Finally scheduled . . . Friday the 13th . . . have a few questions!

Okay . . long story short, I am finally scheduled for surgery on Friday, May 13th. Was going to have LAVH - but due to pre-existing hip problems and concerns about positioning for an
LAVH - my surgeon has decided on TAH and will only remove
my ovaries if they are diseased.

So, a couple of questions . . . .

One of my very best friends has offered to come and stay w/
me the first night in the hospital - just for support, as I have
no family available to come. Wondered if anyone else had a
friend or relative stay with them? I've already spoken with
the hospital and the doctor and they are fine with it, very
accomodating. And I am so grateful to have such a caring
friend! Just wondered what others' experiences were?

Also, I think I am going to need to specify (I figured I would
just type something up) that my friend is allowed to be with
me in my room after surgery, allowed to hear what the dr/
nurses say, and allowed to be with me even if I am asleep.
She has to travel about 3 hours to get here and I would
not want her to have to sit in a waiting room, etc. or denied
info because she is not immediate family. She is like a sister
to me!!

Question #2, how long before some of you ladies were able
to drive post op? I know that some of it will depend on my recovery and my doctor releasing me to drive - but I just
wanted to get some ideas from others who have had a TAH.

Thanks!

My hospital form has a place where I could specify who was to receive info - I actually had to put DH's name in it or they wouldn't tell him anything..

As for driving _ I was cleared at 13 days and waited another day. This so depends on your individual recovery, the meds you are on, etc...it could be days or weeks.

My DH stayed both nights with me. It was so wonderful having someone there for emotional support. I also never had to wait for a nurse to help me to the bathroom. I just woke up dear hubby and he helped with everything. As for driving, I was cleared at 2 weeks. I'm 3 and half weeks post-op and still haven't tried. I'm a big , I know, but my body is telling me I'm not ready yet.

i HAD A TAH AND HAD NO RESTRICTIONS ON DRIVING, SO BY DAY THREE I WAS MAKING SHORT TRIPS HERE AND THERE. i FOUND IT HARDEST TO BRAKE. ALSO I WASN'T TAKING PAIN MED'S WHICH ALSO RESTRICT YOU SOMETIMES FROM OPERATING CARS

Vikingsfan - I had two friends who I wanted to be able to receive information, visit, etc., and both were named in my living will as contacts. I listed them both as my sisters because I wasn't sure what restrictions would be placed on non-relatives. The hospital has no way of knowing and no reason to check.

May I also suggest having a discussion with your Doctor about what the word 'diseased' means re your ovaries. I had a 3cm asymptomatic fluid cyst on my right ovary which was drained in surgery. All is fine.

Fluid cysts are very common and not a reason to remove ovaries.

I first drove a very short distance at 3 weeks. My biggest problem was getting in & out because I have an SUV. It was a little painful at 3 weeks - I could still feel every bump in the road. The next time I drove was at 4 weeks (and ever since) and it was a world of difference.

I'm glad to hear you'll have a friend coming in to help you! (I mean sister !)

Hi Joano and thanks for your advice!

I did have a discussion with my doctor about the ovaries and what he would consider "diseased". I have a long history of endometriosis - so I felt this needed to be discussed up front.

He said, if just ovarian cysts - he would not remove (like you
had mentioned in your post, probably just drained). But if he
were to find severe endometriosis or severe scarring from the
previous/ongoing endo - he would have to make a judgment
call as to whether to remove, depending on the severity.

And of course, he would remove if cancer was found.

Again, I really appreciate your advice!

info to friends....as long as you specify when you register who can receive info they will usually tell whomever you wish. Last year I had lapo and no family was around so my best friend took me and was listed - it was also nice that she was with me when my doctor came in before surgery so my doctor was able to meet her so she knew who she was going into the waiting room to speak with (I recommend this if possible). It's also nice for the dr to talk to someone cuz when they speak with you the first time, you'll be out of it probably so your friend can clue you in.

driving...i'm 17 days post-op. At my post-op appt on Monday my dr said I could drive if i felt i could. i haven't yet - i just don't feel secure enough being able to turn and be comfortable in the seat. Being in an upright position is still very uncomfortable so being in the passenger seat I can at least move around and slouch as much as I want.

Good luck...best wishes

My DR released me to drive at 9 days post-op. Just be very careful when doing so. Braking can be a killer and those nasty bumps in the road are NOT forgiving of people that have had surgery. I am 11 days post-op and have driven 2 times and each time have been VERY careful to avoid the big bumps!! Had to go pick my DD up today from a friends house and had me a good cursing fit on the way because of those lovely bumps! I had a TAH and I put a cushion between my tummy and the seatbelt to keep the seatbelt from rubbing and digging in.

Good luck,
Shan