Article: Robin - HysterSisters

HysterSisters Hysterectomy Support Resources - http://www.hystersisters.com

Article: Robin
Well, I guess I entered into the Land of Hyster in kind of a daze, since it happened on such short notice, although in a way, it was a long time (40 years!) coming. When I started the shocking world of periods the month I was to turn eleven, I was stricken with “this-must-be-what-labor-is-like” cramps and vomiting for about 7-14 days every 2-3 weeks, which is how irregular my periods were for years. I could tell my period was looming by the constant 3 days of warning cramps preceding each cycle. I had my first D&C and hysteroscopy at 13, trying to solve the mystery of such debilitating pain that often left me collapsed on the bathroom floor. I guess it was no surprise that decades later, I wasn’t able to get pregnant (or keep a pregnancy… who could tell these horrible periods from a miscarriage?!? Sheesh!).

When I was an adult, my mother unexpectedly died of a no-longer-in-remission ovarian cancer coupled with a very bad heart. For a decade after her cancer diagnosis, I diligently had ovarian sonograms as an add-on for my annual pelvic exams, until I had a suspicious sonogram. I had a TAH a few days later (praise God! No cancer) and logged into HysterSisters as soon as I could shuffle over to the computer with my little tummy pillow (is it any wonder my log in name was: “Whatjusthappend”)? Kathy Kelley, the modest-but-amazing creator of HysterSisters was in my bible study group a few years before, which is when I first heard about HysterSisters.

Nearly 5 years later, Kathy and I were back together in bible study when she was looking for someone to help out in her office. Although a hysterectomy (or even being in a position to consider a hysterectomy) isn’t a requisite to be an office assistant, in this case, it is a huge insight to that whole mysterious world that can only be likened to suddenly being a member of an exclusive club! I felt so welcome by the members and support staff of this site, and am honored to have a tiny part in HysterSisters as it continues to grow!

In my life before HysterSisters, I worked over a decade as a civilian officer for a SF Bay Area police department, retiring to become a full-time mom. Until working with HysterSisters, I juggled my full-time Mom status with being a substitute teacher. When I am not doing something related to HysterSisters, I adore spending time with my wonderful husband and 2 sons (did I mention I was blessed to adopt?!). I enjoy my dear women friends, teaching tricks to my 2 teeny dogs, obnoxious Hawaiian shirts, searching for one of my 15 pairs of reading glasses, and visiting antique shops and junk stores in the hopes of finding hidden treasures!

Please email or PM me if I can be of help to you!

Robin
TAH June 6, 2006