KarenL - Alumni Hostess 2002 - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

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KarenL - Alumni Hostess 2002

KarenL - 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

Hi everyone…My name is Karen, I'm 45 years old, and I live on Long Island, New York, a suburb of NYC. I am married to Chris and am the proud mother of a beautiful daughter, five weird felines and a Cairn Terrier named Rowdy.

I am a VP at a large commercial insurance agency, doing surety bonds for the construction industry. I've been with the same company for 20 years, and really enjoy my colleagues and clients. I have a Bachelors degree in political philosophy, and my loves include music (everything from Dylan to Handel), film (especially Italian films), food, animals, politics, gardening, hiking, and skiing.

I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids at age 28, and was treated with Danazol, the precursor of Lupron, for months following the usual litany of hysterosalpinogram, hysteroscopy, laps, etc. before undergoing a laser myomectomy with uterine suspension in 1989. This was supposed to eliminate my fibroids long enough to conceive, which we had been unable to do. As they say, "man plans…God laughs..." The fibroids returned with a vengeance, and we did not conceive despite nine exhausting and expensive years of infertility treatments (you name it, we tried it). When we came to the conclusion that we wanted to be parents, not pregnant, we pursued independent adoption, and after 18 months and a roller coaster ride of experiences both heartbreaking and awe-inspiring, we became the parents of our precious little girl. I became very active in support groups for prospective adoptive parents and doing adoption counseling. This was (and remains) a way I can give back some of the blessing I received with the gift of my daughter.

I knew for many years that for me, all roads would lead to hysterectomy. It was merely a matter of how long I could/would put it off. The winter of 2000/01 marked a full year of constant bleeding and terrible pain, raising the bar on my usual history of very bad periods and tolerable pain. The fibroid was measured as the size of a seven month fetus, and was doing a lot of damage to my internal organs. It was time; my daughter was big enough, no more stalling. So I was scheduled for 3/5/01, and my internet search began. I got more and more scared and upset, reading awful stories and horrifying "statistics". Then one day my search turned up Hyster Sisters, and I was finally where I needed to be! I found myself sneaking on during work, spending hours there at night, reading and posting and reading. I made my husband read everything, too, and because of that (and being a wonderful guy) he learned the reality of what was required to take care of me and our family during this time. I'm now fully recovered and I feel better than I have for many years. I look forward to a healthy future, free from the problems I endured for so long.

I was honored when Kathy invited me to act as a hostess on this wonderful site, and I feel it is my pleasure and my joy to be able to reach out a hand to other women as hands were extended to me when I was in need. This is a unique and amazing place, warm and fuzzy and informative and supportive, full of strong, funny, loving women. I'm proud to be here among you!

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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."

Karenann (Karen) - Alumni Hostess 2003

Karlene - Alumni Hostess 2006

Find A Doctor Near You

Byungyol Chun, M.D. Northern Essex Women's Health 360 Merrimack St Entrance G Lawrence MA 01843 978-557-9060	Gretchen Makai, M.D. 4735 Ogletown Stanton Rd MAP II, Ste 2103 Christiana Care Health System Newark DE 19713 302-623-4410	Aarathi Cholkeri-Singh, M.D. 120 Osler Drive Ste. 100 Napeville IL 60540 630-428-2229
Ruslana Kadze, M.D. 5525 Etiwanda Avenue Suite 228 Tarzana (Los Angeles) CA 91356 818-343-1717	Aram Bonni, M.D. 25108 Marguerite Parkway Suite A-259 Mission Viejo CA 92692 949-916-2100	Jonathan Y Song, M.D. 2455 Dean St. Suite A St. Charles IL 60175 (630) 513-9160
Jennifer Fuson, M.D. 1720 Nicholasville Road Suite 702 Lexington KY 40503 859-264-8811	Marshall Bovelsky, M.D. 200 Banning St Suite 320 Dover DE 19904 302-674-0223	Gerald Harkins, M.D. Department of OB-Gyn P.O. Box 850, H-103 Hershey PA 17033 717-531-6447

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