A Word of encouragement

Hello to all of the lovely Ladies in Waiting! I haven't posted here in years, but received a very nice e-mail from someone pre-op wanting to know how things are now, further down the line. Ladies, get ready for life with more energy, more fun, and yes ,( I swear) even better sex! I had my hyst in June of 2000 and here I am *SWEARING* to you that it was the best decision I've ever made. I'm pain free, and my life is so much better now.

My story in a nutshell is as follows : Years of painful periods, heavy bleeding, big clots, etc - diagnosis adenomyosis, heavy scarring as well. I'd had two c-sections and my uterus was basically hamburger. My hyst was done laparoscopically which was a breeze. I kept my ovaries because they're in great shape, so I still produce my own hormones and don't have to make use of hormone replacement therapy. The entire uterus including cervix was taken - I'd heard that losing the cervix would make orgasms less intense - NOT TRUE. To make a long story short, recovery was a snap - came home twenty-four hours after surgery, let hubby cater to me even though I didn't really need it. The next day I puttered in the yard and watered flowers and stuff - ten days later I drove nine hours to Florida and enjoyed a beach vacation with my kids! Hubby joined us later and marveled at my health! I'm no longer anemic from bleeding, my energy level has returned to what it was years & years ago. Almost three years post-op and I can honestly say that my life is so much better. Ladies, don't be afraid of life after a hyst ~ you won't be less of a woman, sex is every bit as good (maybe even better, minus the monthly pain and bleeding!), and I PROMISE that you won't miss your periods! I will admit that it was a weird feeling after a lifetime of checking calendars, to realize that I didn't have to do that anymore. It was even a sad moment when I realized that my periods had been a way to sort of mark the passage of time....but trust me, that moment was brief and the health and vitality that I have now is lasting! If you trust your doctor and if you are ready for a happier, healthier life - then you'll be just fine. If you have any questions at all (none are too embarassing) please feel free to ask. I know that all of our stories are different, but I will gladly share my experience before & after if it will help anyone. Take care of yourselves ladies !

NancyP.

Well-behaved women rarely make history.

(((Nancy))),

Thank you for taking the time to let us all know what a positive experience you have had! It certainly does help ease the fear of this surgery to hear stories such as yours.

Best wishes to you for continued good health!

Hi Nancy,

Thanks for coming back with your words of encouragement. I'm so glad that you are doing so well. I, too, have not ever regretted having my surgery, although I didn't recover quite as quickly as you did. I'd like to caution the that your recovery went extremely well and perhaps more rapidly than is the norm.

Most doctors will not allow driving for at least 2 weeks, even more in some cases. The effects of anesthesia can stay in our bodies for several weeks, and in some states, if you are in an accident, and have had surgery within a certain time period, your insurance company may have the right to refuse to cover you.

I had a TVH, with A & P repairs, and at 3 1/2 weeks post I had to drive about 2 hours away - by the time I got there, I was extremely uncomfortable, and was very glad that I did not have to make the return trip until the following day.

I would suggest that each new check with her own doctor about the restrictions that she may have for the first few weeks post-op, since each of us has a slightly different surgery, and each of us heals at a different rate.

's

Karen

Karen,

Yep ,I'm a quick healer - that's for sure! I did mention that my surgery was laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy - which is a much quicker recovery than an abdominal hyst. I've had two c-sections, and although I bounced back quickly - it did take longer than 24 hours.

I'm not advising ANYONE to hop in the car and head for Florida right after their surgery. I think if you're healthy and in tune with your body, you'll know what you're capable of doing. My husband is the critical care manager for a local hospital, and my gyn is a friend of mine....so I was under scrutiny and definitely wasn't going to get away with anything. I actually got more rest lazing on the beach than I would have at home fussing over laundry, meals,etc.

I sometimes hesitate to share my story because it *was* so darn easy - but as I said, almost three years post op and I've never felt better. I am quite an optimist and I truly believe that so much of what happens to us is determined by how we handle it, the choices we make. In life, pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.

Thanks for welcoming me back to share my support and encouragement, for what it's worth ~ may God bless all the princesses and ladies in waiting with good health and happy endings.

Nancy