Sheri - Alumni Hostess 2005 - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

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Sheri - Alumni Hostess 2005

Sheri - Alumni Hostess 2005

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 and welcome to HysterSisters. My name is Sheri and I am a Hostess to the following forums; The Road Less Traveled, The Desert Oasis, Neighborhoods & Options & Alternatives. I am 34 years young and am Mom to Krystalyn(15), Brandi(11) and Zachary(5). I am a restaurant General Manager and we live in Nashville, TN. I have an ornery dog, a Miniature Doberman, whom Brandi named Spike after the Rugrat’s dog. I enjoy reading and of course playing on my computer.

I found HysterSisters in Nov of 1999 after searching for any and all info on Hysterectomies. My search for this was brought on by this being offered to me by my Gyn. I had started having very heavy and long periods lasting 3 weeks out of the month a couple of years ago with constant cramps and backaches. I had 2 D&C'S, Hysterscopy and cervical biopsy. I tried several different Hormone treatments all to no avail. I was very scared at the thought of this surgery and how it would effect my body afterwards. After much research and checking out my options I decided to have my Hysterectomy. I was still bleeding the day of surgery which worried me they wouldn't do it but when asking my Gyn he kind of smiled and said we are used to that. My pathology report showed 2 Fibroid Tumors (which I was aware of), Adenomyosis and chronic cervicitis. I had a TAH on Jan 4, 2000. I kept my ovaries but due to one that didn't want to behave I had to have an RSO on March 30, 2000. In May, I again underwent yet another surgery (emergency, I was admitted thru the ER) for Total Bowel Obstructions causing strangulation to an area beneath where the stomach meets the intestines & in an area of my large Bowel. This complication along w/ the RSO were both bought on by Adhesions caused by my Hysterectomy as well as a Birth defect known as a mid-gut non-rotation or Malrotation of the Intestines.
My recovery hasn't been easy but I do not regret making the decision I did. I felt I went in well informed and aware of all my options which I suggest looking into (there are new Techniques being discovered everyday, some of which our own Drs may not be aware of, thus the need for more than 1 opinion ) to anyone having this surgery or any other invasive treatment options.

Over the years following, I have developed some other painful, Chronic conditions. The 3 that have had the biggest impact on my life are the following;
Fibromyalgia~which in my case, was triggered by the trauma of 3 surgeries in a 5 month period.
Chronic Pelvic & Abdominal Pain from extensive, inoperable Adhesions & Nerve damage to my vaginal cuff area.
Last, but not least~Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/Chronic regional Pain Syndrome or better known as RSD: Stress & a weakened immune system bought on an outbreak of shingles. They went undiagnosed for almost 2 months leaving me w/ a condition known as Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (extensive Nerve damage that b/c’s a chronic, often severely painful condition also w/ no cure. Unfortunately, that also went undiagnosed for a long period of time & in turn I developed the RSD.

It has been a battle to say the least *whew* but here I am a stronger, more knowledgeable person !! I have learned quite a lot of info thru my own health struggles….each new DX bought along an increased desire to educate myself on my own problems as well as many other complications/symptoms that may arise from this surgery. I have found that we must become our own best Health Advocates for our health. This is our body, one only we have to live w/ despite possible outcomes of any surgery, treatment, alternative option ect..
When I hear the phrase “knowledge is power” I find myself smiling...happy because of the recently heightened awareness of a women's body, the more research & studies that are being done to delve further into an area that was left w/ only small scratches to its surface, the need for 2nd even 3rd opinions being suggested more, Clinical trials & studies opening up each & everyday. All of this because of groups of woman such as ourselves here at HysterSisters banded together & requested more options, more opinions & more info…

I am often asked if I carry any regrets? In some aspects I regret some choices I made but not the Hysterectomy itself. Easy, it hasn't been, *The best thing I could ever do for myself*? ? Heck no!! ..lol..I’d would've rather spent that time & $$ at the Spa full of pampering or a vacation somewhere w/ my kids <grin> I felt I went in well informed and aware of all my options which I suggest to anyone having this surgery.
It comforted me so to meet so many women feeling what I did when I first came to HysterSisters. I found myself reading everyday then finally getting the nerve up to post and was so overwhelmed at the responses I received.
HysterSisters has carried many meanings for me along w/ a whole assortment of emotions. As many of the (((Sisters))) here have held my hand thru many tragic events & heartache I've endured. It still amazes me, almost 4 years later the friendships & bonds that can occur over a website. The inspiration that encompassed me during my 1st visit here only continues to grow & strengthen w/each click of the mouse.
I can now say I am hooked...lol. I hope you receive, as well as consider giving back some of the feelings & emotions we at HysterSisters found that can help the most when facing this surgery or the various aspects that can surround this surgery: comfort, concern, support, caring, understanding, compassion and a kinship with other women experiencing this.
Most of all….don’t forget that Inspiration…it'll keep you coming back for more ;-)

There are boards here for every concern a women facing this surgery or for those that have already had it. I'm so glad you've found HysterSisters, for me it has become my safe haven, my place to come and share fears and worries and know at last that I am not alone in this battle.
Again Welcome and know you have found the most awesome group of women on the net for Hysterectomy support~~~

Sheri

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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."

Shepherdpal - Alumni Hostess 2004

SheriK (Sheri) - Alumni Hostess 2002

Find A Doctor Near You

Sherry L Neyman, M.D. Renaissance Women's Group 12201 Renfert Way Ste 200 Austin TX 78758 512-425-3875	David Newman, M.D. 10030 Edison Square Drive, Suite 100A Concord NC 28027 704-403-7670	Wilfredo R. Ramos, M.D. 5301 F Street, Suite 210 Sacramento CA 95819 (916) 453-3440
Christopher Stroud, M.D. 11123 Parkivew Plaza Drive Suite 101 Fort Wayne IN 46845 2609695071	Jennifer Fuson, M.D. 1720 Nicholasville Road Suite 702 Lexington KY 40503 859-264-8811	Elizabeth Stevenson-Gargiulo, M.D. 9101 North Central Expressway Suite 250 Dallas TX 75231 214-826-2979
Charles Miller, M.D. 120 Osler Drive Suite 100 Naperville IL 60540 630-428-2229	Mini Somasundaram, M.D. 4845 Knightsbridge Boulevard Suite 220 Columbus OH 43214 (614) 583-5552	John Lenihan, M.D. 314 ML King Jr. Way Suite 104 Tacoma WA 98465 253-403-5432

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