Upcoming LAVH

I'll be having LAVH in 2 1/2 weeks for severe menstrual cramping my whole life. I've had two laproscopies (both negative) at ages 22 and 32, endometrial ablation with tubal ligation, taken the Pill for 13 years which only made the cramping predicatable not less. I have taken progesterone suppositories, herbs, vitamins, and exercised til my legs about fell off. I've lost weight (which I didn't have any to lose) hoping for amennorhea. I've taken psychological tests which came back normal so I was forced to take them again before being evaluated for treatment. Every NSAID has been tried with only marginal success.

So, here I go, finally having the big Hyst. My sister and my mother have had hysterectomies (for different reasons) and my mom is coming up to help. I'm not worried but am uncertain how much this will help, either. Today I give blood for the last time. I am concerned about how soon I'll be able to return to work as I am a solo doctor with a new practice.

Kerri

Wow, Kerri,
Sounds like your hands are full. I am having a LAVH tomorrow. I've known it would come eventually for about 10 years. I have endo, and a bunch of other problems. ( listed in my sig)

Welcome to hyster sisters! You'll fit right in. Ask questions away. I've got a friend doing her residency in OB/GYN right now, and we were talking. She knows what she has been taught, but talking to those who have been through it is a whole different story.

Best wishes!

Kerri,

I had the exact same feelings before my hyst. I also have endometriosis, but a thorough removal by an excellent surgeon brought me limited relief from pain. I finally opted for hysterectomy and hardly dared hope for relief.

Lucky me! My normal-looking, normal-feeling (on exam), non-boggy uterus came back positive for adenomyosis. Tah-dah! We have a culprit! I have already gone through my first missed period with zero pain. So you might as well go into this with optimism. It could happen to you, too!

I had TLH went back to a sit-down job half-time at 3 1/2 weeks and was full-time by 4 weeks. If you rest, rest, rest up until the last minute and your practice isn't too physical you might be able to do part-time at three weeks--my doctor does allow women to do this. Make sure you allow yourself time to lie down several times during the day; this can make all the difference. You will be completely worthless by the end of the workday, though, so might want company for longer than that. NO LIFTING even once you go back to work until cleared! That means no groceries, no laundry, no vacuuming.

Hope this helps.

I had a LAVH back in July. I felt okay at about 3 weeks but always resting. I started to work from home at 4 weeks, went back to work at 6 weeks. The first week back I took it slow, I did end up leaving early and not coming in every now and then again because fatigue will be your biggest factor. I am now at 9 months post and doing great. I took the max time allowable for me because I needed it. I was just plain tired for a couple of months, then it started getting better. Good luck and go slow.