Big Whimp

ok I was doing pretty good getting ready for my surgery-but my sister in law had a tah today and she is crying and in so much pain nothing sems to help so not only do i feel awful for her I am now completly freaking out and being a big whimp-i am about 2 seconds away from canceling mine-she says its the worst thing she has ever went through and would never do it again-help!!

Well, I know it's not smooth sailing for all of us, but I had the TAH, and my pain was well controlled. As soon as I woke up from surgery, I was SO relieved that my uterus was gone, and that feeling never left me during my recovery. Just because one person has problems does not mean that the next person will. I had a pretty easy time of it, considering what was done, and I'm so glad to have it over with. Good luck to you, try not to worry.

Gfae-thankyou so much for your engouraging words -I am going to a different hospital and have a different doc than my sis so hopefully my experience will be better-it just scared the crap out of me to see how bad shes doing

Could it be that the staff has not been doing a great job at pain control for your SIL?? Also, just a thought but I just bawl on Demerol --- cry steady. It may be a similar reaction to a medication too?
Try not to worry.

I had an LAVH just 5 weeks ago and the memory is vivid. The pain was easily controlled for me and no meds needed the day after getting home (released after 23 hours). After my colo-rectal surgery 8 years ago (a very serious and extensive surgery I might add) I learned to channel my pain. I took the pain meds on schedule so it didn't get a head of me but when it was getting close to time for a pill, I'd just regress into my mind and do all that breathing stuff they taught me in Lamaze classes years ago. My DH would come into the room and I'd yell at him to go away... I need complete concentration to overcome the pain so that I didn't give in and go nuts. So the power of mind AND the magic of the pain meds helped me through that recovery. I've had 2 natural childbirths and 5 surgeries... and that particular one I described was by far worse than anything else.

GFae is right -- everyone is different. So set your sights on getting well and plan all the little things that will a positive difference so that your recovery will go better that your dear SIL's. I highly recommend reading and learning all you can from the great women at this site. You'll be so well prepared that you won't have many questions for your doc!

Best wishes ~

I'm so sorry your sister in law isn't feeling better. Just wanted to say this reminds me that when my sister in law had a hyst several years ago, I thought I wanted to avoid it, no matter what! Turns out my experience was NOTHING like hers. We are all so different. Different medical condititons. Different surgical procedures. Different outcomes. I hope you can stay positive about the results of your upcoming surgery. Have another talk with the doctor about pain management, if that is a concern to you.

Best Wishes!!

I agree that maybe they aren't doing their best at controling her pain. I had a TAH 10-9 and was only in a great amount of pain when they moved me that first night and when I was sat up on the side of the bed. After I was taken off the morphine pump and given percocet the second day the pain was much more manageable. Please be aware and let your nursing staff know if the pain meds aren't doing the job. They should work with you and get your pain under control but you have to keep them informed. I wish you luck and hope you tolerate the surgery better than your SIL.

It is my understanding that most places want the best pain management possible because you heal faster.

When I had my TAH, I was on a morphine pump the night after surgery but I had to keep reminding myself to push the button. When they took me off the morphine the next night, I got 600 ibuprofen. I could get more if I requested it, but I didn't feel I needed it. I don't know how I got so lucky, but I'm glad I did.

You said that you will have a different hospital and a different doctor. You might ask the doctor about pain management to set your mind at ease. Having surgery is scary enough, so do everything you can to remove as many questions as possible. Hystersisters is a Godsend, isn't it?

I agree with the other sisters. Everyone is different!

When I had my surgery the lady in the bed next to me did not take the pain well either. I had some pain but not like I had thought. I was up and walking around that night with help from DH.

I got to go home the next day which I was happy about. The lady next to me wanted to go home too, but they refused because she wouldn't get out of bed. She was not happy. Take the pain med.'s if you need then and let them know of any pain. Get any med.'s filled before surgery so there ready when you need them.

Remember - everyone handles pain differently - some people moan and whine uncontrollably at something as small as a hang nail. Just because SIL is crying and in pain doesn't mean you will be.