I'm Catherine, and one of the hostesses here. I'm also the lady sitting behind the "Help Desk". I'm a widow with three adult children, two boys and a girl. I live in Rhode Island and work as a supermarket cashier.
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.
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