TAH 18 Days Post Op Radical Hysterectomy

Hi all,



I'm just coming to the end of day 18 post-op. I was diagnosed on the 18th of August as Stage 1B1 Cervical Cancer. Diagnosis came as a huge shock, all previous smears were 'normal'. Started having mild symptoms back in March, heavy watery discharge and occasional cramps but nothing too major. Was back and forth to my doc and was tested for regular infections, however my smear was due at the beginning of August so when the Nurse was unable to take a sample due to my cervix bleeding I was referred to Gyn at a local hospital. After that things moved very quickly I met with my consultant days later, had my MRI and was booked in for my op on the 6th of September. Prior to surgery I was given two options a) Radical Hysterectomy b) frozen section with the hope there would be enough healthy tissue to save my womb. I chose option B but was prepared that the likely outcome was option A, which it was. I had my lymph nodes removed and found out last week they were all clear so no further treatment. Yay.

Post-Op.

I don't know if its a good or bad thing, but I wasn't completely prepared as to what to expect post op. I only found out an hour prior to surgery that I'd likely have a suprapubic catheter, this and BM have caused me more bother than the recovery from the op. I started bladder training 3 days post op, clamping and releasing every 3 hours. The first time I managed to void myself was about 10 days post op, although only a very small amount. I had the SP Catheter removed (which was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be, no pain just a strange sensation) 14 days post op but I'm still unable to void myself (only small amounts occasionally) so I'm self catheterising (which again is nowhere near as bad as I'd expected). I'm not stressing about my bladder though as from what the consultant said, and from reading about others experiences on here, everyone is different and it can take some time to regain function. Now, the BM! Oh my Lord! I went 7 days without one, I was dosed up on laxatives and even tried suppositories with no luck. I eventually had an enema which did the trick but then it was another 3 days before I managed myself. I thought I was on the straight and narrow but oh no! I feel the need to go but its a real struggle, it can take all day to manage to pass but I still don't feel 'empty'. I'm hoping with more movement tomorrow things start happening as this is bothering me more than my lazy bladder.

Psychologically I feel ok, I have up and down moments as opposed to up and down days. I don't have children and now can't (although I do have one solitary ovary somewhere in my body). Even though I wasn't sure I wanted children it's difficult to accept that I can no longer make that decision. I'm getting there though, I have a wonderful husband and fantastic friends and family. This site has been a great help. Prior to surgery I didn't look up anything online or read any material provided to me. I found it quite difficult to accept I had cancer, and tbh I still do but I'm getting there.

Sorry this post is long a rambling but it really helps to write it all down, I thought it'd be good to share my experience (thus far) and I'm more than happy to chat about them. Also any help re BM or lazy bladder would be greatly received

Much love x

Mrs G -

I am sorry to hear you had a cancer diagnosis. Hearing the "C" word is such a shock.

If you are looking for additional support for the cancer don't hesitate to post in our Cancer Concerns forum. It is filled with knowledgeable, supportive women who have walked the walk.

Sending