New to Post-Op (but not to Hystersisters)--Want to Introduce Myself

Hello, ladies. My name is Elissa and I'm 35. I just had my TLH/BSO on December 10th for extensive Endometriosis and suspected Adenomyosis. I've been married for 13 years. I have a dog and two cats. We don't have kids and I never wanted to have kids. I had a diagnostic laporoscopy, hysteroscopy, and D&C done in June. It confirmed what I have suspected all along, which is that I had pretty bad Endometriosis (Stage III to be exact). I had extensive implants on the bowel wall, my cervix and rectum were adhered together, and my ovaries were pinned back by the Endometriosis implants. I have been on just about every type of birth control available. When I was on extended cycle BCPs and Depo Provera, I was still experiencing daily severe pelvic pain. When I did have periods, they were super-heavy and interfered with my quality of life.

I saw five GYNs over the years before I found my current one, who was the only one willing to take my issues seriously. After the laporoscopy, she put me on monthly 3.25 mg injections of Lupron for 5 months. I had been pushing for a hysterectomy for years, and decided to get it done. She wanted me on Lupron because without it, there was a 15-20% chance of nicking my colon. She brought in a colorectal surgeon to assist in the bowel wall area. They said they were able to excise all of the Endometriosis implants.

My surgery was over 3 hours long. Fortunately they were able to do it laporoscaplly and didn't have to convert to a TAH. I also did not need a bowel resection. There was a chance I may have needed that too.

I was released from the hospital around 6 p.m. yesterday. I had been having issues urinating and wasn't putting out as much as the bladder scans said I should. The nurses were saying they might have to put the catheter back in, but luckily they didn't have to. I've been sore and exhausted since coming home. I've been keeping on top of my pain meds. I'm glad it's over. Things were nowhere near as bad as I thought they would be. I feel better than I have in years. I just wanted to share my story and intoduce myself. I'm new to the post-op board, but I've been on Hystersisters for awhile.

Glad to hear your surgery is over, and the road to recovery has begun.

Take great care of yourself, healing is a slow process and sometimes we think we can do more than we are able to.

Very best wishes for a steady recovery.