Waiting is impossible

Hi Everyone,
My TAH/BSO is scheduled for Friday, March 14th. The waiting is just killing me. I hear everyone saying the waiting is the worst and boy are you right. Anyway, here is my question, in reading a bunch of the post-op stories a lot of the women talk about their quick recoveries because they work out and are very fit. What I haven't seen is stories about less active women and women who are overweight. I am about 75lbs overweight and wonder if any of the bigger women out there have had any bad experiences because of being overweight.

Your thoughts and comments are appreicated. Love, Barbara

I'm one week post op and a larger lady - and so far have had no problems at all - no pain, my only problem so far has been a slow bowel but let's not go there The way I look at it, us larger ladies have reserves to draw on!!

Hi! I agree with you. The waiting is the hardest part!! My TAH/BSO is scheduled Mar. 26th. I'm trying to keep busy to keep my mind off of it, however; I am very good at multi-tasking (aren't all women!!) and find myself mentally going over the surgury/recovery at least 6 times while washing the kitchen floor. LOL Sure am glad this obsessing is normal. I too, am full figured. About 100 # overweight. You brought up the same question I've had. I can share with you a positive experience that my friend at church had with her TAH/BSO surgury. It was about 5 months ago. She too was fulfigured, about 120 # overweight. She came through the surgury with flying colors. She kept wondering when the pain was going to set in. And she admits to being a whimp. The nurses couldn't believe how she was up and walking and only using Motrin for pain. She did say she had tomove very, very carefully and slowly. Common sense. And also, her incision (vertical cut) was very SORE, but other than that she followed her postop instructions to perfection. Healed nicely. So......I guess we have nothing to worry about. The DR also took my friends appendix out too, since it was infected. Although, please keep in mind that all women are individuals and what is true for some, may not be true for others. On the other side of the coin, I have another friend at church who is fit and slender and she had an extremely difficult time recovering. And she only had a partial hysterectomy done. There's so many factors involved. I just know it will be good when the wait is finally over!

I'm also on the "fluffy" side, but had no problems at all with my TAH in May. As a matter of fact, my doctor said that I had a textbook recovery, whatever that is.

You may want to take a good multi-vitamin, just to be sure that you're getting the vitamins and minerals that you need. And don't forget to get plenty of rest; drink lots of water; and take short, frequent walks.

Best wishes and s,

Lisa

Hi

When I had my hysterectomy I was sedentary (hey - due to chronic illness but nevertheless . . .) and obese (200 lbs). I was warned of some of the potential problems that I was at higher risk for, but the surgery needed to be done on short notice so there wasn't time to correct the weight problem.

I healed better and faster than anyone expected. The one thing that did happen that was probably mainly due to my weight was that I developed a hernia. It became quite large before I lost enough weight (40 lbs) that I felt comfortable having surgery to have it repaired.

From my own personal experience I would suggest that you relax and expect the best. I would also suggest that you have a tummy binder handy and that you wear it at least in the case that you catch a cold and need to cough or sneeze.

Chances are very good that things will go fine.

Joselle

Hi!!
I too am on the large side of things... I had slight complications due to my size in surgery BUT... I have never had a bad day that I felt really terrible. The incision has healed, I'm moving around better than before, I even went back to work very early in my recovery (I dont recommend this but our finances dictated it)
There are always risks with any surgery and slightly higher if you are overweight. I always wanted to wait till I got thinner to even see a doctor.... but I am glad I didn't. This was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

God Bless!

I am also scheduled for Friday March 14th. And I am teetering on the brink of a nervous breakdown. My blood pressure is high and isn't coming down and so we don't really know whether Friday is go or not yet. I just went through postponing the surgery last week and I cannot do it again! The dr. is hesitating to call me in an anti-anxiety drug and I really need it!!! I am a first class control freak and just can't let it go. I've done every relaxation technique known to man and it works while I'm doing it then reality sets in again. At this point, I am certain that waiting is the hardest part. I just need this to be over with so I can move on. I am trying to stay positive that this will happen and the blood pressure meds still have time to work before Friday. Let's hang tough and this will be over soon and we can see what it's like to have a real life without pain and heavy bleeding.

P.S. I too am on the "fluffy" side and don't anticipate that it should make too much difference. I think it's all about attitude and determination. (Although right now my attitude and determination stink!!)

Peace and good luck to you!!

Wendy

I'm about 50lbs more than I'd like to be with diabetes and thyroid problems to boot but the surgery went well for me with recovery being pretty much the same as other Sisters have described.

I think the Princess training mantra of and is really the key to recovery and that is true whether you are a slim or fluffy Princess.

Look forward to seeing you on the better side.
Lynn

I too have the jitters, my Dr prescribed me 5 mil of Valium to take to take the edge off..I have not taken any yet but will probably this week... I will check with him today as to when I can't take it. I think it will help in the next few days, I shake so much my fingers can't type! LOL
Nan-c

You are lucky to have gotten something for the anxiety- my doctor really hedged until I insisted in a frantic call to his office.

Try to look beyond the actual surgery date... till the day after when it will be over, and you will be on your way to feeling better- a no more.