The Hysterectomy Recovery That Went On and On

I had a complete hysterectomy on November 24, 2014 due to fibroids. The plan was to have a robotic hysterectomy with a three week recovery since my husband was in assisted living due to young onset Parkinson's disease with dementia. The surgeon found my uterus to be 25% larger than any uterus they had removed with the DaVinci technique before. The surgical team ended up deciding to do an additional horizontal 4 inch mini-lap incision two inches above my belly button in order to get everything out. I was under anesthesia for seven and a half hours.

A week after my surgery, the mini lap incision opened up and home health came in every day to pack it and change the dressing while a wound vac was ordered. Three weeks later and while still waiting for the wound vac, I began running a fever and was hospitalized and put on broad spectrum IV antibiotics while the wound was cultured and sensitivities were run. I had already had allergic reactions to two different prophylactic antibiotics. I was put on clindamyecin for a Strep A infection for two weeks and the wound vac finally arrived and was attached. After two more weeks and the original 7 cm tunnel only filling in to 5.6 cm, I was referred to a wound healing center. I am now on the wound vac again for another 2 1/2 weeks and if that does not work then I am facing hyperbaric oxygen therapy which scares me due to the risks.

During this time, my husband has fallen at least 20 times and finally broke his collarbone. After a several day hospitalization, he is now getting skilled nursing care at a nursing home. It is hard to know how much all this stress has contributed to the slow healing. I also believe I had the infection since the point when the wound opened and that it went undiagnosed due to a high pain threshold and not usually running a fever until I am half dead.

I was running out of leave so my supervisor is allowing me to work at home with a laptop during this second wound vac course but I am so ready to be well and get my life back!

Sorry to hear about your set-backs and your hubby's condition. You certainly have been through a lot and I think stress has played a part in your slow recovery.

Try to take good care of yourself with a good diet and getting as much rest as you can.

We are thinking of you!

Bless your heart. Praying for recovery!

Wow, you have had such a rough time. Sending healing wishes your way.

Thank you, ladies! I have tried to rest as much as possible and follow doctor's orders. One night I was thinking that even though my husband's increasing illness had made for a rather miserable 2014, I wanted my miserable life back! I am sure it is more of a feeling that I have no control over my life right now although I realize we have very little real control. Thank heavens for a good sense of humor!