Friends!
Look who I caught napping!
My lazy bums.
Actually, Hubby is gonna be pretty busy soon--February 22 I'm having my useless lady plumbing removed (FINALLY!!) and he'll have his hands full taking care of me for a bit.
Have any of you had the procedure done? It's gonna be laproscopic, so no big incision, and the OB/GYN is going to take my ovaries and cervix, too. I took five weeks off of work and I'm hoping that will be enough.
BUT,
I'm a little nervous, especially the anesthesia part--the whole lack of control thing and the fear of never waking up. Maybe I can get a hefty Demerol shot before surgery, LOL!
And what about hot flashes and stuff? I already sweat through a few T-shirts a night so I can't imagine anything getting worse, I hope.
So, any advice?
Thanks!
xx
trish
29 comments:
Well, I'm no help since I've never had any kind of surgery in my life! I will be thinking of you and will keep you in my prayers for everything going smoothly.
Take care,
Cara
Sorry - have not had surgery either - will keep you in my thoughts. Aren't there any other alternative solutions? I hate to see women go thru this when most times they don't need to. Hope someone else has info to help.
Yeuch. This is girl stuff - over to Äiti.......
Hurrah for you! I had my bits removed 12 years ago and it was undoubtedly the best thing ever BUT the procedure was different (ie a huge great incision). Also my ovaries were left in so now every time I break into a sweat I wonder if it's the menopause setting in. Usually in the UK the ovaries are left in so menopause follows a long time after the op.
So I am sorry I cannot offer much advice on hot flushes etc. I took homeopathic arnica for the op to help with bruising (even if you don't believe in it, it won't hurt or do anything negative). I also tried to get fitter before the op and really think that helped - healthier food and exercise (not huge amounts but enough to get the abdomen A bit toned up). This of course totally stopped after the op and has never resumed again.......
Chamomile tea also helps, if you can get over the taste.
I was petrified of the op and never waking up again so made sure I had someone with me before hand and the anaesthetist was really nice when I was knocked out. That helped a lot. But you just have to accept you have no control and trust it will be okay - a bit like when the cats go to the vet: of course its scary that they'll not wake up but it's a teeny tiny risk and it doesn't stop us having them 'done'. When I came round I felt really really ill and needed to throw up (which I hate doing) - just do it. If you throw up you feel better in the long run. Be absolutely pathetic and DO NOTHING for 24 hours as in that time the body is healing up the most. I had to walk to the loo 6 hours after the op, which I managed okay but it was not easy. I did rest like I was told, and believe that made me heal better quicker. I saw others who had it all done through the natural exit and they were walking normally and doing yoga in 18 hours but after 2 days they looked a bit wrecked. Of course it might be different for you.
But the only exercise should be tummy tickles and snorgles, drinking tea/coffee/your choice of beverage and allowing yourself to be fussed over. Of course blogging to let all your friends know how you are is ok. But definitely no litter tray emptying or hoovering.
Good luck!
No advice but I'll bring you magazines and flowers when you're up to it.
I don't have any advice to offer, being unfortunately still in possession of those particular parts, but I hope everything goes smoothly and that your recovery is speedy!
I had mine done last July. I highly recommend the HysterSisters website. It is full of help, helpful people, advice, etc. It's a women's only website, and there is absolutely NO question you can't ask about any topic related to hysterectomy.
Hi, Rocky here (blog Mom to Ray and Buzz). I have had a lot of ovarian cyst issues lately, and I found this great web site: http://www.hystersisters.com/
I have gotten a lot of good info and support here and hopefully you will too.
Don't fret about the anesthesia. You will do fine. We'll be sending good vibes and purrs to you.
Hey friend! I had the same procedure done when I was 31 years old. (I'm going to be 46 soon.) I think every woman is different on how it effects them. But suffice it to say here I am, 15 years later! :)
I am worried about you only taking 5 weeks off though. I had 6 weeks off and went back to work full-time. The first week was brutal. Now, they usually have woman come back to work after having off at least six weeks and then recommended the first week only 1/2 time. (I work in Human Resources.)
Hopefully you have an understanding boss and can take another week off if you feel the need. You are laying at home thinking you feel pretty good, but then you get back to work and realize it's not easy!
Take care ~ and good luck!
xo Catherine
Okay, we're sending mom in on this one...
I had my uterus and cervix and one overy out almost 17 years ago. Laproscopic is definitely the way to go. Much less healing time...I'm not sure about going back to work if what you do is physically demanding but I went back after a week to a job that required a lot of walking and it was a little painfull. I couldn't afford more time off tho, so, I gritted my teeth and carried on. Anesthesioligists are really good at what they do so you shouldn't worry to much about that. The hot flashes, or as I called them "power surges" were bearable but the night sweats were horrible. I'd wake up drenched with wet sheets and pillow. I often slept with no coverings and a fan blowing on me. My doctor suggested taking something OTC for menopause. I can't remember the name but it had black cohosh and some other stuff in it and it did help.
My mom used to remove one of her ovary three years ago by ectopic surgery. Mom can't remember the surgeon used anesthesia to knock her out or not.
but she just remember she asked the surgeon about " Please Make sure you knock me out completely because I don't want to know anything about it " then the surgeon just put the mask on her mouth and nose, she did breath it in and then she just sleep then she woke up on the bed. All done !
Life after that it was depend on pain killer. : ) Took mom about two months to get back to normal. But the surgeon told her a month. They lied ! ( Joking, actually it's up to your body ). Mom can walk to the toilet after the surgery but the hard thing is sit down. so Most of the day she just lie down on the couch watched TV or read the book.
Mom Trish, you will be ok. Mom said Surgery in now day they pretty good. Pretty safe and sound like your surgery quite similar as my mom. It will leave a very very tiny marks on your skin. You will be fine ! Cat's claws is more pain than surgery !!!
Bad thing about surgery : You can't eat anything until you have surgery
Good thing about surgery : Everyone will be your slaves : )
I will purrs for you when the time come.
We love you and you will be ok.
xxxx
Puddy and Mom Boom
Mom forgot to tell you two things
After surgery, you will be starving !!! She remember the nurse just gave her one thin biscuit. She asked for more. she got more two thin biscuits. She said I deserve more. Unfortunately, that's all the nurse can gave her.
When your hubby pick you up at hospital, make sure he bring you a nice loser pant and top because you don't want to wear something too tight. And make sure it's matching !! because My dad brought her a bright orange t-shirt and super green pajamas pant, mom walked out from Melbourne Hospital with super colorful stylish : )
My mom put all links for you here. Just in case you would like to read, You can just click the topic from here :
Laparoscopy
Anesthesia The Basic Facts
10 Ways to Relieve Menopausal Hot Flashes
Awww Trish!!!! Good luck!!! I have no idea what happens but I wish you well!!!! There's some great advice here!! Take care please and all the best!!
I love that gorgeous pic of hubs and Maui!! Awwwww!! Take care
x
I had this a hysterectomy in the days when it was a full incision. The recovery was slow but once healed, I felt wonderful ~ i hadn't realised how unwell I had been feeling (it sort of creeps up on you).
My ovaries were left in, and that was a big mistake as a few years later, one of them twisted and died ~ it became infected and I had it removed as a full blown emergency which made me very ill. So having the whole package out in one go sounds very sensible. I still have one ovary left and it twinges now and again, making me fearful of further surgery.
Have you discussed the possibility if taking HRT afterwards? Some docs don't advise it as they say there are risks, but others say the risks are outweighed by the benefits. I researched the matter before I made a decision, and now I do take HRT.
On the whole, try not to worry. These days there is minimal risk. And the liklihood is that you will feel tons better once you've recovered.
Good luck.
J
(Milo and Alfie's mom)
Mom had a hysterectomy years ago, done vaginally, left her ovaries. So she still got the menopausal symptoms. So I can't be of help there.
But from the one surgery I have had -- half my thyroid gland removed when I was in my 20s (benign tumour), I'll just say ask for a "happy" pill BEFORE they wheel you down to the operating table. It'll keep you calm, mostly out of it.
I was sick from the anesthetic, remember waking up in the recovery room and throwing up, with the nurse very crossly (IMO) telling me I was sick. Then I passed out again. LOL. The first thing I asked when I came to after that was how my hair was -- I had just had a perm (back in the day!) and had heard anesthetic would relax it. LOL. Ah, vanity....
BTW, for me, it was the anesthetic that took a lot of out me and it took me a couple of weeks to recover, to move faster than a snail's pace. I remember walking over to the mall once I was home for a day or so and the elderly folks with walkers were moving faster than I was.
Oh we well be thinking of you and hubby as he looks after you. Mom has not had the surgery...but she has many family and friends who have....all say you need 6 to 8 weeks to heal...you only get one chance to heal properly. You might want to take an extra week and then on the 7th week only work 1/2 days. You will be surprised at how tire you get.
Hugs Madi and Mom
I haven't had that particular surgery but one of my supervisors did. Hopefully you will be able to take off an additional week or at least that you will not have to do walking/inspection tours at the Plant. Of course if I remember rightly, she had the traditional route, vaginally, as opposed to laproscopic so I imagine your recovery will be less eventful and quicker.
I understand FULLY about that lack of control. I was terrified of being anesthetized when I had the full blown and first (only so far) surgery in my life which was the cut- you -wide open gall bladder surgery. (My stones had gone to the common duct and no laproscopic available for stones that traveled) I laid there on the table..a tear had escaped and was going down my face and the anesthetist wiped the tear with his finger and told me not to be afraid. Within the next 3 seconds I was "gone" and absolutely fine when I woke up in the recovery room. I won't be afraid when and if there is a next time.
I will be thinking of you for certain, and so will the rest of us. We'll lift you up and hold you safe and secure. xoxo
Carole
I have not had a hysterectomy so can't give any advice there, but I have always been terrified of having a general anaesthetic. A few years ago I had a serious compound fracture of my leg, (it was 50/50 whether I would have my lower leg amputated)and I was rushed in for emergency surgery. I can remember the anaesthetist telling me to count to 10 and getting as far as 4. The next thing I remember is my name being called as I came around. My fear of a GA has totally gone now. I will keep you in my thoughts.
Jackie
Angus' mum here: I had an abdominal hyst 10 years ago and haven't regretted a day since. All the parts were removed and I started HRT via patch right off the bat. My skin proved irritated by the patch so I switched to oral HRT. When I switched Gyn's (mine retired) she recommended the Femring..it provides the hormonal therapy as well as a supportive effect for the vaginal cuff..that "blind alley" left after the cervix is removed. HRT is helpful not only for menopausal symptoms but for keeping all your parts in better shape. As an OR nurse (and having been on both sides of the knife) I can honestly say you're gonna be fine. My anesthesiologist put in an epidural for post op pain, and it was hooked up to a PCA pump. So, for the first 24-48 hrs, I had that for pain control (I had an abdominal incision). Laproscopically is a much better way to go. You WILL be more tired than you think you will. And I'd sure advise, like someone above did, that you return to work on a 1/2 time basis the first week. Hystersisters is a great site!
Trish,
Gulp...
Here's one BIG hug to you.
Pls keep us posted. Will pray that all goes well and smooth!!
{{{hugs}}} again!
I just want to wish you well & it sounds like there's lots of great advice offered here. I have not had the plumbing removed so I am useless for advice. I can only send you virtual hugs & the reminder that so much in medical surgeries has improved that I'm just sure you'll be right as rain in no time flat!
xoxo
Stacy
I have not had my plumbing removed either, but I wanted to wish you the best of luck. If you're looking for a more natural help for hot flashes, I know people who swear by black cohosh (sp?), an herbal pill. Remifemin is a brand name, but it's probably less expensive to pick up the pills at a health food store.
I had mine (November 2005, I was 40) laproscopically as well, removing the uterus, leaving the ovaries. Strangely they left the cervix, which I had removed last April. I was in the hospital for 24 hours (check in to check out). Had good pain meds while in the hospital. I would be in pain after getting up and using the bathroom, so I would just ring for more meds. Once I headed home, I got sick from the narcotics, so I laid off those after about 12 hours of being home. I was okay after that with extra strength tylenol. The first 36 to 48 hours were the toughest for me. After that it got easier. I slept alot the first few days, and of course, walking was a bit rough. Was still tired after a week, but walked better. I took 3 weeks off from work, but in retrospect, should have taken 4.
Prepare some meals ahead of time, will make it easier for your hubby. My parents came to help me, and the ladies from church brought us dinner for the first 5 days.
I can't tell you anything about hot flashes, as I am not at that point. I know my Mom took natural stuff for hers, but I couldn't tell you what it was and she doesn't remember. Any good health food store should know though.
Oh, let the kittes purr near you, but definitely not on you! ;)
Meowm Rhonda
Abby's Mom here:
Been lucky with the lady parts. I have a feeling I will always have them. My Mom does and she is almost 80. You'll be surprised at how easy the anesthesia part is. I think the idea of it is the problem. I wish you well with the upcoming surgery, and truly encourage you to investigate HRT. I went through menopause very early, and have had cancer so I cannot take it, but there is a lot of pros and cons, and it does depend so much of your own personal medical history.
Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
Debra
Haven't had it done but I do send out good thoughts for you. You will do fine, I'm sure and just think of all the warm kitties that will be at your service while you rest on the couch. Hugs, Deb=^..^=x5
I've never had the surgery, but my mom just had the same that your're describing, along with a bladder suspension and it went well. It was about a month ago and she's feeling back to her old self.
Just don't over do it when you get home.
Hugs,
Mimi (Pam, Oskar's mom person)
I've only had surgery once and I was freaked out about the anesthesia, but it worked out fine. Just follow the advice of everyone, take it easy and don't try and do too much too soon.
Lori (Cory's mom)
I had to have a complete hysterectomy a while ago and it wasn't so bad=they put a hormone patch on me during surgery, which helped with the transition and I never really felt differently=my only symptom was an occasional hot flash, no moody or emotional stuff though; I take Estrace 1 mg daily and it seems to help although I've always been hot natured...Be sure to take it easy during recovery=my Mom constantly warned me how easy it would be to get a hernia after being cut like that...Best of luck!...(Calle, Halle, Sukki's Mom)
I haven't had to have hysterectomy but several of my friends have. One of them was up within a week, giving a huge New Year's Eve party...then she spent the next week in bed, flat on her back, because she'd really overdone it. My other two friends both arranged to take 6 weeks off from work...and both came back at 5 weeks because they were bored and fine. I think it depends on what kind of physical condition you're in, and having the surgery laprascopically definitely speeds how quickly you recover. As far as hormone replacement therapy goes, do a lot of reading and talk to your ob/gyn. My ob/gyn recommends it for all women who've gone through menopause, surgically or not, but i have a family history of breast cancer, so i've said "no thank you." Best of luck...the kitties will be purrrrrring and i'll be praying for you.
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