Pre-Op Hysterectomy: Open House Chat Thread - Today Jul 23, 2017

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Originally Posted by Lhill74 Hi ladies, so glad to be here. I'm scheduled Tues morning for a TLH. Supposed to leave ovaries but they are checking them. I'm 44, have fibroids. I think my biggest concern has been my bladder. I have a friend that had prolapse after. Plus I already pee a lot. Just worried about the pelvic floor. Never having surgery before I have no idea what to expect.

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Originally Posted by Ruoni Tuesday am is my day too. Have prolapse of uterus. Fibroids. Colposcopy came back abnormal. Have Strand that could cause cervix cancer. Had conization Friday -- another surgery. Not sure if results yet but doc said to him it looked normal. Ovaries should stay. Pelvic floor will be lifted up and that ligament or whatever it holds will be repaired and reattached to spine. I'm supposed to get out the same day ..... Been prepping with walks and jogging all spring and summer. Lost some weight and keeping hydrated. ..... I'm with a urogyn specialist who works only with Prolapses ..... keeping fingers crossed for all .... good luck

Welcome ladies . . . We are so glad you found us. One of the most important things to help your pelvic floor muscles is to follow your post op restrictions to the letter . . . no pushing, no pulling, no bending and no lifting over a gallon of milk. All of these things pull on the pelvic floor muscles and it is very important for them to heal properly. Be sure to drink lots, eat fiber rich foods, an walk around bit every hour or so to guard against constipation.

Lhill74, strengthening your pelvic floor muscles (after you have been released to do so) will help in trying to prevent prolapsing. In the resource section we have number of Pelvic Floor Videos. When you scroll down toward the bottom, you will find exercise videos by Michelle Kenway. She is a well known pelvic floor therapist will teach you strengthening exercises.

Ruggi, there are several things that I found very helpful after repair surgery:

Personal wipes are more soothing than tissue
Peri bottle for personal cleansing
Witch Hazel Spray to help with soreness
Ice packs . . . I soaked pads and froze them. They will help swelling
Stitz baths ONLY if approved by your doctor

I highly recommend talking to your URO/GYN Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy. After you have healed, it is important to strengthen your muscles. The therapy helps with pelvic pain and pressure as well as strengthening your muscles.

to you both.

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Originally Posted by twebby Hi Sisters! Im Tricia, scheduled TLH on Friday, its going to be a long 5 days. Taking tylenol and ibuprofen like it is candy and that barely helps the pain! I cannot wait to have this done and move on with life!

Just a note - you may need to stop the ibuprofen as much as 5 days prior to surgery because it is a blood thinner. I've been on acetaminophen (Tylenol) only for the past few days, and it does not work as well as the Excedrine-type headache reliever I usually take for sinus migraines (which includes aspirin and caffeine).

I joke with fam that I'm looking forward to getting the "good drugs" for pain soon.

Hugs.

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Originally Posted by Casperine Lorena, I so feel you! I broke down crying yesterday. I was sure I didn't want more kids, but the thought of that being permanent scares me. I said I have the feeling I won't be a woman anymore... not like I would be a man but that part is being taken. The sound of it being permanent freaks me out and I cannot control my emotions.. I am glad I am not alone. Hugs

Casperine . . . sending you dear. I know this can be a very emotional time . . . you are definitely not alone. The question Am I Less of a Woman comes up often when our ladies are facing a hysterectomy. Please know it is not your body parts that define you as a real women. This article expresses it well . . . I hope it will help you.

Many of our ladies have purchased the post op panties and really love them. Whatever you decide to wear, you will want it to be loose fitting and accommodate Swelly Belly than can occur after surgery.

Much love to you dear.

Hello Ladies

I'm going in at 615am tomorrow morning. This past week was pretty emotional for me. I never had children, so it's been a hard decision to make. I also had severe anxiety, but I was soo busy today it took my mind off of the procedure.

I pray all will have a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

Ayanna

Hi! I am having a TAH (possible BSO) with a vertical incision ( up beyond my belly button)on Thursday. I have a large fibroid measuring 24cm x 2424cm making my uterus the size of a full time pregnancy. I am anxious about the surgery because my Dr. Anticipates a major loss of blood because of the enormity of the fibroid. I am also very scared that she may have to take the overies and going into surgical menopause. We have a strong family history of endometriosis so I am also nervous that she will find more than the fibroid. I had an ekg in pre- op that came back abnormal but it ended up being that my heart is simply positioned differently in my chest than most people. So whew- at least that was good news!!! I am looking forward to getting to the other side of this and getting rid of the "alien baby" my doctor is curious about the weight so I guess she plans on weighing it- lol. Not the way that I want to lose a pound or two but --- here goes!!!

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Originally Posted by Endo1 Surgery scheduled for Tuesday. They are concerned that my blood pressure is high. But the closer it gets the more I stress.

Hi Endo1 Be sure to let your nurses know how anxious you are when you check in . . . they can give you something to calm you (that may just help your blood pressure.) Your anesthesiologist will come in to see you before surgery . . . don't hesitate to let him/her know your concern about your BP. They have this all down in your medical records but it is always good to talk to them about it.

Much love dear . . . remember we are here for you.

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/Supracervical) Hysterectomy are retaining their cervix. A Radical Hysterectomy includes an inch or two of the upper vagina and is usually performed in cases of cervical or vaginal cancer.

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?
Parts of the Uterus

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.

First Surgery?

For those having their first surgery ever this week, I understand how stressful this is! Here are a few articles to let you know what to expect when you arrive at the hospital.

First Surgery – Hysterectomy

If Hysterectomy is Your First Surgery Part 1
If Hysterectomy is Your First Surgery Part 2
If Hysterectomy is Your First Surgery Part 3

I hope this helps! The waiting is really the hardest part, because of all the unknowns. Once you are on the Other Side, it's a big relief. Remember you are not alone. There are many ladies here in the same boat with you, and we are always here when you need a hug.

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Originally Posted by aac78 Good Morning, I am Amy and 39. I will be having my surgery on Tuesday. I will find out tomorrow afternoon what time on Tuesday. I'm too have been on an emotional rollercoaster with my decision. I have no kids and I can't because I'm on medication for RA but, knowing it's final that I will never have kids is scary. The Doctor will be taking everything but 1 ovary. My friend tells me that I will feel so much better after that I will be happy with my decision. I think as it gets closer the more emotional I get. Deep breaths it's almost over that's what I keep saying. Hugs to all & prayers to everyone.

aac78. I know this can be a wild ride dear . . . you are not alone. There is a grieving process that many ladies go through . . . it is very real and it is important to give yourself permission to work through it. Many have gone before you and truly understand where you are at. Sending you dear.

Aching Hearts Forum
Grief,Emptiness and Guilt
Grieving Children of my Heart
Post Hysterectomy Grief – Emotional Health

on your surgery dear.

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Originally Posted by nash0804 . . . I am also stressing about the length of recovery and having to rely on others. I do know how important it is and I will follow doctors orders. I promise! I don't want to extend my down time by any means! I start my new job this September and need to be ready.

We all heal at different rates dear . . . so Hysterectomy Recovery Time
varies. There is a lot that goes into it . . . over all health, type of surgery, and any repair work that is done. I am a very independent person so I do understand how difficult it can be to rely on others. I am glad you do realize how important it is. We have it in print dear . . . you said you will follow doctors orders. .

Best wishes on your surgery and recovery . . . remember we are here for you.