topic Re: Question about my upcoming operation in Wellness

Question about my upcoming operation

tama — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 12:59:37 GMT

I just learned that I must have a complete hysterectomy later this month. There is a mass the size of an orange on my left ovary. I am hoping someone can tell me what I might expect as far as pain and healing afterward; will it be a while before I can use the stairs, and so on. Thank you so much.

Re: Question about my upcoming operation

Sweet_Serenity — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:41:10 GMT

Ladies will help with experience. Take care.

Re: Question about my upcoming operation

Mmsfoxxie — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:10:26 GMT

I'm sorry, can't answer your question @tam but I just wanted to wish you well during your surgery.

Re: Question about my upcoming operation

tama — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:15:35 GMT

Sorry you went through it but I appreciate your feedback. I just turned 57 yesterday and post-menopausal bleeding and pain is what prompted me to see the dr. Thank you!

Re: Question about my upcoming operation

tama — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:16:16 GMT

Thank you for the kind throughts! They truly help.

Re: Question about my upcoming operation

panda1234 — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:25:02 GMT

@tama, my story is almost the same as yours. Pace yourself even if you are feeling good. You will not be able to use you stomach muscles to get in and out of bed. I put a chair next to the bed and pulled myself up. Best of luck to you, keep us posted.

Re: Question about my upcoming operation

hoosieroriginal — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:27:05 GMT

Had my uterus taken out at age 30, ovaries were left. My operation was done vaginally. The woman across from me had a total hysterectomy and had an incision and didn't do near as well as I did. I was up and about right away, she was having a very difficult time. I felt like I could have gone back to work right away, but stayed home the 6 weeks. I did find if I vacuumed or did anything heavy, I had bleeding, so you do need to take it easy. I had stairs and managed the stairs. Good luck!

Re: Question about my upcoming operation

hoosieroriginal — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:32:13 GMT

Oh by the way, I had some unexpected good things happened when I had my hysterectomy. My uterus was tilted backward, enlarged, and engorged in blood. (Dr. asked if I had been feeling tired all the time and I was.) After the operation I no longer had back pain and I could finally empty my bladder - it was crushing my bladder and I could never completely empty my bladder. Having a hysterectomy was the best thing I ever did - I felt energetic again.

Re: Question about my upcoming operation

geezerette — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:34:16 GMT

I had my surgery twenty years ago, so it all has changed since then. But a lot of post-op pain and mobility will depend on how the surgery itself is performed. If they can use what used to be called "band-aid" surgery, laparoscopy, or better yet, vaginally, the pain and down time is not bad. However, if the abdominal muscles have to be cut, it's more intense. I had the latter. My problem was more recovery from the anesthesia than the surgery itself, but I'm sensitive to that.

Like any any major surgery you'll be pretty sore for a while. But your body will tell you pretty much what you can do and not do. For instance, it was recommended to me to use a pillow against my stomach and turn on my side to get out of bed gently. You'll quickly discover how much your abdominal muscles work in just about everything you do! If you hurt, don't do it.

Just take it easy and slowly work back to normal. And don't be afraid to ask questions about anything along the way. Like @Sweet_Serenity said, it was life-changing for me, but I had mine at an earlier age. Best of luck to you, I'm sure you'll do fine. Being in the hospital was the worst part for

me--once I got home to my own bed I felt much better right away!

Re: Question about my upcoming operation

LonestarBabs — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:33:20 GMT

Go to a medical supply store or Walgreens, etc and get one of those toilet chairs to put over your regular toilet -- it will raise you higher. Believe me, getting off the toilet was one of the most difficult and painful things to do after surgery!

Rest a lot -- you will be tired. Don't lift, carry, bend. Bathing might consist of sitting on a chair in your tub -- total submersion might not be allowed for awhile. If you shower, cover the incision and be sure to shower sitting down.

Re: Question about my upcoming operation

tama — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:40:06 GMT

To all of you, I can't thank you enough for your kind words as well as helpful info, for example the chair next to the bed; how the hysterectomy actually was a blessing in disguise and much more. You are all wonderful. My heavy heart is already lighter.

Re: Question about my upcoming operation

gidgetgh — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 14:22:12 GMT

@tama- I had a total hysterectomy 20 years ago. I was so nervous and it went fine!

My doctor was able to do it laproscopically. I had it done at 1:00 in the afternoon, stayed overnight and went home at 9:00 the next morning.

It's kind of funny, but I went home and anticipated all the pain to come. Walked in the door, straight to the bedroom, and "took to my bed", LOL and took a pain pill because I figured the pain was coming. Thing is, the pain never came. I took it easy, but next day (and I think even that night) I was back out in the living room. We had my parents over for dinner the nightr after I got home (pizza delivery) and I was fine. I only ever took that one pain pill.

I had no problems taking a shower or using the bathroom or walking or sitting or standing.

I went back to work, desk job, after 4 weeks and, to be honest, could have gone back sooner.

And I'm so glad I had it done. I was having one problem after another and I'd just had enough.

Wishing you the best. You'll be fine. The anticipation is the worst thing.

Re: Question about my upcoming operation

Nomorebirthdays — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 13:56:20 GMT

Are they doing a vaginal one or abdominal?

Retired nurse here, there will be significant pain. Vag. A little less. In my experience.

Re: Question about my upcoming operation

tama — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 14:05:54 GMT

My dr. said it needs to be done abdominally. I think I trust his judgment though I only saw him once when recommended by my gyno. He's a gyno oncology surgeon.

That's a great idea about the toilet lift. We happen to have one from when my dear mom was sick a couple years ago.

Re: Question about my upcoming operation

tama — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 14:07:27 GMT

You know, you are so right about anticipation being the worst of it. Isn't that so true in so many things in life. I am going to keep that thought in the forefront.

Re: Question about my upcoming operation

151949 — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 14:10:30 GMT

Every one recovers from surgery differently. The secret to a good recovery is to get up and start moving as quickly as you can. In the hospital they will get you out of bed either the night of the surgery or early the next morning. They will encourage you to walk and to deep breathe and cough.The gases they give you during anesthesia will lie in your lungs and cause pneumonia if you don't deep breathe and cough so this is very important.Please don't go home and think you have been given license to just lie around in bed all day because you had surgery. You should be up in the morning , showered and dressed , and do as much as possible. Eat your meals with your family at the table. Get someone in your family to walk a short distance with you every day, trying to increase it every day.The more active you are able to be the faster you'll get strong and the easier the recovery will be.Do as much as you can without straining yourself. You will be instructed not to pick up heavy items.

Re: Question about my upcoming operation

itsmagic — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 14:31:43 GMT

I also had a total hysterectomy about 20 years ago. It was done abdominally so it did take a while for those abdominal muscles to heal before I could use them again. I was able to get up soon after and walk around but I held a pillow against my abdomen which helped a lot in the early healing days. I didn't really need any heavy duty meds once out of the hospital. I was working at the time and took the full 6 weeks off which I needed. It also put me into instant menopause (I was early 40s at the time) and went on HRT to help with that. Since mine was 20 years ago I'm sure things have changed. Hope all goes well for you!

Re: Question about my upcoming operation

AngelPuppy1 — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 14:34:41 GMT

I do not have any info to offer but I just want to say that I wish you the best with your operation. I am sure everthing will go well and you will heal quickly and be better than ever!

Re: Question about my upcoming operation

Shelbelle — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 14:42:28 GMT

I would suggest you visit a webste called HysterSisters. I am sure they will be of great help to you. Best of luck.

Re: Question about my upcoming operation

jlkz — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 14:52:39 GMT

@tama

Had abdominal hysterectomy 30+ years ago...never felt as good as when recovery was done. Should have had it done sooner.

As for the pain, I told myself: OK, two days and that's it.

Did all the breathing and respiratory exercises to get the lungs clear. Pressed that pillow to my abdomen for dear life on the bumpy road home and for the rest of the week. Tried to follow the diet but whole wheat pasta went by the wayside. Walked a lot and got a friend to drive me to the mall so I could walk inside.

Took the 6 weeks off...it does take a while until you get back to full level energy. Don't try to drive too soon: the stitches take time to heal.

Stay calm and knowing now what all to anticipate, you should do fine. Best of luck !