Pre-Op Hysterectomy: Open House Chat Thread - Today Feb 03, 2019

Welcome!

This special Pre-Op Hysterectomy: Open House Chat Thread is for YOU if you are having surgery this week. This thread chat will help you meet others who are having surgery the same week as you, calm your anxiousness, and help answer your last minute questions.

To get started, please introduce yourself, sharing a few things about yourself and your upcoming hysterectomy. Tell us what concerns you have as you prepare for your surgery.

Have patience! Because this is a "COME AND GO" event, check back here during the day for replies with answers, support and hugs from new friends. Our post-op members will be stopping by, too! (Please note this thread will close at 11:59 PM Central Time).

As you get to know the other members having surgery this week - you will be meeting up again, after your hysterectomy, in a special thread created just for this week's surgeries in the Post Op Hysterectomy forum.

Hi
I’m Louise, 34 and going in for my op on Wednesday!
Have Ashermans Syndrome (following a traumatic birth experience) which has destroyed my uterus and causes me pain and discomfort so it’s time for me to say goodbye!
Have waited a year for this op and have had my consultant attempt to make good of that there but it’s not worked!
Feeling a little anxious about the recovery more than anything as I have a 3 year old but other than that cannot wait to be on the other side of this op!!!
Wish you all well

HI Louise, I trust all goes well for you on Wednesday. Do you have help at home with your little one during your recovery?

I'm 45 and am having an abdominal hysterectomy tomorrow (Monday) morning. It's been quite a quick process in that I was just diagnosed in December as having several fibroids in the wall of the uterus and one large pedunculated one on the outside causing issues (I had thought the pain was due to appendicitis, so it was quite the shock!)

8 years ago I was diagnosed with adenomyosis and had an ablation and removal of polyps which held off a hysterectomy but I was told at the time that if/once it stopped working a hysterectomy was my only option... and here we are!

I have been feeling quite anxious this week, which is a new feeling for me! So today I intend to take it easy and relax with my kids (my two adult kids are home to help out!). I dread the pain... having had two c-sections before I know what to expect. But it will be good to have it finally taken care of!

Take care

Hi all!
I’m Meredith, 42, theoretically having an LAVH on Tuesday the 5th to remove uterus, cervix and “anything suspicious”. If I lose an ovary or two I’m fine with that. I’ve been having increasing cramps, flooding, clots up to palm size and length up to 11 days for the last 3 years so I’m ready.
I say theoretically because this was supposed to happen last week. I was beyond ready- meals prepped, heating pads everywhere, teas and books and Netflix and pillows. Halfway to the hospital at about 5:30 I got a call that my doctor was sick and would not be operating so we had to reschedule.
That set off a tsunami with my disability leave, etc and I ended up going back to work for a while just for something to do; we all know the waiting is the worst part!
Anyway, my youngest is still home (19) and he’ll be my help. Middle kid coming home from uni over the weekend and oldest checking in from afar. Parents are retired and live 10ish miles away so they’ll pop in as needed.
I’m just looking forward to getting it done and that first week behind me.
Hope we all pull through like champs!

Hi All,

My name is Edon and I am scheduled for my surgery for Thursday this week. I am having my uterus removed due to some large and troublesome fibroids. I have asked my doctor to leave my cervix and my ovaries despite the fact that I am fifty years old. They are still working so, I’m going to keep them and let my body go through the process as naturally as possible. I just wanted to wish everyone the best and hope to chat with you on the other side of this experience! I am so thankful that a friend referred me to Hystersisters! It has been the best resource for me leading up to my surgery. Each of you take care.

Sincerely,
Edon

Good morning!

My name is Elke, 53, and I am scheduled for an outpatient Da Vinci LAVH on Friday, February 8. I started my journey almost 5 years ago when I was diagnosed with fibroids and anemia due to heavy bleeding. I tried several other methods before coming to this point. There is also a history of uterine cancer on my maternal side (maternal grandmother). I have opted to have my uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries removed. I was on Lupron shots for 7 months last year that put me in a chemical menopause and I did not have many issues besides some hot flashes, vaginal dryness and insomnia. Honestly, I had been dealing with the dryness and insomnia already prior so I feel okay with going into instant menopause.

I am still in the last throes of preparations. My biggest concern will be my first week recovery. My doctor is adamant about me not walking any stairs for a week and that will be a challenge since we live in a two-story home with all the bedrooms upstairs! I will also have to walk 3 steps up into my house (no ways around it) and will only have access to a half bath (no shower..ugh!). My hubby is setting up a roll-a-way bed downstairs for me today and hopefully between that and the couch, I will get some form of rest for that first week.

I am lucky that my husband will be able to stay home for a week and work from home and my 21-year old college student still lives at home so I should have plenty of help around the house.

Quick question: What is everyone packing in their overnight bag? My procedure is outpatient and I am expected to go home the same day but I am supposed to still bring an overnight bag "just in case".

Wishing everyone well,
Elke

Hello Brave Ones:


I'm just stopping by to cheer you all on.

For some of us, the scariest part is waiting for the big day, but we are here to cheer you on, You are stronger than you think - you can and will do this! Have confidence in yourself and in the skill of your surgeon. Try to think of the big picture - and that this surgery will one day be a memory that symbolizes your strength.

It really does help to keep busy doing things you enjoy and surrounding yourself with positive friends and family. You are in the home stretch. Staying positive can help reduce stress.

Take care and know you are not alone on your journey.
Soon you will be on your way to recovery and encouraging those in your position now.

TIPS:
Travel light for the hospital and remember comfy clothes and shoes to wear home from the hospital.

Also remember a small pillow to wear under your seatbelt for the ride home. Additionally, this pillow will also help cushion the blows of little people and rambunctious pets, coughs, laughing and sneezing. You may also benefit by having several small pillows available for resting in bed.

Sometimes, for those of us not used to sleeping on our sides, a long body pillow may prove the most comfortable.

Today is a great time to double-check your "recovery nest" to make certain you have the items you need at your fingertips. Getting out of bed can prove a bit challenging at first, so you may want to have a bed rail, or, a sturdy chair or small table to steady you as you get up. Remember those non-slip slippers for marching around the house. Have light reading next to your bed and your favorite movies.

And don't worry about anything you didn't get to clean or errands you didn't get to - concentrate on all you have accomplished

Best of luck!
Marcia

Hi, my name is Joanie and I’m having a LAVH tomorrow, February 4. I’ll turn 60 on February 9, but I really don’t feel that old! I had been having pain and bleeding after menopause so I went to the doctor in November. I have a cyst on one ovary and scarring from endometriosis on the other. I have a thickened endometrium for some reason. I have opted to have everything removed since I have been in menopause for 8 years and to avoid cancer.

I have been having trouble sleeping since I found out about the surgery. I will be off work 6 weeks, I have a physically active job with lots of lifting,etc. My parents are frail and elderly, and I worry about them.

Luckily, my husband is retired, and will be able to help me out. Our house is on three levels, but the guest room he was building in the basement was finished yesterday and will be my recovery area. My coworkers are bringing meals and others have volunteered to help. Our two grown boys have offered financial help if we need it. I feel blessed.

Not looking forward to the bowel prep today, but here we go!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by germanquilter Good morning! My name is Elke, 53, and I am scheduled for an outpatient Da Vinci LAVH on Friday, February 8. I started my journey almost 5 years ago when I was diagnosed with fibroids and anemia due to heavy bleeding. I tried several other methods before coming to this point. There is also a history of uterine cancer on my maternal side (maternal grandmother). I have opted to have my uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries removed. I was on Lupron shots for 7 months last year that put me in a chemical menopause and I did not have many issues besides some hot flashes, vaginal dryness and insomnia. Honestly, I had been dealing with the dryness and insomnia already prior so I feel okay with going into instant menopause. I am still in the last throes of preparations. My biggest concern will be my first week recovery. My doctor is adamant about me not walking any stairs for a week and that will be a challenge since we live in a two-story home with all the bedrooms upstairs! I will also have to walk 3 steps up into my house (no ways around it) and will only have access to a half bath (no shower..ugh!). My hubby is setting up a roll-a-way bed downstairs for me today and hopefully between that and the couch, I will get some form of rest for that first week. I am lucky that my husband will be able to stay home for a week and work from home and my 21-year old college student still lives at home so I should have plenty of help around the house. Quick question: What is everyone packing in their overnight bag? My procedure is outpatient and I am expected to go home the same day but I am supposed to still bring an overnight bag "just in case". Wishing everyone well, Elke

Hi Elke,
I am just bringing my toothbrush, comb,lip balm, cell phone, and a couple of magazines. I figure if I need anything else, my husband can bring it for me. I am so glad to have you and the other HysterSisters friends!

Joanie

Good morning everyone,
I am 33. I have stage four Endo, and it has made me infertile. I am having a hysterectomy tomorrow, and I am really scared about how I will feel emotionally. Pain I'm not worried about but emotions are devastating.
I have amazing support. My husband is my hero. I am just really heart broken at the finality of this. I am praying for everyone else on this threads surgery's to go amazingly and no complications.