Questions for my 5wk Post-Op checkup

OK...here's that (short - HA!) list I mentioned somewhere. A lot comes from the Checkpoint list, but wanted to know if you ladies had any other suggestions or see something I missed. The appt isn't until Thur the 25th, so I wanted to make sure I posted in plenty of time!

1. What is this "knob" in my incision? (I have a 'growth' where my incision opened.)
2. Do I still have any internal stitches?
a. If so, how will I know when they're "healed"?
3. Was my vagina shortened for any reason?
4. Will it be safe for me to return to work on 6/5?
a. Full time or part time?
b. How many lbs can I lift? (I work in pet supplies)
5. When should I have my next blood test?
6. Do I need any vitamins/supplements other than my iron?
7. Should I be on the lookout for any menopausal symptoms even tho I kept my ovaries?
a. If so, what?
8. How do I know if my ovaries are really "working"?
9. Is it safe for:
a. swimming, baths, hot tubs?
b. sex?
c. abdominal exercises?
d. re: above, what do I need to look out for?
10. Do I need to worry about recurring yeast infections? (I was very prone to them pre-op.)
11. Do I still need a pap/hpv test since cervix was removed?
12. Am I still on a yearly exam schedule?

I didn't ask about my pathology/surgery report because I plan on calling tomorrow and asking for them ahead of time. This way if I see anything 'strange' in the report, I can ask at the appt.

Have I missed anything?!?

It looks like you have things covered. The "knob" you're speaking of is most likely an internal stitch. I had one at my sternum following a surgery last year. It was about the size of a marble.

Hope all goes well at your post-op!

Maxine

Sounds like a great list (but what do I kjnow, I'm only 3.5 weeks!)---my doc told me my "knob" (at one end of my incision) is where he tied it off and tucked it in...a little extra stitching there, he said. Anyway, that's a good list of questions and thank you,
Anne

And they re-iterated that even though I no longer have my cervix, that PAP smears are important.

I also am going back at 6 mos and then a yr just to follow up on everything.

Other than that, you have quite the 'list' ma'am. Good luck!!!

Great list of questions. It looks like you covered everything. I am going to refer to your list at my 6 week check-up. It's different in Ontario, I've noticed most of you have weekly post-op appointments. I was given one at 6 weeks. I've been to see the dr due to an infection, but am not scheduled to go back until my 6 week check-up. Good luck at your appointment!
Take Care
Love & Prayers

Ok I wouldn't have ever connected that 'knob' with an internal stitch (I love you gals!) and that it could get the size of a marble. Mine is shaped and about the size of standard shirt button and it's in the center of the part that had opened up when I got my staples out. So, it's like I've been buttoned closed!

And to my tia, I've only had one other appointment prior to the one coming up, and that was only because someone had to take the staples out ) I know I was feeling kind of weird seeing so many others having more frequent check ups, but I guess it's different for every Dr. Mine also gave me a verbal "you can resume normal life" about a week ago when I called to make sure taking one of my old prescriptions was ok.

Oh, I did get my pathology and surgical reports today. Don't have any new questions there although seeing the word "Zeppelins" gave me a start! (Yes, I had this image of a bunch of tiny hot air balloon type thingies floating around in my abdominal cavity!)

Thanks for the help, and for once again giving me a hint to what my button is!

Hi Kryshtal

Sounds like you've got it all covered young lady. Good list.

BTW, I try to look up Zeppelins in the medical dictionary and couldn't find it. What does this mean?