Got home yesterday evening....

Had surgery the 12th. The large fibroid (one causing all the problems) was larger and lower than anticipated. It was 18cmx15cmx8cm and located on the outer wall of my uterus down low displacing my uterus upward and to the side. Because of the position I lost a lot of blood during surgery (requiring 2 units) and my temp jumped for a couple of days so I required an extended hospital stay and an antibiotic. I came home with a catheter due to the burch procedure but hopefully will get both cath & staples removed later today. I'm measuring my urine and have to pee 5 times consecutively measuring at least 300cc's with only 75cc's residual. Then I call the doc! Can't wait to get the cath out!!!!

Someone else just wrote that this is the most painful surgery she's ever had and I fully agree. They tried demerol with me but switched to morphine and I'm now on motrin 800 mg twice a day and percocet 325mg, 1-2 tablets, four times a day. Seems to do the trick. The worst is over and now onward to recovery!

Last night I had nightmares. My husband was greatly amused by one. I dreamt that I heard a dog whining and scratching in our bedroom then the dog (a very large one) jumped right on top of my abdomen. My husband woke up with me grasping his arm and moaning very loadly. He thinks it's quite funny but the thought of something jumping on my incision truly is frightening!

I had hoped that the lab report would come back telling me that my uterus weighed 20 lbs but was disappointed it was actually only 2. My doc says I will notice a world of difference and my stomach is immediately smaller and softer. Good news is that I kept both ovaries so at 40 years old don't anticipate going into menopause anytime soon.

Now back to bed but wanted to update everyone on my experience. Even though it didn't go as smoothly as hoped I am very glad I did it and am looking forward to the future.

It's so nice that you are doing better and better. Sorry to hear about all the trouble but really happy that you were able to keep your ovaries at 40! I had to let one of mine go due to the large (one) fibroid that was sitting on it but was able to keep the other ovary. I had my TAH in March of 2000 and the one ovary is ticking along G-R-E-A -T!!!...no hot flashes or anything. I felt sweaty the first few weeks now and then after coming home but my hormones balanced out and now I am happier than ever!!! It should be no time before you are off those pain meds. Just get plenty of rest (which means with your feet up). Please remember it takes many, many months (up to one year) to totally recover physically. I just must say one more time::: Hooray for being able to keep your ovaries ~ based on my experience ~ you made the right choice! Matter of fact even for those women over 50 ~ they still provide some needed hormones.

Enjoy this special time!

Cath and staples are out.....hooray!!!!

Good for you! You will feel so much better...be a good princess and remember all your training...slow and easy!!

Glad you are on your way to feeling better.



Karen