Need "been there" info!

I am 28 years old with a strong family history of ovarian cancer - that strikes at early ages. Having many syptoms, I was sent to an oncologist- ob-gyn. Anyway, I am facing a hysterectomy, beginning with exploratory surgery. I need any and all tips! What happens after the procedure? (Like what kinds of body changes - Do I have to take hormones?) My DR. will probaly answer these questions, but I can't sleep at night thinking about them. How long does it take for the wound to heal? I've never had any type of surgery and am seriously ignorant. I lost my mom (my best friend) last year to ovarian cancer and have no one to confide in. Thanks for any and all advice. Jennifer - fastcars

You are so young, but there is great life beyond a hyst. and the peace of mind of proactive therapy is something you will appreciate down the road.

Each of us heal differently and each of us have different procedures and types of surgery. Being with a gyn/onc is a very good thing. The good thing about surgery is that you will be sound asleep and when you wake up, it will be over. Feels like a nano second has gone by between closing your eyes, and opening them. I was actually really depressed when I opened my eyes cause I thought.."huh..let's get on with this"..then realized it was done.

Wounds heal pretty good and you really won't have much of a concern afterwards with it. Abdominal surgery is always the worst it seems to recover from cause you're just so darn uncomfortable with moving around..and gas. Just read all the pre-hyst message posts on what to bring to the hospital and how to prepare for the after care..gas..bloating..gas. You'll discover that's the worst part. Manageable though.

When I was called and told the results of my biopsy and that surgery would be scheduled, my reg. doc called that night and offered help..?? Thought it was very nice that she did. I asked for a script of xanax. Best darn thing I ever did. I think anyone with upcoming surgery should be given a script for it. It helped me sleep. Waiting is the worst part of it all and I took that little pill each evening for the week before. Thank god for it. Having some for afterwards is a good thing as well.

You will have a pretty good idea of the findings when you wake up. The final pathology report (my doc called me at home the week after surgery) will be more difinitive. Once they go in and look around, they will know if there are any areas that are concerning. Talk with you doctors. Have someone with you at the hospital to have those conversations. Make sure you have someone who will speak on your behalf and make things happen if you need it after surgery. I got stuck on an overflow floor and the staff didn't have a clue what they were doing. If I'd had someone there to go hunt down a nurse, it would have been a much better experience! You'll make it. Pretty soon, it will all be behind you and being proactive about this will really ease your mind. Please let us know how everything is going. This is a terrific group for information and support. Here's hoping it all goes well and for a speedy recovery!

Hey FASTCARS!

This is my 14th week from surgery. Doing fine (even my swelly belly finally went away - and I'm left with my same old belly )

I was like you. I only had one surgery before and that was an emergency (appendix) so I had no idea what to expect. Luckily, I found this site and read all the information that I needed.

Like Josie said, the surgery was a breeze. I had a great hospital with a women's center and they took care of me beautifully. I stopped taking the pain pills after only a few days and managed on my own after a week.

I still get a little tired out but manage. I healed nicely and even the inside "owies" went away.

As you are young your doctor will probably recommend hormones. But on the plus side - NO MORE PADS!

The WAIT really was the worst part!

Take care, PM me if you want.

fastcars -

I am sorry that you are going through this and that your mom isn't there physically to help you. Be sure to share your concerns with her - you may not be able to hear her voice but I bet you will feel her presence and her support.

Have you looked at the 'checkpoints'? There is a GREAT list of questions to ask your doc. Add any extras that you have and be sure to get answers to all of them.

I am certainly not the expert in this area but it seem to me that when there are cancer concerns or endometriosis, hormome therapy is not prescribed. You doc will be able to answer this for sure.

There is a board called the 'no hormone desert oasis' on this site where you can get info/support from ladies who aren't taking HRT. I have everything removed 4 1/2 weeks ago and am unable to take hormones. So far, so good. I am not experiencing any menopausal symptons. I think that is probably because my ovaries have been messed up for so long that they weren't working correctly anyway.

Please post any questions you have. And know that you are not alone in this. While we all have different experiences and different reasons for the surgery, we often share the same fears, concerns, and questions.

As for the wound healing - I had a TAH with a horizontal cut. The doc stitched it subcutaneously and then glued to the top layer. One of the dissolving stitches popped to the surface and opened up a small area of the incision. Sounds scary but not really that big of a deal...some peroxide and neosporin was all it took to get that area healed. Now at 4 weeks, the incision looks healed and feels good. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that there are several internal stitches and they have to heal too. That's why there are 'rules' post-op. It's a tiring experience but in my case, I am soooo glad I had it done.

Take care.