First, let me say once again how much I appreciate all the wonderful information on this site, and those who are willing to share their experiences so that others can make more informed decisions and know what they're getting into. I wouldn't have been nearly as prepared for my surgery had it not been for the things I learned on this site.
I had an LSH on Jan 3. Procedure started at 10am, lasted 4.5 hours, and I delivered a 6lb football, er, I mean uterus (in pieces, of course as they had to get it out those little incisions). Back in my room by 4 pm feeling not too bad -- no nausea from anaesthetic, not too much pain. Catheter was out by then. Had demerol for pain and later toradol. Overall, it didn't seem too bad at the time. That night had to have a catheter in and out as I couldn't void (that was pretty awful). Didn't sleep all night -- not a wink...too charged up (oddly) and the noise from the clock and equipment in the room (had private room). Went home just after noon the next day.
Got home about 2pm -- ride home not too bad. Felt terrible and started to get all weepy ("poor me" syndrome, I think). A couple of things I didn't anticipate:
1/ When you have a laproscopic procedure, they pump you full of CO2. As time goes on, it disperses itself throughout your body and makes you VERY achy and stiff. In my case, it went to my shoulders, neck, back, arms and hands and I could hardly move. Pain meds do not seem to do anything for it. This was the worst and made me think I had completely understimated the impact this would have on me. It was worst the first night, but cleared up after about 2 days.
2/ The back of my head hurt alot -- sort of a burning sensation. I think it was from having my head in the same position for 6+ hours and I had a "bed head" sore. You might want to ask them to make sure to rest your head on something soft, though I have no reason to doubt they did that for me. It lasted several days and was very uncomfortable, particularly sleeping on my back (which I don't like doing anyway).
3/ NO MATTER WHAT YOU THINK, the clothes you wore in won't fit you going out (unless you go really baggy!) I wore jeans that were loose (especially since I had stomach virus for 2 days prior to surgery). I was sure they'd be wearable home. I got them on, but they were tight all over -- that was so depressing! I just left them unzipped under my sweater for the ride home.
I did not think there was a light at the end of the tunnel on Saturday...thought I had completely missed the mark in terms of the recovery. I had visions of picking up where I left off in about a week. Well, that's clearly unrealistic...but by Sunday I was much better and feeling more optimistic (there was a light, just couldn't see it yet). On Monday I was even better -- in fact, I worked for about 4 hours (I work from home -- computer and telephone) though a couple of people said I sounded distracted (well duh!). Tues I worked another 4 hours. Wed/Thurs at least 6 and today another 6+.
Completely off the pain meds, have been out on short trips several times already, and can wear my jeans again, though I do have a swelly belly. No doubt about it, I can see that light.
These are just my experiences, but if anyone is wondering about LSH, I can tell you, for me, it's been a relative cakewalk. Don't mean to depress or discourage those who aren't coming along as well as me, but thought it might be helpful for some to know that it CAN be relatively easy.
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