Recovery Progress Reports for Hysterectomy dates May 28-Jun 03,2012

I had an uterine biopsy April 18th which showed severe dysplasia without atypia in my uterus and CIN III in my cervix. After all the other things I had wrong the doctor told me all I needed for my hysterectomy was the uterine biopsy. However the insurance company refused my procedure. I could have gotten one for heavy periods but not with abnormal cells in the cervix.
So I went through a cold knife conization in which they removed most of my cervix (full thickness) on May 15th. Tuesday May 29th I started bleeding heavily out of no where and by 5 am I woke my husband and alerted him something was wrong and I did not feel right.
He took me directly to the emergency room (got a flat tire on the way).
After 2 absolutely horrible procedures to stop my hemorrhaging they could not stop the bleeding. My doctor then notified my insurance and got the go ahead for the hysterectomy. Because of the many issues I have been dealing with the last 2 years, I had to have my uterus, cervix, both ovaries, and both tubes removed leaving only my vagina behind.
I was taken to the operating room at 3 pm May 30th. To say I was not prepared is an understatement. I have wanted the hysterectomy for so long and now it was all happening too fast.
I was released today at 1pm to go home. After a very slow and long ride home I was happy to be here. That was until I laid down to sleep and tried my left side (which was a no go) so I laid on my back and over stretched the stomach muscles and now I am in horrible pain. I tried the heating pad for gas pain. At first it did help now I find myself going back to the ice pack. Not really sure what to expect now I guess I will learn as I go, I just wish I could figure out this pain issue so I could sleep. One thing the hospital has that I do not is the adjustable bed. I slept most of the day yesterday in a half seated position which was comfortable and not sure how to adjust to my bed here at home since I can not lay on my bed without pain shooting through my body. I still have gas pressure, hoping that will be gone soon but my incisions are sore to any which way I lay. I think I will go sleep in my recliner when this pain subsides and try again in bed tomorrow night.

Completed surgery at 6pm. Felt nausea and fatigue. Was so worried about getting a vegan meal, but then after the fact just glad for cold veg soup and Graham crackers and popsicles. Thought I was going crone but my diet is one that a child would love when I woke up in the OR I was telling everyone how much I love them for not killing me and because my cramps after were less than cramps before. Woo hoo!

Apparently you dream during surgery-- I was dreaming of my hostas and being able to garden without cramps.

Tip-- remember phone charger and baked goods and candy (chocolate) are appreciated.

The gas sucks- shoulders hurt but I am ok.

So I have learned 2 things about my recovery tonight. One, since the cathader came out, instead of normal "have to go to the bathroom twinges" I get cramps that wake me up (and then get better after my bathroom trip.) And two, my mp3 player and headphones have helped me sleep longer periods because I drown out the hospital noises with soft comforting music. I am so surprised at how fast I'm progressing. I can go longer between pain meds now.

Overwhelm ...wow what a story. You have been thru too much. So sorry. Glad you were ok with the surgery. I'm sure that brought you comfort. Take it easy.

Spiggy....lol after coming to. My son just had surgery for first time and we laughed so hard. He was hilarious. I was shocked at the gas pain too.

Singer..speedy recovery for you.

As for me. Taking it easy today. No cooking peach cobbler for bf. lol

Still at castle, think I'm allergic to Dilota. Scalp and face itching like crazy, and eye are puffy and red swollen face! Other than that, just the horrible feeling on my right rib age kills when I breath. Heating pad helps.

Should be out in 4 hours. Brought and used, gown, iPad, cell phone, lip balm, hard candy. Hospital has everything. Plus purple crippy socks!

Will update more when get home.

Fever gone and I am at home. Walking upstairs was brutal. I just want to get some sleep, but I am a side sleeper and it hurts to sleep on my sides. I'm gonna try propping myself up with pillows and see if that helps any.

I hope you re doing well

Had my LSH on 5/29. All went well, had morphine button in hospital & don't Remember some of it. Pain was pretty intense, way more than I thought it would be. Was able to go hame on 5/30. On 5/31 woke up really not feeling well, coughing up blood, shaking, migraine & nausea. Called dr - go to er. Found to have pneumonia, given meds & sent home. Feeling much better today. Have been showering every day, but today is the first day I actually blew dry my hair! Today is my first feeling human day.

Best wishes to all in recovery! I hope you have experienced your first human day.

Overwhelmed,
You may want to have someone pick you up a wedge pillow. I could only find it at a bigger pharmacy. I got a 12 inch one which sometimes seem too high, but it has been such a help. It is like sleeping on a hospital bed. I can even put pillows in front and behind me and sleep on my side. I thought I had spent too much, but after a full night sleep on my first day home, I am so happy.

Feeling blessed. Everything went well I did have an allergic reaction to betadine, but I don't remember it. Some pain after surgery but mostly well managed. One incident of too much pain and nausea, but nurses got approval for early meds. Day 2 went home. Able to walk around. I have a little gas pain. Using the ice packs from the hystersisters store. Nice and soft. Watching TV and letting family pamper me.

I hope everyone is feeling better today. I slept for 12 uninterrupted hours last night, pain free without meds. Tried side sleeping...fail. Tried the other side...fail. Settled for my back surrounded by pillows. I put a travel pillow under one side of my chin to help me feel like I was on my side...helped.

Having scrambled eggs for breakfast...at 3pm, but still, breakfast. I haven't had to potty #2 yet. I'm going to take a Senokot stool softener later.

Happy healing