1 year anniversary today and still in pain

Hello Sisters,

It's been a while since I've visited. Today is my one year anniversary (total vag hys, mesh & sling put in), I'm on bio-identical hormone cream (working great). But for some reason, I'm actually a little blue today. Not sure why,
unfortunately, I still have some complications, like numbness in my thighs at night when I lay down at night, and pain and compression of the nerves in my lower right buttocks where the sling was attached inside. I still can get around, but I do feel pain & discomfort everyday.Still sleep with a heating pad and can't go food shopping and errands for more than 2-3 hours without having to stop because of the pain in my lower back and legs. My surgeon knew how to cut but didn't have a clue about after care. I've been to a chiropractor who said I've got some nerve compression issues and with ALOT of work maybe we can fix it. I stopped going. I guess I'll try a physical therapist or maybe acupuncture. As you can see, I kind of feel a little lost. Please understand that I know there are so many dear, wonderful sisters out there who have it a lot worse than I and I am am truly greatful I haven't been back to the castle. I pray for my sisters every night. This website got me through the early months and for that I will be eternally greatful. Sorry if I sound like I'm complaining over nothing. I guess after your body goes through such a major change, you just have to learn to live with the differences and be happy that I'm basically healthy. Maybe I just need more time to heal. (emotional too)
Enough with the gloom and doom, Happy Anniversary to any sister having an anniversary this month and Happy Thanksgiving to all my blessed sisters and the 'Angels" who gave us this website.
God Bless you all!
Dotty

Dotty,

I'm very sorry that you are still having problems a year down the road. I know sometimes it seems like we will never regain our life. I pray that you will find comfort and relief from your pain - either with a new type of therapy, a new doctor, or a new treatment plan.

Have you ever considered seeing a Pain Management doctor? So many have found that elusive relief with the help of PM. It doesn't "cure" you - but rather controls the pain. Allows us to keep moving through the day. And to lead a much more normal life.

I hope you are feeling better soon. And remember that there is nothing wrong with allowing yourself a "blue" day every once in a while. You have been through a lot. I'm glad you came back to us, so that you have many shoulders to lean on when you need them.

All the best...
s
Cortney

Thanks Courtney,

I really needed someone who understand to touch base with me.
I am going for a complete physical next week and will ask my MD for a pain managemnt recommendation. God Bless You
Have a great Thanksgiving and thanks for giving me the support I needed.
Bless You
Dot

It's been six years since my TVH, but only 5 mos. since my last surgery for pelvic prolapse problems. I am still having vaginal discomfort. I know what you mean about complaining about "little" things when some on this board have such major problems. However, I guess we all just want to feel normal again and it is so depressing to go through surgeries and recovery only to keep having problems with pain etc. I keep having vaginal issues and don't know the exact cause, but it is very uncomfortable and hard to explain to others. My family and friends are really sick of hearing me tell them I don't feel well and why. They just don't understand and that is why I get so depressed!!!

I'm just not so sure that I would settle for the "this may be as good as it gets" attitude. I too, am coming up on my one year anniversary and had a lot of post-op problems including persistent nerve pain. I finally got things resolved (10 months and 2 additional procedures later) but I'm finally, after all this time, receiving the benefits of the hysterectomy. You know, the benefits that all "those other women" report that they feel 2 months post-op. i would seek a second and, if needed, a third opinion. You're entitled to reclaim your full health! Sending a big your way!

The hysterectomy was only the beginning of the problems. Then there was the bladder, rectocele etc. prolapse issues and now maybe more or else hormone problems...I'm not sure. Have another appointment this Friday. I know he will not want to see me come back with more problems. Believe me, I don't want more problems either. I am ready for this to all end one way or another!!!

I had a lap hyst in July 05, an emergancy RSO plus apendex and clean up in Jan 03 ( cysts had gone into the tube and blew it up), LSO in Aug of 03. Yeah I know stupid doctors who refused to listen to me. It has been tough. I still have swelling in my stomach, drives me crazy. I have gained about fourty pounds. Good news is this last summer I was released to lift over twenty pounds. I can vacuum and mop floors, and stand up straight. SOrry I feel like I am whining but..... I want to be ME again and am begining to think that will never be again.

I agree that pain management might be the answer for you. I have been a patient at a pain clinic for about a year and a half now. It took some time and trial and error, but my pain is managed to a level that I can live with. While I am not (and may never be) pain free, I feel that pain management has given me my life back. I strongly advise anyone with chronic pain to give it a shot!

Willow

What about the swelling? Does anyone else have any ideas how to handle it? I know i need to lose weight and I working on that but this huge tummy drives me nuts.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by 062384 I had a lap hyst in July 05, an emergancy RSO plus apendex and clean up in Jan 03 ( cysts had gone into the tube and blew it up), LSO in Aug of 03. Yeah I know stupid doctors who refused to listen to me. It has been tough. I still have swelling in my stomach, drives me crazy. I have gained about fourty pounds. Good news is this last summer I was released to lift over twenty pounds. I can vacuum and mop floors, and stand up straight. SOrry I feel like I am whining but..... I want to be ME again and am begining to think that will never be again.

I understand completely you saying you want to be yourself again. I am so tired of feeling lousy. I don't know if you would actually call what I feel "pain", but it is uncomfortable and I can't keep my mind off my vagina ever!!!! I have the "vagina from Hell" I guess. It seems there is always something wrong "down there" and doctor's don't always know what is causing my problem. It's harder to explain then taking my car in for servicing. Feels like some kind of infection, but the urine culture they did showed nothing. I've tried OTC meds, but nothing is really giving me relief. No one I know has experienced this or wants to hear about me going through it once more. I've run out of shoulders to cry on. Thank goodness for you HS's.