I'm new too- TAH scheduled

Hello Everyone,
I am brand new, I signed up a week or two ago but I am just now posting.

I am 40yrs old and am having a TAH on 12/9/08. I am very happy about this yet a bit apprehensive about the recovery from the surgery. I have had severe bleeding for the past 2 1/2 years after going off the pill. So severe that I clot very badly and have to take off work at least 1 or 2 days a month. I am so sick of all this heaving bleeding and the pain associated with it.

I have never had any major surgery before in my life. I did have a D&C procedure done in August hoping this would help the excessive bleeding but it did not. Aside from this I only had my tonsils out when I was 10yrs old, so I am a bit nervous about a major surgery in which my abdomen is going to be cut open like this.

I have 1 child that is now 11yrs old and I scheduled my surgery during the month of December so she can be of some help to me while she is off for the holidays. My mom is now retired and will also be available to help me right after surgery and I get home from the hospital until school breaks on Dec 18th for the holidays.

Not sure how much help my husband will be because of his job and his work schedule so it was important for me to have my daughter around to help when my mom cannot be there.

I had some questions but I will sort them out and post them in the correct locations. I just wanted to say Hello for now.

Thanks,
Doxun68

I am also having a TAH however I am 34 but we have five kids 11 to 9 weeks. I unlike you will be alone here with them after the surgery and am worried about how long I'll be gone.

Hi Doxun, nice to met you. It sounds like we have some of the same symptoms. Best of luck to you. Won't it be nice when we're on the other side of this, talking about how it's all over...and we're healing nicely?

Take care.

Hi Doxun!

As I was reading your post, I couldn't help but think about how nice it will be for you to have both your daughter and your mom around. Sounds like it could be a rather nice opportunity for all of you to spend some time together. I know that recovering from surgery isn't the ideal time for a bit of a family reunion, but I just have this vision of the three of you having some quiet time to have a bit of a chat, a cup of tea and a bit of bonding time. OK, call me odd.

I'll bet that your mom is looking forward to having the opportunity to look after her daughter for a little while because that's what moms do. Moms never "retire."

And as for your daughter, this will present a terrific opportunity for her to be all grown up and look after you like she perhaps used to look after her favourite dollies! Kids like to know that their parents have enough confidence in them to entrust them with such an important job as looking after Mom! I bet you are going to be really proud of how well she does!

Of course you are nervous about having major surgery! Who isn't? But I trust that ultimately, the benefits will make your life so much better!

Ladies, welcome to the board. During my post op recovery period I found the most education and support from this site. You have done one thing that will make your recovery amazing....you have connected. Your hospital stays will seem like distant memories and once you are home you will find your way. The Weekly Checkpoints regarding activity should be followed strictly. They allow you to see what you can do and not to become overwhelmed or do things that could cause later issues.

As far as help goes, you may find that you need help in some areas that you didn't think of and you do in others. I live alone. I stayed with friends for the first week post op. They made sure that I could shower, dress myself, reheat something in the microwave (friends arranged to cook meals for me I could reheat). After a week I was able to go home and fend for myself. All you be doing is resting. Let me rephrase that...all you SHOULD be doing is RESTING!!!! If you are sitting or laying down, you won't require much help so don't worry about what kind of help people will need to give you. Again, just remember the checkpoints and gauge your activity accordingly.

Suggestion: I did my shopping before hand for everything from quick microwaveable meals to a lengthy supply of bath tissue. That way I didn't need to go out for anything.

I suffered immensely before my surgery. I endured pain every day of the month and severe bleeding the entire time I was on my period which was about a week and a half. In fact, the day of my surgery I was on my period. I was feeling a little apprehension before wondering if I was doing the right thing and thinking that I may be taking a rash step. Well my period showed up a couple of days before to remind me that it was quite necessary!!!!

A friend told me that after she woke up in the recovery room she felt different in a good way. I felt the same thing. It is hard to describe, but the best way I can do it is to say that if feelings were colors, you go into the operation feeling like a tan and wake up in the recovery room feeling brilliant white. Goofy explanation but that's the only think I can compare it to.

The most important thing I can stress before your surgery is to try not to worry so much about it. That can cause your blood pressure to rise and risk them not doing it. Remember that you are doing this for a reason and you'll be a better person and have a life afterward because of it. So focus on the future prospects you have for feeling better and keep your atmosphere as calm as possible. That will help alleviate any tension or apprehension you may feel and help your body to accept the surgery.

Sorry for the essay...I am trying to dump a year's worth of experience in a few short lines and it is difficult. Just know that your Hystersisters will be here for you after you are done and can help pick you up, answer your questions and alleviate your fears. This will be the best investment of time you will ever engage in.