TAH 23 May 2011

Hi Everyone
I am in the Uk and generally do not go on forums but I found this site was excellent, both the information and support from members.
Tomorrow I hit the 6 week mark and I am going back to work (part time for the first week), so I wanted to share some of my experience.

My hospital stay went well, with excellent care. I was up on day 2 and home on day 4. It was difficult to get in and out of bed but I walked a bit each day.
Once I was at home I read as much as I could on the checklists here and the forums. It seems recovery is so different for people, partly because of medical reasons and partly due to how proactive and positive the patient is.
Finding that 6 weeks is the main recovery point (although I appreciate my body will be recovering for months yet) I set myself targets.
I made sure I had the right diet.
I didn't take much pain relief as I am not in favour of this unless you really need it.
I made sure I walked every day, a little further each day.
I made sure I rested as much as possible the first few weeks.
Whilst I am a bit of a control freak with my work and I did work from home on my laptop, my employers got me a temp who has been brilliant, working with me and keeping me in the loop. This is important to me as I take my work very seriously and like to be involved. Saying this, it is not a physical job so I have been able to do this.
I have at times overdone it, especially after week 4 when I felt quite well. I then paid for this with awful backache and a swollen tummy. I read on the site that this is all common and a sign I had to slow down so I did and after a couple of quiet days, I felt OK again.
Family and friends have been lovely, visiting me and in the beginning doing some ironing and watering my garden. After a few weeks I have done most things myself, taking it slowly, I have done light housework; the laundry (being careful not to lift too much); lots of walking; cooking meals every everning (a treat for my husband who thought he would be doing everything!)
I was lucky enough to keep one ovary but I have noticed some menopausal symptoms so am trying HRT, this is something I wanted to avoid but sometimes you have to accept that you need help.
One thing I didn't expect was a saggy stomach but again I notice this is common and hopefully will improve.
So back to work tomorrow and looking forward to seeing all my work friends who I know understand what I have been through, although I never expect special treatment.
I think being positive has been the greatest thing, I refuse to be beaten by any of this!
Finally, big thanks to Hystersisters for such a fantastic site, I have spent alot of time reading the fact sheets and the posts and I can honestly say I found it the most informative site on the web. Well done hystersisters.
My wedding anniversary this week end and booked a special break for my hubby as I have the green light to go for it!!!