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Date has been confirmed
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06-03-2013, 06:28 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 25
Hysterectomy: September 6th, 2013
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Date has been confirmed
Hi all,
I've been reading all the posts and it has been really useful. I have been booked to have a full hysterectomy on 6 September. It seems ages away, but the consultant wants to put me on tablets for 3 months to try and reduce the bleeding and also reduce the size of the fibroids to make the operation easier. Has anyone had this happen to them?
I'm naturally worried about the operation as I've never been in hospital before, and have so many questions. What is it like to have a general anaesthetic? I've been told that I'm likely to be off work for 3 months! That's the bit that scares me the most as I love my job, but also I live on my own. What's the best thing that can help me during this time?
I've also been told that as well as a total hysterectomy the incision is going to be downwards as the largest fibroid in impacting on my lungs. I am completely and utterly terrified.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and sorry that it is long.
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06-03-2013, 07:59 PM
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Posts: 17,510
Hysterectomy: May 17th, 2011
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Date has been confirmed
Hi 8662 to HysterSisters!
First off, know that all of these emotions you are feeling - the fears, nerves, freakouts, etc. - are all very normal. You are not going insane, and we are here for you.
I have heard of fibroids shrinking with some of these drugs. It is worth a try.
To have general anesthetic... My hysterectomy was my 4th surgery, but my first MAJOR SURGERY. For this one, I do not remember being put under. I had both general anesthetic and an epidural. My anesthesiologist said she could use less anesthetic that way. I liked that... SO, when I was in pre-op, they gave me part of the epidural, then they gave me verseds (which wipes short term memory). My head started to swim pretty strongly, and then the next thing I remember I was in recovery and the nurses saying all was well! I have had other surgeries where I remember being put under. And for me, it feels like extreme sleepiness that just envelopes you but that you cannot control... For me, the verseds way is better ... you can ask about that.
I also had a TAH BSO with a 6 inch vertical incision. I was off work (moderate stress desk job) for 3 weeks, but could only go part time after that for another 4 weeks. If you need 3 months off, then you do. I did spend most of the day at home alone and I did everything in batch mode. DH came home at night and did dinner stuff. Just take things VERY SLOWLY. Keep all meals very simple - I had oatmeal and yogurt for breakfast, frozen meals and fruit for lunch. For you for dinner, maybe you can do simple frozen things, maybe a neighbor or church can help for some things. Maybe Meals ON Wheels for a time for dinner?
Do expect NOT to clean your house for a long time. Also, you will need someone to help you drive, shop, laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc. for at least a few weeks.
I know this is overwhelming experience. Just know that you are not alone - never on this site.
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06-05-2013, 06:16 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 25
Hysterectomy: September 6th, 2013
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Date has been confirmed
Thank you so much for your advice. I really do appreciate it. I think it's the fear of the unknown. I live a very active life. As well as work I also play in a brass band (playing tuba). This is my passion and I've already been told that this won't be a possibility until next year at least.
It's useful to know about having frozen meals ready. Is it true that you're not allowed to pick up anything heavier than a bag of sugar. I've also been told that I possibly won't be able to have a bath or shower for 6 weeks. There's so many questions that I have and it's good to know that other people have gone through this and have survived.
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06-05-2013, 08:37 AM
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Posts: 12,392
Hysterectomy: October 15th, 2009
Surgery Type: TVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Date has been confirmed
: I was very scared but only had a week to wait. It's true you'll have a 5 or 10 lb lifting limit. A shower should be OK, just not a tub bath. It would help to clean and shop in advance. Stock up on things so you won't need to make trips, since pushing a shopping cart is considered lifting. Ask any questions you have, and the pre op info on here covers a lot. I can tell you it was easier than I expected. I hope that will be true for you as well.
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06-05-2013, 01:53 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 42
Hysterectomy: April 18th, 2013
Surgery Type: TVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Date has been confirmed
I know how you feel. I was scared and ask myself why me. Its ok to cry. Let your emotional out. The closer it got to my date the less scared I was. I remember what my grandma use to tell me : god is with you. Before your surgeon pray over your body and have faith. God already know how you feel,just trust in him.
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06-05-2013, 07:40 PM
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Posts: 17,510
Hysterectomy: May 17th, 2011
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Date has been confirmed
My restrictions on lifting were 10 lbs for six weeks, and 20 lbs for eight weeks. I was able to shower two days after my surgery. Again, just be very careful getting in and out of the shower. You will be a bit unsteady.
For grocery shopping, I had DH help PLUS I used one of those electric carts you can use for free. BUT, being by your self, as much as you can get in advance is good.
You also will have driving restrictions, and won't be able to drive for some time. Talk to your doctor about this. I was told that I could not drive until I could hit the brake very hard and could turn the wheel very hard. Essentially make an emergency maneuver with the vehicle. It took me three weeks before I felt I could do that.
Keep asking questions ... we will try to answer them for you.
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