ASAP Hysterectomy

Hello all, and I can not begin to tell you how relieved I am to read the posts here. I can tell you I am more than a little nervous right now.....

For the past year I have been experiencing severe back pain, which has been misdiagnosed as Kidney stones or 'unidentified' back pain. I was extremely anemic, which the docs could not figure out why, (mainly because I guess I told them my periods were heavy, but didn't realize that they were much more than heavy since they have 'always' been that way).

Finally, after 8 days of tests in the hospital, a wonderful doctor decided to take a peek at my female parts and found 'several baseball size fiberous tumors' in my uterus. He asked when the last time I went to the GYN was, and I had to tell him it has been so long that I could not remember. (bad bad bad) I am 'caretaker' at home so it never was convinient between all the other stuff to go..... no excuse, but what can I say?

The doctor came in and told me I was to have a complete hysterectomy ASAP, and I am scheculed to go in again on Tuesday for the operation. I go in on Monday for preop and a film about what they are going to do. I am nervous, I haven't had a lot of time to think about this, but as I am typing, I am having one of my 'famous' periods and staying close to the bathroom.
My husband has been saying for years how it looked like I was hemoraging everytime I had a period, but I never thought it was that bad, guess over a period of time you just sort of accept things. I am afraid, I don't really know what to expect except I won't bleed like this anymore, and the pain will be gone, right??

I am greatful to God for having discovered this, but on the other hand I am more than a little nervous about Tuesday, especially since the Doctor scheduled it ASAP...... (maybe if I don't have time to think about it too much, it won't be so bad?)

Anyway, I plan on studying this site and learning everything I can.

Bless you for having this site

holly

Well, that must have been a shock! I'm glad you found us - I'll bet you have a million questions.

Do you have someone to help with the "caretaking" at home? If not, ask about getting a social worker or home health aid to help you out. You may "feel OK" shortly after your surgery, but you will need rest, rest, rest. You shouldn't be taking care of anyone else for several weeks.

Other than that, do what you can this weekend to get ready - stock up on easy-to-prepare foods, get some cash (for sending neighbors to buy milk, or ordering pizza), buy some extra-big cotton underwear and loose-fitting PJs and at least one outfit that you can go out of the house in. Get done what you can, and don't worry about the rest.

I hope you will be feeling "better than new" before long!

Hi,

I know it must be tough just finding out this information and the thought of needing surgery so soon, but at least it explains several things going on with you. Don't worry, God will see you through this difficult time. AS the previous lady said, do those things this weekend. You'll also need a robe, slipon slippers or slipper socks, loose p.j.'s or gowns to wear when you come home. I wore the hospital gowns in the hospital,until the last day or so,then I wore loose p.j. pants and a big t-shirt. You may still need some pads for postop spotting,which is normal for awhile,but don't despair - that,too,will end soon enough and NO MORE PERIODs,yes!!!! I also took mint gum and breath mints, which helped the bad taste in my mouth. Be sure you have help at home, you'll need someone to wait on you for about 2 wks or so. No chores, just resting, eating healthy, naps, small walks around the house. Colace is a good stool softener (over the counter) = good to have on hand to start asap after surgery to have softer and easier bm's. Also, gas-x is good to help relieve those awful gas pains. You'll do fine. Just do some stuff this weekend to enjoy and pamper yourself, as well. I know this is probably a big shock to you, but in the long run, you are gonna feel so much better. I had a total hysterectomy with everything out, including ovaries,tubes,cervix,about 11 wks ago and feel so much better. It takes time to heal,though,but it's well worth it. God bless, be praying for you.
Oh, if you have any questions, make a list to ask your doctor ahead of time and call s/he at work to ask questions.
DebraDeeH

this is my opinion;always get medical advice from your doctor

Hi, Holly

Welcome to the sisterhood!

I'm sure looking forward to "no more periods", too. Like you, I'm slogging my way through one now and I won't miss them AT ALL!!! when I'm on the post-op side.......

Keep on reading, ask questions, and enjoy the wonderful support here.

Hugs,
Cat

I feel much better about things now, I read many many posts about what to expect, what's going to happen etc. and now I am excited about being 'Free!!!'

I had not even considered the implications of this, I really will be able to function so much better and worry free afterwards!

Yeah!!



thank you all again for having such a wonderful place to share and read and get information. Hopefully, I will be able to return the favor one day soon!

I have a feeling I will be online a lot during the next few weeks

holly

I just wanted to add my and recommend you read the Do's and Don'ts list and the list about what to take to the castle from the home page. I bought 2 cute PJ's and I spend a LOT of time in them, mainly to remind myself not to overdo it even though I'm feeling much better. And as far as cooking goes, I love my crock pot and Gladware! Good luck!

Omahakitty,

I am reading everything I can get my hands on right now lol:

I have printed out some do's and don'ts from this site and have them posted on the walls for my 'crew' to read and remind me.

I found some really big sweatpants of my DH in the closet that I plan to wear home from the Castle, and some big old nightshirts...

I found my old 'kittyjammas' that my husband hid from me a long time ago that will be perfect :lol (he says they are awful, but boy are they comfortable!!)

My son bought me a nice little bed tv tray with cats on it so I can put my laptop on it and not my tummy, also to put anything else of in bed when I get home, it's really cute, and
I have some slip on fuzzy smiley slippers (hot pink) so I think I am all set!

My step son has moved in for the duration and promises to cook and clean (maybe he'll stay???? Yeah!) while I am out of commision.

whew

such a lot of things to think about in such a short period of time.

thank you ALL for this wonderful site and place to just 'let it all out' so to speak when I feel like freaking out!

da'feeling much much better about thingums'holly

Wow! Sounds like you got it made! My DD is 17 and helps a lot, but between her school and work, she isn't around much, so it was just me, the dog and the cat and darned if I could teach them to go make me lunch!

This is kind of a personal issue, but depending on what type of procedure you're going to have, you may want to look over your underwear collection. Some of them may rub on your incision, which can be uncomfortable. And I've only recently been able to stop wearing any kind of pad or panty liner, so if you need them, you'll want comfy panties to accomodate them.

Good luck!

Your kind of lucky .You didnt have to go through all the waiting I cant stand the waiting and losing control Because of course we have to give up control for HOW LONG????

Omaha kitty,

I have two cats, and they don't make lunch either.... in fact they 'demand' lunch be made for them!

I've had to have the big underpants to accomodate pads forever now, so I plan on hanging on to them just long enough to get through this, then 'on to the pretty panties!!!!!' I can't wait! I may acually get to own a pair of painties with *Lace* on them!! Wow!! heh!

I feel really blessed right now, my family has been nothing but supportive in my time of need. It's really nice to see that when I need them, they will come through .... God is good!

thank you for the wonderful support

da'countin the hours'holly