SAH: Hysterectomy, LSO, and Abdominoplasty on 4/14/14 - Recovery?

Having a SAO with removal of my left ovary/tube (right one already removed in January) on 4/14/14. I decided to have a full tummy tuck at the same time. I am not overly frightened about the hysterectomy surgery or the abdominoplasty, but losing my final ovary has me terrified. Will they start HRT in the hospital before I get to go home? Has anyone had the combo hysterectomy/abdominoplasty and how was the recovery? My oldest two children are graduating 3-1/2 weeks after my surgery and I will have to sit in bleachers for three hours for the ceremony, so I am a little freaked out about that....

Hi dabutler -

First off to your two children on graduating!

I did not had the combo surgery, but my impression is that attending the ceremony that soon after your surgery may be too ambitious.

For my surgery, TAH BSO, I had just returned to work by then, and could only handle part time work at a moderate stress desk job. There would have been no way I could have handled sitting in bleachers for that long, or been in a mood to attend a ceremony.

Is there any way you can reschedule the surgery so you can really enjoy the ceremony with your family?

Regarding HRT, it really depends on your age and your doctor. Sometimes they star you right off and sometimes they wait.

I was afraid I was too optimistic. Surgery can't be moved, but I have talked to the school and can sit in a special section with full seats instead of bleachers. My kids are B's, so I guess I can leave if I need to before it's over. My daughter is valedictorian, so no way I can skip graduation. Somehow, I will make it through. I am 44 and still ovulating monthly so I know the hormone drop will be excruciating.

Yes, that sounds like a plan to escape after the B's. A special section with a back type chair will help. And I assume your daughter will speak at the beginning of the ceremony.

Talk to your doctor about HRT and when they plan on starting you. I was just a couple years older than you, and for me surgical menopause was MISERABLE! It is like being pushed off a cliff. The good news is that your body has some estrogen stores it can use for a brief time, but some ladies start having hot flashes in recovery. It really just depends.

Good luck.