hot flashes, night sweats and a few other menopausal issues so I am still lurking and reading posts, but I see the importance of getting involved in sharing experiences in order to get through this period of life and help others.

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My story

My Story 3 weeks post op

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Jennifer Fuson, M.D. 1720 Nicholasville Road Suite 702 Lexington KY 40503 859-264-8811	Megan Bird, M.D. 364 SE 8th Ave, Suite 205 Hillsboro OR 97202 503-681-4145	John Lenihan, M.D. 314 ML King Jr. Way Suite 104 Tacoma WA 98465 253-403-5432

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