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SHARING IS CARING

Hysterectomy at 19

From the Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Stories Articles List

I have dealt with endometriosis and then adenomyosis for 4 1/2 years prior to making my decision to have a hysterectomy. We have tried everything from birth control to Lupron (do not EVER use, there are horrible side effects), from nerve blocks to acupuncture. Nothing worked and I was out of options. I then found Dr. <> He removed my endometriosis and severed my nerves for my adenomyosis. They both worked. Somehow, my adenomyosis pain came back even though my nerves on my uterus were severed. It was time to be done with my excruciating and debilitating 24/7 pain.

I did a bowel prep and was on a clear liquid diet the night before and was fasting the day of surgery. I had my pre op appointment at 8:30 a.m., then went straight to the hospital.

We were admitted and I went to get ready for surgery. My I.V. was hooked up when they then gave me a sedative to relax. My doctor came in, prayed with me and my family, then I was wheeled to the O.R. I scooted onto the operating table and let them finish getting set up. My surgeon then held my hand, we all prayed again and he continued to hold my hand until I was under.

I woke up in quite a bit of pain, which is normal after surgery. After all, they had taken my cervix, my uterus, and my fallopian tubes. I was drifting in and out of consciousness for a while before I was able to stay awake for a fairly long time. I was taken to my room where I was set up with more I.V. pain meds, which helped. My assigned nurse wasboth a wonderful nurse and a blessing. At 19, having a hysterectomy was a grieving process that I had mostly come to terms with, but was still having trouble with. It turns out that my nurse was 21 when she had her hysterectomy because of cancer. She now has 2 adopted kids and is just so happy. It was a true blessing and sign of God to be able to see light at the end of the tunnel of my tough decision and the resulting grief.

I am now about 3 weeks post opp and my doctor says I'm healing fine and my pain is still normal. For my surgery, he expects a 6 week recovery. I couldn't sit up by myself for about 1.5 - 2 weeks, but I am doing more everyday. The key to recovery is to test your limits by doing a little more each day than the day before without overdoing it. Believe me, you will know when you are overdoing it. Start slow, even if you feel well. Too much too soon is a good way to screw up your way to recovery. Just take it easy. You'll be fine!

I hope that somehow I can help someone that is going through something similar, whatever age they may be.



SHARING IS CARING

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