Pain Question

Hi all, I'm pretty new here. I've been reading posts for a few days, and finally got up the courage to do a post of my own. I'm having a TVH this Wednesday the 9th, due to cervical cancer. My question is this: I have a 12 month old baby girl, who I haven't weened yet. I know that she is old enough that not being breast feed won't hurt her, it's more of an emotional decision for me at this point. I just don't know how much pain I'm going to be in afterwards. Am I going to want to hold her and nurse her or will it just be too painful? Like I said, this is mostly emotional for me. I just found out about 3 weeks ago that I have cancer, and I feel like things are moving so fast, I don't know if emotionally I can give up one more thing. But on the other hand, I don't want to add to the pain. Sorry, I know this is kind of scattered, but this is the only place I know of where other people understand what I'm going through. Any thoughts or insight would be appriciated.
Thanks, and hugs to you all.
Tena

Hi there,
First off I am very sorry that you have to go through this. I just had my LAVH on 9-17. I have a 10 month old son. He is not nursing but I had a really hard time even letting him sit on my lap for the first week. You will probably still have the 4 small incisions in your belly, if they use the scope and it is very tender for a while. You should not even be lifting for a while either (well that is what I was told). I would try to go over alternatives because of the pain medicine you will be on as well and the anesthesia too. Check with your doctor and see if it would be safe to nurse. You have a little time to think it over and decide...keep us posted...good luck!

Hi Tena and welcome to Hyster Sisters.

Here are links to a couple of threads discussing breastfeeding after a hysterectomy. Shellbelle has given great responses to both of them.

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...threadid=54658
https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...threadid=54545


I'd like to invite you to visit the Cancer Concerns message board. I'm sure the ladies there would love to "meet" you, and you'll find that forum overflowing with love. Click the link below to get there.

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/for...p?s=&forumid=6

Tena- remember that this surgery and the recovery period is short-term in the scale of life. I had more pain before surgery than I did afterwards. Because of the pain meds and anesthesia it would probably be better for your child if you bottle fed him for just a few weeks. As you feel better and the doctor clears you, start breast feeding again as you feel up to it. Your body (and your doctor) will tell you when you are ready. I have been dealing with pain and then heavy bleeding for over five years now and I can tell you that the only thing I regret is not having surgery sooner! You are making the best choice you can for YOUR body, and your baby.

Good luck and God bless!