TLH 31st July 2012

Ok. I was told in March I needed TAH. Had been having severe pains for many years but always wrote them off as IBS. A scan revealed abnormalities and twelve months later Result.... Consultant was wanting to remove cervix and ovaries and I had agreed. In June I was called back and told I was eligible for laprascopic surgery, ( initially this had been out of the question) so date was set for July 31st 2012. On morning of surgery Tuesday this week) I had a bit of a breakdown, although I'd initially agreed to the removal of everything and I thought accepted it, I obviously hadn't. Consultant sat with me for nearly an hour ( which delayed my surgery) and discussed at length EVERYTHING especially the ovary situation. It was agreed that if they were healthy when he went in there he'd leave them be and would monitor them in future for signs of disease. Knowing this enabled me to settle down and at 1430 surgery went ahead. I don't recall a thing until I woke up on the ward at tea time. I had special boots on that stimulated circulation but was completely out of it. I remember them removing catheter on Wednesday morning and as the morphine wore off the pain kicked in. I was not given anything stronger than diclofenics and paracetamol and then discharged at 1400 on Wednesday. The pain from the trapped gas was almost unbearable as was the 45 minute drive home. Weds eve and thursday passed in a blur of intense pain and screaming but it was the ****ed gas pain not the little tiny cuts (4) in my lower abdomen. Which are even
Now almost invisible. Today the gas has gone it only hurts when I need to go the loo for a number 2. I have no problems having a wee, coughing can be an issue but as recommended on this site a pillow on the tummy is a comfort. My tum is very swollen and hard but I expected that and even having a shower tires me out. But it's all progress. I have been surprised both pleasantly and otherwise by some things I've read on this site and it has been helpful. I think in the States you get better pain meds than in UK but I figure if I can feel everything I won't overdo anything.