Series of Pre-Op Questions

I just learned a week ago that my GYN consulted with an oncologist about my condition and he recommneds a hysterectomy. Yikes. So I am in information-gathering mode.

I will be getting a second opinion this week, as my condition seems to be fairly rare.

To back up a little, I have had copious amounts of discharge for 6+ months, have had an ultrasound which showed a mass (most like a polyp) in my cervix, then onto a colposcopy to retrieve tissue samples for biopsy. During the colposcopy, my doctor was alarmed at the amount of "stuff" in my cervix and commented that she had never seen anything like it. I'm not in any discomfort whatsoever; just have to deal with the endless flood of discharge.

All tests (pap and tissue biopsy) have returned negative for cancer. As previously mentioned, my doctor referred my case on to an oncologist as they seem to see all the "weird" stuff. The oncologist also commented that he had never seen anything like my case. Considering that fact and also that I am DES exposed, he's saying go for the hysterectomy.

My GYN felt that it is entirely possible to have this done vaginally, which apparently makes for a speedier recovery. She said that I will keep my ovaries.

I am concerned about many things, not least of which is weight gain. I was just cruising around on the web looking at different hysterectomy support chat groups, and saw that frequently coming up. Even if I keep my ovaries, is that true? I understand that your exercise level will decrease for several weeks. (Can anyone out there speak to that? When exactly are people starting to exercise again?) I saw several messages from women who were post-op and were gaining 15+ pounds during their recovery. I'm a fairly healthy eater and exerciser now, but my weight has started to become issue since I turned 41. If at all possible, I'd like to keep from ballooning.

Also, has anyone else heard of the symptoms I'm experiencing and what do people think about my reasons for surgery (DES and copious discharge coming from an as yet undetermined place). My doc said I have 4-6 weeks to get the surgery done. Her nurse called three days after I saw her to schedule the surgery though.

I apologize if this message seems a little scattered! I'm sort of going in all different directions thinking about all of this. I would love it if anyone could reply regarding my condition and the weight issue - thanks!!

I haven't gained any weight..matter of fact have lost 10 lbs. Right after surgery it appeared that I gained weight..but that was inflammation AND water weight. I could wear pre-surgery clothes when I went back to work 1/2 days at 7 weeks post..but couldn't wear zipper pants comfortbly until 12 weeks post.

Initial recovery is 6 - 8 weeks...and I didn't exercise (except for walking) during my entire recovery process. I watched what I ate since I was less active...stayed away from fattening foods...and around 3 weeks post I started gentle tightening of my abdominal muscles as I sat at computer. I called them tummy kegels There's a fitness section on this site...you might want to check in there and see what Hostess Fitbug has to say about post op exercise too Your dr. will give you list of post op restrictions..however, make a list of questions to ask him/her so you'll know exactly what you can and/or can't do

Pre-op is emotional. No doubt about that. I only had about 10 days to prepare myself for surgery...and spent hours on this site trying to gather as much info. as I could. My mind was in constant overdrive. However, my surgery and recovery went smooth.

We'll be with you every step of the way.

PS - Search icon at the top is GREAT. You can search by username and/or keyword..in one or all of the forums. I use it all the time.

Hi and welcome! I think the weight issue is different for everyone. I did gain a little, but I have an extra health issue, hypothyroidism, which has contributed to my weight gain more than the hyst. Funny thing is I can wear all my same clothes. It's kind of wierd. Going back to work at 6 weeks I noted that I looked a little wierd in my clothes because my waist had sort of disappeared. After being back at work and getting back to normal activities though I noticed that the odd shape went back to normal. :shape: I would wait to exercise whenever your doctor releases you to normal activities and when you do start out slowly.

I have never heard of your condition. I'll be anxious to hear what you find out about it.

s

Sherry

I had my TAH on 22 Jan. My weight was 51 kg before the op and now it's 47 kg. I didn't have much appetite during the first week after op. so I just went on soft and light meal - breafkast was mainly, scrambled eggs, cereal with milk and fruits, lunch was fish or pork porridge with veg and fruits and likewise the same for dinner. This lasted for about a week as I was still in hospital. Once I retd home my appetite begin to increase as I could sleep better. I'm just hoping to put on some extra weight. So don't be unduly concerned about weight gained, as it is varies from person to person.

Do drink alot of water after the op though.

May Jesus bless you with a successful operation and speedy recovery.

Lillie

I lost a few pounds (3-5?) right off, mostly from lack of appetite (very unusual for me), and being careful to each lots of fruits, veggies, water...

Over the next year I gained 10 pounds. But I'm sure that didn't have anything to do with my hyst. I place the blame squarely on way too much pizza, Mexican food, pasta, dessert... (in addition to all the fruits and veggies, of course). I suppose in retrospect that eating large pizzas, split between lunch and dinner, really wasn't a good choice, nutritionally.

Lately I've decided to cut that out, because I know I'll feel better at a more reasonable weight, and the first 13 pounds have fallen off without a lot of struggle.

So although I did gain some weight, I'm not seeing a lot of difference in how I gain/lose compared to pre-hyst.

Just FYI, I was on the pill pre-hyst (for 23 years), then off the pill afterward, and I kept my ovaries.

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I just went back and read the DES question... I had a weird cervix. My mom swears I'm not DES exposed. But still, during an exam with a new doctor once, he exclaimed "My God! What's with this cervix?" (How's that for bedside manner?) Mine apparently had little "fingery protrusions". I think the general term is "cockscomb cervix" - you might search for info on it. He and another gyn did ask me about DES exposure because of it. Nothing ever came back weird on a pap or in my hyst path report.

You are the first person that I have found exposed to DES!!!!! Not that this is a good thing or anything but it sound like some odd things my be going on with you as will me as well, surgery is 2-21 for me, 31 years of aga and have had more ODD problems then my doctor has ever seen, and ive been to three doctors for peace of minde, have you had any other odd things happening?? besides what they have found?? I sure would love to pick your brain on this, most people have never heard of DES before!!??? This is a great site and I myself have found releaf her, Let me know if we can chat more about this, hang in there, it dose get better, Lisa

Thanks for responding everyone!! It is so helpful.

moose0324: I'm really surprised that DES hasn't come up for anyone else too. From what I understand, there are literally 1 million women running around who were exposed to this in utero. Not that it really makes any difference to know I guess....you still have to deal with the outcome.
One question for you...what does ODD stand for [sorry]? I haven't really had many gynecological problems in recent years. Did have a horrible bout with endometriosis almost 20 years ago. At the time, it was a fairly rare diagnosis. I had terrible periods, but the pill has really helped calm things down. I do have other strange maladies though....thyroid stuff, neurological problems, asthma. Does any of that ring a bell for you? I hope your surgery/recovery is short and painless as possible.

One other thing, has anyone experienced people saying this surgery is a piece of cake? I was just informed by someone that some people are back to their normal routine in a week - which is the opposite of everything I've read. Now I'm really confused!

Thanks y'all!

Hysteriette, I wouldn't say this surgery is a piece of cake. What I would say is each person is different and every surgery is different. I went into my surgery in good health and I would say my recovery was average. Initial recovery time is 6 to 8 weeks. I was very tired up until about the 8th week and gradually picked up stamina once I was back to work and other activities. The important thing is to follow doctor's orders and listen to your body, but keep in mind sometimes our bodies lie. I found that out the hard way. There were things I felt like doing, but when I did them I paid for it for the next couple of days. (Example, when I swept out the entire garage...not a good idea!) I think it's safe to say to take it easy for the initial recovery period, get lots of rest, eat nutritiously, drink lots of fluids and follow doctors orders.
In the long run the 6-8 week down time is worth it in the end.

s

Sherry