Broken Tail Bone...

i have no clue why i am worried about this, of all things, but i have a broken tail bone. i am wondering if any of you have more information about this position they put you in for a TVH/BSO??

When i sit at work with my legs crossed for an extended period of time, it hurts. i guess i'm afraid this surgery position will have me resting on my broken tail bone causing additional problems with walking/ect. when i wake up.

Thanks!!

Alene,
Generally the postion is flat on your back with legs in stirrups. I know some post-op sisters complain of pain in their hips from being in the stirrups so long, but it generally goes away as they're healing.

I think the most important thing for you is to let your Dr. and all other staff (pre-op, anesthesia) know ahead of surgery AND that morning remind them again. Ask ahead if there's anything they can do to minimize pressure on that area during the procedure.

Good Luck and we'll see you on the other side soon! LJC

I broke my tail bone about 6 years ago, snapped the tip right off! Recovery is being a bit hard on my bum because of it but nothing like I expected. I just have to switch positions that I'm laying in every now and then to prevent too much pain and numbness in my leg and buttcheeks. Just after surgery, my tail bone was the furthest thing from my mind! LOL

Hi Alene,

I broke my tailbone in 3 places 21 years ago, along with a crush fracture of C12 leaving it wedge shaped. I don't think the tailbone on it's own will cause you any problems, it never really has me that I know of so far. What I do have is some bulging discs in the lumbar spine and the surgery definitely aggravated my problems there. I would share your concerns with the medical staff as they must be well used to dealing with this kind of thing, I know a lot of women have back ache after the surgery anyway even if they do not have back problems going in.

Hi there, Alene.

I had a cracked tailbone many years ago (won't tell you how it happened -- just use your wildest imagination!)

Anyhoo, I had an LAVH 5 days ago and I was awake and completely coherent when I had to slide onto the OR table. I remember being surprised that there was a HOLE right where your butt goes so there was no pressure on my tailbone but it was uncomfortable on my lower back. It was also warmed for me -- they told me to thank one of the OR nurses for that courtesy and I gratefully did just that. It was a weird set up but then again your legs are up in those Allen stirrups. I'm assuming the "hole" was to divert any bleeding, saline rinse, etc. that is used during the procedure.

Do make sure your doc as well as the pre-op nurse who preps you is aware of this and advises the rest of the crew.

Best of luck -- it's not so bad at all!