TAH New Here

Hello.



I had to pick this user name becaue I keep telling myself "I'm stubborn and I will get through this." There's so much I would like to share with ladies thinking about having a hysterectomy and so much more that I need to learn. I had my TAH-BSO on June 1st. Every search I've made since coming out of the hospital on the 3rd leads me here. I visited for two evenings and figured I should join.
First off I found a very helpful book at the library that discussed this procedure in simple, yet, informative terms: "The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy." by Dr.Lauren Streicher. My mother and sisters had never had a hystorectomy and if not for this book I wouldn't have known what to expect. Also, on my own I figured (from personal experience I had with gall bladder surgery) that I should shave my arms. I hated that feeling of hair being ripped out of their roots everytime a bandage was taken off. Also, I was told to go ahead and eat like normal the day before so I had pork chops, fresh veggies and mashed potatoes. BIG MISTAKE! Had I known better I would have had bran the night before. Despite the prescribed stool softener I was stopped up so bad. I was told not to strain but (DON"T READ BEYOND HERE IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE --TMI) I had a stool stuck half in and half out for forty five minutes and finally out of desperation yelled for my daughter to bring me a posicle stick. I had to disect it. It was like a small baby, beef jerky, dry hard and large. After doing that I think I could empathise and help anyone going through that without embarrassment. I know it is unsafe to do that, but I was home and was so afraid I'd rip stiches if I kept going. Everything functioned after that. Short of a forceps delivery what was I supposed to do? Anyway, I have so much more to learn. I have JP drains, one on each side. The one on the right leaks at the opening site. I also had a tummy tuck due to having 9 and 10 pount babies stretching me out. The meds I am on are working, but the clindamycin is giving me heart burn. It always has and I hate it. I am allergic to pennicillin and erythromicing so I don't know what else the doc can put me on. I will take any and all helpful information. Right now I am going through a sad stage wondering when I will feel normal, when I can walk upright like a human being and not hunched over like and ape. I am so thankful I found this forum and we are united as sisters in this one thing. You people on here have given such wonderful advice already. Thankyou!

Welcome! I'm pretty new here myself and found HysterSisters the same way you did - every question about a hysterectomy that I googled brought me here I also provided TMI with my gas pain stories, but hey, if we don't let other women know about these things then how can they feel "normal" when it happens to them? Don't worry - the sadness/frustration/depression will pass - it just means you're having a "bad" day. On the good days I honestly feel as if I never had the surgery. Good luck and thanks for sharing!

Welcome! Love your name! Trust me we have all talked about embarassing stuff here and lived thru it! LOL! You are at the worst part of surgery, the hospital drugs have worn off and now you have to deal with just the reg meds. Almost everyone feels like hell at this point. But it truly does get better and you will have better days, honest. Have you checked out the thread for the week you had your surgery? If not, I would go there immediately and see what the other ladies in your group are posting. You will see that you are right where you are suppossed to be! Good Luck and (((HUGS)))

Hi stubborn and welcome! There are so many wonderful ladies who are here to share their love, support and compassion with you through this time of transition. Please check the post op forum for threads that can hopefully answer the questions you may be having right now! There are
several threads that deal directly with the issue of constipation that you are presently facing. You will most
likely find some helpful suggestions there. There is a thread
that deals with all the post op issues common to your
surgery date. I had my TAH on thursday 6/2 so you will find
me and other sisters on that date thread dealing with similar
issues as you. Never be afraid to speak up and voice your
fears, concerns, or even ideas that may help another sister.

Love and hugs
Jadegrrl

Much l

I <3 your name! LOL

Don't worry. I've had to help my bowels along "manually" as well, pushing on the area between my rectum and vagina. I have not used a popsicle stick, however.

I would try some miralax and/or warm prune juice. That did the trick for me.

Welcome to the boards!
Jen

Welcome to the forums. We have all shared or at least read the BM stories. It helped me realize what I was going through was normal. This site has been a saving grace for me.

LOL!! You will never in your life discuss pooping or gas as much as you will here!! I have joked in the post-op chats that I am now a "Poop Master" I have been on the poop rollercoaster - first you can't go at all and then you can't stop going. You might be embarassed to share with people in the real world but your Sisters have heard it and said it all!!

I have an amazing amount of respect and awe for the Sisters who have had a tummy tuck done at the same time as their procedures. I lost 120 pounds after I divorced my first husband - and my wonderful new hubby (who told my plastic surgeon that he loved me as I was and didn't care if I had adominoplasty) took care of me after I had mine. I think that surgery was so much harder to recover from than my LAVH. You have my prayers as you work through recovery. I can tell you that you probably won't be able to stand up completely straight for about 2 weeks. But if I had to do it all again, I would do it in a heartbeat. I feel so much better about myself

Hang in there it does get better and in the end you will be glad you did it all. I feel better than I have in ages.

You will find that your Sister are alway here to lift you up when you are feeling down - and they will be here to celebrate you as you reach your milestones during recovery (even if it's only getting back into your jeans!!)

(((((Hugs)))))

Wow, I already love you guys and had to laugh, a little, very little, ouch! No belly laughs yet. I have a friend coming over who does natural healing. I think she's going to wave some burning sage over my head and chant. I'll let you know how that goes. (I live in the Southwest.) I figure short of voo-doo and black magic I'll give it a try. She means well and I could use the visit. BMs are alright now. I'm eating a lot of bran and eating yogurt mostly and I drink plenty of water. My right JP is all leaky and getting all over my preassure garment. I know TMI. I've discussed poop and gas before, but that was years ago and babies were involved. I guess when I'm 90 it will be the highlight of my life again !!! Thank you, Ladies. I know I'm not alone. PS How do I access the group that had the surgery the week that I did? Have a lovely week !

http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...d.php?t=443577

That's the address for the thread you are looking for