Recovery Progress Reports for Hysterectomy dates Dec 12-Dec 18,2011

Just tired and emotional. Sigh.

Thank you!

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Originally Posted by ladybug1965 That's good to know. Maybe it won't come to that, but if it does, well...I know there are worse things.

ladybug, not to worry too much about the cysts. I have several - and had them drained twice. It is just a needle prick, not too bad. The docs call me a 'cyst maker' 'cos i have so many of them ! and they keep coming back. They hurt only when they are inflamed. Else I hardly notice them. Finally my acupuncturist gave me some herbal medicine. It is like magic! One dose and the inflammation goes down and the cyst doesn't bother me anymore! Even my doc was amazed.
One thing to watch for in the long term is: don't assume every lump is a cyst and neglect it! The breast surgeon who aspirated my cysts the first time said this: the cysts are not a big danger; what is dangerous is for us to assume that every lump is a cyst and not get it checked out. So mammo and ultrasound every year is a must....
good luck.

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Originally Posted by lrao ladybug, not to worry too much about the cysts. I have several - and had them drained twice. It is just a needle prick, not too bad. The docs call me a 'cyst maker' 'cos i have so many of them ! and they keep coming back. They hurt only when they are inflamed. Else I hardly notice them. Finally my acupuncturist gave me some herbal medicine. It is like magic! One dose and the inflammation goes down and the cyst doesn't bother me anymore! Even my doc was amazed. One thing to watch for in the long term is: don't assume every lump is a cyst and neglect it! The breast surgeon who aspirated my cysts the first time said this: the cysts are not a big danger; what is dangerous is for us to assume that every lump is a cyst and not get it checked out. So mammo and ultrasound every year is a must.... good luck.

What is the herbal remedy? I am very much into those things myself. Thank you!

@ stillapansy: I feel you! Two nights ago I was in bed around 8:30pm after an exhausting 4 hour work day in h*ll. Finally thinking of how I was treated by manager at work that day and I fell apart-crying non-stop. Texting a friend about it, but she has unexplained heart episode and then I was bawling my eyes out worried about her health, how aweful it was for me to dump on her (selfish) and then when I realized I've got alot going on as still post op, lost a dear friend two weeks ago also, I REALY couldn't stop crying-I understand emotional and it's really draining to me at times-so overwhelming, I felt I was having a total breakdown-it was scary and despressing to say the least.

Hang in there-at least we are in this together.

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Originally Posted by mwalters44 Kathy1970, sorry they are being awful to you at work. I was laid off from a position last April and I think it was a blessing in disguise because I know they would have been very difficult with me going through this ordeal. I have been feeling really energized the past couple days. I'm attributing it to the iron supplement I started about 2 weeks ago due to continued anemia. I had a blood transfusion after my surgery. I still take a nap everyday, but when I am awake, I'm doing a lot more around the house. People at work have noticed a change too. I work part time at a coffee shop which means I'm on my feet for 5 hours a day. Lots of hustle involved at times. Did all you girls have your blood count done? I'm wondering if anyone else needs a little iron boost. I continue to be frustrated by the soreness around my belly button and swelly belly. I am at my maximum weight for my life! But I gave up sweets for Lent and hopefully my increasing activity will help also (hopefully). So hard to be patient and wait for my body to heal!

My iron was O.K., but I was tired before surgery and figured two periods a month had to be causing it, so I started taking vitamins with iron. Had to divide it--1/2 in AM with food and 1/2 at dinnertime because it otherwise upset my stomach. Stopped after surgery for awhile due to the other med.s I had to take, but got back on them. I do feel like the iron makes a difference, even though I'm still fatigued. From what I'm reading, the fatigue hangs on for quite awhile after major surgery. I was supposed to have laproscopic, but things were a mess down there and my doctor had to open me up. First time surgery for me, so it has been a real education!

I have walked 16 miles this week (my goal) and might do a couple more today. The "snowstorm" we are getting has so far just been flurries. The ground isn't even covered! They hyped it up on the news that everybody thought it was going to be a "real one". Anyway, I will be able to wear my sneakers again for my walk! Never have I seen so many cyclists and motorcycle riders during the winter here--so bizarre! I do like snow, but it has been nice to be able to walk on the road shoulders and wear my sneakers (we don't have sidewalks where I live) instead of in the road, in boots and heavy winter clothing due to snow banks!

Keep doing what is best for you, ladies. It is totally worth it in the long run!

Wow, a couple of days away from the 12 week mark. I hope you are all feeling better. I can't get over how having those heavy periods played such havoc on my life. Not having one since November is AMAZING!!!!! I personally am feeling great and almost back to normal activity. I think it really helped to wait it out and really take care of myself during recovery. I'm back to running again, 3-4 miles, which isn't where I was at pre-surgery but I'm glad I'm able to do this. I'm finally gaining a little weight again which I think is helping my recovery (I lost way too much during recovery) and I can't wait to start my weight training next month. Doc wanted me to wait at least 2 months for that. A little swelly belly is still happening but not too overwhelming. I'm looking forward to Summer and wearing light-colored clothes. Whoo Hoo!!!! Sister hugs to all of you. This site was a god-send for me.

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Originally Posted by Ashleyjade well, I am starting to feel better except for my legs and being sooooo tired. I do still have some pains in my groin and right side every now and then but nothing to bad. I am off of pain meds for the first time in almost 2 years woohoo!!!! I thought it would be a lot harder but I am doing good. I also have quit smoking almost 3 weeks now. Feelin good girls!!! I found out that I have hypothyroidism and that is the problem with my legs and tiredness and weight gain so at least I'm getting on track with that now. Good luck to all of you and I hope you all have the speediest of recoveries.

Woohoo on the smoking. It is tough to do but so worth it. You have made it through the worst part.

Now that they have discovered you are hypothyroid it won't take long for them to get your dosage right and you'll feel a lot better.

I was taking iron but at my last gyn appt., my doctor said I probably won't need it any more since I'm not having the heavy bleeding any more. If I start to feel run-down I could take it again, I guess, but I haven't in about a week now.

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Originally Posted by jegr My iron was O.K., but I was tired before surgery and figured two periods a month had to be causing it, so I started taking vitamins with iron. Had to divide it--1/2 in AM with food and 1/2 at dinnertime because it otherwise upset my stomach. Stopped after surgery for awhile due to the other med.s I had to take, but got back on them. I do feel like the iron makes a difference, even though I'm still fatigued. From what I'm reading, the fatigue hangs on for quite awhile after major surgery. I was supposed to have laproscopic, but things were a mess down there and my doctor had to open me up. First time surgery for me, so it has been a real education! I have walked 16 miles this week (my goal) and might do a couple more today. The "snowstorm" we are getting has so far just been flurries. The ground isn't even covered! They hyped it up on the news that everybody thought it was going to be a "real one". Anyway, I will be able to wear my sneakers again for my walk! Never have I seen so many cyclists and motorcycle riders during the winter here--so bizarre! I do like snow, but it has been nice to be able to walk on the road shoulders and wear my sneakers (we don't have sidewalks where I live) instead of in the road, in boots and heavy winter clothing due to snow banks! Keep doing what is best for you, ladies. It is totally worth it in the long run!

I had the same experience where I was supposed to have Lap but ended up getting opened up because it was a mess in there: degenerating fibroid taking over and uterus fused to colon (ick).

Are you taking the time release iron? I take it before I go to bed and have not tummy problems and I have a very sensitive stomach.