TAH: multiple medical issues...need some support, please!

I want to tell you all that I am so glad the HysterSisters are here for the chickens like me!!

I am really concerned with my multiple issues and healing after my TAH on Dec. 6th. I hope someone can ease my fears!! I have several health issues that will make things more complicated: type 2 diabetes (insulin), fibromyalgia (severe), polymyalgia rheumatica (7.25 mg prednisone daily), and obesity (285 lbs). Also, I had a C-section with my twins 25 years ago, vertical incision from belly button to nether region(!) which did not heal well. I remember the horrible staples and poor pain control, and I am worried things could be worse with this surgery.

I am going in for the pre-op appointment in two days, so I will make sure my gyn understands all of this stuff, but any advice you ladies can give me would be appreciated!!

My uterus is greatly enlarged (larger than a grapefruit) and presumably contains fibroids. I am having tremendous back pain, digestion problems, and pain in my abdomen. I have a retroflex uterus (completely backwards) that will surely have scar tissue. I had a uterine ablation (hot water balloon) about 5 years ago, and I most likely have post-ablation syndrome. I am ready to get this surgery behind me! Thanks for your recovery advice!

Robbie

Honey you've got a lot going on! I also have an autoimmune disease and had concerns going into this surgery. I believe it has made things harder for me, but it's hard to know for sure. Such is the nature of autoimmune disease... All kinds of weird problems and no real solution to them. I suggest an appointment with your rheumatologist to let him know about your surgery. He may wish to change your meds up a bit or possibly talk to your GYN. My rheumatologist unfortunately said nothing useful but hopefully you have a better one than I do! Also type fibromyalgia into the search box on this site. There is a list of preop suggestions that may be helpful to you. I wish you the best with your surgery and recovery and really hope you have smooth sailing :-)

Pain control has come a long way. I had 2 c-sections 22 and 17 years ago. I did much better because they just stick that stuff right in your IV and you feel better almost instantly. They will make sure you are comfortable. As long as your Diabetes in under control with the insulin you should heal okay. Make sure you keep a close eye on your numbers. It may take a little longer than those that don't have diabetes, but the docs are aware of your medical condition. They will take good care of you. As you know with the Fibro, moving is the best thing for you and as you know with Arthritis, sometimes it is difficult because of pain. The nurses will help you get on your feet the first day, and you will be surprised how much better you feel after your hysterectomy. I started losing weight right after the surgery and a lot of other ladies say the same thing. My uterus was the size of my head! They cut it into 41 pieces. I don't regret the Hysterectomy and you won't either. Keep in touch.

I am sorry you are dealing with a lot of health issues. There are women on this site who have similar experiences - some have already responded. Hopefully, others will see this thread and respond with their experiences as well.

As you are planning, make sure your surgeon knows all of your health issues and concerns.

Hugs to you...

Thanks so much everyone! I am so glad my pre-op appointment is this Tuesday!

So sorry you are having all these things going on , I can sort of understand I have fibro,cfs, heart probs, thyroid disorder, slipped disc with osteoarthritus , rls, and depression with anxiety and Im due to have a full hyster in January due to massivly swollen fibroids in my uterus .. I am terrified about being in too much pain and recovery taking longer to recover due to fibro, I have been told a week in hospital and bout 8 weeks recovery but Im expecting it to take longer.. I have been told by my doctors that I can control my own pain meds and the list they have on here somewhere to show doctors is brilliant...

You are not alone and we are very good listeners ..

sending gentle hugs xxx
Amanda