post hyster

Hello Hystersisters,

I loved getting your darling card. IT MADE ME SMILE AND LAUGH. I would sure
like to know how to do the cards - Is there a web site? I tried to get on this
site before I went into surgery and couldn't do it. How I wish I had! Thanks to
my husband, I can finally write back. The last few evenings my husband and I
have been going onto the site and reading what other women have been saying. It
has saved my life. I was crying and didn't know why, I hurt so badly and also
had numbing in my right leg. I would love to share my experience and also ask a
few questions. First, I am 57 years old and have had bleeding for the past few
years. After a DNC and vaginal ultrasounds my gynocologist sent me to an
oncologist who suggested I have a hysterectomy. He had looked at my test results
(supposedly) over the past two years and felt we needed to rule out cancer.
There was also a thickening of the uteran wall.

This specialist works out of San Diego, an hour away from my home, but I thought
I should go to him because of his specialty in oncology. I tried to learn more
about him over the internet but couldn't find much. I didn't know how to learn
more about him. Secondly, I thought that if they are going to do this surgery I
could also have a bladder lift at the same time. I am a teacher, golfer and
active. The bladder leakage has been a problem for quite a few years. The doctor
said he had someone who was very good at this and both would do the surgery. He
said he would not have to make the large incsion most likely. Only 1 out a
1,000. Well, as you can guess I was that ONE. I wanted to get on the site before
I went in because I really wanted to know if anyone has done this? Or if it made
sense to do both surgeries at the same time??? The morning of my surgery I found
out the other doctor was also a gyno and not a urologist. I just assumed that

was who the other doctor would be - NOT SMART!! According to the doctor they
nicked the bladder and had to put a catheder in for a week. I had surgery on
NOV. 17. A week later I went back for tests and there was not a hole in the
bladder so they could take the catheter out. I felt so miserable I asked the
doctor for post op suggestions and expectations. The nurse said they didn't have
any information to give me and call the hospital maybe they do!! This sounded
ridiculous but I did call the hospital - They definitely thought I was
crazy..They said my doctor should give me info. So as you can see my only help
has been through the hystersisters - So thank you so much for being there.
As I mentioned earlier I am a teacher and had to prepare for parent-teacher
conferences two weeks early among report cards etc. I worked every night till
12:00 - 1:00 before surgery, we moved into another house 3 days before and my

husband changed companies which consumes him 24 - 7. As men will say _ ITS no
big deal - but I'm going crazy. Boxes are not unpacked, Christmas is coming and
I can't walk over 10 minutes in slow motion and then regretting it with a lot of
pain. As you can see I'm not in good shape mentally or physically. I was
thinking of actually hiring a man to help me and just to put things where they
belong and hang pictures etc., I don't know what to do. My husband thinks he has
helped. He has been spoiled for 35 years of our marriage and after 3 hours of
help on Saturday he is just so over worked. I know many of us get disgusted with
our husbands at this time but I am seriously upset with him.
In reply I would love some suggestions.. but first has anyone had a bladder lift
at the same time and is it unusual for a doctor not to let you know about
recovery time, also should I take my estratest to help with these emotions...
Thanks for listening and helping .....Sincerely, Tanja
> Hello Tanja,
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Hi Tanja,

I'll try and answer some of your questions from my experience which I hope will help a little.

I have to agree that it seems that most Drs. are very vague in letting women know about recovery expectations. And many things, such as how soon to resume driving or take a bath vary greatly among physicians. I have found that allowing for the generally accepted 6-8 week initial recovery period is a good rule of thumb...but again, for some women it is longer and for some a little less. My opinion is that it is better to err on the side of caution.

I didn't have any repair work done with my hyst, but it is not unusual for anterior and/or posterior repair work to be done at the same time as a hyst. Having repair work done can prolong recovery at times, and following lifting restrictions can be extremely important in the success of the repair work.

You have been through a lot besides your surgery, with your DH having a new job and moving into a new house. However, try and keep some blinders on...I know it's frustrating to want to get things done, but it's more important that you recover. If you are able to hire someone to help...great! But if you do, be sure to 'supervise' and not jump in to help. If you don't, things will get done eventually....they really will!

As far as your HRT, if you are able to take it, then I say give it a try. I started on HRT the day after my hyst, but tried going without for a couple of months to see how I would react. I developed all of the typical symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and short term memory problems , but the worse for me was joint achiness. So, I take my HRT faithfully and feel much more 'normal', which includes my emotions.

You have had major surgery and need time to recover. Get lots of . And remember that we are here for you!

Best wishes and s

TinaW,
Thanks for your replyTina. I will try to put blinders on. How long was it before you were able to shop etc.? I went to Costco today and after about 1 hour I hurt so badly on my right side that I went home. I had the surgery 3 weeks and 2 days ago.
Tanja