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Fat and frightened
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05-20-2005, 08:43 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 190
Hysterectomy: June 22nd, 2004
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Fat and frightened
I just want to add my two cents. My hyst was almost a year ago and I was very concerned because of my size...about 100 lbs overweight and short to boot. No one ever mentioned that as a problem. What I did find helpful in addition to all that has been mentioned here was a suggestion from my doctor. He suggested purchasing panties with a light control panel for support. The stomach binder I woke up with was too high, I am short-waisted- and it irritated me. The panties gave me support, held up my belly and kept it from irritating the incision. I also found that I didn't get swelly belly. I wore these all day long for about eight weeks after surgery. You can purchase them at any store that sells women's lingerie or I bought them on-line.
Good luck with your surgery and have an easy recovery.
SG
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05-20-2005, 10:28 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 42
Hysterectomy: June 2nd, 2005
Surgery Type: TAH/SAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Fat and frightened
Thanks to everyone who has shared positive experiences in this thread. I am feel less anxious about my size and the surgery. Best wishes to all of you.
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05-20-2005, 10:49 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 1,396
Hysterectomy: April 19th, 2004
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Fat and frightened
I'm a size 20, according to the charts I'm about 70lbs overweight for my height. At almost 47 years old I'm trying to figure out how to get taller because getting skinnier doesn't seem to be an option lately.
I'd like to echo that support panties or a belly binder or light girdle can be your best buddy, especially after you return to more normal activities of work, etc. I'm past 1 year post op and I still have days when I find that a support panty helps me a lot when I'm on my feet.
I also found that an ice pack either the first-aid kind or a bag of frozen peas was a tremendous help to easing belly aches during my at-home recovery.
I didn't find this site until I was already home from surgery or I would have taken the idea I've seen here of having a panniculectomy (remove the belly roll and excess skin - not sure I spelled it right) at the same time as my TAH. At my 6 week check up I asked my surgeon and he said I would have been a candidate for that if I'd have wanted. He didn't suggest it because he's not a plastic surgeon but he said that he has been a part of that type of cooperation in the past.
Because of my lack of abdominal tone I had some difficulty getting myself off the toilet and out of bed at home until my DH brought home a geriatric walker from the local thrift store for just a few dollars. I could then use my arms to help me up. Our home toilets are kind of low, and the other fixtures just weren't in a place that did me much help of using arms to get up and down. When I'd lay down for a nap, I put the walker next to the bed and could use it like hospital rails to push up as I got to a sitting position on the side of the bed. Also, if you've seen the suggestion of using a fanny pack on the side of the bed in the Castle for holding small things like your lip balm, well, that same fanny pack hooks on the side of the walker just as easily! Attach a bicycle bell to the top and you're stylin' and smilin'!
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05-20-2005, 11:43 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 192
Hysterectomy: March 3rd, 2005
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Fat and frightened
Maple,
You asked about the Swelly Belly Band. I did get one prior to the surgery (they have them for both horizontal and vertical incisions, in a variety of sizes including Queen, which is what I got). It's quite adjustable and I wore it often the first few weeks, for extra support while I was up walking. I never did soak it and refrigerate it, but you can do that too, I guess., if you want something cold on the incision.
There are lots of us fluffy gals out there!
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05-20-2005, 12:26 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 89
Hysterectomy: July 6th, 2005
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Undecided
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Fat and frightened
WOW!!! So I'm not alone after all.
I thought for a while that I was unusual for this type of surgery and that it would be doublly hard for me. You gals have made me see that there might be a few extra things to think about but that basicly it goes well with little no problems. You don't know how much that helps me. Even the women in my family have poo pooed me about my surgery. Saying it is no big deal, but to me it is. I have never had major surgery in my life. I'm not an easily frightened or overly emotional person but this was a bit much to take with no one to regularly talk to about it. I know when push has comes to shove my family will all be there for me but I need to talk about this now and they are already burned out with it.
I am so thankful to have found this site and this message board. You girls are priceless!
Key,
You are about my size and it sounds like you have a tummy like mine too. If all went well for you I feel much better about things now.
All you girls have been so helpful here. My cup runith over!
Love,
~Maple
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05-20-2005, 12:48 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 67
Hysterectomy: June 7th, 2005
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Fat and frightened
I also weigh about the same as you and keylime and she sure has made me feel a whole better about things as well.. This site and the people are a Godsend. I am sure going to put alot of these tips to good use.
Penula
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06-13-2005, 11:10 AM
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Guest
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Has anyone needed to go to a skilled nursing facility?
Hi All,
My mother is going to have her surgery on June 28th, and will be going to stay with my grandma when she is released from the hospital. I don't know how much my mom weighs, but I'm guessing 300 lbs +. My grandma is 82 years old, and probably 110 lbs. My mom can't stay with me because of our stairs and very small living room...no place for her to recover comfortably, and the bathtub is upstairs.
My sister in law is concerned that my mom might need to stay in a skilled nursing facility after the surgery, due to her age and weight. She is concerned that my mom won't be able to get up and about by the time the hospital releases her. My mom is 63 years old. I hadn't thought that this might be an issue...has anyone here had to stay in a facility like this, or has everyone been able to go home from the hospital? Any 60+ age women on this thread?
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