Ivestaffer (Ruthie) - Alumni Hostess 2002 - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

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Ivestaffer (Ruthie) - Alumni Hostess 2002

Ivestaffer (Ruthie) - Alumni Hostess 2002

From the Alumni 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

Welcome to a most wonderful site! My name is Ruthie and I live in northern CA. I grew up in CA and AZ, the oldest of 10 children. I received my BS in nursing from a small Christian college, and worked summers as a camp nurse. That's where my user name comes from--Indian Village East staff member (ivestaffer). It was great fun being a camp nurse, and I met my dh there, also on staff. We've been married 23 years now. Would you believe we still go back to the same camp for family vacations?! I worked for about 5 years as an ER nurse and 5 years as a Labor & Delivery nurse, then "retired" to raise our 3 sons. It's been 15 years since I worked, and I don't think I'd want to go back to hospital shifts again! I've kept busy volunteering at the kids' schools, being a soccer mom, etc. We also have a collection of pets: border collie, tabby cat, cockatiel, hamster, tropical fish!

My uterus problems started 25 years ago with irregular cycles, heavy bleeding and clots, but it was kept under control with BCP and Provera when needed. I also had infertility, but thankfully managed to get pregnant with our 3 sons using Clomid, now ages 17, 14, &10. In 2000 my bleeding was more frequent and I was anemic. I tried Depo Provera in 2001 but had bad headaches from it and kept bleeding. There was mild prolapse, as well as a fibroid causing increasing pain (a fibroid growing on the broad ligament next to my hip joint, causing hip/groin pain and numbness in that leg). I was worried about cancer, too, and decided it was time for a hyst! It turned out that I also had intramural fibroids and polyps inside the uterus. I feel much healthier and happier 9 months after my TAH BSO. I'm lucky in that I've felt great on Estrace for the past 8 months. My ovaries did not look healthy at my surgery (atrophic, with cysts, and probably barely functioning), so my dr removed them. I was at borderline risk for ovarian cancer, so I'm glad they're out now.

HysterSisters helped me accept that a hyst would be a positive action to improve my life. I was so glad to find this site, and it was reassuring to know that many sisters had gone through this before me and they felt wonderful 6-12 months later. The warmth and compassion here helped me to feel calmness about my hyst and recovery. It was truly a comfort, plus a source of wonderful practical advice (things I never learned as a nurse!). And now it is an honor to pass on some of that support to the ladies following us. Thank you to Kathy who keeps HysterSisters running!

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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."

HRHrey - Alumni Hostess 2009

Janie - Alumni Hostess 2002

Find A Doctor Near You

Megan Daw, M.D. Western Carolina Women's Specialty Center 2100 Ridgefield Blvd Asheville NC 28806 828-670-5665	Christopher Stroud, M.D. 11123 Parkivew Plaza Drive Suite 101 Fort Wayne IN 46845 2609695071	Kym Boyman, M.D. 1775 Williston Rd., Ste. 110 South Burlington VT 05403 802-735-1252
Jennifer Fuson, M.D. 1720 Nicholasville Road Suite 702 Lexington KY 40503 859-264-8811	Jonathan Y Song, M.D. 2455 Dean St. Suite A St. Charles IL 60175 (630) 513-9160	Jon Nielsen, M.D. 9825 Hospital Dr. Suite 205 Maple Grove MN 55369 763-587-7050
Siobhan Kehoe, M.D. Gynecological Oncology Clinic - SW Med 2201 Inwood Road Suite 106 Dallas TX 75390 214-645-4673	Bruce Pierce, M.D. 2 Princess Road Lawrenceville NJ 08648 609-896-0777	Scott Dinesen, M.D. 599 W State Street Suite 301 Doylestown PA 18901 215 489-2066

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