Say it isn't so...

Hello everybody,
This is my first time posting. I'm having a TAH (keeping ovaries) on the 31st of this month and I have to say I'm kinda scared. I have heard so many different stories that I will gain weight, get a big belly, your body will never look the same! Please tell me that this isn't so and I won't look any different, at least that's what I'm hoping to hear. Thank you and thank you for this web site.

Dawn

Hi Dawn!

I too am scheduled to visit the castle on the 31st......and I too am scared. BUT one thing I can tell you is that you have come to the right place. I'm so glad I found these ladies.....they are positive and honest...will answer and address any and all of your concerns......even the embarrassing ones Also check out the chat room.......I've only been there a few times but it was so helpful!

Just remember to stay away from stuff that will pack on the weight, because for a few weeks you are going to be a good Princess and rest, so you aren't going to be as active as you were before surgery.

But, be sure to drink lots and lots of water. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only will these keep you from loading up on fatty foods, but they will help prevent constipation, which is not something that is enjoyable following surgery.

Chances are you aren't going to want much to eat your first few days back from the Castle anyway. I found that eating lightly several times a day works the best. I'm still eating that way. As far as I know, I haven't gained any weight, and I fit into all of my pre-surgery clothes just fine, even when I get the infamous "swelly belly". Maybe I've lost a little.

Be sure to take short walks during the day, if your MD allows it. Just don't over do it.

After surgery is the time for resting, not for exercising and dieting.

I have several other friends who have had hysterectomies, and not one has "packed on the pounds".

-Kim, also in Iowa

Hi there!

Every one of us is different, so we will experience this a bit differently. I tried to look at it as a chance to be healthy again...I got a jumpstart due to losing 8lbs worth of fibroids!! Alot of it is your own unique physiology, but I believe you can do wonders for your recovery and general good health post-op by starting to take really good care of yourself!

I have lost 10 lbs since my 3/5 TAH/BSO, and I'm eating much better...drinking water, eating fruits & veggies (which is also helping with fighting constipation), and walking. To help you get a head start on this healthy mindset, visit our new forum Hysteritaville ...it's devoted to helping us all get and stay healthy!!

Don't believe all the stories you hear...you make look different...you may look BETTER! Keep a healthy outlook and you will give yourself a wonderful gift. Grab this opportunity as a second chance...be strong, healthy, pain-free, and beautiful.

Good luck!!

Karen

Thank you Karen, Kim, Teri
I feel so much better and I'm sure things will go just fine.
Teri I will be thinking of you on the 31st I hope you have an easy recovery. Kim we are practically neighbors I'm from Ames, "Go Cyclones" Karen thank you for telling me about Hysteritaviller, I will definitely check that out. Thanks again ladies!

Dawn

Hey Iowa Sisters!

I'm only 60 miles from Ames, West down Highway just outside of Carroll! I'm scheduled for a TAH at the end of August so will be REALLY anxious to hear your stories.

Regarding the "body changes" I'm sure we will have a few adjustments to make since it is such a major procedure. My GYN has recommended riding my bike and "crunches" to get things "firmed up" before my surgery IF I WANT. He was not pushing it but I asked. The bike riding he recommended the most to get me in better general shape, breathing, cardiovascular etc. He is a self-admitted health nut and said these were strictly optional. He felt I was in fine shape for the surgery already. I'm sure some "swelling" is inevitable after the surgery since they are doing so much to the muscles and tendons, similar to a sprained ankle when the ligaments/muscles are torn and pulled.

I will be hoping to hear good things from Hawkeye and Cyclone Country!

Hang in there, it will be over before you know it.

I woke up in the middle of the night, several months ago, and there was a woman on tv that had had a double mastectomy. She was sort of young, had a wonderful husband.

Just after the mastectomy, she started working with a woman that's a professional tatoo artist. Not the ugly stuff, beautiful stuff! They worked for many months making, or "drawing" a halter top - mosaics, beautiful intense colors. Tatooed lace looking straps and took these to a "v" in the back. In the back, looking like the petals were spilling over the strap was the most beautiful rose. Just breathtaking.

Afterwards, when she went to the gym, everyone in the locker room would gather around her to see this. Then they'd ask, when they realized they should be there, where her breasts were. Everyone was amazed by the sheer beauty of it.

She said that many folks that get tattoos have to have a pill to get through it, but that she saw it as a transformation, and knowing that transformation was never meant to be easy. Transformation is a "challenge" and she wanted to be aware of every aspect of it. Her husband held her hand during most of the tattooing, and said that she really had a grip on him.

At that point, I realized that my "journey" was sort of like that. I became excited at the prospect of transformation - transformed from a pained, bleeding mess, to a healthy, well woman just entering her 50th year, and the second half of her life!

Two little spots of cancer were found, so I need to take Megace for at least a year and I'm starting radiation treatments monday, 5 days a week, 20 minutes a day for six weeks. This is a challenge, and I no longer dread any of it. It's all a part of my life.
I know I will be healthy afterwards, I've lost 33lbs as of today, and I have more time to learn my life lessons on this physical plane before going on to the next (spiritual) life. Here comes another hot flash - how interesting! I'm just so blessed, and oh so happy.

And truly wish you the same!!