TAH - My turn

Long post - First, some history: Had RSO in 1981 due to peduncular fibroid and ovarian cyst (benign). Chugged along fine with one ovary for nearly a quarter century with a few small issues - when I got pregnant, my fibroids grew so much so fast, the drs were sure I was having twins; if not twins, then a huge baby (in the 10-12 pound range). But one child born weighing 7-11. Drs warned I may not be able to have more, I made the decision to wait and the wait turned into forever.

Went to OBGYN when waistline suddenly expanded a few years ago and asked her to check on the fibroids. Her response: "Who told you you have a fibroid uterus?" I suggested she read my chart; she suggested I was getting old and needed to start doing sit-ups. I found a new dr.

Had annual checkup with (new) dr, told her of unusual menstrual cycle in Oct '04 - three periods in 30 days, only four days without bleeding/spotting, gushing and knock-down cramping (not usual for me), etc. Dr orders US, refers me to GYN who says not so unusual given my age (47), but let's follow-up in two months. In two months, fibroids now mask left ovary, there appears to be something growing where right ovary used to be, and uterus is three times size. Not normal any more. Dr says we need to schedule immediate TAH, but I have one problem. DH is recovering from major back surgery and can't lift anything, least of all me or my laundry! We compromise on eight weeks after DH's surgery.

In the meantime, my abdomen begins to swell as if I am pregnant. I ended up buying clothes two sizes larger to accommodate my belly. My best friend calls my husband and begs him to take me to emergency because of the physical changes she sees.

Weds April 6 - castle day! Scheduled for 11 am, don't go under until 2 pm - don't know why, don't care. Dr found severe adhesions which had developed own blood supply, called in bowel resection specialist to take me apart. I lost enough blood that they prepped me for a transfusion but I managed to become stable. I had an epidural - good decision. Great nurses, but being on 12-hour shifts takes its toll on them. Great care. Released to go home on third day, although dr gives me every chance to stay. Not in a hurry, but no reason to linger.

Only worry of staff is I still hadn't passed gas, which happened on day four, followed shortly after by an actual BM. Not something of which I am normally proud. Gas pains seem no worse than normal. DH and I laugh at constipation concerns - after having been on a sugar-free diet for two years, we both know a sure way to promote passage of gas and BMs is sugar-free chocolate! Am walking, albeit gingerly, dressed like my son's college student friends in flannel pants and baggy shirts, drinking water, eating small meals with high nutrional value. Disgustingly healthy.

Thank you, again I say thank you, to my dear HysterSisters, who have embraced both my humor and my pain. I would stand and salute you, but you understand enough to know that my lopsided grin will have to suffice. For LIW and newbies - remember that we really care. cj