"Are you sure it's 5 Years?!!"

As I sit here typing this, it seems strange that 5 years ago today (it was a tuesday too!!) I was being wheeled down to the ballrooom at this time.

But it being 5 years ago seems to be blowing my nearests' and dearests' minds away and they all say something along the lines of "Are you sure?" or "Is it really that long ago??!" when I tell them. It somehow seems a bigger milestone than any other hysterversary so far - perhaps because of how it's all been since.

I found this site about 2 weeks post op and membership was about 32-35,000 then. Looking around the site, I found women in the same boat as me, who understood the new feelings, worries and concerns - yet at the same time on different threads, they were offerring advice and help, some laughs, warmth and I couldn't believe that these "someone's" that I'd never met - and probably would never meet either - were sharing their stories and experiences so open-heartedly ........... so I joined up quickly and was soon made welcome and hopefully, over time did my bit of supporting as well as being reassured too, amongst the lighter-hearted moments.

I've looked around and see the same things going on now across the forums as back then. The site has grown so much which is wonderful to see.

As for myself, well.......... I sort of fell off the cliff, so's to speak, from immediately reaching post op, in completely different areas of health! I came out of the op with more pain in my lower back than any part of the surgical site and the rest as they say is history. It has never fully recovered and I have developed generalised osteoarthritis (most body joints affected now), am registered as deaf/hard of hearing, have CFS/ME and just recently been diagnosed with a squint ..... and have more visual tests to come. I lost my job because of all this and much as I would love to get back to working life, that day is still a dream away.

I don't think anyone could have predicted such a fall from grace , yet I do not regret my hyst one bit. I didn't take these new health issues lightly - I refused to accept my body was ailing, fought it strongly, I mean, how dare it defy me for one thing!! The continual physical pain wore me out and down. It has most surely been a roller-coaster ride in so many ways, including self-embarrassment at the state of me. I went from a highly-active and independent person to someone who had to learn to say "Can you .... for me please?" over-night. It has been a painful curve in life in the sense I found out who my friends are and were. Some very cruel and cutting words and behaviour were handed to me by the very people I thought would help and support me through the early times especially and this includes my family.

Overall though, I feel this has probably been one of the best lessons in my life though ...... and I am still learning through it. There are plenty of people far worse off than me with far worse conditions and circumstances so I don't feel sorry for me.

I am now far more relaxed, tolerant, easy-going and I am 100% more aware that others may have un-seen disabilities too. I've met lovely new friends, some whom are also disabled who enrich my life in ways I've never encountered before. I have learnt new life skills, take time to smell the roses and appreciate the world around me in far greater ways. My life may be much smaller than 5 years ago, but I am far happier now.

It is so easy to take life for granted, what you have, what you can do etc - I certainly did. I'm so glad that I ran up and down the stairs several times the night before my op because it was my last time as it turned out. I did it "because I don't know when I'll be able to do it again" ......... I savour the feeling now!!

I'm currently working on a programme that will hopefully help me regain some confidence and ways to manage my conditions better. It's a bit of trial and error as it can be quite a juggling act at times but hopefully by the time my next hysterversary comes around, I'll have got life even more back on track. It's been a journey I didn't expect, but hey, I'm sure I'm better and stronger for it in all the right ways.

Thanks for reading .... if you've stuck it through to this end!!

Good luck and best wishes to all!

Hi Musk!

It's wonderful that you took the time to share with us in such a heartfelt and inspirational manner. I must say you have displayed one of the best attitudes I have ever encountered both on-line and off-line. I came down with my own very serious post-hysterectomy illness (not related to my hysterectomy surgery) so your words speak to me in a personal manner.

Thanks for your good wishes and best luck to the members of Hystersisters.com, and on their behalf I am tossing the same sentiments back atcha.

Many to you now and always,

Hi Musk!
Thanks so much for sharing your reflections at 5 years. I am just amazed at how fast one year went by for me and what a difference (positive) there is in my life!
My heartfelt wishes & hugs go out to you!

Dear (((Musk)))
Thank you for sharing your story with us. What an inspiration you are to all of us as we face our own situations. You have encouraged me today with your courage and grace. I pray you'll continue to find the answers you seek to help you with your limitations. What you lack in physical abilities you make up for in attitude. It's a pleasure to have 'met' you.
Rita

It has been 4 years for me and I don't regret a thing, it's been great. I haven't been on the site for a very long time but rec'd a birthday greeting today, woo hoo! I remembered how stressed I was, but it's been great! No repercussions, great health, (except for hot flashes, doc gave me a miracle prescription and no more after a week!).

To all those who are going thru this, take it from me, it's worth it. I was 3 weeks on and 1 week off, and now I really don't miss it. I have never felt better in my life. Kept ovaries with no problems and I feel very blessed, so to those girls, please have patience and hope, there is better things ahead.

I'm 49 today and lovin it!!!!!!!!!!!

Musk:

Your story is so inspiring and amazing!! You are very brave, thanks for sharing :roll2: !! Sometimes we make well let me say I make an issue out of small things (minor health prob.) you made me realize I should focus on the good and not the bad!!

I only wish the best for you!!!

total hyst.12/02
sillyme