9 months post-op - Why so many problems? Help!

Hello!

My very first post here. I'm desperate for advice from you all who have been there.

I had my total abdominal hysterectomy 9 months ago. I STILL experience pain and/or discomfort on many days. For the last two weeks, though, I have had terrible ovarian pain. (I kept them). I feel as though I'm going through hell. My breasts are hugely swollen, and very painful. I can't sleep, because everything I turn over, they "flop" onto the bed, and I wake up in agony. Also, for these past two weeks, I have had daily bouts of diarrhea. The abdominal pain gets so that I can't even lean up against a counter doing the dishes, etc.

I'm so glad to not have the horrible periods (adenomyosis) that I suffered from for years. But, when will these other problems go away? Has anyone had bowel adhesions after their TAH?

I know I have to go back and talk to the gynecologist, but I have agoraphobia, and haven't left the house since last summer (a long story). HELP!!!!!!!!!!

Hugs to you, Vicki..sounds like you are going through a terrible time. You may want to post this on "The Road Less Traveled" where there are sisters who are further along than most of us on the post-op topic. I am only 6 wks along, so I can't be of much help..just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you, & hope you get the help you need!

Is there any chance that you have/had endometriosis too ??

The ladies on the Road less travelled board might be more help- we are mostly newbies ! :-)

Vicki-

You probably realize this but you have to go see your doctor. I have struggled with agoraphobia off & on for years, never been totally house bound except for a couple of months back in 96, so I know how EXTREMELY hard it is to make yourself go places and sometimes you can't even make yourself go places, trust me, I can relate.

My advice to you, since you have to see your Dr. and this is not an option at this point, is to call them and see if they can give you a small amount of adavan (sp) or xanax just to get you to their office. Adavan is a wonder drug, they put me on it 2 days prior to my surgery (TAH/BSO 11/7/00) so they could make sure I actually showed up for the procedure and allowed me to take it anytime I began to feel anxious in the hospital. It can enable you to get to the dr. and see what the problem is (make sure someone drives you though, the drug makes you VERY relaxed).

Next call a local Psychiatrist, explain your problem and see if they don't make hosuecalls. There are more people in this world than just you & I who struggle with this problem, how do they get better when they can't leave the house to go to therapy? Housecalls, Doctor's do it in cases like this.

I have a tendency to tell people what to do (can you tell?).
I just know exactly how you feel and I also know what has worked for me. Feel free to email me at Kollmar@mindspring.com anytime. Let me know how you are. You will be in my prayers.

Sharonk

Dear Sisters,

I was so surprised to get so many responses to soon! I guess I'll take my dilemma to the "Road less traveled" board, where people are longer post-op.

As for the endometriosis, I had what was called adenomyosis. It's an endometriosis in the walls of the uterus. My gyno told me that having two HUGE babies, and two miscarriages, messed me up.

For SharonK, I already take Ativan - 4 mg/day. I've built up a tolerance to it, and I am also on the antidepressant Zoloft, which effects have worn off after two years. I see the psychiatrist next week. I go every 4 months for med checks only, no therapy. I still get awful panic attacks, and am going to beg him for an alternative. I'm under an HMO, and am not totally pleased with my primary physician. She's very young and inexperienced. She allots 7 minutes per patient, regardless of complaint. I would have to go to her office for any bloodwork, or hormonal work-ups. I guess I'm hoping that this pain goes away. Wishful thinking, I think.

Thank you all again. This is a WONDERFUL support group. It's marked on my AOL favorites, and will stay there!

Love to you All,
Vicki

Vicki-

It sounds like you are having a harder time than I am at the moment, however my psychiatrist said than this problem we have comes like waves do, we will be "good" for a while and then not so good.

Just curious, why no therapy, I think that is the most important part? My dr. wouldn't give me med's without it.

Sharon,

My psychiatrist doesn't push therapy. I have clinical depression, not circumstantial depression. He and I believe it's purely chemical, so therapy wouldn't do me a lot of good. Well, now I think it may. But, my doctor's office is closing after a huge class action lawsuit, and I'm being reassigned to a new practice. We'll see what happens with the new doc.

I kind of WANT to go to therapy, but I've heard of so many people that go, spend thousands of dollars, and it hasn't helped them. I'm ambivilent about it. I DO need someone to talk to, though. Maybe I'll give it a shot a couple of times and see how it goes.............

Vicki
My question would be is this a constant thing or just a wk or so? I'm wondering if it is PMS related. Since you have your ovaries you are still cycling. That would also explain painful breasts.
Could be an ovarian cyst aggrivated as you are going through your cycle.
Call your Dr. and have him check it out. May recommend an ultrasound to look at the ovaries. I know getting out of the house is a challenge. What about talking to Dr. about anti-anxiety meds to get you a little more relaxed and hopefully able to go for a Dr's visit.