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Incision Questions
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08-16-2005, 08:54 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 9
Hysterectomy: August 22nd, 2005
Ovaries: Undecided
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Incision Questions
I haven't had my pre-op yet so maybe they'll answer this then BUT I am wondering about the incision. I am told I have a large brick-sized mass behind my uterus. They won't know until they open me up as to whether it originates from the uterus or ovary, so they're calling it "exploratory surgery." Does this mean that they'll make a big vertical incision? Is there any chance that I could have a lesser incision? (I'm 46 and engaged to be married for the 1st time. I really don't want a huge scar to display on my honeymoon ) Okay, I confess - I've got a little vanity problem here...
Also, can we ask to not have staples? I have heard that they can use glue or something like that instead. What might you know?
Pushkin
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08-16-2005, 09:10 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 539
Hysterectomy: June 28th, 2005
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Incision Questions
You're profile doesn't say what type of surgery you're having so it's hard to say what they can/might do. I just wanted to send a and wish you the best. Good luck.
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08-16-2005, 09:20 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 9
Hysterectomy: August 22nd, 2005
Ovaries: Undecided
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Incision Questions
Thank you for your reply! This has all happened so fast. I thought someone might recognize by my description what kind of surgery I will be having. Ought I just call my doctor's office to ask? (I'm not even sure I will understand the terminology, though...!)
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08-16-2005, 09:36 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 685
Hysterectomy: July 11th, 2005
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Incision Questions
Don't know about the type of incision they will have to do. Doc can answer that for you. I had a horizontal incision (went back in through my c-section scar) and I didn't have staples. They used subcuticular stitches (underneath the skin) and then put Steri-Strips (like tape) across to keep the skin closed.
BWI--Don't worry about understanding the terminology when you talk to the doc. Make him/her explain things in layman terms and don't leave until you completely understand. It's your body. You have a right to know what's going to happen to it.
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08-16-2005, 09:38 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 190
Hysterectomy: May 17th, 2005
Surgery Type: LSH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Incision Questions
For a hysterectomy, there is a procedure called "Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy (LSH)", in which a camera is placed in the belly button, the abdomen is enlarged by gas so that they can see, and then 3 small incisions are made, 2 at the hipbone and one at the pubic line, that are only about 1 inch across.
You might ask your doctor if this kind of procedure (regardless of whether they remove the uterus) can be performed for you, or if he can't, a major hospital in Boston should be able to depending on your insurance: Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston has an excellent OB/GYN dept.
-Torrie
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08-16-2005, 09:48 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 539
Hysterectomy: June 28th, 2005
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Incision Questions
There's also a link that shows all the diff. types of surgery and what they mean. But I can never find the thing when I need it. I get confused with all of them too. There are several ways a hyst can be done depending on your needs. Ask your DR which he/she thinks would be best but I would also check out what options there are and ask about other procedures if you're concerned with the scars. Don't worry about it being a "vanity problem." These are our bodies and we need to feel good about them. Hugs to you!
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08-16-2005, 09:53 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 539
Hysterectomy: June 28th, 2005
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Incision Questions
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08-16-2005, 10:11 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 9
Hysterectomy: August 22nd, 2005
Ovaries: Undecided
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Incision Questions
Thank you, Cassidy, Janet and Torrie! You're right; I need to ask and insist on understanding. The link you gave, Cassidy, is very helpful with the terminology. And wouldn't you know, it's a hystersister link!
God bless each of you and thank you for your help!
Katherine (aka Pushkin)
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08-16-2005, 10:46 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 241
Hysterectomy: August 18th, 2005
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Incision Questions
They can use Clips that are FAR better than staples. They used them druing my c-section and they left a very small nice looking scar.
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08-16-2005, 02:17 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 118
Hysterectomy: July 19th, 2005
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Incision Questions
Just so you don't worry so much, I had staples and it kind of freaked me out seeing them across my belly, but they removed them the day I was released and put on steri-strips. Today the only thing that is left is a very thin red line. It is still sore, but it's not ugly like I thought it would be. I had even had an infected part on the left side of my incision that had a little pus on it, but cleared up after a few days using Neosporin, and now you can't tell it was infected.
So, I think with some time it will fade. I have a very tiny appendix scar and yesterday was looking for it to compare my scars--that one had faded so much I could barely find it. I'm hoping that's what will happen with this one also.
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