Questions about upcoming TAH/SO

My abdominal hysterectomy is scheduled for June 17th b/c of Multiple fibroids, I will have one ovary saved. I am 23 and Im SOOO nervous. I had a myomectomy 2 yrs ago and had 20 fibroids removed and ended up needing 16 blood transfusions and several platelet transfusions b/c of internal bleeding. I guess that's one of the biggest reasons I am so anxious right now, Im afraid the same will happen this time. Did anyone have issues w/ internal bleeding after their procedure? On top of that I am just scared. It is alot to digest. I have so many questions. How long will I be hospitalized? Is recovery really 6-8 weeks? How bad is the pain after surgery?

I have looked up the answers to alot of this stuff but I want to know from people who have gone through it. I am the 1st in my family to go through all of these gynecological issues, so I dont have too many people to talk to about this. And none of my friends understand. I am currently finishing up my 6 months of lupron therapy and my emotions are out of control w/o any hormones.

Any advice or answers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much, It means alot to have people to talk to!!

I had an abdominal hysterectomy back in January. I had my cervix and uterus removed. I had a week 22 uterus. By the grace of God I had no internal bleeding problems and my doctor had told me before my surgery that I was at a risk for bleeding because my uterus was so large. I was cut from above my belly button down past my hairline and I was at work after 3 weeks. I had 30
staples in my stomach. I know everyone is different but medical technology is so good these days. Are they planning on cutting you open or will you have laproscopy? That will usually have a little to do with recovery. I don't blame you for being nervous. I was extremely nervous. Just remember that you will feel soooo much better. I hated to loose the possibility of have my own biological children someday, but sometimes we have to do things to make us healthier. I do have family and friends that are facing similar situations, but I still don't feel like everyone completely understands. That's what I love about this site. We are all here for you. Don't hesitate to chat.
Let us know how everything goes.
Amanda

I had a TAH (with a horizontal incision) almost six weeks ago due a huge uterus with a really large fibroid. I did not have any internal bleeding. I was told recovery would be 4 - 6 weeks and I am feeling pretty good, but I was surprised with how wiped out I felt. I go back to work on Tuesday. I was hospitalized for two days. While in the hospital, the morphine made me feel really out of it. I got switched to Percocet and Motrin. I was only on pain pills for a few days total because I didn't like the side-effects.

Did the Dr tell you why you had internal bleeding? Was this a common complication of the myomectomy? If you are really scared, I would recommend a second opinion to at least give you peace of mind that you are making the right decision. I wish you the best and a speedy recovery.

I have actually had 3 different opinions and they all say TAH. They still are not sure why I bled so much, what I think is that it was a surgical error,and that is why I am with a different OBGYN now. But there is still that underlying anxious feeling I have about bleeding out again

You can ask your question in the Post - Hysterectomy Forum and probably get more responses. The concensus seems to be that it knocked the wind out of us at a level we didn't expect. The use of pain killers varies. Some women had setbacks but are recovering. Hang in there and I am personally glad you had multiple opinions.

Hi there. We seem to have the same surg date. I have an enlarged uterus and mutliple fibroids, one is the size of a 22 week fetus. At 41yrs. I am apprehensive, so I can't imagine how you are feeling. You are so young. My heart goes out to you and you will be in my prayers. We don't have very long so ask your doctor as many questions you can think of-that is part of their job. Besides, you want to feel confident in your decision beforehand. Best wishes to you.