Catherine - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

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Catherine

Catherine

From the Staff Bios 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'm Catherine, and one of the hostesses here at Hystersisters.com. I'm also the lady sitting behind the "Help Desk". I'm a widow with three adult children, two boys and a girl, and I have a wonderful son-in-law. I have two beautiful grandchildren, a boy and a girl, and I live in Rhode Island.

My journey to the Land of Hyster began in July, 1998. My fibroids were continuing to grow and were causing pressure on my bladder. I was finding myself in the bathroom every hour or two, and sleeping through the night was impossible. The heavy bleeding had also caused me to be anemic. My hysterectomy was scheduled for September, 1998, but as my date approached, I became more and more nervous and cancelled my surgery, feeling that it would be better to get another opinion. The second opinion confirmed the first--I needed a hysterectomy. I might add that this all happened before I had a computer, so I was clueless about this surgery and went to my local library to read about it. Needless to say, that scared me even more, so I was in no rush to schedule my operation.

In March, 1999 I went back to the first doctor and tests were scheduled--an ultrasound, and then a colposcopy. It was then discovered that because one of the fibroids had grown through the cervix that the colposcopy couldn't be performed. The surgeon decided that the hysterectomy couldn't be put off any longer, and we decided to do it the following week.

I had a TAH/BSO on May 25, 1999. Surgery went well and recovery seemed to be uneventful until I developed a blood clot. I was admitted to the hospital (diagnosis - deep vein thrombosis) where I remained for eight days. It was later discovered that I have an inherited blood clotting disorder called Factor V Leiden, and for that reason cannot take Hormone Replacement Therapy. Until then I was hesitant to use our new computer, but in August, when I realized I had gained more weight than I wanted to, I started searching the web for exercises to do after a hysterectomy. That brought me to Hyster Sisters, and I haven't left.

I was unable to work for six months due to the blood clot, and finding this website was the best thing for my recovery. I found women here who could answer my questions about recovery, and I also found that I could answer questions and help other women. During those long months at home, I found it rewarding to help others, and at the same time I was making friends. Several of those friendships have deepened over the years that I've been here, and I know that these ladies will remain my friends for years to come. I want to continue to give other women the same support and love that I received when I needed it (and still need it at times).

I'm constantly amazed at how this site has grown and continues to grow.

Please email me or send me a PM if you have any questions. I'll be happy to answer all email I receive. I hope you enjoy being a Hyster Sister as much as I have and encourage all of you to pass on the support you receive here to other women who need it.

My best wishes to you,

Catherine

TAH/BSO 5/25/99

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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."

April Dawn

Crossfire

Find A Doctor Near You

Marshall Bovelsky, M.D. 200 Banning St Suite 320 Dover DE 19904 302-674-0223	Aram Bonni, M.D. 25108 Marguerite Parkway Suite A-259 Mission Viejo CA 92692 949-916-2100	Jennifer Hayes, M.D. Visionary Centre for Women 2695 Ulmerton Rd Clearwater FL 33762 727-540-0414
Susan D. Hunter, M.D. 626 Ed Carey Dr Harlingen TX 78550 956-428-4868	David Newman, M.D. 10030 Edison Square Drive, Suite 100A Concord NC 28027 704-403-7670	Mini Somasundaram, M.D. 4845 Knightsbridge Boulevard Suite 220 Columbus OH 43214 (614) 583-5552
Bruce Pierce, M.D. 2 Princess Road Lawrenceville NJ 08648 609-896-0777	Devin Garza, M.D. 12201 Renfert Way, STE# 215 Austin TX 78758 512 425-3830	Geoffrey Bowers, M.D. 834 Chestnut Street Suite 300 Philadelphia PA 19107 215-955-5000

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