A hole in my tummy

I don't know all the abbreviations, but I do know that, on December 12, I'll be having a total abdominal hysterectomy, with cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries all removed. Nothing left. And now I'll have this hole inside my tummy, and common sense just tells me that all those other internal things that were leaning against the uterus and peripherals will start to fill in the void.

Please don't laugh at these questions, because I just have to ask.

1. How much should I expect all that stuff taken out of me to weigh?

2. How long will it take for all those other "things" inside of me to assume new positions?

3. I've had mild stress incontinence. Will having more room for the bladder help that?

I'm going to include all of these on the list of questions I ask my doctor during the pre-op on December 1, but I'm just curious for the time being. Do any sisters have any wisdom on these issues to share?

I am watching to see some of these answers too! Thanks for asking them.

Everyone will be provide different answers based on their experiences. Here are mine.

1. How much should I expect all that stuff taken out of me to weigh?

There is another thread about how much did your uterus weigh and you will see there everyone is different. My uterus was called "huge" by my doctor. He expected 5 pounds, but it was larger and denser than expected and turned out to be 11 3/4 pounds.

2. How long will it take for all those other "things" inside of me to assume new positions?

A friend mentioned that my tummy was much smaller after surgery, so things obiously filled the void immediately.

3. I've had mild stress incontinence. Will having more room for the bladder help that?[/indent]

I didn't have stress incontinence, but needed to go to the bathroom constantly. It is so much better now because my bladder has the room it needs.

Lady Bama,
I have only an overy and a half left, but other than that everything else was taken out. My uterus had prolapsed (dropped), pulling the muscles that suspended it down too and causing a lot of back pain to boot. I can't say that there was a significant loss of weight, but having only little overies left, isn't that much different than having it all taken. There will be a void in the area where your uterus was, but remember that your uterus is about the size of your whole fist. Things take a little time to heal but you probably won't find that there is a huge difference in the way it all feels inside once you do heal. To be honest, the sex is a little different, because, well, there's nothing to bump into. But the freedom of no periods is wonderful! As for stress incontinence, I had that also, but pretty bad. My doctor took the neck of the bladder and suspended it with a little 'O' ring, over the pelvic region. It's been more than 20 years now and I'm only now getting a little incontinence back... they said the operation would only last at the max 10 years! Pretty good. I'd do it again in a heart beat. You might want to ask your doctor for a stress incontinence test and ask him about the procedures that are offered for you. As long as he's in there..... if you really need it done, a test will tell and I was so happy to no longer have to wear pads just in case I laughed too hard or waited a little too long to use the rest room. I highly recommend you read everything you can get your hand on before you go see your doctor and ask questions until you feel truly satisfyied. I also recommend that you take a daily walk until you have your surgery. It helps tone all the muscles that will be envolved in your surgery and will help you recuperate more quickly. Since your surgery will be abdominally, the exercise now will help you heal faster then. Bless you! Linda

Hi, you're having a TAH BSO--Total Abdominal Hysterectomy- Bilateral Salpingoopherectomy---Removal of uterus and both tubes and ovaries. You'll find the link to the abbreviations here:
http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/vie...reviations.htm

1. My uterus weighed only less than a pound.

2. My dr said that everything repositions into place almost immediately.

3. I didn't have incontinence but my urgency is better now that my bladder has more room

Best wishes.

S