Hysterectomy Surgery 7/23 - In Pain and want this over with

Hello.. My name is Ashley. I'm pretty new to this site. I have what my doctor calls, chronic endometriosis. I just turned 23 in March and I have four children, 6,4,18 m twins. I got my tubal done after the birth of my twins. Ive been dealing with endo. for well over a year now. Ive been thru numerous laproscopy surgeries. My last surgery my doctor determined I have no other option. And in all honestly I agree its the best option to go towards. I'm not having anymore kids, I suffer from horrible pains leaving me hunched over, horrible periods that last 2-3 weeks. Im just over it, I have no motivation to do anything with my kids because Im in such pain most of the time.... My surgery is not until July 23rd. Which seems so far away, Is there any possible way I can get my doctor to move my date up? I feel like every day my pains get worse and worse. They are in my stomach and back. I sit all day at work and by the time I get off I dont wanna move off my heating pad. I dont want to live off pain medication for the next month in a half just to function properly. It makes me sleepy, and groggy and sick to my stomach

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Originally Posted by aecarey ...My surgery is not until July 23rd. Which seems so far away, Is there any possible way I can get my doctor to move my date up?...

Ask your doc about being put on the cancellation list so that if there's a last-minute cancellation, you get that slot. The downside of this is that you need to be willing to drop everything and head into surgery when you get the call.

The other thing is that you may find the time goes by faster than you expect. With four kids, including two 18-month-olds, I should think that you'll have a lot of preparation work to do and arrangements to make for your recovery.

What sort of things should I be planning? I have no idea what post-op things I should be expecting? After reading some of the post it makes me kind of nervous on what I might be facing after surgery. I want to rush into the surgery because the pain is getting unbarable at times but I see what you mean about trying to stretch it out and I agree.

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Originally Posted by aecarey What sort of things should I be planning? I have no idea what post-op things I should be expecting? After reading some of the post it makes me kind of nervous on what I might be facing after surgery. I want to rush into the surgery because the pain is getting unbarable at times but I see what you mean about trying to stretch it out and I agree.

I'm day 4 past surgery, I had the robotic procedure, and I can honestly say that it wasn't that bad--don't fear the surgery think of how the quality of your life will improve after it.

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Originally Posted by aecarey What sort of things should I be planning? I have no idea what post-op things I should be expecting? After reading some of the post it makes me kind of nervous on what I might be facing after surgery. I want to rush into the surgery because the pain is getting unbarable at times but I see what you mean about trying to stretch it out and I agree.

Recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks. During this time, you'll usually be given an upper limit for how much you're allowed to lift. 10 lbs is pretty typical. You may also be told not to bend, twist, push or pull. If you go up or down stairs, you'll find you need to take them slowly and not carry anything.

You may or may not be on narcotics for awhile. You may or may not experience pain. You'll almost certainly find that you need to nap during the day for a week or two and/or sleep more at night.

You'll probably have a period during which you can't drive, partly due to narcotic pain meds and partly because you need to be able to slam on the brakes without pulling anything inside.

I live on my own and had no problems taking care of myself during recovery, mostly because I'd done lots and lots of cleaning, laundry, and grocery-shopping before surgery. I basically just didn't do any housework at all beyond washing a few dishes at the sink and keeping the cats' litter box scooped.

Where you have four children, including two quite young children, you're going to be in a very different situation. You may want to look into seeing if you can get friends or family to help with the children or if you can hire someone to help.

I'm not trying to scare you, but this is not the kind of surgery you bounce back from in a day or even a week. Planning before surgery can save you a lot of a headaches, heartaches and all-over-body aches afterwards.

It's almost impossible to know how you'll feel afterwards, although those with a laparoscopic procedure usually have a quicker recovery than those having the abdominal incision. Do you know which type you'll be having?

I agree with others that you should try to line up help with the kids for at least the first week. I had a pretty easy recovery, but I had my husband home for a few days and no kids to worry about. Even though you may not have much pain (hopefully) you should not expect to do any serious household chores right away.

Before your surgery date you can get your house ready & groceries stocked as Surprised said. (She always has great advice. BTW.). You might find it interesting how many people want to tell you about their experiences. I tried to focus most on those having the same type of surgery and similar circumstances. Good luck!

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Originally Posted by aecarey Hello.. My name is Ashley. I'm pretty new to this site. I have what my doctor calls, chronic endometriosis. I just turned 23 in March and I have four children, 6,4,18 m twins. I got my tubal done after the birth of my twins. Ive been dealing with endo. for well over a year now. Ive been thru numerous laproscopy surgeries. My last surgery my doctor determined I have no other option. And in all honestly I agree its the best option to go towards. I'm not having anymore kids, I suffer from horrible pains leaving me hunched over, horrible periods that last 2-3 weeks. Im just over it, I have no motivation to do anything with my kids because Im in such pain most of the time.... My surgery is not until July 23rd. Which seems so far away, Is there any possible way I can get my doctor to move my date up? I feel like every day my pains get worse and worse. They are in my stomach and back. I sit all day at work and by the time I get off I dont wanna move off my heating pad. I dont want to live off pain medication for the next month in a half just to function properly. It makes me sleepy, and groggy and sick to my stomach

Hi,
I just had an abdominal on May 26 I can tell you for sure take the time to get your house ready and the kids situated. As a mom I know how hectic and crazy life can be. Just make sure you have help and support. I know taking the pain meds suck until surgery but just hold on a little while longer. I'll keep you in my prayers!!

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Originally Posted by aecarey I have what my doctor calls, chronic endometriosis.

Why exactly is your doctor saying "chronic endometriosis?" A chronic health condition simply means it is ongoing, usually beyond 3 months, and that is typically what endometriosis is for all women, though it can spontaneously disappear in some women.

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Ive been thru numerous laproscopy surgeries. My last surgery my doctor determined I have no other option.

Have you had all the surgeries, or more than one surgery, with the same surgeon. If so, I hope he is not the surgeon with whom you plan to have your hysterectomy. The key for treating endometriosis successfully is having all the implants skillfully located and removed. If you are having repeat surgeries then it is apparent your surgeon(s) is not able to do that. As long as there is endometriosis, it can cause issues, whether or not you have a uterus. The only way a hysterectomy would help is if your pain is with the uterus. A hysterectomy does not cure endometriosis. Have you had a second opinion?

Have you consulted with an endometriosis specialist? I would hate for you to have a hysterectomy and then have the same continued pain.

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I dont want to live off pain medication for the next month in a half just to function properly. It makes me sleepy, and groggy and sick to my stomach

Have you tried some of these tips?
10 Home Remedies for Endometriosis Pain
7 Alternative Treatment Options for Endometriosis Symptoms

I'm going on 7/8 for a hysterectomy. I have 4 kids also (but I'm 46). I'm going in for large fibroids. I definitely understand the unbearable pain. Also, the exhaustion is almost debilitating at this point. I really hope it helps as to the fatigue - I know it will for pain. Can't wait not to have a period anymore!