TAH - My Story - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

		HysterSisters > Abdominal Hysterectomy Stories Articles
TAH - My Story

TAH - My Story

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

I suffered with excessive bleeding and cramping for almost two years. When my symptoms began my GYN sent me for testing which turned up several fibroids. After unsuccessfully trying several different birth control pills (with various levels of hormones) to try to control the bleeding, we finally opted for the “permanent” solution – a total abdominal hysterectomy.

Years ago I had laser surgery for dysplasia, so keeping my cervix was not an option. Fortunately my ovaries were healthy and I was able to keep them, as I am not a good candidate for HRT due to a family cancer history.

My surgery was scheduled approximately a month in advance so I began searching the Internet for further information. Finding Hyster Sisters was a lifesaver and I followed most of the preparation tips and learned what further questions to ask my doctor. I also had just started a weight loss and exercise program so I could lose 10 lbs. before going in for surgery. I truly believe I wouldn’t be feeling as good as I feel today (one week after surgery) had I not boosted my strength and stamina prior to the surgery!

DAY 1: I arrived at the hospital at 9:00 am for an 11:00 am surgery. The doctor ran late, so surgery didn’t actually begin until about 12:30 or 1:00 p.m. My doctor chose to give me an epidural AND general anesthesia for the procedure, for what she told me would provide more optimal pain control than the PCA (a device that allows the patient to push a button for pain meds to drip into their IV as needed). I don’t know how better the pain control was (I was very comfortable once I awoke from surgery, around 4:30 p.m., and they set the drip correctly), but the epidural did cause some unexpected complications.

DAY 2: The day after my surgery (the epidural still in place), a nurse came and removed my catheter and tried to get me up to walk. The epidural caused one of my legs to go numb so I could only drag that leg, holding on to the nurse and the IV stand. Because I couldn’t walk, and apparently because of how the epidural anesthesia was working, my bladder wouldn’t work. The nurses starting pumping major fluids into me, but my bladder still wouldn’t work, so back in went the catheter. Late in the afternoon the anesthesiologist stopped by to see how I was doing and started having a debate with the nursing staff as to how much longer the epidural should be in. He told them if I expected to go home the next day it needed to come out now so I could start walking. They seemed to think it was supposed to stay in until the next day but he kept saying “no way!” Finally, he just turned to me and said “Do you want the epidural out so you can get your legs back and walk?” I said, “YES!” So out it came.

By early evening my legs worked again and I was able to start walking. They took the catheter out again and lo and behold, my bladder started working – too well. Because of all the fluids pumped into me I was up every hour on the hour going to the bathroom for the rest of the night. That meant NO SLEEP, as I truly was up EVERY HOUR. I guess although I was peeing, my bladder wasn’t completely emptying so I had to keep getting up. Also – I was still hooked up to the IV, still pumping fluids. Getting in and out of bed was not too comfortable either!

DAY 3: Morning came and I asked the nurse if I could take a shower. She said yes and unhooked the IV leaving the little funnel thing in my hand so they could re-attach it if necessary I guess. I couldn’t believe they didn’t just take it out because I was supposed to go home that day!

The shower felt great, and I was able to do it all by myself. I sat on the shower stool to wash my legs and feet, but I really had no problem. My DR came by to check on me and told me I could be released after breakfast. I was thrilled! When breakfast came I was served a liquid breakfast (had been on liquids foods since day one), and shortly after finishing it they brought me a SOLID breakfast! Nurses said they screwed up, that I was supposed to eat solid food to be sure it stayed down okay before I could go home! Well, I barely had an appetite anyway, so after eating my first breakfast there was no way I could even touch the second one! That meant I would have to wait until lunchtime to eat and be allowed to leave.

I called my husband to warn him not to come up until around lunchtime so he wouldn’t be sitting around waiting. Soon, my lunch arrived, I choked down what I could (still no appetite), but kept it down so I was released! The nurse didn’t even take my little IV funnel out of my hand until right before I left, but thankfully had not hooked me back up!

BACK HOME: After arriving home to my family room converted to recovery room, I continued to need to pee every hour on the hour until well into the wee hours of the morning. The first two days home were pretty rocky. I couldn’t really get comfortable and stay comfortable, but I was really trying to stay off the pain pills. Plus my husband was recovering from bronchitis and I didn’t want to sleep in our bedroom, so just stayed on the family room couch.

By day three home, I finally slept in my regular bed and things got better and better after that. Although it was hard for me to even think I would be feeling like I do at this writing (seven days after surgery), I now can honestly say I feel pretty good. Still moving a little slow, but I’m walking several times a day, make my own breakfast and lunch, prefer to sit up and watch TV, read, etc. rather than laying down, and have learned how to cough and not die of pain!

I am having no problem with bladder, bowels, or gas, and I didn’t get sick from the anesthesia so that was a BIG plus! Just today I went and had my incision checked (bikini cut with dissolvable stitches and little sterile tape strips) and DR said I look textbook perfect. I’m keeping my fingers crossed things continue to go well during the rest of my recovery!

To all those anticipating up-coming surgery hang in there! Read, learn, and prepare as much as you can ahead of time. I think you’ll find it well worth the work. I know I will NEVER miss the bleeding and cramping I’d been coping with. A few days of discomfort to never have those problems again, yep, it’s worth it!

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 - My Story

Find A Doctor Near You

Charles Miller, M.D. 120 Osler Drive Suite 100 Naperville IL 60540 630-428-2229	Megan Bird, M.D. 364 SE 8th Ave, Suite 205 Hillsboro OR 97202 503-681-4145	Mayra J. Thompson, M.D. 5323 Harry Hines Blvd Dept OBGYN Dallas TX 75290 214-645-3888
Molly Senokozlieff, M.D. 9279 A Medical Plaza Dr. North Charleston SC 29406 843-569-2900	Stephen Zweibach, M.D. 815 S Parsons Ave Brandon FL 33511 8135712777	Lauren Streicher, M.D. Gynecologic Specialists of Northwestern, S.C 680 N. Lake Shore Dr., Suite 117 Chicago IL 60611 (312)654-1166
Mini Somasundaram, M.D. 4845 Knightsbridge Boulevard Suite 220 Columbus OH 43214 (614) 583-5552	Quanita Crable, M.D. 8160 Walnut Hill Lane Ste. LL-001 Dallas TX 75231 (469)364-3764	Michele Cowling, M.D. 303 Nicollet Blvd Burnsville MN 55337 952.460.4000

Receive support and resources for your hysterectomy related needs: