back arthritis and Hysterectomy

Dx.monday. Report says: complex hyperplasia with atypia bordering on well-differentiated with endometrioid adenocarcinoma. They say they think they caught it early and a full hysterectomy is the treatment. Already 51 and no more kids coming so fertility is not a concern although OB says oncologist will be removing ovaries and cervix too, so instant menopause (I was getting close but had not reached menopause yet). My big concern is that I also have ankylosing Spondalitis (kind of rheumatoid arthritis of lower back and SI joints on pelvis.) The biopsy alone sent my back into spasms for days and I am still working to get back to normal. Worried about how I will be doing after surgery as even the position for surgery is one that generally causes back issues. Oh, lets face it- I am a wimp and worried about everything...and occasionally having random bouts of tears (my dear husband says that is normal.) I meet with oncologist tuesday and will be asking for a pain mgt. consult before surgery as I am already having pain issues. sigh. This sucks. (Son got me an adult coloring book with the title "maybe swearing will help" with fancy swear words to color- "Bite me" did not make me feel better...maybe I should try a page with the F-word next.

Hi Lane10204 to HysterSisters!

I am so glad you found this site.

You definitely need to talk to your doctor about your back issues, and also talk to your back doctor about your surgery. Get everyone on the same page.

You are not a wimp. Back problems can really ruin your whole day, and they can take forever to settle down.

I do like the gift your DS gave to you - what a great idea.

Here is some information on surgical menopause that may help:
Natural Menopause vs. Surgical Menopause
What Is Surgical Menopause?
5 Interesting Facts about Surgical Menopause
6 Tips to Help You Prepare for Surgical Menopause
Do This - Not That: Managing Surgical Menopause

Just know that you are not alone in any of this. We are here for you.

(((Lane10204))) You absolutely are not a wimp and all those emotions are perfectly normal. I think your plans to be proactive regarding your pain management are excellent, so everyone will be on the same page throughout. Remember, we are our own best advocates. As for your diagnosis, I am sorry you've received this news, but it does sound like you're catching things at a point when they are most treatable. For your gyn/onc appointment, write down any questions or concerns you might have and take someone else with you, if possible (another set of ears). Oh, and be sure to get copies of your path reports and any test results moving forward, so you'll have them for your own reference.

For any issues specific to your diagnosis, we do have a Cancer Concerns forum you're welcome to check out, if you'd like. There's lots of good information as well as experienced ladies to share the journey. I know this all seems scary and overwhelming right now, but you absolutely CAN do this. Sending calming hugs and every good thought your way.

P.S. Found your smilie twin working on her book!

It's great that you are thinking ahead and seeking advice from a pain specialist. Did you have any x-rays of your back taken? I have RA myself, (very well controlled at this time) and they required me to have a neck x-Ray beforehand to be sure I will tolerate the surgical positioning.

x-ray for positioning is a good suggestion- basically things start to go numb in the wrong position and then I get spasms. The dreaded "stirrups" are generally a bad position, but I don't think there is any avoiding those for this surgery.

I am taking 2 greats sets of "ears" to my next appointment- my daughter-in-law who is a nurse and my soon to be daughter-in-law who is in med school. I also have several family members who are doctors, including an oncologist and OB/Gyn so I think I have lots of good people to ask questions. I just dread the surgery. Wishing it was August already and all of this was already behind me.

And I got a smile from the smilie working on her coloring book! Thanks!!

What type of hysterectomy is your doc recommending, abdominal, vaginal or laparoscopic? In vaginal and laparoscopic, the patient is usually placed in the Trendelenburg position, with the torso higher than the head. Abdominal surgery is usually done with the patient lying flat.

No idea on position yet. The head lower sounds miserable as I am prone to migraines (I can't be tipped back at the dentist) but I suppose I will be under anesthesia so maybe it won't matter. We are hoping for robotic, but they may change things after they start if they encounter anything unexpected (I have had lots of adhesions discovered once before)

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Originally Posted by Lane10204 No idea on position yet. The head lower sounds miserable as I am prone to migraines (I can't be tipped back at the dentist) but I suppose I will be under anesthesia so maybe it won't matter. We are hoping for robotic, but they may change things after they start if they encounter anything unexpected (I have had lots of adhesions discovered once before)

Robotic laparoscopic surgery almost certainly means Trendelenburg position, although they may readjust you if they have to switch to abdominal.

I had open abdominal surgery, and I was placed in the Trendelenburg position. I also had a cancer concern. It really depends on your doctor and the patient. BUT, with your back issues this needs to be resolved with your surgeon and your back doctor.

I double-checked my surgical report, and for my open radical hyst, I was placed in a modified Trendelenburg in which only the legs are elevated (as best I could glean from some quick searches). So, the protocols might vary a bit depending on the doctor's preference and the patient. Agree you should definitely get clarification on everything with your docs.