Huge Fibroids and lots of questions....lots....

Hi Sistah's

I'm scheduled for a complete abdominal hysterectomy (plus ovaries and anything else that looks funny or moves funny) on July 13 and have lots o' questions

Will my stomach go down after surgery or should I consider a tummy tuck (which I found out they can do at the same time...cool, huh)? Have unusually large fibroids and uterus is at about 5 to 6 mos in size. Am very tired of looking and feeling pregnant. Has anyone had any experience with this and does it make the recovery time longer?

How much will I be able to do once I am home? Has anyone used the ab-no-strain? I live alone, so was wondering if it was a good idea to get one. How do I avoid adhesions? Any comments on the swelly belly band?

What about diet immediately before and after surgery? I'm 47, 5'8" and a size 16 with the swollen tummy. Am curious as to whether I should limit pre-surgery diet to fruits, veggies and clear drinks. (no soda, and does a martini count as clear?)

I am so totally clueless at this point that any opinions, tips, hints, info etc would be hugely welcome.

Thanks so much to all of you and good karma going out to all in waves!!

wiv luv
Shazzie

Hi, shazziegurl

to Hyster Sisters!!

While I'm sorry that you are facing surgery, I am glad that you found HS and posted to introduce yourself. After surgery, you may experience what HS calls "swelly belly" This is because your internal organs have been moved around, and aren't too happy about it. Normally this will subside in a few weeks, although it can come and go for several more months. If your stomach is large because of the fibroids, then it may possibly go down after they are removed, but it would be best to talk with your doctor about it. If you do have a tummy tuck, your doctor may need to coordinate with another surgeon, and your insurance company might not cover it, so you definitely need to check into it early.

Please be sure to read the Pre-Op Hints and the Post-Op Hints. They are full of great advice that will help you to prepare for your surgery and recovery.

Also, don’t forget to go back into your control panel and add your surgery date to your profile so you'll be on the calendar and will receive a special greeting from Hyster Sisters.

I hope you'll continue to read and to post any questions that you may have - we'll do our best to help.

S

HI
I had 9 large fibroids and yes my belly went down after having them monsters removed.MY mother commented at how I have a waist line again.
I also used the swell belly band the first day of surgery with my doctors approval (he had to put an ok in written orders for the nurses) I also use the belly binder the castle provided, the added support is great.
This is how surgery affected me. aside from looking six months pregnant I was thin prior to my hyst.

Shazzie - please see the response from someone who used the ABNOSTRAIN:

daisy5b on May 15, 2004 - she said that it was "worth its weight in gold".

As the inventor of the product and a fellow hystersister, I would be glad to share with you the laboratory and clinical testing that I had done at a university to prove that it works. Please feel free to reply back to Kathy at Hystersisters and she will get you in touch with me.

Here's hoping for a speedy recovery!

Rene'