New, scared & confused - HELP!

My story - sure to be like many of yours - is I spent the past few years having gradually more horrible periods. Never having been able to have children, and surrounded with friends with children, I believed my situation was 'normal'. Finally I brought up my issues with my doctor and ultimatley confirmed I have 6 large fibroids (1 in the uterus lining), as well as a cycst on one ovary. I have confidence in my specialist that a hysterectomy is the best solution, though I am stil in the gathering-information stage. As an 'elective' surgery, I am even more confused - especialy after reading some of these threads. As others have written, I too am a career woman - I naively assumed I could be back at work within a week or two. So my first question is: Since I will be able to keep my ovaries, will the recovery be any easier and/or shorter? Unfortunatley, given the size and placement of the fibroids, I will need an abdominal surgery - is that what makes the recovery tougher? Second: How long is the 'normal' hospital stay for? Third: Will I be okay at home alone after I return from the hospital or will I truly need someone with me (and for how long)? Fourth: I run daily - does anyone have a story in terms of how long before they were running again? Thanks for the help!

You will probably need at least six weeks to recover. Definitely have someone that can help you out at home for a couple weeks. I was not able to drive for 2 weeks. I have read that others were not able to drive for 4 weeks. You should not do anything but rest the first couple of weeks. When you are start to feel good, it's very important that you NOT over do it. I learned the hard way ! I spent 3 nights in the hospital. I have read that some have stayed more and some have stayed less. The average seems to be 2-3 nights.

So my first question is: Since I will be able to keep my ovaries, will the recovery be any easier and/or shorter? Unfortunatley, given the size and placement of the fibroids, I will need an abdominal surgery - is that what makes the recovery tougher?

I don't believe that the recovery is any different with our without the ovary removal. Abdominal hysts are generally a bit more difficult recovery. But essentially the same thing is done inside so the restrictions after surgery are basically the same for all hysts.

Second: How long is the 'normal' hospital stay for? For an abdominal hyst (with or without cervix removed) it's usually about 2-3 nights. But this varies with each doctor and hospital.

Third: Will I be okay at home alone after I return from the hospital or will I truly need someone with me (and for how long)? You really should plan on having someone there with you. I would plan ahead for about at least a few days and see how you feel from there. Some women are a bit unsteady because of the anaesthetic and/or pain meds and feel better with someone there. Also, you'll be very limited as to what you can do for yourself that first while --- ie. meals, bending, reaching, etc. You must plan to rest a lot especially the first week or two.

Fourth: I run daily - does anyone have a story in terms of how long before they were running again?
I'm not a runner, but I think it's best you discuss the specifics of this with your dr. My dr. has been very clear on what I can and cannot do and I know he wouldn't give me the OK to return to most physical things until the 8 week mark (because he's said "maybe" to some things that he'll decide on at my Jan 22nd appointment)

It is unlikely that you would return to work under 4 weeks. Most with abdominal hyst. aren't able to until 6-8 weeks depending on what the job entails. Lifting is out for many many weeks after this surgery. I'm not allowed anything over 12 lbs for the first 3 months and then nothing over 25 lbs for the next 3 months.

Hope that helps.

(Waving at InTune101)

Yep, she said it well. I had an abdominal, and was slightly slower to recover than some, but it wasn't that much of a change. You *can* do it alone, but if possible it's much better to have a companion.

In fact, more often than not, I hear from our Sisters who say, "I felt so good I over-did it and now I pay dearly!" Therein lies the true danger.

Lena

Is it realistic to think/plan on at least working from home (computer work) after a week or two?

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Intune101 So my first question is: Since I will be able to keep my ovaries, will the recovery be any easier and/or shorter? Unfortunatley, given the size and placement of the fibroids, I will need an abdominal surgery - is that what makes the recovery tougher? I don't believe that the recovery is any different with our without the ovary removal. Abdominal hysts are generally a bit more difficult recovery. But essentially the same thing is done inside so the restrictions after surgery are basically the same for all hysts. Second: How long is the 'normal' hospital stay for? For an abdominal hyst (with or without cervix removed) it's usually about 2-3 nights. But this varies with each doctor and hospital. Third: Will I be okay at home alone after I return from the hospital or will I truly need someone with me (and for how long)? You really should plan on having someone there with you. I would plan ahead for about at least a few days and see how you feel from there. Some women are a bit unsteady because of the anaesthetic and/or pain meds and feel better with someone there. Also, you'll be very limited as to what you can do for yourself that first while --- ie. meals, bending, reaching, etc. You must plan to rest a lot especially the first week or two. Fourth: I run daily - does anyone have a story in terms of how long before they were running again? I'm not a runner, but I think it's best you discuss the specifics of this with your dr. My dr. has been very clear on what I can and cannot do and I know he wouldn't give me the OK to return to most physical things until the 8 week mark (because he's said "maybe" to some things that he'll decide on at my Jan 22nd appointment) It is unlikely that you would return to work under 4 weeks. Most with abdominal hyst. aren't able to until 6-8 weeks depending on what the job entails. Lifting is out for many many weeks after this surgery. I'm not allowed anything over 12 lbs for the first 3 months and then nothing over 25 lbs for the next 3 months. Hope that helps.

I wouldn't make any promises on working from home 1-2 weeks post op. Just the general anaesthetic and pain meds can wreak havoc on your body. Nevermind the surgery itself, incision, tiredness, etc.
I would be more inclined to take a "wait and see" approach and see how you are at that point. I read and read about this surgery and was still caught off guard by how exhausted I was those first few weeks!

I agree with Intune101............You probably won't feel like doing much for awhile. Listen to what your body tells you. Plus, I know that I just wasn't able to concentrate on much. It was awhile before I could read............need I mention my forgetfullness that lasted for a few weeks too ! Don't hurry things, just take the time to heal completely !

I am not on the other side yet so I can't realitically answer your valid concerens, I can say however, that your not alone and it's ok to be scared!!!!
hang in there!!

Don't count on running for awhile -- your insides need to heal. Plus, you won't have the energy. Luckily, though, I think being in shape before the surgery will help you in recovery. I was working out a lot beforehand, and although my surgery went rougher than expected, being in shape has helped me bounce back quickly (I had my TAH on 12/15/06). After removal of your uterus et al, everything else needs to get tacked back into place (e.g. your bladder). If you go running too soon, you run the risk of undoing all the patchwork internally. It's not just a matter of your abdominal muscles (you are at a risk of hernias for a while), but all the work done internally.

You might be able to do some computer work from home after awhile, but it's so hard to say. Everyone has different experiences and recovery rates. Instead, you need to focus on you and having a good, solid recovery.

I felt so silly at first. My doc said I'd be up and moving around within a couple days of surgery, thinking I'd be back to work in about a week. Boy was I surprised to learn I'd be out 4-6 weeks! I agree with the other ladies that the 1st 2 weeks are all about resting. Not likely that you'd be up to work time on the computer. My advise would be to plan conservatively for time off. I've seen a few women post that they've returned to work after 3-4 weeks, and it's been really hard. We only have one chance to heal well, so it's important to take the time we need.

Running may be in the category of high impact activity, so your doctor will be the best to give you an ETA of when you can resume. Right after surgery, it's a major accomplishment to walk to the bathroom!

You've asked great questions! And this is a wonderful place for first-hand experience and support.