LAVH/RSO - My Positive Story

Hi - I am 33 and am just home from the hospital. Last summer I began experience painful and long periods. The pain got so bad, that when I had a cramp I would literally pass out. Needless to say DH was worried. So I went to my wonderful dr. After her consult and a second opinion (that she requested) it was determined that a hysterectomy was the best option for me. I had Endo / Adeno / a golf ball size mass on my right ovary / and an enlarged uterus (size of 12 weeks preg.)

When I first started digesting this news, I was scared because this is major surgery and I have never had any type of surgery before. So I began researching info on the net, when I found Hyster-Sisters. This has been the best and most informative site. I even printed out the flyer and gave it to my dr to share with others.

I will have to admit the two worst things in this whole process has been waiting and the bowel prep. And I guess that was just so bad, because I was also on the liquid diet.

My surgery day began with taking my kids to school. They and my youngest would be staying the rest of the day and the next with my mom. My wonderfully supportive DH and I left for the castle around 8:15. I was in admitting for a short time and then took to pre-op. There I was asked for a urine sample and my IV was started and I was issued the glorious castle uniform to begin my journey to the other side.

DH was able to stay with me until almost 10:00. Then I was taking to a "holding area." DH had to go the waiting room then. I met with the head nurse and the anethesiaologist (sorry about the spelling). And WONDERFUL - I started getting a migraine. Of all times, I know. But, they gave me some migraine meds in my IV around 10:15. Then they took my glasses so I don't remember much else about the times. But around 10:30 or so, the nurse came to get me and take me to the OR. I actually remember riding to the OR and changing tables, and then looking at the bright lights above me. And that was it. I remember nothing else about the OR.

I remember waking up in recovery and trying to look around for a clock. I finally found my glasses and put them on and saw that it was around 2. The nurse I had in recovery was very nice, and she personally took me to my room around 2:45. I got "sea sick" on the ride to my room, and dry heaved a couple of times, and they gave me some meds and that helped a lot. DH was waiting there for me.

I was really good once they let me have a little 7-up to drink. The cathater was the most uncomfortable part about last night - but if you complain to enough people, they will take it out.

I will honestly tell everyone that I was not in a great deal of pain, but I was very sore. Especially across my collar bone and under my rib cage. My dr said that was from the gas from the lap. I was up walking right after they removed the cath. I wasn't very hungry for anything other than some graham crackers last night, but I did eat a little breakfast this morning. Then I got dressed in my new jammies I bought and my dr came in to check me one more time. She removed the IV and said I could go home.

So here I am at home. I am comfortable, but still a little sore. And it really hurts to laugh and sneeze. I keep my belly pillow handy and don't go anywhere without it.

Yesterday afternoon I had a student nurse, and she was very nice. And my night nurse was extremely sweet. I did bring them little thank you gifts, some Burts Bees Lip Balm and some Life Savors. They were very touched that I did that. So I would recommend that to anyone going in the castle.

I hope my positive story can help someone. If anyone wants to ask me anymore questions, please feel free to pm me. God Bless