I am recovering beautifully after having a TVH (leaving ovaries in tact) last Friday, 12/02/05. After five years of cramps and heavy bleeding from large fibroids that left me with major anemia I decided on a TVH.
My history is every month for five years, I found myself on the couch with a heating pad and Alleve for three days, followed by total lethargia for the following week. I tried birth control pills to regulate my period, but they didn't work. I also explored endometrial ablation options, but my fibroids were too large and too deeply embedded in my uterus for that route. My Dr. finally suggested a hysterectomy. I'm 42 and have never given birth, so the options of vaginal vs. abdominal removal of my uterus were questionable (because it's easier to do a vaginal on women who have given birth because the vaginal canal is larger and the uterus has dropped - it's more difficult on women who have not given birth because the of "tighter" area to work/see for the surgeon). I did tons of research on the web, as well as consulting friends and Histersisters. My mom had a TAH w/ removal of ovaries in the late 1970's. So, I gather I inherited them from her. Anyway, my uterus was on the border line for vaginal removal, so I got a second opinion from a specialist, and he said he could do it, but there may be a possibility that they would have to go in abdominally. I was freaked about stuff I read about ovaries dropping, bladder issues, etc. but after talking with my Dr.s and getting second opinions, I decided to move forward and I figured I would try the vaginal route, and if it didn't work, then I would be under anesthesia and whatever needed to be done, would be done.
When I went into the hospital, my anesthesiologist asked me if I wanted a spinal block. I had talked to friends who had spinal blocks for back (and other) surgery in the past and they said the incurred major headaches as side effects from the spinal blocks. My anesthesiologist advised me that headaches usually occur as a result of the use of a needle that is of a gauge too large and spinal fluid leaks, causing dehydration. He (my anesthesiologist) said that he had not had only one a headache side-effect in the 30 years he had been practicing. He also said that the spinal block would help a great deal with alleviating pain in recovery. So I opted for the spinal. I went into surgery fully concious, until they put the sedative into my IV and I was off to la la land. The next thing I remember is waking up in recovery. I felt fine. My Dr. came into recover and advised me that it was not an easy surgery, as they had to remove my uterus in peices, but they were able to do it completely vaginally without any abdominal incisions. My recovery will be much faster and easier as a result. Phew!
I was then moved into my room where my mom and boyfriend were waiting with relief on their faces. My boyfriend went out and go chinese food and we all had a nice evening, me with my morphine button happy as a clam and they with their relief of me recovering nicely and cracking morphine jokes.
That night I was awakened every hour there after when nurses came in to check my vitals, and then at 6:00 am the next morning the nurse removed my catheter. I was terrified of this, but is was no biggie at all. I'm sure the morphine helped, but honestly, it was SOOO easy. Shortly after that, I was able to get out of bed, get dressed and pee. Ahhhh.... No problem.
I drank lots of fluids all night, and at breakfast, so my bladder was full. I was afraid it was going to be painful to pee, but it wasn't at all. Because I urinated so easily and got dressed on my own, it was a no brainer for my Dr. to release me from the hospital.
After I got home it felt like I had a balloon in my stomach. Like the worst gas you could ever imagine. Urinating was not a problem. Passing gas was the problem. But on Sunday (2 days after surgery) I finally farted. It was really painful, but it got easier with each "toot". My first bowel movement (3 days after surgery) felt like giving birth, but I doubled up on the stool softeners (pain killers are constipating) and drank some "cleansing tea" which helped a lot.
It's now a week since my sugery and I've been out and about, shopping, having lunch with my mom and I'm even driving. I'm hoping to go to the gym late next week. My advice is TALK, TALK TALK to your Dr. ask as many questions as you can. Make a list and keep asking. Make sure that all your medical professionals know all of your concerns and be confident in the answers you get. If you're not confident, then ask more questions until you are. After surgery, be good to and pamper yourself, but MOVE. Don't stay on the couch and lay around. But don't over do it. Listen to your body. Nap if you want to, but get up and walk around.
HysterSisters web site is THE best place for when you're freaking out pre-op and wondering what to do. I posted questions and got lots of encouraging feedback. I'll continue to check in as I progress and need to cover future hurdles (like sex for the first time post op. Yikes!) I can feel that my hormones are still working, so I know I'll need advice soon.
I wish everyone who reads this the same amazing recovery that I have had with this experience. Please feel free to Email me with any questions you may have about my experience.
Health and happieness to all and many, many thanks to Hystersisters.
----Tori
Six days after no problems!!!
