TVH on 11/18/02--my castle visit - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

		HysterSisters > Vaginal Hysterectomy Stories Articles
TVH on 11/18/02--my castle visit

TVH on 11/18/02--my castle visit

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 received so much information to prepare before my surgery that I felt maybe someone could receive the same from my story. I really hope this will ease some anxiety for someone--I was amazed at how easy this surgery ended up being.

I had to be at the hospital by 9:00am on Monday morning. I had pre-op Thurs. and a blood test Wed. That is all the pre-op tests that I had. Doc gave me an anitibiotic to take Sunday evening to prevent infection as well as a sleeping pill (which I had requested). I did not have to do a bowel prep!! I arrived at 9:00am and they took me to my room by 9:30. I requested the anethesiologist (spelled wrong, so I'll call him my sleeping doc), insert my IV after having very bad past experiences. I have very small veins. I did not get anything to calm my nerves before surgery, and I walked (yes, walked) to the OR with a nurse at 11:15am. The OR was very cold, and they have you stretch out both arms (nothing like feeling you will be spread eagle--literally!! LOL!!). Then they pulled a plastic sheet over me which blew in hot air and felt wonderful. I felt the sleeping medicine (burning sensation) begin and before I felt it very much, I was asleep.

The surgery lasted about an hour and 15 minutes. I woke in recovery and the lady next to me was very crabby. I asked for pain med. and told her my pain was a 9-10. But really it wasn't an intense 9-10. She kept giving me med., but the pain didn't change at all. (at least in my mind--I'm sure it helped some) just didn't feel like it. I got back to my room very wide awake. Asked for more pain medication and could bet 3 types. Morphine was the strongest but took the longest to take effect. I chose the morphine. Darn nurse wouldn't give it to me. Talked me into another. My blood pressure dropped to 70/58 and then she wouldn't give me anything. Finally moved my legs for about 10 minutes and got something--although still not the morphine. That nurse finally left and another came on. I asked for pain med. and the nurse asked why I hadn't had morphine. She gave me that and I could finally relax. Although I still couldn't sleep. The pain wasn't intense, but just enough that my body couldn't relax and sleep. The pain med. did not knock me out. So I was awake until 3:00am and finally dozed off and on.

Next day, mean nurse was back and informed me I could have nothing for pain as they wanted to wean me off it. My doc had just left and told me I wouldn't go home til after 5:00pm and he would prescribe pain medication to go home with. Why can I have it at home and not at the hospital. I was beginning to hurt badly and asked another nurse who immediately told me doc ordered it on my chart and I could have it. Mean nurse came in and informed me I needed to stay off it. I was getting so fustrated and hurt so bad, I begin to cry. She gets fed up and left. Didn't see her the rest of my stay. Nice nurse got me meds and that was it. Doc sent me home with a supply of pain medication for 3 days. I really only need it at night now (3 days later). Sleeping hurts the worst.

I didn't have a catheter either. I was small enough that the doc said we'd try without it. I had to go on my own by 6 (which I did) and everything was fine. Also, I bled very little, during and after surgery, so I did not have any packing--another plus. Doc sent me home with a mild laxative as pain meds can make you constipated. I'm still waiting for that body function.

One thing that did annoy me with my mean nurse, is that I know which pain is gas pain and which is uterus removal pain. She insisted I just had gas pains. I had those too, and those could be pretty intense, but there is a definate difference in the two feelings. Make sure you tell the nurses you do know the difference, (if you do). The nurses that had this surgery were much more understanding!! All my nurses, except mean one, were wonderful!!!

Went home Tues. evening about 7 pm. Still haven't slept much. What was weird is that I went into the hospital weighing 102 and came home weighing 110. Some swelling and I still can't wear anything with elastic, but since I've eaten much less, you'd think I would lose weight. Not the case!! So my clothes still don't fit.

I had many many fibroids, much more than the doc thought and about 4 were golf ball size. I feel really good now, but if I overdo, I do pay. I wish there was a chart that beeped if you start to overdo it. I feel like I can do anything--stairs, mall, clean, drive, but not trying it. I'm being a good girl!!! Please email me if you have any specific questions. Don't worry, this was really not that bad. If I had to recommend it, I would--much easier than natural childbirth!!

Tracey
mt10@mchsi.com

Printer Friendly Version

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."

TVH Oct 4-Now 4 days post-op

TVH on 12.7.10

Find A Doctor Near You

Tamer Seckin, M.D. 872 FIFTH AVE NEW YORK NY 10065 2129881444	Amie Napier, M.D. Medical City Hospital 7777 Forest Lane Suite A331 Dallas TX 75230 9725667760	Marshall Bovelsky, M.D. 200 Banning St Suite 320 Dover DE 19904 302-674-0223
Brad Cohen, M.D. 2477 Route 516 Suite 103 Old Bridge NJ 08857 732-679-6900	Megan Daw, M.D. Western Carolina Women's Specialty Center 2100 Ridgefield Blvd Asheville NC 28806 828-670-5665	Ellen Wilson, M.D. 5323 Harry Hines Blvd - Dept of OBGYN Dallas TX 75390 214-648-4747
Robert Furr, M.D. Women's Surgery Center 1604 Gunbarrel Road Chattanooga TN 37421 4238996511	Sean Kossari, M.D. 14901 Rinaldi Street Suite 320 Mission Hills CA 91345 818-365-1616	Clifford Rogers, M.D. The Everett Clinic, Dept. of Surgery and Gynecology 1330 Rockefeller Ave, Suite 120 Everett WA 98201 425 339 5424

Receive support and resources for your hysterectomy related needs: