just got back from drs. 4 week postop check

I just walked in the door from my 4 week post op check and I am totally he ckecked me out asked me how I was feeling and told me that I could go back to my normal routine except to be really careful about lifting, he even said we could have intercourse. When I asked him about having a period because he left my cervix his answer was I don't think that will happen to you. I read somewhere that if you kept your cervix you could have mini periods and I just wanted clarification. He doesn't THINK that will ahppen to me. I thought it was a evasive answer but then again he was late getting from his other office and had a waiting room full of patients and was in a hurry. I just always thought that when you had your uterus removed NO MORE PERIODS. I don't even remember where I read that. Am I totally stupid of my own body. He did a supracervical hyst on 7/03/01 and removed my left ovary also. Isn't 4 weeks a little too soon to resume sexual activities? I can vaccum, mop whatever as long as it doesn't hurt. Has anyone else heard of this about the cervix? I don't mean to sound stupid I am just totally confused. I just need some input from some of you other ladies with a similar situation. Please help. tweetie

Hi Tweetie,

I didn't have a supracervical hyst, but please remember that you didn't have your total uterus removed...your cervix is actually part of your uterus, literally, the "neck" of your uterus. Therefore, there may be some endometrial tissue (lining of uterus) remaining that could "shed" like a mini-period when your ovary kicks in with hormonal cycles. This won't necessarily happen, but it does happen to some women with supracervical hysts. Ask your Dr. for more info on why he doesn't think this will happen to you. You're entitled to know why he says so.

Remember, you pay your Dr. big $$$ to take care of your female system. If you have questions for him, call or make sure in some other way that he answers them. It is YOUR RIGHT to have your questions answered, and that includes a full explanation of your surgery if necessary.

Most women I've seen here in the last year, on the average, aren't released for sex until 6 weeks. Funny, I (like you) was released at 4 weeks, but NO way was I ready that soon. We waited until 6 weeks...I was a lot less sore at that point. Just because you are released by your Dr. for an activity, don't feel pressured to do it if your body says otherwise. Sure, listen to your Dr....and then, listen to your body!

I'd also be real careful about resuming a lot of housework all of a sudden. Please watch the pushing and pulling of mopping and vacuuming. It's best to resume these activities very slowwwly...you are still healing in there, and will be for some time! Just make sure you always ease into things, trying new activities a little at a time to make sure you can tolerate it without it "hurting". I can't tell you how many sisters I've seen here just plunge right into all their chores as soon as they get "cleared", only to wonder why it hurts later.

My very best to you...

Linda

Hey there Tweetie

My doc told me I could have intercourse at 4 weeks post op and I did! I was certanly nervous but we were very careful and it was good. No pain... I think it does depend on your doctor and how conservative they are. Mine is defiantely not on the conservative side and even cleared me to drive at 1 week post op if I felt up to it. I did it at 10 day s and was Ok but avoided it if I could.

As Linda says you are the only one who can know when and what your body is ready for. I still do not do much in the way of housework and I am 9 weeks post op. I try and avoid heavy things but do carry the washing backet! I was overall very good during my initial recovery and have reaped the benfits of that. I feel great and look forward to even better health in the future

Just a note before I go...even with being careful and good I occasionally get twingy pain, like today so take care.

Sarah