LAVH September 19th Finally returning to normal

Hi All,
Well, my hysterectomy story has lots of ups and downs...

I decided to get a hysterectomy after dealing with endometriosis for the last 12+ years. I had two laproscopies with the removal of endo both times from my bladder, uterus, ovaries, and pelvic wall. After my last surgery, I didnt really see a big improvement. I went on lupron for 6 months, and I did feel better for the last three months I was on it, but I was allergic to the preservative in the shot, so I couldnt get it again. After the lupron wore off and the periods started again, the pain was back. I had my period for two weeks, and pain the week before my period, and since my cycle was only 24-25 days long, that left very little time that I wasnt in pain. I missed work, school, social functions, vacation plans. I hadnt had sex with my husband in two years because it hurt too much. I was done. So, after talking about it with my husband (and lots of other people) I decided to broach the subject of a hysterectomy with my doctor. She agreed that I would be a good canidate (she had actually suggested that it might be the next step before my last lap). However, she was moving to a different state, and I had to see a new doctor and talk to her about it. She was in agreemnet, although she worried about my quality of life, as she felt I needed to remove my ovaries too as I had endo. I told her my quality of life already stunk, so if it still did after the surgery, it would be no different, however, I did not expect that to be the case.

Fast-forward to the day of surgery...My husband was with me, and the surgery went fine. After surgery the doctor told me she wanted to wait 6 months to start me on hormones to make sure the endo didnt come back...this was an unwelcome surprise to me, but I accepted it. I was released from the hospital the day after my surgery, but back in again on day 5 for an infection in my stomach near the vaginal cuff. After that things went down-hill for a while. Even though I was released from the hospital again the next day, I was still in pain, and could hardly stand up straight. My bladder hurt all the time, and I was peeing constantly. To top it off, I started getting migraines more frequently, hot flashes were my constant companion, and I was so emotional I felt like I was going crazy- in short- my quality of life still stunk. I was afraid I would never get better, never be able to work again, I was miserable, suicidal, terrified. I was going to the dr every other day for some new test, and taking pain killers constantly just so I wouldnt be in so much pain I couldnt even stand up. The doctor just kept saying give it time, you still have fluid in your stomach and swelling, you are healing slower than expected but you will get there. I have to say I did not believe them- my fear was too great.

I was also heart broken- my greatest fear before surgery was just this situation- and hear I was, in pain, still. And..The doctor told me that she didnt find very much endo this time, so I was feeling like I had made a huge mistake, despite knowing that if it is there it can and had grown in me over time and probably would have again. I am only 29, this had not been an easy decision for me.About 4 weeks in they decided I was too emotional for my own good and that the night sweats, insomnia, and hot flashes were not helping my healing either, and finally decided to start me on estrogen even though it was a risk.

I am now 8 weeks out, and I am finally starting to feel better. I went back to work two weeks ago, and I am pretty tired still and I have to rest a lot after work, but I am not in pain every day, and my bladder problem seem to be gone for the most part, just a little pressure when I pee, but still, much better. I guess the doctors were right when they told me I just had to wait, and I personally believe that being put on estrogen helped out greatly, because I am not so emotional that I cant think straight. Through all of this journey my hyster sisters have been a constant support and comfort, I got questions answered, and most of all I was able to get hugs and kindness and understanding from others like me. Life isnt perfect, I am still getting those migraines, and having trouble sleeping, but I am finally starting to feel like the stage of my life where I am in constant pain is in the past, and that I can start to live again.

Merr