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What to Expect TAH
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03-09-2008, 09:05 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 3
Hysterectomy: March 26th, 2008
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What to Expect TAH
The date for my TAH is quickly approaching (March 26th) and I am beginning to get very anxious about what to expect for the surgery and the recovery. I had surgery to remove my gallbladder (abdominal surgery not laproscopic) about 20 years ago and am wondering if anyone knows if the recovery is similar. I was in the hospital for 5 days and was restricted from lifting and driving for about 60 days after release. I am very concerned (and a little scared) about what to expect particulary since I am much older this time around.
Also, I've seen a number of comments about preparing for surgery that include enimas. My instructions say to eat light the day before and to not eat after 10 pm the night before surgery. I really don't understand why the big difference in instructions for other patients. Also have ready a number of comments about bladder control issues and rectal problems. Any insight about these areas would be greatly appreciated.
I thought I asked the right questions but the more I read on this site the more ignorant I feel.
Thanks for any guidance provided.
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03-09-2008, 09:14 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 948
Hysterectomy: April 1st, 2008
Surgery Type: TVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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What to Expect TAH
I dont' have any answers really but wanted to give you I am a little nervous about the recovery also here. I am having a TVH and not really sure what to expect at all?
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03-09-2008, 09:43 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 93
Hysterectomy: March 4th, 2008
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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What to Expect TAH
For a TAH you are usually in the hospital 2-4 days, no driving 2-4 weeks, no lifting 6-8 weeks. These are just generalities, your doctor will give you specific instructions based on his preferences and your condition/situation. Bowel prep seems to be based mainly on doctor preference and ranges from none except don't eat after midnight to clear liquids oral and rectal preps. I have not seen any good research studies on the subject, so doctors just order what they think is best for their patients. Hope this helps. You are in my prayers.
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03-09-2008, 10:08 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 11
Hysterectomy: February 25th, 2008
Surgery Type: LSH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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What to Expect TAH
I had my TAH on 2/25 and will share what my experience has been. Like you, I was very anxious before surgery. I had never had any kind of surgery before and was worried about every little thing. I can tell you that just as so many others have said on this site, the waiting is absolutely the very worst part of it all.
My doctor did not order any bowel prep, no diet restrictions the day before, and just no food or drink after midnight. My surgery was scheduled for 9:15 am.
I has actually supposed to have LSH, but knew it was possible that it would have to be done abdominally --- and that' just what happenend. Again, every case and doctor is different, but I was in the hospital only for 1 night. I probably could have stayed longer if I requested, but I passed all the "tests" for discharge (ate solid food, no nausia from my pain meds and peed on my own). They took excellent care of me there --- the nurses were all extremely comforting and responsive, but in the end, it's impossible to get any sleep as they were coming in to check my vitals, give me pain meds or ask me if I was sleeping OK (are you kidding!!) about every hour. So I nearly begged my doctor to go home the next day and she agreed. I left th hospital about 6:30 pm and was SO grateful to be back in my own bed. I would say, however, that if you need the time in the hospital, take it. I had a catheter the first night which I was very grateful for so I didn't have to get up to go the bathroom. But it was helpful to know (from one of the ladies on this site) that even with a catheter, it might not always drain well on its own. So if you feel like you're bladder is full, call the nurse right away. They can easily reposition the tube or just jiggle it a bit, and in just a few seconds, you feel much better.
I'm now two weeks post-op and feelling a little better, stronger, and more "flexible" everyday, but I can see that it will likely be another few weeks before I begin to approach anything normal. I've been able to very slowly and careful go up and down the steps, and was able to go out to dinner with my husband on day 10. I've been off pain meds all together since day 12. Something else you see over and over again on this site is to listen to your own body --- and I heartedly second that. Everyone is different in terms of their surgery, recovery, how their body responds, etc.
Hope this isn't too much info but I remember how I was feeling before my surgery (worried, scared, depressed . . .) and for me, it seemed the more I heard from other ladies, the better I felt.
Good luck and I'm sending positive thoughts your way.
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03-09-2008, 10:55 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 948
Hysterectomy: April 1st, 2008
Surgery Type: TVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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What to Expect TAH
Thanks so much for sharing your experience, it means a lot to all of us who face this
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03-09-2008, 12:34 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 22
Hysterectomy: March 10th, 2008
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What to Expect TAH
Thanks for sharing MaxSidney! Nothing like the voice of experience to help put my mind at ease. My procedure is tomorrow at 10:30 and, although I'm not terribly worried, I am a little anxious about how my body will respond to the surgery (1st time for me).
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03-09-2008, 01:34 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 522
Hysterectomy: February 20th, 2008
Surgery Type: TVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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What to Expect TAH
Hi there. 9909 hit it right on the head with the timeframes and differences in bowel prep orders (like you I had the "eat lightly before 9am and nothing after midnight" orders and that was it). I'm now 18 days post op. I had a much more difficult surgery then the doctor expected (we were surprised by extensive endo during my surgery - my doc had to scrape my bladder and bowel) and I lost alot of blood (left the hospital anemic). Even given all that I was only in the hospital 2 days / 3 nights. By 5 days post-op I was on the road to recovery and every day has been better than the day before (sometimes alot better, sometimes only a little). 18 days post op I have the "swelly belly" and some discomfort associated with that (feels like I'm carring a solid rubber inner tube around my abdomin LOL), my incision itches a little, and I get tired easily but when I compare all I've been through with all I would have been through with my next menstrual cycle (which I would have been experiencing right now) I've already broken even !
I did alot to make my recuperation time "fun" and special. I bought myself four new pairs of PJs to lounge in, brought all the books off my bookshelf that I never had the chance to read, bought two additional books, and pulled out all my favorite movies to watch again. I also stocked up on chocolate LOL. I'm taking this time to enjoy NOT running around like a chicken without a head trying to do 10 things at once .... and I'm enjoying it for the most part.
All the best for your surgery and recovery
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