HysterSisters.com is a massive online community with over 475,000 members and over 5 million posts.
Our community is filled with women who have been through the
Hysterectomy experience providing both advice and support from our active members and moderators.
HysterSisters.com is located at 111 Peter St, Toronto, Canada, M5V2H1 and is part of the VerticalScope network of websites.
With free registration, you can ask and answer questions in our HYSTERECTOMY forum community, get our FREE BOOKLET, access Hysterectomy Checkpoints and more.
You are not alone. The HysterSisters are here for you. Join us today!
|
|
Hysterectomy, cystocele, rectocele repair on Jan.29th...have ?'s
|
01-08-2010, 10:29 PM
|
HysterSister
|
|
Posts: 9
Hysterectomy: January 29th, 2010
|
|
Hysterectomy, cystocele, rectocele repair on Jan.29th...have ?'s
Hi! I've been cruising this site for a few weeks now and am so glad I found it! I'm scheduled for a hysterectomy and cystocele/rectocele repair on Jan. 29th. (My Pre-Op appt is on Jan. 20th)
I'm 38 years old and have had gynecological problems forever. I have PCOS and had to use fertility drugs to get pregnant with my 2 children (10 & 7 years old). Since my early 20s I had very infrequent periods for many years (first clue of the PCOS.) A couple years ago I lost about 60 pounds, and since then I started having my periods more regularly... The BAD thing is though this past year and a half they've become torture! I don't just bleed, I GUSH! It lasts for 7-10 days at a time, with severe cramps and back pain. I'm so drained for a couple weeks at a time, I'm sure I'm anemic. I've tried BCPs and that made matters worse (bled for 2 months straight before I said "forget it!") The last straw came just before the holidays, so I scheduled an appt with my Dr and upon my exam he said I also have a significant cystocele. That would explain my other nagging problem of urine leaking when I cough, sneeze, laugh too hard, occasionally during sex... pretty much whenever my abdomen is mildly strained. When I have to pee... I've got to go NOW (or else!) I figured it was just a result of having babies vaginally and I've lived with it. Well Dr said giving birth vaginally, plus the fact that my last one was 9 1/2 pounds did it to me. He also said I have a mild rectocele and my uterus is mildly prolapsed. Let's face it... I'm a hot mess!
So, here I am ready to get this all taken care of. I'm ready for they hysterectomy (uterus & cervix) for sure... but I have to make the decision on whether or not to keep my ovaries. My Dr said at my age (38) and the fact that I have no family history of "female cancers" he'd be inclined to leave them in if they appear healthy. My question to him was, since I have PCOS my ovaries don't really function correctly, does it make sense to leave them? He said that yes, my ovaries didn't always work for me, but they did sometimes ovulate so they are still making hormones. He said he would totally understand and go along with me if I want to remove them, but that I'd need to go on HRT right away. I am so CONFLICTED about this decision! My primary concern is my sex life. My husband and I have been married almost 13 years now and have a very happy and active love life, and I don't want that messed up. (I realize for a few months post-op things will be off, but I'm talking long term.) Just when I think I've decided to keep the ovaries, then I read something or talk to other women about their experiences and think maybe I should take them out and go with HRT... that maybe a "controlled" dosing of hormones may be helpful with my PCOS, since Lord knows they are screwy now. With the PCOS I have some painful cysts develop a lot of times, so removing them would help that out. Plus, it removes the risk of the very deadly Ovarian Cancer possibility. I just don't know what to do... There are good Pros and bad Cons either way... I do plan to discuss it more with my Dr at the Pre-Op on the 20th, but was hoping for some input here.
My only other worry is the recovery from the cystocele/rectocele repair. I'm sure it will be uncomfortable but I just worry about having to go home with a catheter or something. Some have said the recovery is similar to an episiotomy (which I had quite a dandy one with my first child) so I've been there done that. I just worry it will be a lot worse pain-wise.
Also, I know a lot of women only have to be off work 2-3 weeks with just a hysterectomy... should I expect a longer recovery with the cystocele/rectocele repair? My job is an office desk job where I sit most of the day. (I understand sitting is the major problem after rectocele repair.)
Dr said I'd be in the hospital a couple days. But another thing I'm wondering... Once I'm at home, my husband works all day, the kids will be at school... Will I need someone to stay with me the first few days or so? Have any of you been able to "go it alone" most of the day the whole time you're recovering? We don't have any family close by and all of our friends have their own families/jobs to worry about. I'd have to have my Mom come from 3 1/2 hours away to stay, and let's just say she tends to drive me crazy after more than a day. I love her and she means well, but we just have one of those relationships. So I'm kind of hoping to get away with being alone during the day. But I also don't want to be a hero, and my husband may appreciate the help with the house and kids.
I know this has gotten long, but I truly appreciate any input you have on any of my questions/concerns. I'm sure I'll be posting more in the days and weeks to come.
Thanks!
Wendy
|
Sponsored Links
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
01-09-2010, 12:07 PM
|
HysterSister
|
|
Posts: 16
Hysterectomy: December 11th, 2009
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
|
|
Re: Hysterectomy, cystocele, rectocele repair on Jan.29th...have ?'s
children mentioned
Hi, I had my hysterectomy due to prolapse problems, so don't have any advice ovary-wise for you. I'm 43 and did keep mine- I don't have any cancer history or other issues.
I had A&P repairs for cystocele and rectocele plus a sling for urinary stress incontinence. I also found out I had a slight entrocele after the surgery. I didn't need to have a catheter leaving the hospital. The morning after the surgery, the catheter came out it wasn't easy to urinate. It came out dribbly and slow, but after walking around a bit and trying many times I eventually did void enough to be cleared to go home. A relief!!! It took till the evening of day 2 to get back to more of a stream.
I had a LAVH so my recovery has been pretty good and I only stayed one night in the hospital. What kind of hysterectomy are you having? The repairs do add more to recover, but I haven't been that uncomfortable or in that much pain. I took a few more potent pain killers initially after I came home and then just motrin. Now 1 month out, I'm not taking anything. My dr. said it could take 1 year for everything vaginally to heal, after 1 month still looks a bit bumpy from what I can see.
Third day after the surgery, DH went to work and the kids to school. I was fine during the day, I actually looked forward to the house being quiet and being able to rest whenever I needed - which I did allot. If you have a big incision it might be more difficlut to move around.
I also had a big baby, my first was 9lb 10ozs. I'm sure that had an effect on my later prolapse. Oh well!!!
Hope everything works out well for your surgery.
|
|
01-09-2010, 05:31 PM
|
HysterSister
|
|
Posts: 1
Hysterectomy: January 20th, 2010
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Undecided
|
|
Re: Hysterectomy, cystocele, rectocele repair on Jan.29th...have ?'s
Thanks for the positive post. I have the same procedure scheduled on Jan. 20 and am quite scared about it. I'm not one to sit around and am on my own for 18 hours a day and used to lifting and doing what I want. It will be hard for me to not to lift and vacuum with two golden retrievers. My problems are worsening so I know it is the right decision. I can't gain weight, have gotten a dress for my daughter's wedding May 22 so have a lot on my "worry" list.
|
Sponsored Links
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
01-09-2010, 07:41 PM
|
HysterSister
|
|
Posts: 898
Hysterectomy: January 12th, 2010
Surgery Type: TVH
Ovaries: Removed both
|
|
Re: Hysterectomy, cystocele, rectocele repair on Jan.29th...have ?'s
Wendy, I am scheduled for the same surgery on 01/12 plus the sling so it's encouraging to see superbouncyball's post about not having to come home with a catheter. I am having my ovaries removed because I have had horrible pain in the middle of the month forever and I'm almost 49. I have already been told I will be off work for 6 weeks, even if it's vaginal. I'd definitely want to check that out ahead of time to see how long they think you'll be off work. I am fortunate as my husband is taking off work the week of my surgery and the week after. The only thing is he has to work the weekend, but my 16 yo son will be here as well as my parents who only live a few blocks away. My oldest daughter has her own family, but I'm sure would help if I need her although she's having surgery on the 27th and needs to get ready for that. Best of luck. Hope all goes well.
|
Similar Threads
|
From This Forum |
From Other Forums |
7 Replies, Last Reply 10-13-2010, Started By tarannedoyle 14 Replies, Last Reply 06-28-2008, Started By retiredcva 14 Replies, Last Reply 04-06-2008, Started By WomanofVirtue 1 Reply, Last Reply 06-07-2006, Started By txmapa 1 Reply, Last Reply 03-04-2006, Started By scrappyfan 6 Replies, Last Reply 11-15-2005, Started By stove 8 Replies, Last Reply 08-07-2005, Started By kjmay39 1 Reply, Last Reply 04-26-2004, Started By kipopa 1 Reply, Last Reply 04-01-2003, Started By Joybelle 3 Replies, Last Reply 08-28-2002, Started By SueKZ |
9 Replies, Pelvic Floor and Bladder Issues 4 Replies, Pelvic Floor and Bladder Issues 34 Replies, Pelvic Floor and Bladder Issues 20 Replies, Pelvic Floor and Bladder Issues 8 Replies, Pelvic Floor and Bladder Issues 28 Replies, Pelvic Floor and Bladder Issues 2 Replies, Pelvic Floor and Bladder Issues 2 Replies, Pelvic Floor and Bladder Issues 13 Replies, Pelvic Floor and Bladder Issues |
|
Advertisement
Hysterectomy News
TODAY'S EVENTS
Calendar -
Hysterectomies -
Birthdays
Request Information
I am a HysterSister
Your Hysterectomy Date
$vbulletin->featuredvideos is not an array!
Advertisement
Advertisement
|