Questions! I have questions!

I don't know any of the HRT answers because I kept my ovaries. But I do have a vaginal cuff. So far I have no problems with it and I don't even know it's there. I had my 3 week post-op exam today. The doc said it's healing fine. The only way he knows that is to actually look in there, just like a regular exam. I was a little nervous about anything going in there so soon after surgery but it was fine. No pain. He said the knots from the sutures are on the inside and I shouldn't see much of anything when they dissolve. He said if I had a vaginal hysterectomy the knots would be on the outside and I'd probably have some discharge when they dissolved.

I noticed that our hostess received an abdominal binder of some sort in the hospital...I was not given anything...it probably depends on the hospital and/or DR. I just used my tummy pillow for support when I walked, and it worked great for me.

My DR told me that endo can only be diagnosed through surgery, and even then sometimes they need to do a biopsy as well. Mine was diagnosed through a laparoscopy three years ago, but no biopsy was done at that time. A biopsy was performed on all my removed parts after my hyst, which I believe is standard procedure.

I bought my support undies at Kohls. Look for the racks labeled "shapewear". I bought my normal size, but I couldn't wear them until 5 weeks post-op due to tenderness. They come in light, moderate and firm control. I wear light, but some ladies might prefer more support.

Thanks, all, for your answers to all my questions (well, most of them)!

I am "getting ready" for the big day... yesterday hit the "GRAND OPENING" of a new Goodwill store in my neighborhood -- bought two oversized (let's just say "roomy"!) dresses to wear home from the hospital/out (whenever I get to go out/feel up to going out), two pairs of shorts (for wear in the house only!) and a pair of pajama-type bottoms, with a draw string and crop leg length... in a pinch, they could go out with a Tshirt over them.

Today (and, you'll be glad to know, NOT at Goodwill!), I bought a few queen-sized pair of unders and one pair of stretchy support ones (again, bigger than my usual size). If I don't need them, fine. But if I do... I'll be ready.

I also laid in some Milk of Mag and some Dulcolax tablets... I think that the best part about having found this site prior to surgery is that I feel more "in charge," and not quite so vulnerable, for having learned a little something about what to expect. My pre-op appointment is not until June 13th (surgery June 22nd) -- so even IF my doctor had thought to tell me all -- even half -- of the stuff I've learned, there would not have been much time to get and to feel "prepared."

PS. He would NOT have thought to tell me a half of the stuff I learned -- or even, probably, 1/4 of the stuff... boy, will he be surprised when he sees me coming with my long list of things to talk about!!!


My best to all,
Reggae

my hospital also supplied me with a binder to wear after surgery, however I didn't know this ahead of time and I took the advise of a sister. I went to walmart and they sell a support panty especially for hysterectomy's. Mine is still in the package. I guess I should return it after I can drive again.