Just home from hospital...need some advice!

I had my TAH-BSO on 1/2/01 and I just got home from the hosp. last night. 1/5/01 I'm 32 and have no children. When my Dr. opened me up she found much more of a mess than she anticipated. My abdominal cavity was weeping blood from everywhere due to EXTENSIVE endometrial growth. I actually had endometriosis growing up into my rib cage area! How gross! I picture it like some alien life form taking over inside of me. Anyway, I'm ok with the no children thing because DH has 4 from previous marriage and I was never really the maternal type anyway. I'm a teacher in an inner city school. That will cure anyone's maternal instincts. My Dr. doesn't want to give me any hormones for possibly 3 months because she fears it will cause more endo. growth. Has anyone else had this experience? What can I expect to feel like? So far, no hot flashes to report. But I do think my body is having trouble regulating its temperature. I get cold or hot very easily. Also, one more question. What can I do about this gas? It hurts too bad to push it out so it just rumbles around in there and makes my belly swell even more. I need suggestions.

Chris
TAH/BSO Endometriosis, Fibroids, Adhesions

Walk, walk, and more walk. That gets things moving out, and builds up your strength. When I got home, I walked the house once an hour every day for a few, then out on the walkway, then out on the sidewalk. By week 2 I was walking to the corner every hour or two. I felt SO much better when I walked. Don't push yourself too far, but get yourself a little tired. You sleep better that way too!

I don't remember getting ANY gas pains at all, was walking the length of the hospital on day 2. Of course, I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, so the gas may have just gone un-noticed.

Chris,
I am at almost 3 weeks recovery. I had the same surgery (TAH-BSO)for fibroid tumors and ovarian cyst. I am on estrogen,but still have night sweats and hot flashes (those are diminishing though). I had alot of pain with gas as well. It took my body about a week to really adjust. My doctor advised using a heating pad on my abdomen which did help. It does get better, but it takes a little time.
Good luck to you!
Cindy

Hi Chris,

I am four weeks post op TAH/BSO w/bladder tack for endometriosis. I have read that you should wait 3-6 months before going on ERT as the possibility does exist for endo to grow back. Try posting on The Hormone Jungle you might get more answers on this. I personally am waiting before I jump into taking Hormones. First, I am going to go the Nutrition route. It makes sense to me. As far as controlling body temp. try drinking lots and lots of water. It's working for me. I haven't had too many hot flashes which is great. Also, dress in layers. That way if you get hot then you can remove a layer and put it back on when you're cold.

Janis

i've had pretty much the same surgery, but my after effects aren't as bad as yours, so there's not much advice i can give -- except take it Easy! use this time to do a little research (this site is a great start) -- but only do it a little at a time, and only when you're feeling up to it. i sound like i really know what i'm talking about, but i'm only 8 days past my surgery, myself. still -- it's taken me a few days to figure out that the hysterectomy was just the beginning of the process -- not the end of it. so...take it easy, read over the answers you'll get, and do some research on estrogen therapy (and the lack of it). good luck!

Chris...prune juice worked for me!! It is gentle and works fast for me. Other ladies say walking helped, but I was very dizzy and walking was very limited in my case. I think the idea of posting on the Hormone Jungle is a good idea...I am still mucking my way through the hormone issue. I have been doing a lot of reading there lately and there are lots of good references and expieriences from the been there/done that set. The hot/cold thing is sometimes just from the trauma your body has gone through with surgery. My primary told me the cold spells are your body saying it is overused and needing some rest.
{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}
kaatie

Hi,
Just returned from castle 2 weeks ago, same surgery as you, with mucho alien endo growth as well--my surgeon stated I was a big mess! Glad to have it gone. He started me on estogen patch before discharge, telling me he was certian he got it all.
About the dreaded gas; I was a nurse myself, and taught my patients the need for walking. When I had my hyst. (first surgery), it was much harder to do than I thought, but I went for it!
When I got home, I found it helped to walk as much as I could whenever I ate, or felt gassy type pains. It made it easier for the great passing!! Beware of constipation! I waited too long, got constipated, and it made post-op pain much worse!!!! Use whatever your dd recomenneds if no action for 3 days. You will feel so much better, but the first bm feels pretty scary! The medicines dry up your system, so get those fluids in!!
It will "pass" so to speak, amd the belly will soften up a bit. lol!

Hi,
Just returned from castle 2 weeks ago, same surgery as you, with mucho alien endo growth as well--my surgeon stated I was a big mess! Glad to have it gone. He started me on estogen patch before discharge, telling me he was certian he got it all.
About the dreaded gas; I was a nurse myself, and taught my patients the need for walking. When I had my hyst. (first surgery), it was much harder to do than I thought, but I went for it!
When I got home, I found it helped to walk as much as I could whenever I ate, or felt gassy type pains. It made it easier for the great passing!! Beware of constipation! I waited too long, got constipated, and it made post-op pain much worse!!!! Use whatever your dd recomenneds if no action for 3 days. You will feel so much better, but the first bm feels pretty scary! The medicines dry up your system, so get those fluids in!!
It will "pass" so to speak, amd the belly will soften up a bit. lol!