My Head Is Spinning!

Hello Everyone -

I just found out yesterday that I am having a hysterectomy. I went to the doctor, because I finally could not stand having such heavy periods anymore, and they are getting worse, with cramping. Friends keep telling me, "Oh, this will go away". Well, it is NOT going away, and my life comes to a screeching halt when this bleeding happens. I am 51 years old, and my doctor suggested a hysterectomy right off the bat! I was a little surprised, as, I have heard women say they beg their doctors for a hysterectomy.
I will be having a vaginal hysterectomy, including ovaries. He said he would do it vaginally, unless he runs into problems.
I have not set a surgery date yet, as I am going for an ultrasound on Tuesday, and we will set it then. He also did a biopsy to check for cancer.
My two best friends are being very supportive, as is my husband and family. Other people, however, are telling me all the horror stories, and trying to talk me out of it. I have learned to keep my mouth shut.
I find I am worrying about the silliest things, like the IV...I hate IV's. I am really totally in the dark as to what to expect. Can I climb stairs after the surgery? How long is recovery, really? How long until I can dance again?
I take bellydance lessons, and I am going to miss out on several of my troupe's performances, which is bumming me out a bit, as I have practiced hard to learn the dances. But, I figure that after this, I won't have to miss any more dance days because of heavy periods! I am hoping that I will be recovered enough to dance in our recital in November.
Thanks for listening to me!

Hi Dragondancer,

I know from previous posts that some have climbed stairs right away as they live in a upper apartment. My house has stairs, but I avoided them for the first week. After that I began climbing them slowly. I cannot answer for the belly dancing; that would be a question best asked to your doctor. I would guess that it would be at least 4 to 6 weeks due to all the incisions inside of you.

I had an LAVH/LSO 4 and 1/2 weeks ago and am feeling quite well. I still get tired easily and have occasional soreness, but am getting back to normal.

Hope this helps.

Best wishes,

Judy

Hi dragondancer. Sounds like you are a very active person. I had a TAH/BSO 6 weeks ago. My recovery was pretty quick even though mine was a abdominal incision. I was doing the stairs 10 days after surgery, and driving a car 2 weeks. The biggest thing i can tell you as soon as you can after surgery get up and walk. I believe that is why my recovery was so fast. But of coarse don't overdue it either. your body and doc will guide you through the activities you can do. I know this sounds silly but my complaint on the whole hysterectomy thing was being tired easily after surgery. As far as pain after surgery 5 days after i was able to take Advil and it did just fine. Good luck on your upcoming surgery you will be in my prayers.

Audi
3catwoman

Hi dragon dancer, I am having surgery as well, I am 55 and had no period for almost a year and then one day I started flooding..this was due to hyperplasia so I had an emergency d & c, by the way the iv does not hurt at all, this worked for about 7 mos and bam it hit me again, dont like ER's all day and usually on weekend so I asked for hysterectomy and my doctor had already advised it if d and c did not work. Plus my backpain is so unbearable, so off I go, good luck to you....Denna

Thank you, everyone for your quick replies!

I have a bedroom downstairs, so, I may use that for awhile. No TV in there, though...lol.

I have accepted I probably will not dance for 6 weeks. But, after that, I will have no more missed days because of heavy periods!
EVER!!!! LOL....

The IV thing is kinda weird, as I am not afraid of needles at all. So, I will just relax, and visualize happy thoughts over this.

Anesthesia always makes me sick, so I am prepared for this also. Even when they put in the stuff that is suppossed to help nausea, I get sick....just the way it is.

And, it should be cool enough here by then to get outside and so some walking, which I love.

I am happy to hear that you all are doing so well! Gives me hope....