did anyone need a 2nd emergency surgery?

Hello sisters,
My TAH was for large uterine fibroids and was complicated by a bleeder after the initial surgery. I had very low blood pressure and was in shock when they took me in. I was wondering if anyone else has had this happen to them? Is being on the operating table 2x with dr. looking everywhere for the bleeder going to affect the length of my recovery? I was in the hospital for 4 days and it is now 18 days. I feel so much better than even 3 days ago. Thanks for sharing your story.

Hi,

What a Bummer.

I was admitted twice too, the second time for a leaky ureter. They didn't open my incision twice, though, for the second surgery. That was all fixed thru the magic of urology via the ureter and how they even do that is just beyond me...

I think the additional hospital time was good for my hysterectomy recovery because I was resting so much. I was in on the 9th and out on the 17th, for a total of 9 days in and I've been home ten days now. I'm coming along slowly. I went out to the grocery with hubbie yesterday -- exhausting! Today is my first day without oxycontin painkillers and tomorrow is my first day driving -- to the post op check.

One thing I'll say is that I lost 8 pounds -- zero appettite but I guess that will inevitably return.

I nap twice a day, usually around 10 am and again around 3 or 4. People have been driving my kids to school and picking them up but I am planning to start that back this week and see how it goes. If I can't do it, I'll call people and beg. One thing I've found is that people just love to help and want to be told what they can do.

(((garden)))

I am sorry that you had to go through that. My case was a little different, I had TAH/RSO and 3 weeks later had to open me up again to remove left ovary and tons of adhesions---from that point I had to start over in my 6 week recovery process.

(((ekosh)))
Sounds like you are coming around well. Just remember, that first trip driving is going to be exhausting as well. Don't give up those rides to school just yet. Maybe start with either picking them up or taking them the first week and see how you do. You have to remember, even though you have been released to drive, doesnt' mean that you should be driving all over town. You have to slowly get back to it. Also, If you have any pelvic pain, you shouldn't be driving at all, even if your 2 weeks is up. My doc (and I have heard this from other sisters too) suggested a mock drive, sitting in the car, pretending to drive, turn around to check if you can change lanes (if it hurts-it is too soon)..also pretend to slam on the brakes (if it hurts-it is too soon) Good luck to you!

I had a TAH. 6 weeks later I had a complication, they had to open me up again. The 2nd surgery was tougher on me than the 1st. They said it will take up to a year to get back to normal. I think they were right.

why did you need another lot of surgery?

Long story short. I had a vaginal prolapse. My doctor released me after my 6 weeks. That night I had sex, I started bleeding and cramping. THe next day I was sitting down and when I got up I felt something drop out of my vagina it was my colon and my bladder. I had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. they did surgery (3 1/2 hours) I had to stay in the hospital for 4 days and take it easy for 8 weeks. Not fun VERY painful.

Garden Lady: I too had to be taken back to surgery 30 minutes after my TAH because of a bleeder. My blood pressure was low, and blood count was so low after the second surgery that I required a blood transfusion. Once I received the blood, I felt so much better. My surgery(s) were 2/8 and today I am doing very well. Having very little pain-just trying to get my strength back up. I have been walking and taking lots of vitamins and minerals. I even got the flu two days after coming home from the hospital. Hope you continue in your healing and recovery. I figured it took me twice as long to get the anesthesia out of my system, but other than that, I beleive my recovery has been smooth. Peggy

I was back in surgery (exploratory lap through the same incision)one week later for sutured ureter with hydronephosis. The hydronephosis was very painful! Second surgery was a set back. Hydronephosis returned and 28 days after the second surgery I was back in the OR for a balloon dilation of my ureter with a second stent in place (for 6 awful weeks).

Knock on wood- so far everything looks good. My set back took approx 3 1/2 months out of my life. My abdominal incision is still tender but from what I have read many women with only one surgery are experiencing this. I had to work pretty hard to get back to my usual routine. I set small goals and increased them each day.

Garden Lady:Sounds like what I did the day before. I had a LAVH w/BSO on 2/1, but couldn't get together enough blood pressure to sit up without passing out. Then I had trouble breathing, so the Dr. went back in ( a lovely 8 inch bikini cut) to take out a liter of blood and a blood clot the size of a cantelope! I got the 5 night stay, but am doing better each day. Friday I started fresh bleeding, so I suppose I'm doing to much (just went to the store), but it hasn't stopped yet, so I'll call the Dr. today
I'm mostly concerned about going back to week. The Dr. said I had 6-8 weeks because of the second surgery, but if just going to the store starts bleeding, how will I get strong enough for work? I'm a school librarian (Media Specialist), and the last time I wore a pedometer I averaged 5 miles of walking before lunch! Any ideas?