First Time Here

Hi - Am post-menopausal and scheduled for a TAH-BSO on November 9th. Large non-cancerous mass on one ovary. No symptoms except for post-menopausal bleeding. Dr. wants to do total hyster. because of my age and family history of beast cancer.

I'm absolutely terrified of surgery and whole hospital experience. Have killer anxiety attacks just visiting someone in hospital and am a big coward about pain - have to take to my bed for a week with just a paper cut.

Any help/suggestions about whole process would be much appreciated.

Hi Smokey1 ~ The best thing you can do is start reading all the posts here. It will help you gain tons of insight as well as learn what questions you need to ask.

I had my surgery 2 weeks ago today. I'm in the group who has never felt better. Virtually no side effects.

I know that you said you are scheduled for a TAH... is an LAVH an option at all? The recovery from the 3 punctures is much easier than the abdominal incision.

Best wishes ~

Thanks for your quick reply. I did ask my doctor about doing surgery laproscopially(sp.?) since I had my gall bladder taken out that way years ago and sailed through the whole thing easily. My doctor doesn't think that would be the best way to go now since I might have scar tissue. Also,even though she's pretty positive I don't have cancer,she always does this type of surgery with a cancer surgeon and it depends on what they find and if they want to remove any lymph notes,as to who will be lead surgeon(think I spelled that wrong,too). I will definitely ask again about about having an LAVH. I know if I could have one, it would help calm my nerves a lot.

I had my gall bladder out 3 years ago, a tummy tuck about 10 years ago and was still able to do LAVH. The only thing about the gall bladder removal is that it is used as a landmark once they are inside. So instead of the puncture in the navel (mine had been moved during TT) they had to go in about 1 - 2 inches higher than it. My doc said since I'd given birth, I would be able to pass the inflamed uterus and cervix easily through the vaginal canal.

I feel bad when the sisters on here who have had TAH talk about their limited mobility, trouble getting comfortable, and so on. This has been a piece of cake for me but I know it is because I had LAVH and not the coast to coast incision! I am doing as well as -- if not even better -- than when I had may gall bladder removed. I think that's because all my lower back and hip pain was also associated with my uterine/bladder prolapse.

Best wishes ~

Gee, Smokey, you sound just like me, except I'm still waiting on a biopsy before the doc tells me exactly *when* he'll do the LAVH. Gordonk is absolutely right. These message boards are keeping me from a nervous breakdown. Oh, here I go puddling up again. We'll all hold your hand, okay?

I am scheduled for an LSH on November 9th and am scared to death. I know that the surgery is for the best, but still anxieties have a way of getting to me.

The only advise I can offer is to read, read and read some more here on the hystersister site. It has provided me with so much information and comfort.

We only have 31 days left! Hopefully the time will pass quickly and we will soon be on the other side saying how wonderful we feel.

Shelby

The more you inform yourself the stronger you will become. I am to have a LAVH Oct. 30. I believe the surgeons cannot get to the lymphnodes by this method. I am only pre-cancer, no cancer detected but my surgeon is leaving the lymphnodes. If they must go in your case, ask about the bikini incision. Look at terrified me offering informed specific advice. Thank you Hystersisters for educating me! MargieClare

Hi smokey

You have nothing to fear, but fear itself. I had myself so fearful and nervous for this surgery..I had a LAVH, that I got sick and had to be canceled from wearing my immune system down the first time. I then had my surgery and it was not bad at all. Yes, you will have some pain, but the pain meds help. You'd be surprised how well you will actually do. Ask your doc if lavh would be possible. I have know people who had more than one laparoscopic procedure. I think a lot of doctors don't want to do it again cause it does take more to go back in laparoscopic through the scare tissue..some just want the easy route and open up...if he don't..maybe you can even seek another doc who'd be willing to do that. My gyne said I was a tough case..she said my ligaments and supporting structures were so strong it took her over 3 hours to do my lavh and it was only suppose to be 1 hour and a half.....but she stuck with it cause she said she strongly feels lavh is the way to go if feesible to give the woman better recovery. She joked with me the day I was discharged and told me I owe her big time that her back hurt so bad that night of my surgery she coudn't get into bed.....how sweet of her to stick with it for me ..some docs would of just given up and opened me up....so seek another opinion if you want.

Over all though, don't be afraid..the waiting is truly the worst part. Come here and ask questions, read posts from those who have done it already and you'll find many success stories that will ease your fears

Good luck to you.
Hugs, love and prayers!

Thank you all for your support,helpful advice and concern. I am moved to tears by the kindness shown by everyone on these boards.

I'm going to see my doctor again at the end of next week. Both DH and I were a bit shell shocked at time of last visit when she brought up surgery. Hadn't yet gotten the results of my CA-125 blood test(negative,thankfully) and I was convinced I had cervical cancer. I'm a bit of a drama queen and the only symptom I could find for post-menopausal bleeding was that . I am definitely going to push to find out why she doesn't seem to want to do a LAVH - may have been wrong but I got the distinct impression that she didn't want to go that way, maybe because some lymph nodes might have to be removed. I do like and trust her and will most definitely have my wits about me this time.

Good, positive thoughts to you all!

Please read and study. Ask how many LAVH's she's performed...Ask for a GYN-uncologist. ONLY experienced surgeons should be trusted with the LAVH. Also, as stated, the lymphnodes are hard to get to with this process. Only approve of very experienced surgeons with lots of LAVH experience. MargieClare