My Castle Story

I had a TAH on July 2nd and went home on Thursday, July 4th. Everything went well and my lab reports said "no cancer". I have never had any surgeries of any kind, am 59 years old, have two adopted children (grown - 3 beautiful grandchildren!) and never really been sick or in the hospital. So, this was a totally new experience. I had fibroid tumors and the doctor said my right ovary had done exactly as it was supposed to do for a woman my age, but the left ovary was still trying to do its job. It had scar tissue and endo real bad. My uterus was enlarged and he had to disect it to remove it. I have a "bikini" cut.

There was some pain during the two days in the hospital, but with the "drip" that stayed under control - AFTER I learned to push the button! The nurses and doctors were great. I had painted my toenails like a flag and they all wanted to see. That was kind of fun. I will say that it was hard to get out of that hospital bed and the first time I walked, my legs were jelly, but after that, they were more steady.

Now for the worst part! Home! I have had entirely too much company, no rest. Seems I find myself feeling like I need to entertain and I stay up too much. My husband is staying home with me another week and we are keeping to ourselves - no visitors! I let myself get constipated and that was excruciating! It took me hours to get relief and it hurt so much I wanted to die! So, more bran and water for me!

I can't sit for too long without pain. I am trying to leave off the pain meds today and I can stand it. I couldn't stand laying in the bed because of my arthritis, but once I could take my med for that, it was better.

The pain I had been feeling in my back is GONE. I am so thankful for that. It had been with me for about 3 years.

So, I guess I am doing about as good as could be expected. Every day has been better. I am bored, but I am trying NOT to overdo. I have only made one mistake and that was handing my dog to my grandson. He was growling at the boy and I didn't want him to bite him, so, without thinking, I picked him up. OOPS! Found out why that was a no-no. Won't be doing that again!

I have enjoyed this site so much and will be checking back to see how other sisters are doing. Your posts have helped me to understand this whole procedure so much better. I checked the site yesterday when I have having problems with constipation and got some good advice. Thanks!

mstephens, Texas
7/2/02

Hi,
I'm glad to hear your surgery went well and that you are home recuperating! Yes, I too had constipation initially--keep drinking lots of water and it will pass (no pun intended)!

I too had a lot of visitors at first; they were great and brought meals, but I had no qualms about saying I was tired and asking them to leave early. They understand!

Sitting was awful for me for a long time, so I know how you feel. I did manage to do a lot of walking though and that felt good and speeded my recovery.

Keep us posted on your progress!

It is good to hear that HysterSisters has been so helpful to you! Glad your surgery went well and you are home recovering! You are still very early in your recovery so take those pain meds if you still need them. I found that eating oatmeal, raisins, and drinking plenty of water helped with my BMs. I drank lots of hot tea too (in my HysterSisters mug!)

I agree with cmcm, let visitors know it is ok to drop off a meal but that you may not want to visit. Tell them you will call when you are feeling up to longer visits.

Keep resting and pampering yourself!

mstephens,
I always happy to hear when someone returns from the castle without any major incidents. As with you, I had never been in the hospital before and it scared the daylights out of me!!(I'm only 38). Thank goodness it was a pleasant experience
Ha!!!!!!!! When you have too much company, do what I did (not on purpose though) I would be visiting and then all of a sudden fall asleep !! When I would wake up, I would ask hubby where they all went and he just said they knew I needed my rest. It was funny, I'd never done that before...well, get plenty of rest and no picking up the

Take care............................