Pre-Op Hysterectomy: Open House Chat Thread - Today Feb 12, 2017

What Am I Having Done Inside?

Some women are unsure about what exactly will be done inside during their surgery & what all the terms we use here mean. The first thing to know about hysterectomy is that the cervix is part of the uterus, and not a separate organ. Therefore Total Hysterectomy means the entire uterus (including cervix) is being removed. Ladies having a Partial (or Sub-total) Hysterectomy are retaining their cervix.

Removal of the ovaries & fallopian tubes may be done at the same time as a hysterectomy, but it is a separate procedure altogether and is called a Bilateral Salpingo Oophorectomy.

Having a Hysterectomy: What Do I Need to Know?

What Are the Different Types of Hysterectomies?

Vaginal Cuff: What Is It?

Click here to see more Abbreviations used on this site, and to see the acronym for the type of surgery you will be having.

 

Hi ladies! I'm 37 & having an LAVH on Valentine's Day due to endocervical adenocarcinoma (cancer). Uterus & cervix will be going, with the possibility of more depending on how things look once the surgeon gets in there. There is also the possibility for some lymph node removal depending on what the rush pathology turns up. & there is also the thrilling possibility of the laparascopic surgery turning into abdominal surgery depending on what's going on in there. If there are any unforeseen tumors, masses, or adhesions, surgery could become more complex on the fly. We shall see.

My concerns: pre-surgery liquid diet/bowel prep! I've never had to do anything like this before. I even ate a full pancake breakfast the morning of my Cesarean! (Which was emergency surgery, & did involve a lot of puking...but still.)

I've also been told that I will more likely than not have a roommate during my recovery night in the hospital. Really not looking forward to this. I've been told that a pre-requisite for discharge is "bowel sounds" (farting). I know it's ridiculous to care about farting in front of a stranger when I have cancer...but still.

& then of course recovery. The hope is that this surgery will be the end of my cancer treatment, which is GREAT! I will (hopefully) just be able to focus on recovering from the surgery & then start putting my life back together. But I am still nervous about how long recovery will take. I have a 4-year-old & my partner is starting a new job in a week...

& the other bummer part of it all is no more babies. With my daughter the age she is & enrolled in preschool, it seems like everyone I meet has at least two kids &/or is pregnant. My kid is awesome, we hit the jackpot with her, but it's still weird to think that I'm never going to get to do it again. I'm not even sure if adopting would be an option because I've heard it's hard for cancer survivors to get placements.

Oh, AND! I almost forgot! The doctor says I might have to give myself injections of Lovenox for a month after surgery, to reduce the possibility of blood clots. Has anyone else been told this? It's still a maybe, I don't know what the indications would be, but it sounds pretty unpleasant. My best friend is pregnant right now & is having to to Lovenox injections, so it's nice that I have someone to walk me through it/commiserate with, but I was definitely a bit surprised by this info!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by bajusbeach5 Do you think a belly binder is necessary for a vaginal hysterectomy

Hi bajustbeach5,

Some women love their abdominal binders, and some do not. I had a vaginal hysterectomy and I didn't use a binder. My belly was very, very swollen post op and so tender I couldn't tolerate anything snug around it.

Abdominal Binder: What Is It & Do I Need One?

Does your doctor recommend a binder? Are they provided by your hospital? If you're not sure, give the doctor's office a call and inquire. Some large pharmacies/medical supply stores may sell them. If you buy one, keep the receipt in case you are unable to use it.

Hugs for a safe surgery & uneventful recovery!

I'm 37 and having my partial-to-full hysterectomy tomorrow. I have two cysts that they think are endometriomas, so they plan on removing them, 90% of my ovaries, and my uterus. Depending on what the cysts look like under examination, the surgeon may complete a full hysterectomy. I haven't had any major surgery since my tonsils were removed when I was six. I'm nervous about the procedure, about recovery, and what life will be like after this.

Best of luck too you!

Hi ladies. I'm Denise and scheduled for laproscopic total hysterectomy ( cervix, uterus, tubes, and ovaries) 2/17. I'm 52 . I'm not too nervous yet I'm sure I will be later in the week! I'm insulin dependent and wear a pump, so I heal pretty slow. Preparing be thrown into menopause right away. Keeping everyone in my prayers week as we all have our surgeries.

Hi everyone!! I have my surgery on the 16th. Starting to feel nervous and anxious. Having a robotic assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy with a bilateral salpingectomy. Keeping my ovaries. Still I'm worried about possible sleepy ovaries and going into menopause. I have a 9cm fibroid with possible adenomyosis that cause me a lot of pain, pressure and discomfort.

Wishing everyone well and sending lots of hugs

Hi Miaow Miaow,

I am very sorry to hear about your cancer diagnosis. I understand how difficult it is to hear those words, and so scary. Please know that you are not alone, your Sisters are here for you. Please feel free to check out the GYN Cancer Articles List or post in the Cancer Concerns Forum. We have lovely women here who have walked this path and are happy to answer your questions or give you hugs.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Miaow Miaow My concerns: pre-surgery liquid diet/bowel prep! I've never had to do anything like this before. I even ate a full pancake breakfast the morning of my Cesarean! (Which was emergency surgery, & did involve a lot of puking...but still.)

Bowel Prep Liquid Diet

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Miaow Miaow I've also been told that I will more likely than not have a roommate during my recovery night in the hospital. Really not looking forward to this. I've been told that a pre-requisite for discharge is "bowel sounds" (farting). I know it's ridiculous to care about farting in front of a stranger when I have cancer...but still.

I was in a room with 4 beds, one of which was occupied by a man! Other than some of his unpleasant "noises" it didn't bother me at all (he had no troubles farting in public!). Some reassurance: by bowel sounds they mean they want to hear your tummy rumbling when they put a stethoscope to it. They won't stand there and wait for you to toot!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Miaow Miaow & then of course recovery. The hope is that this surgery will be the end of my cancer treatment, which is GREAT! I will (hopefully) just be able to focus on recovering from the surgery & then start putting my life back together. But I am still nervous about how long recovery will take. I have a 4-year-old & my partner is starting a new job in a week...

I am sending best wishes and prayers that the surgery will complete your cancer treatment! Recovery is different for all us, and will depend somewhat on what your doctor finds inside you. The general time frame is 6 weeks, but it varies. Ask your doctor specifically what your weight restriction is post op. You will not be able to lift or carry your daughter until your doctor says ok.

Recovering with Small Children

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Miaow Miaow & the other bummer part of it all is no more babies. With my daughter the age she is & enrolled in preschool, it seems like everyone I meet has at least two kids &/or is pregnant. My kid is awesome, we hit the jackpot with her, but it's still weird to think that I'm never going to get to do it again. I'm not even sure if adopting would be an option because I've heard it's hard for cancer survivors to get placements.

Loss of fertility can be a tough one to accept. It's normal to grieve the loss of your uterus and childbearing ability. It may help to journal, plant a tree or make a quilt to symbolically grieve the loss of your uterus. Remember you are never alone.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by neseks Hi ladies. I'm Denise and scheduled for laproscopic total hysterectomy ( cervix, uterus, tubes, and ovaries) 2/17. I'm 52 . I'm not too nervous yet I'm sure I will be later in the week! I'm insulin dependent and wear a pump, so I heal pretty slow. Preparing be thrown into menopause right away. Keeping everyone in my prayers week as we all have our surgeries.

Hi neseks,

Here are a few articles I thought would be helpful for you:

Diabetes & Hysterectomy

6 Tips to Help You Prepare for Surgical Menopause

10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About HRT

I am sending you hugs for a safe surgery & an uneventful recovery!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Fionakavanagh Hi my name is Fiona kavanagh I am 43 and am booked in for laparoscopic hysterectomy with fallopian tubes and cervix removal on Tuesday Valentines day of all days ..I have been suffering with both endometriosis and adenomyosis for years and am looking forward to hopefully been pain free for first time in years..I am so nervous about my upcoming surgery I haven't slept in days .I have to go in the day before ie tomorrow as I have antiphospholipid antibodies and need to be given a heparin injection the night before and will have to be monitored carefully for blood clots after surgery and this will contribute to a longer hospital stay..i would like to wish all other hystersisters the best of luck this week for their surgeries..b strong ye are all brave women and it will all be worth it in the end x

Fionakavanagh Sending you dear . . . I know you are extra nervous because of your autoimmune disorder. Take a deep breath dear and try to focus on the fact that you will be in good hands and they will be monitoring you very closely. Be sure to let them know how anxious you are . . . they should be able to give you something to help you relax. Please know that we are here for you each step of the way . . . you are not alone on this journey.

Best wishes dear . . . we will be waiting for you.