Stopping smoking before surgery

Hi Ladies, I just wanted to make a quick post that I am going tomorrow morning for a TAH for suspected adeno..... hopefully it won't be cancelled because i have lost my voice, although I don't feel sick I'm afraid they will cancel on me. Oh and I'm scared to death now..... I'm supposed to stop smoking 24 hrs before surgery but I'm a nervous wreck..... Any suggestions??

Thanks
Lori

Lori-

I'm not a smoker, but do you think gum or mints or something would help? Just having something in your mouth? My boss used to chew on a straw when she was trying to quit.

On another note, kind of personal so you don't need to answer, but is the suspected adeno the only reason for your TAH? (well, the symptoms that go with it?) My doctor suspects adeno...I have all the symptoms, but nothing showed up on any of the ultrasounds. I also have cervical issues so they plan on taking that too. I am supposed to go for a surgical consult for TVH and second opinion here soon and I was just curious. I'm comfortable with my decision to have everything removed, but can't help but wonder if it will come back saying adeno or not.

Hi Sue, I had severe pain for months and after I started BC the pain stopped. When I have break through bleeding the pain returns... it has not been as severe but still bad. Also, when I seen the specialist and he did the exam and touched my uterus i almost flew off the table. Sex is extremely painful and well as going to the bathroom. There is a chance that it is not adeno, but I have 4 kids and my tubes have been tied for 5 years so even at 33 I'm confident in my decision.... even if there's a chance that its not adeno. I have always been told that it can only be diagnosed after a hysterectomy when the biopsy is done. I had a lap in January and they found nothing and said that my uterus was normal in size and shape etc.

I know one thing for sure, sooner or later the BC will stop working, I've been on continuous since Feb and have break-through bleeding 4-6 weeks. I know how bad the pain was before and I know that if there is a chance that the surgery will help at this point I'm willing to take that chance.

I guess it really comes down to your own gain vs loss. My heart goes out to the ladies that don't have children and have to make this choice. I suppose if my circumstances were different I may choose not to have the hysterectomy but for me now I am less concerned about what the pathology report will say. I know my uterus hurts and thats what I hope will go away.

Good luck with everything,
Lori

Lori-
Thanks for replying. That's about where I am with my decision...I am miserable and just want my uterus gone. Always cramping...even today I woke up with such bad cramps I thought I would have my period (early), but it has never come and not that I mind, but the cramps drive me crazy. I had a few cramp free days this month but that's all. The sex hurts, not extremely painful, and I'm able to tolerate it. Usually just spotting afterward with cramping. My periods are VERY heavy, changing every 1-2 hours for the first 3 days. It tapers off, and when I think it's just about gone it starts up again...bright red for another day or two. I'm not as concerned with what the pathology will say either, but it lurks in the back of my mind that if it shows up with nothing...does that mean it wasn't my uterus that was causing the pain.

Also, if anyone has any suggestions...I'm having my cervix removed too. Do I need some sort of sling or net or something to keep things from "falling" or "dropping"? Anyone with knowledge about this, please feel free to jump in and let me know!

Thanks and good luck to everyone!!

I used my surgery and recovery time to stop smoking. I've quit many times before, but this time was so much easier!

I went out of town the week before my surgery. I smoked socially with some friends there, but with a no smoking hotel room, rental car and airports, it was very minimal.

Between the meds and the change in my routine, I have not smoked in 4 weeks and I don't miss it. My sister who I always spent a lot of time with, was generally my down fall before. I'd bum from her. I am working back up to my normal routines, which includes spending time with her, and I have no urge to smoke at all.


When I mentioned to my Doctor that I was going to use the time to quit smoking, he asked if I needed a patch for the hospital stay to get me started. His nurse also asked if I'd need anything to help. They were very supportive rather than making me feel bad for smoking to begin with.

This has been my easiest time and I hope it's my last time.


Barb