Tired of being tired

The more I read here, the more I suspect that the fibroids that were diagnosed long ago have been the cause of many annoying symptoms. Doc said don't worry about them until they cause problems, but didn't tell me WHAT problems.... Could it really be that the fibroids (14 week size) are causing the gas, constipation, low back pain, bloating, fatigue, low back pain, urinary retention, gushing, etc. that have been bugging me for waaaay too long? Family doc missed this one. I was correctly diagnosed by his partner when I went to walk in because I thought the fact that I had to pee all of the time meant a UTI was brewing. I was referred to a great OB/Gyn who was very open to discussing options, and I am scheduled for a SAH (maybe TAH, hopefully will keep both ovaries) on 3/29.

I have had 5 prior abdominal surgeries, including lysis of adhesions, and can share some wisdom:
-Make sure you have a zip front robe-you really don't want one that ties around the waist
-Do NOT do more than your doc says you can do, even if you feel better. I know from hard experience that can result in ugly things like incisional hernias (I've had two).
-When your doc says walk, WALK. It will alleviate those awful gas pains and will help you get your system back in shape.
-Learn to ignore dust bunnies. They won't go anywhere. You can deal with them later. ;-)

As I remain in LIW status, I am working like a demon trying to get my taxes done, my business affairs in order (I am self-employed), etc. I am exhausted. I can't remember when I wasn't tired. I can't tolerate taking much iron, but am choking it down with OJ as often as I can. DD is a HS senior and remembers when I had the last surgeries (I was a single parent then). She's been fairly helpful. DH doesn't quite get it. He tries to understand, but is an elite athlete who is never sick. Sigh. Aunt Flo came when we were on a cruise in Jan. I was expecting it, and brought navy shorts, and told him why. When we got our pictures back, he commented that I shouldn't wear navy in the tropics-duh! I didn't go on the side trip that involved sailing an America's cup yacht, because it was three hours long and I couldn't make it more than about 30 minutes without access to a bathroom. He told people I "wimped out". My surgery was scheduled 6 weeks ago and we have been discussing it since then, and he still asked if I wanted to go to a concert on 4/2.

I really hope that my friends are right-that I'll feel sooo much better afterward.
Thanks to all of the wise women who contribute here!
Nan

Hi Nan
I had my surgery one 2/26/04 am only 3 weeks out. I had a large fibroid. with my uterus and the fibroid it weighed 4#. I had immense pain and huge flow. I know wha tyou mean about not being to far from bathroom. I still feel like my periods are going to return . Have had them for so long that why should they be gone right?!
LOL. It feels good to be rid of it and to tell the truth the hysterectomy was a breeze. It is the bladder sling that is a challenge. I hope your surgery is soon and take care.