Upcoming hysterectomy 10/26 (endometriosis)

Hello all my HysterSisters!

I am 34 years old and scheduled for a Da Vinci Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, Bilateral Salpingectomy on Wednesday October 26, 2016. My surgeon cannot tell me if I am able to keep both ovaries as my left one has taken a pretty good beating during the years of many endometrial cyst along with fibroids and so much scar tissue and many surgeries during my life time, so this is still up in the air if he will be removing my left ovary and keeping my right ovary not sure until he gets started and takes a look.

I am not new to surgeries as I have had many during my life but any surgery makes you nervous and have a bit of anxiety. I have lived with Endometriosis my entire life since I started my menstrual periods, and from there have developed other health issues due to having it.

I also wanted to know if there is any foods I should stay away from during my days before my surgery?
I know I am supposed to keep hydrated until day before surgery as well as after, How much water should I actually intake? Also how should I feel before this surgery? This sounds weird but I feel like because I am going to be losing my woman parts I have certain cravings and not sure if this is normal or not?

I wish all the best to all of my HysterSisters that have upcoming surgeries or have already had their surgeries!!! Best wishes and lots of Love and Hugs being sent your way!!

I didn't have endometriosis, so I can't answer your questions on that, but perhaps I can answer some of your other questions. Regarding your diet, you'll likely be required to do a bowel prep, which will include dietary restrictions for the day before - your surgeon can give you more info on that. Personally, I was restricted to clear liquids the day before, and I lightened up my diet during the preceding days, reducing my food intake, and avoiding hard to digest foods, like legumes and cruciferous vegetables, which definitely made it easier. Regarding your water consumption, drinking enough after your surgery will help your body to detoxify itself from all those drugs, and to get your bowels moving. You'll know you're drinking enough if your urine is clear or pale yellow. As for your food cravings, I've heard from other sisters whose cravings were all over the map! They're mainly driven by your hormones, which are produced by your ovaries, so depending on what ends up happening to them, you may or may not notice a change. To help to keep them under control, be sure to eat regularly, include some protein at every meal and snack; you can also try fitting a small portion of whatever you're craving into your daily diet - for me, that means 2 daily squares of dark chocolate! Best wishes for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery!

I am not able to answer your questions, as I am not familiar with endometriosis. However, I did want to let you know that I'll be thinking of you as you prepare and have your surgery on Oct. 26th.

As one who had a Myomectomy several years ago, with a not so great hospital stay of over a month, I understand how one can still have anxiety! I'm working on being more relaxed and hopeful for my upcoming hysterectomy next Monday.

So here are a few reminders that may help!
1) Take time out to breathe...this is a new surgery that will lead to better health for you!
2) It's okay to feel, however you feel, when you feel it...so don't try to hinder any feelings! And before you know it, you'll have more lighter, optimistic feelings!
3) Do something nice (pampering) for yourself...you've been through SO MUCH already, and on Oct. 26th, you'll be doing something really nice for your health.
4) Prepare for what may come with the doctor's decision, but try not to worry TOO much. Just think on the fact that the best outcome for the future of your health will lead your doctor's decision.

All the best to you. You are a champion warrior princess! I can't wait to read how awesome you'll feel afterwards!
YvetteInside

Since you have had an extensive history with endometriosis, will you be having your hysterectomy with an endometriosis specialist? I wish I had, but it just wasn't possible at the time. While my OB/GYN did an excellent job, he wasn't able to remove all the endo. The method he (and most OB/GYNs) use didn't let him remove what was on my bowel walls. Several years later, I ended up back in OR--but that time with an endo specialist. He was able to clean up all the old and new endo. It's been about 8 years and I am still endo pain and symptom free today, even with both ovaries!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Weiser Since you have had an extensive history with endometriosis, will you be having your hysterectomy with an endometriosis specialist? I wish I had, but it just wasn't possible at the time. While my OB/GYN did an excellent job, he wasn't able to remove all the endo. The method he (and most OB/GYNs) use didn't let him remove what was on my bowel walls. Several years later, I ended up back in OR--but that time with an endo specialist. He was able to clean up all the old and new endo. It's been about 8 years and I am still endo pain and symptom free today, even with both ovaries!

Hi Weiser,

Thank you so very much for this information. I know that my doctor has completed many endometriosis clean outs for many patients but I know when I had my clean out in June of this year he told my husband after surgery that I had severe endometriosis in my bowel area. He said he did the best workout puncturing the bowls to remove what he could. I seem the pics and wow he truly did a great job but like anyone with endometriosis if you miss one little piece it flats up and starts the growth process again. This tone around I am actually very fortunate enough to get two surgeons for the prove of one so that's awesome. Both specialize in removal of endometriosis but it's all how the surgeon sites the surgery so I truly hope they get it all!!
I have definitely stopped eating certain foods already but sure to my severe bowl issues they actually want me to drink a lot of water until the early morning of surgery. I am scheduled to go into surgery at 12:30 pm, that is a little nerve racking too because I'm so used to having early morning surgeries meaning like being in at 5 am so this will be new.
Again thank you so much for your kindness I truly appreciate it!!
I am so extremely happy you are endo free and feeling great!! I can't wait to share my after surgery story!!

Love your HysterSister Romero620!!

You are definitely a strong princess!!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiger_Eye I didn't have endometriosis, so I can't answer your questions on that, but perhaps I can answer some of your other questions. Regarding your diet, you'll likely be required to do a bowel prep, which will include dietary restrictions for the day before - your surgeon can give you more info on that. Personally, I was restricted to clear liquids the day before, and I lightened up my diet during the preceding days, reducing my food intake, and avoiding hard to digest foods, like legumes and cruciferous vegetables, which definitely made it easier. Regarding your water consumption, drinking enough after your surgery will help your body to detoxify itself from all those drugs, and to get your bowels moving. You'll know you're drinking enough if your urine is clear or pale yellow. As for your food cravings, I've heard from other sisters whose cravings were all over the map! They're mainly driven by your hormones, which are produced by your ovaries, so depending on what ends up happening to them, you may or may not notice a change. To help to keep them under control, be sure to eat regularly, include some protein at every meal and snack; you can also try fitting a small portion of whatever you're craving into your daily diet - for me, that means 2 daily squares of dark chocolate! Best wishes for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery!

Hi Tiger_Eye,

Thank you so much for all the information you provided. This is definitely going to help out so much!! I appreciate you letting me know about avoiding legumes and cruciferous vegetables, I would have never known that...thank you so much!! Yes they started me on a diet today and told me to drink lots of fluids until Wednesday at 4:00 am. My surgery is not scheduled until Wednesday at 12:30 pm so makes sense. Yes I am nervous but your words truly brought me comfort. Thank you so much for all the wonderful information...it truly helped so much!!

Love and support your true HysterSister! You are a strong brave princess

	Quote:
Originally Posted by YvetteInside I am not able to answer your questions, as I am not familiar with endometriosis. However, I did want to let you know that I'll be thinking of you as you prepare and have your surgery on Oct. 26th. As one who had a Myomectomy several years ago, with a not so great hospital stay of over a month, I understand how one can still have anxiety! I'm working on being more relaxed and hopeful for my upcoming hysterectomy next Monday. So here are a few reminders that may help! 1) Take time out to breathe...this is a new surgery that will lead to better health for you! 2) It's okay to feel, however you feel, when you feel it...so don't try to hinder any feelings! And before you know it, you'll have more lighter, optimistic feelings! 3) Do something nice (pampering) for yourself...you've been through SO MUCH already, and on Oct. 26th, you'll be doing something really nice for your health. 4) Prepare for what may come with the doctor's decision, but try not to worry TOO much. Just think on the fact that the best outcome for the future of your health will lead your doctor's decision. All the best to you. You are a champion warrior princess! I can't wait to read how awesome you'll feel afterwards! YvetteInside

Hi YvetteInside,

Thank you so much for those 4 wonderful reminders!!! I appreciate you so much seriously you just put me more at ease with my surgery coming up very soon!

Wow you are a true warrior yourself... you have been through so much too. I wish you all the best in your upcoming hysterectomy and hope it truly brings you much comfort!! You will be in my thoughts and prayers!! I wish you well for a speedy yet comfortable recovery!!



Love always your true HysterSister!!
Romero620