12/15/09 TVAH 1 week into post op recovery - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

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12/15/09 TVAH 1 week into post op recovery

12/15/09 TVAH 1 week into post op recovery

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

I had had huge fibroids that caused lots of menstrual mayhem over the last 9 or 10 years. I had stubbornly held onto the notion that by not having a hysterectomy, not only would I avoid having to be off work for 8 weeks, but, I would also avoid going into early menopause.

My doctor finally convinced me this past 2 months, after abnormal cervical and uterine lining cells showed up on the pap smear, then the colposcopy, then the hysteroscopy. I did some reading, and found hyster sisters, and decided that getting a hysterectomy would be better than getting either cervical or uterine cancer. My sister just had a radical mastectomy, and said that taking progesterone, my other option, and having an annual biopsy, was not a good thing to do, as her cancer doctor had told her that her breast tumor was caused by the use of progesterone.

Plus, in the intervening years, I've become self-employed, and moved my office home, so I don't have to worry too much about being off completely for the full 8 weeks. Being a financial advisor, I just didn't want to take that much time off, and be out of touch with what was happening to my clients' accounts.

Well, the surgery went better than I could have imagined! The anesthetist gave me a spinal block, with light general anesthesia and a nausea patch behind my left ear. I did fine. I was terrified going in for the hysteroscopy about a month earlier, and my blood pressure had spiked as they set me up in the surgery theatre, so for the hysterectomy, they gave me some relaxing meds before taking me into the surgery room, and my blood pressure didn't spike out of fear.

The day of surgery, I had a friend who came and sat with me, who had all the phone numbers of my kids (all out of state) and siblings and friends that she needed to notify when I came out of surgery. My family was so grateful for the good news, as was I, since I was incapable of doing anything but sleeping. She sat in my room all day, and kept a watch over me as I slept and the hospital staff came in and out, and several visitors stopped by. The hospital nursing staff was great. They checked vitals and turned me over and gave me pain meds and I was never really in much pain at all.

Day 2, I got the catheter out, got the packing out of my vagina, got out of bed, sat in a chair, ate breakfast and lunch, took a sitz bath, and walked the halls. Later that day, I got out. I found out that my health insurance only covered 1 day for VAH, so I needed t o get out before midnight of day 2. This has just changed recently, and caught my doctor and I by surprise, so check ahead of time with your health insurance company.

For the ability to get out so quickly, and feel so good, I would highly recommend the vaginal hysterectomy. I am sore and tired, and not nearly as energetic as normal yet, but at the end of week 1, I am hopeful that I will continue to recover ahead of schedule as long as I don't overdo it. I had been fearful of not being able to go upstairs in my house, but because my abdomen was not cut or pulled apart, I have been able to go upstairs every day since arriving home.

I am looking forward to being able to ride or drive in a car again, since I live alone. But, yesterday, a friend picked me up to go out to eat for another friend's birthday. I will have to say that being in a car this soon was not very comfortable. The dinner lasted a lot longer than I thought it would, so I was grateful to get home after 3 hours - and needed pain meds and rest. I also can't wait to get back to my daily workouts, but know that I will have to work up to it slowly. I am content taking small walks and using the stairs in my home til I can once again exercise.

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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."

12 months since LATVH

13 day-by-day LAVH - A Saga

Find A Doctor Near You

Megan Daw, M.D. Western Carolina Women's Specialty Center 2100 Ridgefield Blvd Asheville NC 28806 828-670-5665	Byungyol Chun, M.D. Northern Essex Women's Health 360 Merrimack St Entrance G Lawrence MA 01843 978-557-9060	Kimberly Newman, M.D. 10030 Edison Square Drive Suite 100A Concord NC 28027 704-403-7670
Scott Dinesen, M.D. 599 W State Street Suite 301 Doylestown PA 18901 215 489-2066	Ken Sinervo, M.D. 1140 Hammond Dr., Ste. F6220 Atlanta GA 30328 770-913-0001	Molly Senokozlieff, M.D. 9279 A Medical Plaza Dr. North Charleston SC 29406 843-569-2900
Susan Carter, M.D. North Colorado Medical Center/ MCR 1800 15th Street, Suite 220 Greeley CO 80631 970 353 1335	Melvin Ashford, M.D. 2603 White Bear Avenue N Maplewood MN 55109 651-600-3035	Megan Bird, M.D. 364 SE 8th Ave, Suite 205 Hillsboro OR 97202 503-681-4145

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