wife of worried husband

Well, I have finally made the move to actually sit up on a computer chair for a short bit of time. Thanks to those of you who responded to my wonderful, worried husband. I don't know who has been more worried through all of this him, or me.
I have used the nice suggestions given and have found some relief to my bloating and gas problems. Was I the only one who thought this would be no big deal? I am surprised by the length of my incision, 12 inches across my belly sealed with 20 staples, the lack of feeling on the outside skin of my abdomen, the swelling of my internal organs, and the inability to do anything! I am not the sit around kind of gal, but I am learning very quickly.
Is it common for such a large incision on a TAH? I was assured that this was a no big deal procedure by many friends who knew people who had no problem with this and were up a running around in a couple of weeks. I would like to meet these people and learn their secrets! I am glad my husband found this site or I would have thought I had something really wrong with me.

Off to sit in my recliner! LizE

I'm about 3 weeks post-op (this Tuesday). Although my incision is only 7", I'm only 5'2", so that's still a pretty good size for my proportions! Mine is north-south, so I'm still a little sore in the bend over department (putting on underwear, socks and tying my shoes) but I'm getting better each day. That's the secret - a little bit better each day and before you know it - bam! 100%!

My doc cleared me for part-time return to work at two weeks (Monday was day 1 back to the grindstone!) and that included driving - if I was very careful. I miss my stamina the most - sure wish it would hurry and come home! But that, too, will take time.

Remember that there's a lot of healing going on inside, not to mention things trying to get back to new normal in there! Bowels and bladder don't like being pushed around so much and in a TAH, especially when fibroids, endo or other nasties are involved, things get pretty bruised inside! It will take awhile for all to be back but you need that time to heal anyway, so enjoy it! Soon enough, the staples will come out (and the steri-strips, if your doc is like mine, but some don't use them), and you'll be able to pamper that new seam! Until then, relax, take it easy and let your body take over the healing.

Your DH Kevin sounds a lot like mine - very caring, supportive and proactive in your recovery. Mine even "arrested" me on Wednesday when an annonymous tip from my co-workers told him I was on the verge of doing too much so it was time for the pillow police to come get me! I'm glad he did because I was running out of steam! What a blessing!

Enjoy your recovery and keep us posted on your progress! Hugs to both of you!

Welcome Home Liz. I can't say about the incision...although I have seen a few that were about the same length. I had a TVH -----sorry.
I can say about the soreness! I had a few ligaments repaired inside my abdomen and they sure can hurt and get sore while healing! WHEW!
Please take it easy....even if you feel great the first six weks, you are still NOT going to push it....right???? I hope not. Don't want you to have a pain set back like I did!
Remember...patience with your self! You deserve it!
Lots of gentle Hugs
Peanut

I'm now 5 weeks post. Keep that Gas-X handy, it works wonders. I also thought this was going to be a cinch, boy those words came back to bite me on the butt. feelin better now, going to work monday. it'll take time but this is NORMAL, those others were extremely lucky in my opinion. every day gets a little better. this site is great as any questions you come up with, someone else has probably already been there. Feel Good !!!

Pat

Welcome to hyster Sisters!

We have been waiting anxiously to hear from you! Your hubby is a gem.

I know you are still feeling kind of icky, but you will get back to normal soon. Just be sure to rest a lot, eat good food, and basically act like the crowned Princess you are --- don't do anything at all for awhile.

This site is really wonderful for information, but even more than that, the gals are really supportive and sweet. I have truly enjoyed every minute I have spent here --- and my family will tell you that is a LOT of minutes!!

Stay in touch. Hope to hear from you soon. Welcome!

Big

Barbara

My hubby was great through all this to.

Did you have any complications with your surgery for your scar to be so big.I had a TAH and my scar is 5 inches long and I am 5 10.

Ask your Dr when you have your next appointment!

Take care and get lots of

Liz,

I can relate, as Im sure many other woman can too! I was so worried about my husband through all of this, it was terrible! I am now almost 5 weeks and feeling really good about things these day, but the beginning was a nitemare. I too thought that I was SO prepared for this procedure, but it really hit me like a ton of bricks. At about 1 1/2 weeks post op, I ended up getting admitted right after an ultra sound showed that I had formed a blood clot! I cried my heart out. My mom was w/ me. As soon as my husband showed up in the area where I was waiting to be admitted, he cried!!!! It of course got me going, my mother and my two sisters. It broke my heart to see him go thru so much pain!!!! He also cried w/ me a few nites prior to that, when I was sick w/ the hematoma (but didn't know it). I cried and told him how sorry I was for putting him through all of this! He cried, hugged me and told me I didn't have to apolagize. He would always be there for me. Well, as a result of all of this....I definately see my life in such a better way than before! I always knew how much I loved my husband, but NOW, I love him more than yesterday! I am so happy to hear about a woman going thru this, that has a wonderful husband to help her get thru it! Ive read some posts about woman that unfortunately don't get that support and it breaks my heart! I don't know how I would have ever gotten thru it w/ out him! I would say that things are going well for you!!!!!!! Hold him a little longer tonite ya know? I wrote my husband a nice long letter a few days ago, thanking him! He really liked it! Best of luck to you! Sorry for babbling! Take care of yourself!!!

Liz!

I just finished reading your post and your husbands! You have already received excellent advice here....so I just wanted to pop in and say that your hubby's post really touched me. I too have a loving/caring/worrying/ dh....and I wouldn't trade him for the world

Please come here often for support....questions of any kind. We truly hope you have an easy recovery.

Sending you both soothing 'S

We already had that "big tap on the shoulder" that makes you stop taking things for granted when my DH had open heart at 40 (about 5 years ago).

This time it was my turn to be pampered and while he did a great job I am sorry he was "very upset and crying" when he saw me wake up from surgery.
I like the idea of writing a thank-you letter so I'm going to go do that right now!

Thanks!

Hi Liz,

Welcome to HysterSisters! I just had to say that you aren't the only one who found out that this surgery is a lot more than you originally thought. The initial recovery period (and average time off work) is 6-8 weeks. TOTAL healing takes from 6 months to a year, according to a GYN.

Yes, I've also heard a lot of second-hand stories about women who supposedly "bounced right back", but no one that I know personally as bounced back, believe me! I think some things get lost in the translation, if you know what I mean!

So, don't have unrealistic expectations about this recovery. Resolve to take it plenty easy for 6 weeks or so, and you'll do fine...and listen to your body! Remember, you only have ONE chance to heal properly from this surgery, and this is it!

My very best to you...